Does the Galapagos Islands live up to expectations?
Exploring the Wonders of the Galápagos: A Journey Aboard the National Geographic Islander II
So much is said about The Galapagos Islands, the wildlife, the natural wonders, that I left for the trip very skeptical about whether a place could actually live up to this type of expectation. As it turns out, The Galápagos Islands are worthy of their dream destination designation, and our recent expedition aboard the National Geographic Islander II was proof. From observing rare wildlife to walking over ancient lava fields, every day brought new and awe-inspiring experiences. The ship and crew were amazing, and as the company likes to say, it was expedition-style, rather than like a cruise. The ship only holds 48 passengers so the experience feels intimate and family-like. In fact, there were more crew on board than passengers. Each day was packed with opportunities to get off the boat and explore, with the first opportunity usually occurring at around 6:15 am, before breakfast.
And these penguins shown here having a good time together? That’s not a stock photo, it’s ours taken from our kayak. This is the kind of thing you’ll see on a trip to the Galapagos Islands…every single day. Absolutely incredible!
In this article…
- Who are the National Geographic Naturalists?
- What is the daily schedule like?
- Where did our adventure take us?
National Geographic Certified Naturalists
Every time you go out on an activity you ride in a zodiac and are accompanied by one of the certified National Geographic naturalists, who are all from Ecuador which makes for amazing outings. Two on our trip were born and raised in the Galapagos. Lindblad and National Geographic have made these naturalists the cornerstone of their offerings here. They are always nearby guiding, directing, and helping you to embrace the experience.
Typical Daily Schedule
All offerings are optional, and a typical day looked like this:
- 6:15 am activity – kayaking, paddle boarding or kayaking, with coffee and fruit available starting at 5:45 am.
- 8:00 am Breakfast for all with anything you could want – eggs, speciality items from Ecuador or another South American country, toast, bagels, fruit, etc. Your view for breakfast? The ocean and islands from your outdoor table on a beautiful deck at the Patio Cafe.
- 9:30 am – Hiking, snorkeling, or kayaking (usually two options offered to choose from)
- 11:00 am – Hiking, snorkeling or kayaking
- 12:30 pm – Lunch for all served in the Patio Cafe
- 2:00 pm – Deep-water snorkeling from a zodiac or glass-bottom boat tour
- 4:00 pm – Hiking or zodiac tour of the coast
- 6:00 pm – Evening recap with naturalists in the lounge/bar with cocktails
- 6:30 pm – Dinner in either the Patio Cafe or the beautiful Yacht Club Restaurant indoors.
Here’s a recap of our unforgettable journey
The Galapagos Islands are a National Park and are strictly regulated. This results in several very important points as you consider your trip:
- Each ship is only allowed to visit an island once every two weeks. This would mean you would need two weeks to actually see all of the islands.
- The National Park tells the ship where they are allowed to go and when. This means the itinerary is somewhat out of the control of the expedition operator.
- The best part of these regulations? You will rarely see any other groups on your outings and will be snorkeling and hiking most of the time with only your naturalist and zodiac group. Pure heaven if you are not a fan of crowds!
Day 1: Arrival & Las Bachas Beach
Our adventure began on Baltra Island, where we arrived and boarded the National Geographic Islander II. After a warm welcome from the expedition team and a ship orientation, we set off to explore our first destination—Las Bachas Beach. This soft, sandy shoreline is known for its crystal-clear waters and fascinating wildlife. Marine iguanas lounged by the rocks, and we spotted a variety of birds, including flamingos and pelicans. The evening ended with a cocktail party, where we met the ship’s captain and crew, setting the tone for an exciting voyage ahead.
Day 2: South Plaza & Santa Fe Islands
The morning began with a dry landing on South Plaza Island, a geologically uplifted formation that was once part of the ocean floor. The island is home to a large colony of Galápagos sea lions and one of the best places to observe the endemic Galápagos land iguanas. The bright yellow males were particularly photogenic as they basked in the sun. Swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds soared above the cliffs, taking advantage of the strong updrafts.
In the afternoon, we arrived at Santa Fe Island, where we had the opportunity for deep-water snorkeling along the coastline. The marine life was incredible—colorful fish, playful sea lions, and even a few white-tipped reef sharks. After changing clothes, we embarked on a short but rocky hike through a forest of giant prickly-pear cacti, hoping to spot the elusive Santa Fe land iguana.
Day 3: Chinese Hat & Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island
The morning was spent exploring Chinese Hat, a tiny islet off the coast of Santiago Island. The narrow channel between them is an excellent spot for snorkeling and kayaking. This location is one of the few places where the northernmost penguins in the world can be found, and we were lucky enough to see some! Along the shoreline, we also encountered sea lions, herons, and pelicans.
In the afternoon, we opted to stay on board the ship, but the rest of our group visited Sullivan Bay, famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes. They hiked across an expansive pahoehoe lava field formed by a 19th-century eruption. Some said walking over the rippling rock formations was like stepping onto another planet. It reminded us of the Big Island in Hawaii, which also features abundant black lava fields, creating a striking landscape.
Day 4: Genovesa Island – Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Genovesa Island, also known as Tower Island, is a haven for seabirds. In the morning, we explored Darwin Bay, where thousands of red-footed boobies and frigatebirds filled the skies. The contrast of the volcanic rock against the green mangroves created a breathtaking landscape. A deep-water snorkeling session in the bay revealed a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, beneath the surface.
In the afternoon, we ascended Prince Philip’s Steps, a steep climb that led us to an extensive seabird nesting site. Along the way, we encountered fur seals, Galápagos sea lions, and even a short-eared owl camouflaged among the rocks. The rhythmic sound of the waves and the calls of the birds created a truly immersive experience in this remote and pristine ecosystem.
Day 5: Santa Cruz Highlands & Departure
Our final morning took us to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where we visited Rancho Manzanillo. This private reserve is home to one of the largest populations of wild Galápagos giant tortoises. Walking among these ancient creatures was a humbling experience. After enjoying a farewell brunch, we boarded a bus to Baltra Airport, where we bid farewell to the enchanted islands and the incredible team aboard the National Geographic Islander II.
Final Thoughts
The Galápagos Islands are truly a treasure of wildlife conservation and the preservation of wild places in general. From close encounters with rare land-based wildlife to snorkeling among a multitude of sea creatures, this journey was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t hesitate—this is a destination that will stay with you forever.
