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The Best Galápagos Island Cruises

A cruise is one of the best ways to see all that this remote Ecuadorian archipelago has to offer.

There's no better way to cover ground on your trip to the Galápagos Islands than to sail on a multiday cruise.

Galápagos National Park regulates the number and type of tourist boats that are allowed to operate in the famously biodiverse area. This helps with overcrowding, conserving the environment, and minimizing stress on the amazing wildlife of the Galápagos. Many tourist boats in the area offer five- to seven-day all-inclusive itineraries that are strictly monitored by the national park officials. There are also cruises operating illegally, so you have to take care when choosing a tour.

To help you find a cruise fit for your wildest dreams, we've rounded up 14 of the best options, whether you prefer a small ship or bigger vessel, an action-packed itinerary or a casual drift around this remote archipelago in the Pacific.

5 Things to do in Galápagos

Small galápagos cruises.

Most of the cruise ships in the Galápagos Islands carry fewer than 20 passengers. These vessels, typically motor yachts, can't provide some of the luxurious amenities available on larger ships, but they do ensure personalized service, a more intimate experience, and quicker trips on and off the boat.

Quasar Grace

The 18-passenger Grace was once owned by Grace Kelly. She and Prince Rainier spent part of their honeymoon on the motor yacht, and now you can sleep in their bedroom, the Grace Kelly Suite, which is one of nine rooms aboard. The ship sails three routes, taking eight to 15 days, and guests get plenty of snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and panga rides along the way.

Ecoventura Letty

The Letty is one of the best full-service motor yachts in the Galápagos for value. This 20-passenger boat is a solid option with great service and comfortable accommodations. A trip on the Letty promises a 10 guest-per-guide ratio, as well as dinner with the captain. You get a choice between two seven-day itineraries, each including opportunities to snorkel, hike, and learn about the local wildlife from knowledgeable guides.

Ecoventura Origin

The 20-passenger Origin is like a floating boutique hotel. All 10 cabins are on the same deck, there’s an open-bar policy, and Wi-Fi is available on board. A unique hull design means this ship is also one of the most fuel-efficient in the Galápagos. Like the Letty , Ecoventura's Origin sails two routes around the archipelago, each lasting eight days and providing plenty of chances to get up close to nature.

Medium Galápagos Ships

If you're stuck between whether to book your cruise on a small ship or a large vessel — both have their advantages — one of these medium-sized boats accommodating 20 to 50 passengers could be the best of both worlds. You'll enjoy more space, a larger group to mingle with, and sometimes a wider variety of activities and services to accommodate more people.

Quasar Evolution

The 32-passenger Evolution was designed by Adriana Hoyos, a furniture and interior designer renowned for her work on luxury hotels across the Americas. Its cabins have a contemporary boutique-hotel aesthetic. There are indoor and outdoor lounges, a bar, and a library. Passengers can choose between three itineraries, ranging from eight to 15 days and taking different routes around the Galápagos.

Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Islander II

All cabins on the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II have windows, and some even have private patios. The ship offers deck hammocks, Wi-Fi, and food made with ingredients sourced from farms in the Galápagos whenever possible. Itineraries range from seven to 12 days and include cultural experiences in addition to wildlife viewing and water sports.

Large Galápagos Ships

Galápagos National Park officials have set a maximum of 100 passengers per vessel, so these are some of the largest ships in the archipelago. Travelers may opt for a larger-capacity cruise ship for more space (such as bigger hallways and staircases for easier movement around the ship) and increased services like an onboard doctor. The downside of traveling on a large ship is the time it can take to complete transfers by zodiac from the boat to the islands. Also, some areas of the Galápagos may be off limits to larger ships.

Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Endeavour II

The 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II has Wi-Fi, a doctor, SUP gear, a clear-bottom zodiac, a free digital photo kiosk with iMacs, and a spa. Like the Islander II, food brought from the mainland is carefully prepared and packaged to prevent the introduction of invasive species to the Galápagos Islands.

