Galapagos aboard the Lindblad Islander II

Our fourth Lindblad National Geographic expedition took us to the Galapagos, where we explored five islands over the course of five action-packed days.  Tourism in the Galapagos is closely managed to avoid too many visitors at any given time or place, so we only occasionally crossed paths with other groups. There are enough sites in the Galapagos that the Islander II cycles through a 15 day itinerary twice a month, which means we could return for two additional trips before seeing everything!

This is the newest ship we’ve sailed on with Lindblad, converted from a private yacht into a luxurious expedition vessel.  While our cabin wasn’t overly spacious, it had a comfortable bed, plenty of storage space (closets, cupboards, and drawers), a sofa and small desk, and a spacious bathroom with double sinks.  And of course, big windows so we could enjoy the spectacular, ever-changing views.

Breakfast and lunches were served in the patio cafe on the stern, with shady outdoor tables.  Dinners were in the Yacht Club restaurant, aptly named given the blue velvet banquettes, white tablecloths, and crystal accents. As I’ve come to anticipate on these trips, the food was excellent.  Three courses for lunch and dinner, with local sustainable fish, Ecuadorian dishes (like Andean locro de papa, a traditional potato soup with avocado and cheese), and unusual fruit and juice (my favorites were blackberry and soursop juices).

While excursions are the highlight in the Galapagos, there’s plenty to do on board too.  In addition to daily lectures and recaps, I enjoyed browsing Ecuadorian handicrafts at the ship’s gallery (including local chocolate with goldenberries and the softest alpaca blanket for a steal at $40), spa treatments with the fantastic wellness specialist, and wine tastings on the observation deck while we circumnavigated Daphne Major on our first evening and and Kicker Rock on our last.

Highlights from our itinerary…

Bartolome Islet and Cerro Dragon (Santa Cruz Island)

We started off strong with two hikes – even at 630am, it was HOT as we climbed up to the top of Bartolome Islet for an amazing view. Meanwhile, Cerro Dragon lived up to its name as it was well populated with Galapagos land iguanas! I also spotted some adorable finches.

Post Office Bay, Champion Islet, Punta Comorant (Floreana Island)

Another 6am start – with only 5 days, our expedition agenda was packed! We visited the famous post office barrel, where sailors of old would drop off and pick up mail that would then be hand carried to/from Europe. Nowadays, you can leave a postcard that someone else may pick up and carry home to hand deliver. The one I dropped off for my sister never did arrive; presumably it’s forgotten in some well-intentioned traveler’s suitcase or study. This was followed by a round of snorkeling with the highlight of swimming with sea lions, and then a visit to Punta Cormorant where we saw lots and lots of flamingos.

Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez (Espanola Island)

We skipped the early morning kayaking option and started our day exploring Gardner Bay beach, which was absolutely teeming with sea lions. They completely ignored our paparazzi imitations – except for one baby sea lion who made a very adorable attempt at intimidating me. Afterwards we set off for zodiac rides to see the scenery and sea birds.

Punta Pitt & Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)

Another 6am hike, worth it to see a wealth of boobies! I skipped the afternoon beach excursion to relax and work on my photos. We were also treated to a spectacular group of dolphins swimming with the ship and jumping out of the water!

El Manzanillo Ranch (Santa Cruz Island)

En route to the airport, we stopped at a ranch known for their impressive population of Galapagos giant tortoises.

What a wonderful adventure!! I hope to return to complete the full Galapagos itinerary.