National Geographic Islander II hosts small-group Galapagos sailing
The four-night Lindblad Expeditions journey combined guided wildlife outings with kayaking and snorkeling.
A four-night Galapagos Islands cruise with National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions began with a flight from Quito to Baltra Island. Guests then traveled by zodiac to National Geographic Islander II.
The ship carried 48 guests, while CCTV covered its public spaces and hallways. Activities included kayaking and snorkeling, with the writer’s daughters encountering turtles, parrot fish and manta rays in waters described in the report as unseasonably warm.
Early-morning wake-up calls were a regular part of the trip, intended to avoid the heat and allow wildlife viewing when the animals were calmest.
The report said Galapagos visitors must be accompanied by a guide, with each naturalist assigned no more than 16 guests. It also said visitors cannot remove items from the islands and must keep a distance of six feet, or two metres, from wildlife. Cruise ship capacity in the Galapagos is capped at 100 passengers, according to the report.
National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions advertised seven-day Galapagos cruises starting at £4,931 per person, with departures offered throughout the year.