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  • 4 Min Read
  • 17 Jan 2025

A Day on Expedition in Galápagos

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Article by

Alena Hadley

Every Galápagos voyage with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions features a range of immersive adventures that bring you into the pages of National Geographic Magazine, from snorkeling with curious sea lions to hiking amid colonies of blue-footed boobies. Each expedition offers excursions for every skill level so that you can explore your way—and at your own pace—every day. Here’s a look at the unique shape a given day might take in this magical corner of the globe. Get Inspired By Photos, Videos, Webinars, Stories, And Exclusive Offers. Sign Up

Early Start: Rise and Roam

Greet the day on the top deck, practicing sun salutations with a wellness specialist, or head to the bow to look for early-morning wildlife activity alongside expert naturalists. Young travelers in the National Geographic Global Explorers program can begin recording the day’s sightings in their official field notebooks.

Photo: David Vargas

A Farm-to-Table Breakfast

A fresh breakfast awaits in the dining room: bespoke omelets, a rainbow of fruits and juices, Galápagos-grown coffee and more—much of it sourced from local farms as part of the fleet’s pioneering farm-to-table program.

Photo: Marco Ricca

Morning Excursion: Dive In

Snorkel in the Galápagos Marine Reserve, home to an array of captivating creatures: sea lions, technicolor fish, marine iguanas and feeding penguins. Prefer to stay dry? Join a naturalist in a Zodiac or glass-bottom boat for a cruise through a shallow bay to observe marine life at water level.

Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Talks and Photo Tips

Back on board, join a naturalist or National Geographic certified photo instructor in the lounge for an engaging talk or a photo tips session. Or head to the fitness center, relax in a hammock on deck or read up on Charles Darwin in the library.

Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins

A Local Lunch

Every meal on your voyage is fresh, sustainable and locally sourced—but one lunch stands out: a special Ecuadorian feast, with dishes from the country’s coasts, islands and highlands. The golden roast suckling pig from Isla Floreana is a highlight, as is the wild-caught fish in coconut milk.

Afternoon Excursion: Paddle, Hike or Walk

Paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard along the coast for a closer look at fascinating volcanic features and textures. Or head ashore with your camera in hand for a wildlife photography walk. Sightings depend on the island—but keep a lookout for blue-footed boobies or waved albatrosses performing their elaborate courtship dances, and flightless cormorants diving for fish.

Photo: David Vargas

Sunset Equator Crossing

Head to the observation deck at sunset for a celebratory tasting of local wines as the ship navigates across the Equator.

Photo: Douglas Scaletta

Ready for Recap

Meet in the lounge over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and settle in for the daily recap, featuring presentations and photo slideshows on the day’s adventures and a preview of tomorrow’s activities.

Photo: Marco Ricca

Seeing Stars

After a delicious dinner, bring your binoculars to the top deck for a naturalist-led stargazing session. You’ll have the rare opportunity to see the Big Dipper and Southern Cross at the same time—a phenomenon that only happens at the Equator.

Main Photo: Perrin James

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