September 11 – 20, 2026
Experience wildlife and wild places abroad with the NEW Zoological Society’s Conservation Travel Program! The NEW Zoological Society, in partnership with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, is hosting a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the National Geographic Gemini, spending 7 nights onboard the ship exploring the breathtaking Galápagos Islands!
The Galápagos Islands are renowned for their unique biodiversity, serving as a “living laboratory” for evolution and home to numerous endemic species like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants, all found nowhere else on Earth.
Zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea. Experience the Galápagos aboard an elegant and nimble ship, well-equipped for up-close exploration. Encounter abundant wildlife—blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, pink flamingos, giant tortoises and more. The wildlife of Galápagos is legendary for being without fear in the presence of humans.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Arrive in Ecuador, in the coastal city of Guayaquil, for an included transfer to your convenient hotel for an overnight stay. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the locally owned Hotel Oro Verde.
Breakfast included.
DAY 2
Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands / Embark Ship
A flight from Guayaquil to Baltra to embark the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini.
DAYS 3 – 8
Explore the Galápagos Islands!
Below is a selection of islands we may visit during our 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.
Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, the northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two 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 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 giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.
Bartolomé: Climb the steps to the summit of the 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.
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, redand blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles and manta rays.
San Cristobal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island. 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.
Meals included while on the ship: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; and 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees, teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water.
DAY 9
Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Guayaquil
Disembark this morning and fly back to Guayaquil; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Unwind at Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 10
Guayaquil / Return Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home.
TRIP INCLUDES:
- Seven nights’ accommodations aboard the National Geographic Gemini for 48 guests
- Two nights’ hotel accommodations in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with breakfast (one pre-/one post-voyage)
- Transfers between the airport and hotel on arrival and departure days in Guayaquil (based on recommended arrival/departure times)
- Round-trip airport/ship transfers in Galápagos
- Porterage and luggage handling of two pieces per person in Guayaquil and Galápagos
- Access to the VIP lounge at the Baltra airport
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced, where possible
- 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees, teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water aboard the National Geographic Gemini
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the National Geographic Gemini (super premium wines and liquors are available for purchase)
- All shore excursions
- A selection of exploration tools, including:
- Zodiacs and kayaks, a glass-bottom boat, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins)
- Other state-of-the-art gear
- The guidance and company of our leading expedition staff, including:
- Expedition LeaderNaturalists and expert guidesWellness Coordinator
- Undersea Specialist
- Assistance from the National Geographic-certified photo instructor
- Services of the ship’s physician or medical professional, if needed
- Presentations by expedition staff aboard the National Geographic Gemini
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to the Fitness Center aboard the National Geographic Gemini
- Galápagos National Park entry fee
- Transit Control Cards required by the Galápagos National Institute
- Entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
- All gratuities to local guides in Guayaquil
- Complimentary Starlink internet access for all guests, 24/7, while aboard the National Geographic Gemini
- VIEW THE LIST OF INCLUSIONS HERE
TRIP EXCLUDES:
- International airfare to Ecuador (round-trip airfare from Green Bay, or Chicago with a motor-coach transfer from the NEW Zoo to Chicago airport, is expected to cost approximately $1000 per person)
- Pre- or post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and/or private transfers
- Travel protection plan, which is optional but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (see below for more details)
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Laundry, spa treatments, premium internet upgrade option, and phone services
- Super premium wines and liquors are available for purchase
- Gratuities to ship Staff
PRICING:
Oceanview Room $8,112 per person
(Cat 2, Rooms #403-410)
Balcony Room $10,061 per person
(Cat 4, Room #500 – 508)
All pricing above is based on double occupancy. Limited single rooms may be available.. Please contact the NEW Zoological Society for availability and pricing. View deck plans HERE.
RESERVATIONS:
To reserve a space on this amazing Galápagos Islands trip, or if you have any questions, send an email to Kristine Schuetze today at newzoosociety@gmail.com and provide the following information:
TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN:
Travel insurance coverage is optional but HIGHLY recommended for all travelers to protect your travel investment. It is your responsibility to obtain and manage coverage through the provider of your choice.
DEPOSITS:
A deposit of 15% of the trip cost, per person, is due to confirm your space on this amazing trip!
Remember, space is very limited – so don’t delay or you may miss out!