Celebrity Flora

The 100-passenger Celebrity Flora features all of the design elements, amenities, and services of its sibling ships and then some. It has two 1,288-square-foot penthouse suites (the largest in the Galápagos), naturalist-guided stargazing sessions, and outdoor cabanas that you can reserve for a unique glamping experience.

Silversea Silver Origin

The 100-passenger Silver Origin is an all-suite ship with accommodations up to 1,722 square feet, some with in-room espresso machines and mini-bars, private verandas, and butler service. Tips are included in the price. The ship also has a fitness center, a spa, a communal fire pit, and two restaurants. There are more than 100 cruise options, some lasting as long as 18 days.

Galápagos Catamarans

These small boats have a unique hull design, like the dual parallel runners of a sled, that many believe makes catamarans more stable in the water.

Celebrity Xploration

The 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration is arguably the most luxurious catamaran in the Galápagos. Its eight suites and junior suites feature extras like binoculars, personal refrigerators, a pillow menu, and room service. The catamaran cruises two routes, a northern route and a southern route, both lasting seven nights.

Anahi Yacht Catamaran

The Anahi has eight rooms accommodating up to 16 passengers, including two spacious suites. Travelers can expect traditional yacht design details, like polished wooden floors and portrait windows. There are multiple itineraries to choose from, each stopping off at different islands and exploring different parts of the Galápagos. The cruises range in duration from four to 15 days.

Royal Galapagos Cormorant II

The Cormorant II can carry 16 passengers in nine cabins, all with private balconies. Some of the suites even come with walk-in closets and their own Jacuzzi tubs. Travelers can opt for a four- to eight-day cruise with inclusive excursions such as snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours.

Live-aboard Dive Boats

If you’re a certified scuba diver, a live-aboard dive boat might be for you. These boats are built to accommodate the specific needs (and gear) of divers, and they navigate special routes and itineraries that include top dive sites. The Galápagos is home to whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays, manta rays, sunfish, and many other marine creatures.

Explorer Ventures Humboldt Explorer and Tiburon Explorer

Explorer Ventures ' two live-aboard vessels, the Humboldt Explorer and Tiburon Explorer , accommodate 16 passengers each. The Humboldt has a large dive deck, which makes it easier to get into and out of your dive gear. The eight-day excursion includes up to 19 dives and the 11-day excursion includes up to 28.

Galápagos Nortada

The 84-foot Nortada has only four cabins and can sleep eight guests. Passengers can congregate on the bridge, the galley, or in the dining room and lounge. Dive trips last either seven or 14 nights, and itineraries include up to four dives a day.

Galápagos Aggressor III

The Aggressor ships have been cruising around the Galápagos Islands since 1993. The Galápagos Aggressor III accommodates 16 passengers. Charters last a week and include four dives a day plus two land excursions.

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The Best Cruises for Exploring the Galapagos Islands

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Galapagos cruises are the best way to experience the collection of remote, mostly uninhabited islands about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. But cruises to the Galapagos Islands aren’t like cruises anywhere else. The ships here are smaller, with some carrying as few as 16 passengers. There are no water slides, elaborate Broadway shows, casinos, or wild nightclubs. And don’t expect big bus tours in port either.

Galapagos cruises are about experiencing nature and wildlife while limiting environmental impact as much as possible. Ships are built for sustainability, toting items like kayaks, paddleboards, and scuba gear. Itineraries may feature two active excursions a day, limiting downtime on board the ship. Instead of museums and historic sights, you’ll visit uninhabited islands to encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, unspoiled beaches, and the adventures of a lifetime.

Trips to the Galapagos Islands are logistically complicated, making cruises an especially good way to experience the area. Travelers to the Galapagos Islands must first fly to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador , for a night before flying to the Galapagos to board their ships. All travelers must also be accompanied by National Parks Guides who can help them navigate these largely undeveloped islands.

