Galápagos Photo Expedition
Overview
Highlights
- Hone your skills while capturing images of wildlife in a variety of landscapes, from black lava fields to white-sand beaches, and from rocky cliffs to lush highland forests.
- Photograph colonies of iguanas, frigate, sea lions, and birds unfazed by your presence.
- See rare giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
- Explore the waters of the Galápagos by kayak, glass-bottom boat, snorkel, or Zodiac.
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Activities
Trip includes
- Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Pre-departure information
- Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
- All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
- Ground transportation during the expedition
- Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
- Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders, and any other staff
- Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges
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Itinerary
Depart for Guayaquil and upon arrival, transfer to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands and board our comfortable expedition ship. During lunch,we begin our exploration of the islands.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Daily)
In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our itinerary is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to go on nature walks with local naturalists; ...
Walk to the top of Bartolomé's volcanic cone for a stunning view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding white sand beaches. You may also have the opportunity to swim with Galápagos penguins.
Follow a path along a series of tide pools and underwater caverns in search of Galápagos fur seals, marine iguanas, sea lions, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a breeding station for endangered native species. Learn about the Darwin Foundation and their giant Galápagos tortoise breeding program. Later, travel into the highlands where wild tortoises forage.
Spend the early morning on the lookout for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and the unusual ocean sunfish, the Mola mola. Explore caves and hidden lagoons by Zodiac, and snorkel among sea turtles.
At Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions, or peer into an underwater world in a glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only) while keeping an eye out for the endangered Floreana Mockingbird. Those interested can visit Post Office Bay—if you see a letter addressed to someone who lives near you, the tradition is to deliver it by hand.
Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza as we hike over lava flows. Galapagos hawks and sea lion nurseries are also found as we explore this island.
See Darwin's finches, boobies, and waved albatross on this birder's paradise. Walk among vivid green and red marine iguanas, and observe sea lions up close on a pristine white-sand beach.
After breakfast, disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil. The evening is at your leisure.
Depart Guayaquil this morning, arriving home the same day.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.
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National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.
Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.
As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Airfare is not included in the expedition cost.
- Air transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary)
- Activities noted as optional in the itinerary
- Passport, visa, and permit expenses
- Medical expenses and immunizations
- Baggage, accident, cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages
- Any other items not specifically noted as included
- The “Breakfasts, Lunch, Dinner” notations apply to the period during the National Geographic Private Expedition portion of the itinerary only. and do not include any meals on flights to/from the Private Expedition.
Accommodation
The National Geographic Endeavour is a premier expedition ship that accommodates 96 guests in 56 outside cabins. Single cabins in Category 1 are highlighted in bright blue and include cabins 219, 222, 309-312, 314-316, and 318. Single cabins in Category 2 are highlighted in bright pink and include cabins 124, 126, 127, and 205. The ship is fully stabilized, allowing for smooth passage from one island to the next. It carries snorkeling gear, wet suits, kayaks, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a glass-bottom boat. Public areas include a lounge and bar, a library, a gift shop, a fitness center, a sauna, and a swimming pool. Services include a full-time doctor and a wellness specialist, Internet access, and laundry.
7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 7 Dinners
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