National Geographic Endeavour II
- capacity
- 96
- year built
- 2005
- remodeled
- 2016
- length
- 240 feet
- beam
- 44 feet
- draft
- 11 feet
The 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II, formerly the Via Australis, replaced the National Geographic Endeavour in January 2017 after extensive renovations. This purpose-built expedition ship is exceptionally quiet and maneuverable, and allows for an enriching Galápagos experience with great viewing from all public spaces; state-of-the-art tools for exploration; and a fast, seamless Zodiac loading platform. National Geographic Endeavour II features spacious lounges, modern cabins and first-rate dining. National Geographic Endeavour II is a classic maritime vessel with an expedition-style ambiance.
National Geographic Endeavour II Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ National Geographic Endeavour II review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every first-class Galapagos cruise ship. Please read our National Geographic Endeavour II review below then contact our experts to compare the Nat Geo Endeavour II with other small cruise ships, catamarans, expedition ships, mid-size cruisers, motorsailors and yachts offering Galapagos cruises.
Choose the National Geographic Endeavour II if you are an active and inquisitive traveler seeking to learn much more than just the names of Galapagos wildlife. The experts and equipment on board this expedition ship provide the finest Galapagos intellectual and educational experience. If your priority is the best expedition experience possible, with the best guides in the industry, along with the comfort of modern onboard amenities, then the National Geographic Endeavour II is the right Galapagos ship for you. This ship is excellent for Galapagos family cruises, with interconnected cabins, family-friendly activities and numerous educational opportunities for kids.
Common Areas Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II
National Geographic Endeavour II was built in 2005 and renovated in 2016. You’ll find abundant comfortable spaces to take in the scenery and relax after an active and exhilarating day ashore. National Geographic Endeavour II is fully air-conditioned and has a covered deck with chairs and tables, laundry service (additional charge), doctor’s office available 24 hours a day free of charge, fitness center, global gallery selling handmade local artisan items, library, lounge with panoramic windows, full-service bar and a sun deck. There are also three iMac stations for sorting and transferring your photos (bring your own USB or external hard drive). The onboard LEXspa features massages, body treatments and facials inspired by the Galapagos. The captain welcomes guests per the open bridge policy. The spacious lounge has a custom-designed presentation space that offers all aboard an opportunity to participate in evening recaps or special guest events.
Internet access is available for purchase by the minute. You may access WiFi on your laptop, tablet or phone to check email, social media or surf the web, but since the Galapagos Islands are so remote you’ll most often find that the Internet connection is not powerful enough to support Skype or video chat. If you choose not to travel with a computer, there are Internet kiosks available.
Dining Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II
The dining room aboard National Geographic Endeavour II easily accommodates all travelers in a single seating. The unassigned table settings, with many tables that accommodate an odd number of people, encourages mingling with fellow travelers. Dress is always casual and the general ambience is relaxed and informal. During lunch and dinner your expedition leader, naturalists and any guest speakers will join for meals, and during breakfast they often sit together to plan the logistics of the exciting day ahead.
All food served aboard is fresh, local and delicious; sourced from suppliers that share values of sustainability whenever possible; and often inflected with regional flavors. Breakfast is served buffet-style, with eggs and other dishes made to order. Enjoy freshly-baked pastries, and a bounty of fresh, tropical fruits and fresh-squeezed fruit juices. Lunch is most often buffet, though occasionally served family style. Dinners are plated and served in the dining room, except for the evening when an extravagant barbecue is held on Endeavour II’s open deck.
A variety of beverages are available for purchase including beer, cocktails, a daily specialty drink, spirits and wine by the glass or bottle. There are also 24-hour self-service beverage stations in the library and the forward lounge with coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, ice and snacks.
Activities Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II
National Geographic Endeavour II is equipped with a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, a glass-bottom Zodiac, snorkeling gear and wetsuits, underwater video camera, video microscope, walking sticks and Zodiac landing craft. It also features a wellness program with a fitness center including cardio equipment and free weights, as well as yoga mats and exercise bands you can bring to your cabin.
On the first day of your expedition you’ll be fitted with a mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit and, if you choose, a snorkel buoyancy vest. These are yours to use for the duration of the expedition—so there’s no need to pack and tote your own gear. The 3mm shorty wetsuits allow you to stay in the cool water of Galápagos longer, and protect your skin from the equatorial sun. Guests who own masks with prescription lenses, or prefer to use thicker, full-length wetsuits are welcome to bring their own gear.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II
National Geographic Endeavour II accommodates 96 guests in 53 cabins. Each cabin aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II has a private bathroom, large windows that face outside, Wi-Fi access, temperature controls, a chair and writing desk, armchair, closet and under bed storage, luxurious organic cotton duvets and cotton sheets. Beds can be converted from two singles to a queen. Suites are larger with two windows and sofa or arm chairs. Seven sets of cabins feature a connecting door, adding to the flexibility for groups, family and friends. Bathrooms have botanically inspired hair products and shower gel, a hairdryer and robes.