Galapagos cruise itineraries are typically a week long and cover a portion of the islands, sometimes more. Here’s everything to know about cruising in the Galapagos, from frequently asked questions to the best Galapagos cruise itineraries to book now.

Best luxury Galapagos cruise

Best galapagos cruise for adventure seekers, best galapagos cruises for solo travelers, best small ship galapagos cruise, best galapagos cruises for families, best galapagos cruise for lifelong learners, best galapagos cruise for foodies, when is the best time to cruise the galapagos islands.

With pleasant temperatures all year long, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is whenever you’re ready to go. Several cruise lines sail to the Galapagos Islands all year long. While you can see wildlife all year, December is hatching season for the giant tortoises, and July is mating season for blue-footed boobies and short-eared owls. Sea turtles lay their eggs early in the year and fully formed marine iguanas typically hatch in April and May.

Are Galapagos cruises expensive?

The Galapagos Islands aren’t a bargain destination. Expect to pay somewhere between $5,000 and $12,000 per traveler depending on the ship, itinerary, and length of the voyage. But one thing’s for sure: Whatever your preference, there’s a Galapagos Islands cruise for you. These are seven of the best Galapagos cruises for every type of traveler.

Whatever your preference, there’s a Galapagos Islands cruise for you. For those who want to travel in style, the ships of luxury cruise line Ecoventura meet expectations—and then some.

Ecoventura offers one of the most luxurious—and family-friendly cruises—in the Galapagos. Each of its three expedition yachts—the Origin, Theory, and Evolve —can accommodate 20 guests across 10 staterooms. These seven-night all-inclusive voyages make environmental responsibility a priority, encouraging guests to join the effort to help preserve this delicate area. Children six and up are welcome on board. Some staterooms connect to create spacious family suites, and two are designed to accommodate three guests each. Kids menus, children’s activities, and a kids club are also available. For adults, there’s a fitness center, jacuzzi, cooking demonstrations, and group cooking classes. You’ll also find kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and zodiacs on board. On shore, naturalists lead daily two-hour nature walks, visiting lava fields, scenic cliffs, and secluded beaches. Replenish yourself at the onboard restaurant which serves a breakfast buffet, afternoon tea, and multi-course lunch and dinner menus.

Uncruise’s Galapagos island cruise will take you to seven islands over the course of a week on board La Pinta , a 48-passenger yacht boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, a sundeck, a fitness center, and a hot tub. This isn’t the newest or most luxurious ship sailing the Galapagos, but it’s comfortable and has been recently refurbished. It also comes with everything you need to make the most of your Galapagos adventure—including kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, scuba equipment, and a glass-bottom boat. This is a Galapagos cruise where nature and wildlife take center stage: Hike Dragon Hill on Isla Santa Cruz while looking for iguanas and flamingos, paddleboard alongside sea lions at Isla Floreana, or enjoy a stroll along a secluded white-sand beach. This small cruise operator prides itself on cruises that don’t feel like cruises. If you think cruising isn’t your thing, Uncruise might change your mind.

Join a small group of future friends on the Reina Silvia Voyager , G Adventures’ newest catamaran that’s custom-built for sailing the Galapagos. This vessel began sailing in 2022, and two of its 10 cabins are designed for solo travelers . These solo cabins are no tiny hideaways. Each comes with a queen-sized bed, desk, and a large picture window to frame your Galapagos view. A 10-day itinerary starts and ends in Quito, taking guests on a journey through the Central and East Islands to look for sea lions, iguanas, and a seemingly endless variety of birds. Go kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, or paddleboarding—or kick back and relax on the spacious sundeck while enjoying some of the most unspoiled views in the world. There’s a chef on board to ensure you never go hungry, a jacuzzi to soothe sore muscles, lots of spaces for socializing when you want to, and a bar that’s perfect for sunset cocktails.

Avalon Waterways may be better known for its European river cruises , but it also sails the Galapagos Islands. The Treasure of the Galapagos is a gorgeous small ship, carrying a maximum of 16 guests. And while there’s no long list of restaurants onboard, there are creative, locally inspired menus featuring seasonal ingredients and lots of vegetarian options. You’ll also find daily natural history lectures, a team of multilingual naturalists, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and a plunge pool.

