Like a floating safari camp, this deluxe expedition ship is your base for a thrilling "360-degree" in-depth encounter with the Galapagos and its prolific wildlife. Every day holds a full slate of exhilarating activities that get you wholly into nature and face to face with the menagerie of creatures that make these islands so captivating. Look for sea turtles, swimming penguins and schools of tropical fish as you explore the undersea realm on daily snorkeling adventures. Hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions offer additional perspectives on the archipelago's multitude of natural wonders. An underwater camera and video microscope reveal secrets of the world beneath the waves. At every turn, you're accompanied by a cast of resident shipboard experts, including an expedition leader, naturalist guides, an undersea specialist, a National Geographic-certified photography instructor and a wellness specialist.
Trip Highlights
A luxury boat designed for exploration and education
The Islander II features a Science Hub and spacious guest suites, comfortable common areas, plunge pool and 360-degree views
A multifaceted Galapagos encounter
This action-packed voyage features varied modes of exploration on land and sea—hiking, kayaking, Zodiac excursions, undersea cameras and more
Swim with extraordinary marine life
Snorkel with sea lions, turtles and abundant fish in the protected waters of the Galápagos Marine Reserve
Sail with the World Leader in Conservation-Focused Small Ship Cruising
We’re proud to offer a worldwide slate of Adventure Cruises through our partner Lindblad Expeditions. Nat Hab joined forces with Lindblad in 2016 to expand our mutual collection of nature adventures. Founded in 1958 by Lars-Eric Lindblad, the company pioneered eco-conscious expeditions for “citizen explorers" and today is the world leader in conservation-focused small-ship cruises. Our Adventure Specialists are intimately familiar with the ships and itineraries and are on call to answer any questions you might have. When you choose Lindblad in the Galapagos, you'll get all these advantages:
Lindblad Leads in Experience and Knowledge
Lindblad has led expeditions to the Galapagos for more than 50 years, operating its own ships year-round, each with a core team of naturalists who work exclusively for Lindblad-National Geographic. Every departure sails with a veteran Expedition Leader and team of passionate experts with specialties like marine biology, evolutionary biology and ornithology, plus an undersea specialist and certified photo instructor trained by National Geographic. During the summer months, when families travel most, an additional naturalist leads kids-only activities such as scavenger hunts, journaling and smartphone photography.A Range of Tools for Optimum Exploration
Activities are plentiful: Choose to swim, snorkel, kayak, walk leisurely, hike vigorously, cruise in a Zodiac with a naturalist or relax aboard ship. The National Geographic Islander II is outfitted with snorkel gear including wetsuits, tandem and single kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Explore deeper with video microscopes, plasma screens, recorded dives by onboard undersea specialists, hydrophones, video chroniclers, splash cams and daily expedition reports.Go Home with Photos as Thrilling as the Wildlife
Legendary wildlife in the Galapagos and its lack of fear create a dream setting for nature photographers. Whether you’re angling for a magical shot of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies or marine iguanas, our onboard photo instructors have been trained at National Geographic headquarters to help you make the most of each wildlife encounter—making sure you go home with your best photos ever!Locally Sourced, Sustainable Dining
Our chefs cook with fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, including locally grown produce, sustainably caught fish and other local and indigenous products. Ecuadorian ingredients and flavors embellish the menu and offer a more genuine sense of the region’s cuisine and culture. Reusable water bottles are found in every cabin, with chilled fresh water stations around the ship to make staying hydrated convenient and refreshing—and helping to keep plastic bottles out of the islands.Lindblad Supports Galapagos Conservation
Lindblad has played an active role in Galapagos conservation since 1967, working in conjunction with Galapagos National Park, Charles Darwin Research Station, local nonprofits and community groups. Since 1997, together with its guests, Lindblad has helped raise nearly $7 million to support conservation, education, research and community development priorities, and established the LEX-NG Fund to manage grants made in the region.We're Committed to the Planet
Natural Habitat Adventures is a standard-setter in eco-conscious travel. We have been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007. And we continue to break innovative ground in adopting practices that help to protect our global environment. Because of our concern for the environment, we only choose cruise travel partners who share our commitment—and Lindblad certainly does.Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our environmental commitment and the outstanding quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund has chosen Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation we’re very proud of! When you book your Lindblad Expeditions cruise with us, a portion of your trip fee supports WWF.
