Living with Nature, Galápagos Pre-voyage Extension
Visit with the local farmers who provision the National Geographic ships in Galápagos, meet local researchers and beneficiaries of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund, explore the highlands, and take time to meet the people who call Galápagos home on this cultural immersion into life and conservation in the center of an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site.
On this pre-voyage extension, you will stay for two nights at Finch Bay Hotel on Santa Cruz Island in Galápagos with excursions and activities arranged and led by a veteran naturalist guide. Experienced divers can opt for day trips with our local scuba partner (at additional cost, and by prior arrangement). Available on select 2025-2027 Wild Galápagos Escape 7 & 8 Day departures aboard National Geographic Islander II, this exclusive extension is limited to 12 guests.
Day 1 - Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Guayaquil, where you are met for the short ride to the Hotel del Parque, a 44-room Relais & Châteaux hotel set along the river in lush tropical gardens.
Day 2 - Quito or Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands / Santa Cruz
Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific. We are welcomed by our local naturalist upon arrival, and we travel together over the island of Santa Cruz, crossing through several ecological zones, to Puerto Ayora, where we check in to our hotel. We will have our first introduction to the highlands and sample local food at a highlands farm. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Santa Cruz, Galápagos
We have the full day today to meet with local friends working in a variety of fields, with your schedule depending on your guide for what and who is available today. We will have an in-depth visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, whose work is supported by the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Fund. Lunch and dinner out in the town, featuring products from our local providers and friends. Option for scuba diving with a local partner (at additional expense and by prior reservation). (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Santa Cruz, Galápagos / Embark Ship
Rest and relax, and explore this morning, choosing from many options. Later head up to the highlands, and continue to the pier, where a Zodiac awaits us to bring us to the ship for lunch, and the many adventures ahead aboard National Geographic Islander II. (B)
* If you are an experienced scuba diver, ask about the dive packet and information about reserving day trips to nearby intermediate and advanced diving sites with our local partner. Dive trips are from about 8:00-12:00 and you would later rejoin the group. Reservations made directly with our local provider are pending approval of your application with experience (intermediate or advanced) and at additional cost.
Costs & What's Included
Occupancy
Cost per person 2025
Cost per person 2026-27
Double Occupancy
$2,245
$2,359
Single Occupancy
$2,773
$2,912
Cost Includes:
Accommodations, meals as indicated, guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees, gratuities, transfers in conjunction with services.Not included:
Personal Items, international or other airfare, scuba, and other individual activities