If you have family members who are keen on science and nature, then the a science center on board the Hurtigruten Expedition’s MS Santa Cruz II will be sure to delight.

There may be no better way to get your kid interested in science and history than a Galapagos Islands cruise on board Hurtigruten Expedition’s MS Santa Cruz II . The ship operates a Citizen Science Program, enlisting guests to help with completing research projects. There’s also a science center on board and a slate of lectures and expert-led discussions. The HX In Darwin’s Footsteps itinerary follows the famous evolutionary biologist’s journey through the Galapagos. Walk along a beach Darwin visited in 1835, see the giant tortoises, which have a lifespan of over 100 years, that may have greeted him nearby, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which helps care for endangered baby tortoises. Only about 15,000 Galapagos tortoises remain in existence, and there really is no better place to learn about them or the endangerment of wildlife. While there’s no specific kids programming, children six and up are welcome onboard the MS Santa Cruz II.

If you grew up reading National Geographic magazine, you’ll want to hop on board the National Geographic Gemini . The ship sails the Galapagos as part of a partnership between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic , two legendary names in exploration. National Geographic experts lead these journeys and they’re often joined by National Geographic photographers. Kids can join the National Geographic Global Explorers program, a hands-on experience designed to teach them about geographic exploration and scientific research. The National Geographic Gemini can accommodate up to 48 passengers in 27 guest suites. More than a dozen suites come with private balconies, one of which is large enough to accommodate a private hot tub. (Don’t fret if that suite is already booked, there’s a whirlpool hot tub on the sundeck that’s open to all guests.) You’ll also find a well-stocked library, a well-stocked bar, and meals made with locally sourced ingredients on board.

If you want to learn about Ecuadorian cuisine while sailing the Galapagos, Silversea may be the cruise line for you. Silversea is a luxury cruise line known for its next-level onboard dining programs . Learn all about the local cuisine from the ship’s executive chef while feasting on locally sourced meat and produce—you can try Ecuadorian cheese aged in lava tubes and even make ceviche during a hands-on cooking demonstration. The Silver Origin ’s onboard restaurants serve a mix of international, traditional, and modern Ecuadorian food, and vegans and vegetarians aren’t afterthoughts here. Each Silversea suite comes with the service of a butler; most have private teak verandas as well. With a capacity for 100 guests, Silversea’s Silver Origin is one of the largest ships sailing the Galapagos Islands, but these voyages regularly sell out, so be sure to book early.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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An Epic Galápagos Cruise on the National Geographic Endeavour II [In-depth Review]

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Table of Contents

An epic galápagos cruise, national geographic endeavour ii review, final thoughts.

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A Galápagos cruise has been on the top of my bucket list for years. I knew when I was able to finally make it happen that I wanted to book it with Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions (those beautiful, glossy catalogs that they have been sending me for years worked, I guess).

In this post, I will take you on a tour of the ship I sailed on, the National Geographic Endeavour II, and tell you a bit about what I did on this trip. This was my first experience on such a small ship, so it was all new to me (I’ve only cruised on traditional large ships before).

If you’ve had your eye on a Galápagos cruise, I hope this post will give you an idea of what you can expect.

There are a couple of different Galápagos cruise itineraries offered by Lindblad/National Geographic. I booked the 10-day/9-night Galápagos cruise on the National Geographic Endeavour II .

I wish I could tell you that I redeemed points at an amazing 6 cents each in value, but I can’t. I booked this trip the old-fashioned way — with cash a credit card.

Unfortunately, the partnership between Lindblad and Hyatt ended on December 31, 2023, so it’s no longer possible to earn 4x points by paying for Lindblad trips with Hyatt credit cards.

