Galápagos is a bucket list destination for many travellers, but not everyone has the luxury of time to commit to an extended voyage. Now for the first time in Lindblad Expeditions’ 50+ years of bringing citizen explorers there, they are offering brand-new, shorter itineraries.
The new Wild Galápagos Escape packs a ton of activities into one exhilarating week to discover the wonders and wildlife of this magical place, with departures on Saturday and Thursday. Set aboard the newly refurbished 48-guest National Geographic Islander, the expedition features 5 days in the archipelago exploring the islands, with one night pre-voyage in Guayaquil, and the option of another night post voyage at no additional charge. With multiple adventures each day on land and undersea—including options for walks and hikes, kayaking, paddle-boarding and snorkelling—guests will enjoy the full Lindblad-National Geographic Galápagos cruise experience on these shorter expeditions with five days exploring the archipelago.
Dr. Sylvia Earle, marine biologist and Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, will join the first two Wild Galápagos Escape voyages as special guest speaker. Named one of Time magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet,” Sylvia is former chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and founder of SEAlliance, which partnered with National Geographic on Mission Blue to further global initiatives aimed at restoring health and productivity to the ocean. She will join the November 24 and 29, 2018 voyages.
Other departures for Wild Galápagos Escape include April 27; May 2, 11, 16; August 31; September 5, 14, 19, and October 31, 2019. Rates begin at $6,820 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabins.
Guests can also experience the best of Galápagos and Machu Picchu in nine action-packed days on Lindblad’s new Wild Galápagos & Peru Escape. Starting in Lima on a Saturday night, stay two nights in the Sacred Valley, enjoy fabled Machu Picchu and see Cusco, imperial capital of the Inca. Journey to Galápagos for a five-day voyage aboard National Geographic Islander, with multiple adventures every day on land and undersea—returning home on Sunday. Departures are December 1, 2018; May 4 & 18, September 7 & 14, November 2, 2019. Rates begin at $7,820 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.
Other Galápagos news for 2018 & 2019:
- Hotel del Parque: Guests booked on National Geographic Islander will stay at the Hotel del Parque in Guayaquil, an elegant boutique hotel set along the banks of the Río Daule. Housed in a lovingly
restored 19th-century building nestled within the secluded haven of Parque Histórico’s lush botanical gardens, it is a fitting retreat to an expedition aboard the yacht-scaled National Geographic Islander. Guests can enjoy after-hours access to the Parque’s botanical and zoological exhibits; the Museo del Cacao y del Chocolate; the cobble streets lined with colorful, historic buildings; and the verdant grounds, where the chatter of macaws and spider monkeys replace the sounds of a busy port city. With just 44 beautifully appointed rooms, two courtyards, a 19th-century chapel, and a gourmet café facing the river, this serene tropical refuge will elevate guests’ Galápagos experience. - Complimentary Bar Tab and WiFi time: New for 2019 aboard any Lindblad voyage in Galápagos, guests will receive complimentary bar (excluding certain premium brands) and an hour of free Wifi a day per person.
For more information visit au.expeditions.com.
SOURCE: Lindblad Expeditions