National Geographic Endeavour II: The Perfect Platform for Up-Close Discovery in Galápagos
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions sails four exceptional ships in Galápagos year-round, each with a unique onboard experience. Here, learn more about National Geographic Endeavour II, a comfortable moving basecamp for exploring the islands.
With a shallow draft, a suite of state-of-the-art exploration tools and the largest expedition staff of the Galápagos fleet, the nimble National Geographic Endeavour II is ideally equipped to deliver one of the most authentic and in-depth experiences in the archipelago.
“The most important elements of a Galápagos expedition are the islands, the animals and the sea that surrounds them, so a ship like National Geographic Endeavour II that provides access to these things matters greatly,” says Lindblad Expeditions' founder Sven Lindblad. “She offers excellent views from all public spaces. Her ability to launch and deploy landing craft is fast and she is exceptionally quiet and maneuverable, a great asset when approaching marine life.”Accommodating only 96 guests, National Geographic Endeavour II is incredibly comfortable and welcoming to solos, groups, couples and kids of all ages. In between thrilling excursions ashore, savor time on board as you take in views from the open-air observation deck, enjoy a cocktail in the lounge, dine on delicious meals created with locally sourced ingredients and then retire to one of 52 thoughtfully appointed cabins.
This purpose-built ship sails year-round on two classic itineraries: the 10-day Exploring Galápagos and the 16-day Exploring Galápagos, Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca, which pairs the islands with an exploration of Peru and its legendary Inca ruins.
All photos by Douglas Scaletta unless otherwise noted.
The tranquil and airy lounge serves as your central meeting place. Here, you’ll enjoy engaging presentations from your naturalists, convene for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before dinner and gather for daily Recaps with your expedition leader.
The library offers a sun-soaked respite in between exciting excursions out in the Galápagos Marine Reserve. You'll find an array of books to help you learn more about the islands' famed history and wildlife, as well as three photo kiosks for editing photos alongside your National Geographic certified photo instructor.
Photo (right): David Vargas
There's no dress code required in the open-seating dining room, creating a relaxed and casual atmosphere to mingle with your fellow travelers. From ceviche made with sustainably caught local fish to desserts featuring fruits sourced from the islands or mainland Ecuador, each meal served is meticulously crafted to connect you more deeply to your destination.
Photo (right): Marco Ricca
Located in the lounge, the bar is always a popular and lively spot to meet up with your travel companions or new friends over a drink. Sip hand-crafted cocktails infused with regional flavors, enjoy a glass of wine from an Ecuadorian vineyard, or ask your bartender for their favorite suggestion.
National Geographic Endeavour II features 52 well-appointed, outward-facing cabins. The triple-occupancy Suite C (top) is the largest cabin aboard with a separate, spacious seating area furnished with a convertible sofa, while Suite B features floor-to-ceilings windows that provide incredible views and natural sunlight.
Select Category 4 cabins include a foldout Murphy bed, select Category 3 cabins are joined with interlocking doors ideal for families and Category 1 cabins accommodate couples or solo travelers. All staterooms feature bathrooms stocked with premium amenities to freshen up for talks or meals.
Photo (bottom): Perrin James
Take in the balmy breezes, stunning sunsets and otherworldly landscapes from the expansive upper deck which features an al fresco bar, comfortable couches and lounge chairs. It’s a lively gathering space where you’ll also celebrate crossing the equator with wine and cheese, start the morning with a sunrise stretch session or cap the day with a barbecue dinner.
Photo: Michael S. Nolan
Guests are encouraged to visit the ship’s officers on the open Bridge most any time of day or night. There, you can learn about navigation directly from your captain, chat with the knowledgeable crew or help naturalists spot the island’s passing marine life from bottle-nosed dolphins to different species of whales.
The ship's wellness program is designed to rejuvenate you as you explore the wonders of this extraordinary destination. Unwind in the spa with a soothing treatment such as restorative deep tissue massage from your wellness specialist or work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center.
In the Global Gallery, browse and purchase a wide array of items handmade by local artisans along with books, patches, expedition gear such as sunhats and lightweight shirts and toiletries. In Galápagos, highlights include etched glassware made from upcycled bottles, jewelry made from paper waste and hand-carved sculptures of blue-footed boobies and other iconic animals.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
National Geographic Endeavour II is uniquely equipped with state-of-the-art exploration tools that provide an up-close perspective on the birthplace of Darwinism. Zodiac cruise along rocky shorelines home to tiny Galápagos penguins or flightless cormorants, paddleboard past sea lions or marvel at kaleidoscopic schools of fish while snorkeling with provided gear.
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