Lindblad now has a partnership with World of Hyatt , but I booked this trip before that partnership was announced and wasn’t able to take advantage of any of the benefits (which bummed me out). I paid the initial deposit on my  Chase Sapphire Reserve ® to earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points. However, I was still able to earn a lot of World of Hyatt points in the process because I paid for the majority of the trip after the partnership was announced.

I paid for the balance of the trip using both of my World of Hyatt credit cards — The World of Hyatt Credit Card and the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card . I was even able to use the charges to help me hit the minimum spending requirement for the welcome bonus on the World of Hyatt Business card.

The good news is that Lindblad/National Geographic trips code as Hyatt purchases and therefore earn 4 points per $1 when you use either World of Hyatt credit card . This is separate from the 5 points per dollar you can earn booking through World of Hyatt , and you can earn the credit card points even if you don’t book through World of Hyatt.

Here’s a breakdown of what I spent:

Additionally, I earned a 75,000-point welcome bonus on the World of Hyatt Business card and these charges triggered the 2 $50 Hyatt credits on that card, as well.

So, in total, I was able to earn 129,856 World of Hyatt points and 4,500 Ultimate Rewards points from this trip!

Bottom Line: Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions offers an incredible collection of bucket-list-worthy cruises and land excursions.

Why Book a Cruise?

There were a lot of reasons I booked a cruise to the Galápagos Islands instead of staying in hotels on land. The first reason is that Galápagos is an area where you’ll want to see lots of different locations, many of which are small, uninhabited islands, and a cruise is the best way to access those.

Also, most of these locations require visitors to be with a naturalist at all times , so these aren’t places you can just visit on your own. Plus, a cruise gives you easy access to all of the water activities you’ll want to try, such as snorkeling and kayaking.

Bottom Line: A small ship cruise is a great way to visit the Galápagos Islands because it gives you the best access to all of the places you’ll want to see and takes care of all of the regulations, like the required naturalists, so you can just enjoy your trip.

Getting to Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are a part of Ecuador, so I flew from Columbus, Ohio (CMH) to Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE), with a stop in Miami (MIA) as the first leg of this trip.

We stayed overnight at Hotel Oro Verde and had a day to explore Guayaquil. We flew in a day early because we didn’t want to get in late at night (the flight from Miami didn’t land until 10 p.m.) and then have to get on the ship the next day.

We stayed at Hotel Oro Verde for 2 nights before the cruise and 1 night after the cruise, and it was all arranged by Lindblad.

Lindblad/National Geographic required all passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to provide a negative COVID-19 test result 3 to 5 days before the trip . We also had to take another test upon arrival in Ecuador.

Hot Tip: If you find yourself at Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), be sure to check out the VIP Aeropuertos Club lounge.

Getting to the National Geographic Endeavour II

The next day, we flew on Avianca from Guayaquil to San Cristóbal Island (SCY) to board the National Geographic Endeavour II. After a short bus ride, we arrived at a small dock and hopped on a zodiac to get to the ship. It was there that I first saw what I discovered was a common sight in the Galápagos Islands — sea lions everywhere !

My Galápagos cruise visited many different islands and points of interest:

• Day 1: San Cristóbal Island
• Day 2: Española Island/Gardner Bay/Punta Suárez
• Day 3: Floreana Island
• Day 4: Santa Cruz Island
• Day 5: Dragon Hill/Guy Fawkes/Daphne Major
• Day 6: San Salvador Island/Bartolomé/Sombrero Chino
• Day 7: Genovesa Island
• Day 8: Baltra Island

Each day, we would usually stop in 2 different locations — 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. There would be a variety of included activities available, ranging from hiking and snorkeling to photography tours and glass-bottom boat rides .

I sailed through the Galápagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II . The ship carries 96 passengers in 52 cabins . It has 4 categories of cabins along with 3 categories of suites. Select rooms can accommodate solo travelers or groups of 3.

There are only 52 cabins on 3 deck levels on the National Geographic Endeavour II. I booked a Category 1 cabin — the least expensive option. There are only 2 examples of this cabin level on the ship — rooms 201 (mine) and 202.

