The Galapagos Islands

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 PRIVATE CHARTER on the National Geographic Gemini! We will spend 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.

THIS PRIVATE CHARTER 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 Leader
    • Naturalists and expert guides
    • Wellness 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
  • Internal round-trip airfare from Guayaquil to Galápagos
  • Reservation Services provided by Landry & Kling on behalf of the NEW Zoological Society

CHARTER 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

PRICING:
Oceanview Room $9,495 per person
Balcony Room $10,995 per person
Junior Suite $12,995 per person
Suite $14,995 per person
All pricing above is based on double occupancy.

Prices above are valid until May 19, 2025. After that date, a $500 per person additional charge will apply.

At this time, we are unsure if any single rooms (with a single supplement) will be available. If you would like to add your name to a waitlist for a single room, please email Kristine at the email address below. For a ship deck plan, visit https://www.expeditions.com/about/fleet/national-geographic-gemini/decks-cabins and click on deck for more information regarding room types.

RESERVATIONS:
To reserve a space on this amazing Galápagos Islands trip, send an email to Kristine Schuetze today at newzoosociety@gmail.com and provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name as shown on the passport of each guest in the room
  • Date of birth (mm/dd/yyyy) for each guest
  • Email address for each financially responsible guest (i.e., who is paying for the room – either one person paying for both guests or each guest being responsible for his/her own cost)
  • Daytime contact phone number for each financially responsible guest
  • Room type preference (oceanview room, balcony room, junior suite, or suite)
    Note: we suggest providing your first 2 choices in order of preference in case your first choice is sold out

Emails will be reviewed in the order that they are received, and reservations will be confirmed on a first-come first-served basis. A reply email will be sent to advise the room type being held along with a link to pay the required deposit to secure the reservation. IMPORTANT NOTE: due to the limited availability and time-sensitive requirements to secure this amazing opportunity, rooms will only be held for 48 hours from when the reservation email response was sent during which the initial deposit must be paid to finalize the reservation. After the 48-hour period, requested reservations will be subject to availability.

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. One option is through Travel Guard, which offers a variety of travel insurance plans and assistance services for US residents with a permanent US address. You can Click Here to get a quote and purchase trip insurance coverage directly with Travel Guard after your trip reservation has been deposited and confirmed.

DEPOSITS:
A deposit of $2,500 per person is due within 48 hours from when a reservation email response was sent to secure a reservation. The remaining balance will be spread out over 4 additional installments on the following dates:

  • 2nd payment due September 5, 2025
  • 3rd payment due December 5, 2025
  • 4th payment due March 5, 2026
  • Final payment due May 5, 2026

All payments will be charged to the credit card on file by Landry & Kling agency, which is partnering with NEW Zoological Society on this trip, when due and are non-refundable as of the scheduled due dates.

Remember, space is very limited – so don’t delay or you may miss out!