An expedition guide photographs animals on the beach with a rainbow behind them during a Nat Geo Galapagos by Catamaran cruise.

Giant tortoise walks slowly over bright green grass, seen on a National Geographic Galapagos Catamaran cruise.

A Galapagos sea lion sits on red flora, seen on a National Geographic Galapagos by Catamaran cruise aboard Nat Geo Delfina.

Guests on a Nat Geo Galapagos by Catamaran cruise explore the Buccaneer Cove in tandem red kayaks at Santiago Island.

Guests exploring by Zodiac cruise among lush green shoreline during a Nat Geo Galapagos catamaran cruise on Delfina.

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National Geographic Galapagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage

Photo by: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Photo by: Sven-Olof Lindblad

Photo by: David Vargas

Photo by: Kyle Furey

Photo by: Ralph Lee Hopkins

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South America Galapagos Islands Cruise

National Geographic Galapagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage

Experience the Galapagos aboard a stylish and stable double-hulled yacht for 16 guests, well-equipped for up-close exploration. Enjoy a rare 8:1 guest-to-guide ratio while touring pristine beaches and volcanic shores on foot and by panga, snorkel, kayak and stand-up paddleboard. See and do more with two veteran naturalists, including a National Geographic certified photo instructor. National Geographic Delfina is also available as one of AdventureSmith’s Galapagos Islands yacht charters, for a private experience with family and friends, or your organization.

Your travel journal will be full of memories from your Nat Geo Galapagos catamaran cruise. Adventure by kayak, paddleboard and Zodiac on waters rich in marine life. Discover wildlife unfazed by your presence: lounge on beaches with sea lions, walk among huge colonies of marine iguanas, and delight at the antics of nesting seabirds from ship and shore. Snorkel with sea lions, turtles and abundant fish in the protected waters of the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

Galapagos sailings aboard the National Geographic Delfina feature nimble kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and Zodiac-brand pangas that cruise to the volcanic shores and pristine beaches of Galapagos, plus an undersea focus to bring seldom seen or heard worlds to life. Every expedition in the Galápagos is led by a team of naturalists, a videographer and expedition leader, providing a multitude of resources for a rich and unmatched understanding of all the sights and sounds. Plus, each ship’s unique exploration-based family program, National Geographic Global Explorers, caters to kids and teens, making each an excellent option for Galapagos family cruises.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Galapagos cruises and Galapagos trips.

Itinerary

Galapagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage Itinerary

The 10-Day National Geographic Galapagos by Catamaran cruise begins and ends with a hotel overnight on mainland Ecuador, and embarks/disembarks from either Baltra or San Cristobal. The flexible itinerary features a diverse selection of islands optimized for wildlife viewing, landscapes and experiences.

Route map of National Geographic Galapagos by Catamaran cruise, showing flight path from mainland Ecuador to the islands.

Day 1

Arrive Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

Be met on arrival in Ecuador, either in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, for an included transfer to your convenient hotel for overnight. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galapagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the locally owned Hotel Oro Verde. Guests opting for Quito stay at the (included) Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel, or may upgrade to Casa Gangotena or Swissotel at added cost.

Accommodations

Hotel Oro Verde (Guayaquil) or Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel (upgrades available)

Meals

n/a

Day 2

Fly to Baltra or San Cristobal, Galapagos & Embark

Fly to the Galápagos and embark the ship awaiting you at anchor. Begin to explore the islands and their remarkable wildlife.

Accommodations

National Geographic Delfina

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 3 - 8

Galapagos Islands

Below are a selection of islands you may visit during your expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.

North Seymour: Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance, and where you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.

Bartolomé: Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.

Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over 2 days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore.

Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.

Española: See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white-sand beach and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay. 

Floreana: Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay.

Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George, and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness the giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Genovesa: Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red- and blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles and manta rays.

San Cristobal: Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.

Accommodations

National Geographic Delfina

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9

Disembark Baltra or San Cristobal, Fly to Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador & Overnight

Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland, where you transfer to Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil, or the (included) Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel, with Quito upgrades available for Casa Gangotena or Swissotel at added cost. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home.

Accommodations

Hotel Oro Verde (Guayaquil) or Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel (upgrades available)

Meals

breakfast

Day 10

Depart Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or a trip extension with AdventureSmith Explorations to the Amazon or Machu Picchu, Peru.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; non-alcoholic beverages aboard ship; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase); transfers to and from group flights; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff, expert guides, and a ship’s doctor; use of kayaks, snorkeling gear, wetsuits and stand-up paddleboards; special access fees; port charges; service taxes; Galapagos National Park entrance fee and Galapagos transit card.

Exclusions

Air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities; passport, visa and immigration fees; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; insurance of any kind; round-trip economy flights between Guayaquil and the Galapagos (2024 & 2025 sample airfares: $520 per person or $350 per child, subject to change; your Adventure Specialist can confirm 2026 airfares upon booking); optional international group flights (2024 sample airfares: $525 economy or $1,450 business, subject to change; 2025 sample airfares: $475-575 economy (business TBD), subject to change).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

This trip begins and ends in Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE) or Quito, Ecuador (UIO). Plan flights to arrive at any time on Day 1 and depart anytime on Day 10 (or anytime after 7:00pm on Day 9). If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Ecuador trip.

Internal Flights

Flights from mainland Ecuador (Guayaquil) to the Galapagos are not included in the cruise price, but are arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled Galapagos flight for your particular departure. Airfares vary by departure; your Adventure Specialist will detail these for you in their proposal and on your invoice. See Exclusions for sample airfare rates. On flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, baggage weight limits are currently 50 pounds for checked items, and 17 pounds for carry-on plus a small personal item. Subject to change.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include opportunities to swim, snorkel, kayak, Zodiac cruise and stand-up paddleboard. Wetsuits are available, either free of charge or to rent for a fee (see Inclusions and Exclusions), and are recommended from June to December. There is also a glass-bottom Zodiac for exploring the undersea while staying dry.

Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round-trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are “wet,” requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee (100% of the per-person listed rate). If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Due to the active nature of volcanoes in the Western Galapagos, alternate excursions may be offered. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Galapagos Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

2025 2026 2027

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Feb 14 - Feb 23, 2025