The room itself was just a hair smaller than those in other room categories (excluding suites) and was more than sufficient for my husband and me. But there was a problem, and it was a big one, in my opinion. My room was located right above the anchor, and it was incredibly loud when it was raised or lowered.

Unfortunately, this happened most nights in the middle of the night as well as during the day on occasion. It sounded as though someone was in my room hitting a large metal pipe with a shovel — it was crazy loud! I was really surprised that this wasn’t disclosed at the time of booking, and I think it should have been.

My mom’s room was next to ours (a Category 2 solo room), and she was bothered by the noise every night as well.

I understand I booked the least expensive room, but it was by no means cheap, so this isn’t something that I would expect based on how much the room cost.

Bottom Line: There are only 52 cabins, including 4 suites, accommodating up to 96 passengers on the National Geographic Endeavour II. If you book a Category 1 or some Category 2 rooms, prepare to be woken up every night by the very loud anchor.

Category 1: Room 201

My room was small, but it was fine for my husband and me. This wasn’t the kind of trip where you spend a lot of time in your room, so we didn’t need more space.

There was a comfortable king-sized bed with a large window behind it that let in a lot of light. There were small bedside tables and lamps on either side of the bed.

There were plenty of plugs available by the bedside lights and within the headboard of the bed.

Opposite the bed was a small desk and chair. The desk had a drawer with a lock where you could store any valuables. There was also a pitcher that was filled with cold water each day by the housekeeping staff .

Next to the desk was a closet with 4 small drawers and space for hanging clothes. There was a laundry bag in the closet, as well as an extra blanket and 2 robes.

The entryway had hooks for hanging your life jacket and other essentials.

There was a cute do not disturb sign in case you didn’t want housekeeping services.

The bathroom was small but functional — which is all I expect on a cruise.

There was a toilet and sink with a few small shelves by the mirror.

The shower always had plenty of hot water and good pressure, which was a nice treat after adventuring every day.

There was shampoo, conditioner, and body wash available in large containers in the shower.

Unlocked Rooms

The cabins on the ship only locked from the inside.  Any time you left your cabin it would remain unlocked, so you never needed a key to enter. I found it strange the first time it was mentioned but it ended up being great. It was a small and intimate ship so I never had any worry that something would be stolen from my room.

The rooms could be locked from the inside so that you didn’t have to sleep or shower in an unlocked room.

The 3-Person Cabin

There were a few rooms on the ship that could accommodate a third person. My mother-in-law, father-in-law, and sister-in-law shared a room, so I was able to get a photo. It was definitely tight with the third bed, which folded out from the wall, but it was less expensive than having the additional person in a separate room.

Bottom Line: My cabin, 201, was small but functional. It had a comfortable king-sized bed with a large window, a desk, a closet, and a private bathroom.

There was hand sanitizer and filtered water available in the ship’s hallways. High-touch areas, such as railings, were cleaned multiple times a day.

Dining Room

There’s 1 dining room on the National Geographic Endeavour II. We had every meal there except 1 during our expedition.

Overall the food was great , and it exceeded my expectations. I had gone in assuming that since this was an activity-focused expedition, food may be an afterthought. It absolutely wasn’t. I appreciated that most of what was served had an Ecuadorian or South American flair and wasn’t “Americanized.” The one exception was a BBQ-themed dinner with ribs and hamburgers which ended up being my least favorite meal of the entire trip.

Breakfast Buffet

Breakfast was served buffet-style each morning, but coffee, tea, and fresh juice were served at the table. Pastries were available before breakfast in the lounge for early risers.

Each morning, there was a selection of cold items, such as cereal, yogurt, and fruit.

There was a featured fruit of the day in addition to common fruits that were served every day. These featured fruits were usually relatively obscure or tropical fruits that we don’t see often in the U.S., such as tree tomato, soursop, and dragonfruit.

There was also a hot buffet with typical breakfast fare, such as eggs, pancakes, and hash browns, as well as rotating items that included Ecuadorian dishes.

There was also an omelet station. After a day or 2 on the ship, the waitstaff seemed to know everyone’s names and where you were sitting in the dining room, so you could order your omelet and the staff would bring it to your table.

Bottom Line: Breakfast was served buffet-style each morning on the ship. There were also pastries available in the lounge before breakfast.

Lunch and Dinner

Lunch and dinner were served as sit-down meals each day. Each had a choice between 3 entrees — a meat option, a fish option, or a vegetarian option.

There was usually a soup or specialty salad each day in addition to the option of a green salad or Caesar salad.

Each meal concluded with dessert and/or a choice of ice cream. We had the same waiter for each meal and he got so used to the way my husband ordered his ice cream he ended up bringing it without even asking by the end of the trip.

The lounge was an important part of the ship because that’s where we met each evening for the day’s recap. It was bright and cozy, with plenty of seating and lots of windows .

There were also different lectures and seminars held in the lounge throughout the week.

There was a coffee machine that made regular coffee as well as specialty coffees, such as cappuccinos and mochaccinos, that was available at all times. There was also an ice machine and a selection of teas.

Plus, there were snacks available throughout the day — the locally-made plantain chips were my favorite.

There was a different fresh juice and flavored water available daily.

In addition, there was a mini fridge with sodas and local beers.

The bar was open during the evening recaps, and most drinks, except for some high-end liquors, were included.

Top-shelf liquor brands could be ordered for an additional charge.

Appetizers were served each evening during the recap and before dinner. There were different options each night, ranging from Caprese salad bites to mini pasta bowls to sushi.

There was also a specialty cocktail served each evening. The Santa Cruz was my favorite. I’m not a big drinker, so I ordered mine without rum, and it was very tasty.

The ship’s library is on Deck 4, and I found it to be a great place to sit and relax. It has lots of seating and floor-to-ceiling windows, making it easy to take in the stunning vistas around you.

Coffee and tea were available at any time in the library, just as they were in the lounge.

Plus, there was a computer station available for use.

Global Gallery (Gift Shop)

Next to the library is the Global Gallery, the ship’s gift shop. It was open each day after breakfast, after lunch, and before dinner.

It sold a variety of items made by local artists, along with a few toiletry essentials and Lindblad/National Geographic-branded expedition clothing.

There is a gym onboard the National Geographic Endeavour II, but I honestly don’t know how anyone could find the time to use it! It has large windows and fantastic views, but the trip was so packed with activities I can imagine it only got used by die-hard gym rats.

I’ll admit, I never stepped foot inside the gym except to take this photo!

There were 2 treadmills, 2 bikes, and an elliptical machine, along with some accessories, such as balance balls, yoga mats, and free weights.

Each morning, the ship’s wellness expert hosted a stretch class on the deck. I wanted to try it out but the times were just too early for me!

Guests could book massages with the ship’s wellness expert/masseuse in the spa room. I wanted to get a massage, but I didn’t want to miss out on any activities, so I skipped it. My mom got a massage, and she said it was excellent.

Massages are not included in the cost of the cruise .

Observation Deck

The top deck was open for guests to enjoy anytime. There were a few chairs set up, but I didn’t use them much because the shade was minimal.

There were also racks set up if you needed to dry off any clothing.

One evening before dinner there was a wine tasting event on the top deck that took place as the ship was circumnavigating Daphne Major Islet .

There were plenty of activities during my cruise through the Galápagos Islands, and everything was included in the cruise price .

The ship was well-equipped with kayaks, paddleboards, zodiacs, snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, walking sticks, and even a glass-bottom boat .

I snorkeled with sea lions, took hikes along rugged ocean cliffs, kayaked with sea turtles, and got to see animals up close , including blue- and red-footed boobies, Galápagos land iguanas, Galápagos tortoises, and much more.

Each time we went ashore, we went in small groups accompanied by a certified naturalist (this is required by law in many locations) who was able to educate us on the local flora and fauna we were seeing.

There were also photography-themed groups that went ashore with certified National Geographic photo instructors .

During normal times, the ship’s staff can arrange for guests to scuba dive (which I really wanted to do), but due to COVID-19, the cruise line still wasn’t allowing it. I was disappointed, but now, at least I have an excuse to go back!

Diving isn’t included in the price, so when it’s available there is an extra cost .

Bottom Line: All of the activities were included in my Galápagos cruise on the National Geographic Endeavour II, including snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, paddleboarding, zodiacs, and glass-bottom boat rides.

Open Bridge

The National Geographic Endeavour II had an open-bridge policy, so you could check it out at any time of day. And they really mean any time — they even gave my mother-in-law a wake-up call in the middle of the night so that she could be on the bridge while the ship crossed the equator.

There’s a nice observation deck at the front of the ship that can be accessed via the bridge.

The Wi-Fi on the ship was bad, plain and simple. However, I wasn’t sure I’d have any Wi-Fi at all, so I was happy with the little I got. It was just enough to send my daughter a quick text or to post a photo to Instagram. It usually only worked for a couple of minutes at a time, so you couldn’t do much more than that.

The nice thing was that the first 7 hours of internet use were free — and I don’t think I could have used that much if I tried!

Crew Workstation

This ship has a crew workstation that served as the central hub for signing up for activities, getting information about the day’s plans, signing up for spa treatments, and much more. This area also had a map that tracked where we cruised each day and a checklist of all of the wildlife we saw.

Staff and Crew

I can’t say enough about the staff and crew of the National Geographic Endeavour II. Everyone I came into contact with was simply fantastic.

From the expert naturalists and photo instructors to the waitstaff and zodiac drivers, the service was top-notch .

Housekeeping

Cabins were serviced 3 times per day ! It seemed like every time I came back to my room it was picked up, and I had fresh towels. In the evenings, we got the next day’s itinerary along with some local chocolates.

Gratuities weren’t included in the cruise fare. An amount of $200 per person for the 7-night cruise was suggested on board. This amount could be adjusted and added to your shipboard account.

COVID-19 Protocols

My trip was from April 28 to May 8, 2022, so there were extra COVID-19 considerations that we had to deal with in order to travel.

Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions took its COVID-19 protocols very seriously. First, every guest had to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We also had to take a PCR test 3 to 5 days before traveling. The Ecuadorian government wasn’t requiring this, but the cruise line did.

Then, we had to take another test once we got to the hotel the day before we departed on the cruise. Lindblad/National Geographic set this up, and the cost was included.

Once on the ship, masks were required in public areas and during embarkation and disembarkation on the zodiacs that took us ashore each day.

There was hand sanitizer widely available and there were yellow symptom cards that we had to turn in each day to confirm that no one in the cabin had experienced any COVID-19 symptoms.

Despite all of the effort, there ended up being 4 confirmed cases of COVID-19 during our cruise . The expedition leader was very open about this and disclosed the details to all of the guests. As it turned out, all 4 cases were from guests and staff that had participated in a pre-trip extension. The guests that were in close contact with those infected were tested on board as were all of the crew and staff.

Unfortunately, 2 of the photography experts who were traveling with us were among those infected, which was disappointing. Those infected were taken off of the ship and sent to a hotel.

Lindblad/National Geographic also administered the tests we needed to fly back to the U.S. after the cruise. Thankfully, there was no additional spread after the 4 who tested positive and everyone else got a negative test and was able to fly home as scheduled.

This Galápagos cruise on the National Geographic Endeavour II was indeed a bucket-list trip for me and one that I highly recommend if you enjoy active vacations, incredible scenery, and unique wildlife.

I loved that everything was included — I didn’t have to pay extra for any activities, and this trip was jam-packed with things to do, such as snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and paddleboarding.

I’ll definitely consider booking through Lindblad/National Geographic again — especially since there’s now a partnership with World of Hyatt that allows you to earn or use World of Hyatt points on these expeditions!

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