National Geographic Islander II
Ship Facts
Gross Tonnage: 3,264
Length: 269 feet
Beam: 45 feet
Cruising Speed: 15 knots
Guests: 48
Crew: 48
Decks: 5
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Wild Galapagos Deluxe Gay Group Cruise 2024
6 nights from/to Guayaquil, Ecuador
Optional 3 nights Quito & Otavalo Extension
September 21 – 28, 2024
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Islander II
 Join a group of gay travelers for one action-filled week aboard the newest ALL-SUITE ship in the Galapagos, the National Geographic Islander II. This all-suite vessel has just 26 suites and feels like your own private yacht sailing the Galápagos. Witness the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution, snorkel pristine, well-protected waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands. This voyage is crafted to offer you a diverse perspective of the archipelago with multiple adventures daily on land and undersea.
Sail the iconic archipelago with the pioneers of modern expedition travel. Encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful penguins, and charismatic sea lions in their natural habitats, unfazed by your presence. Enjoy multiple adventures each day on land and undersea, including walks and hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, in the company of local expert guides.
• Experience all Galápagos offers in just over one week
• Add a three-night post-expedition extension in Quito, Ecuador
• Snorkel and kayak in rich waters among shimmering fish, sea turtles, penguins, and playful sea lions
• Walk among colonies of wildlife and seabirds unfazed by your presence
• Maximize your time in the islands with options for exploration every day including hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and more
Your Ship - New National Geographic Islander II
Lindblad Expeditions introduced the new, all-suite National Geographic Islander II to its fleet in August 2022. Sleek and elegant, she sails year-round in the Galápagos Islands and elevates the guest experience to an entirely new level. A best-in-class expedition vessel that feels like a private yacht, National Geographic Islander II is a spacious all-suite ship. With only 26 suites and accommodating just 48 guests, she sails with a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio. Special features include teak decks, indoor-outdoor dining options, an impressive observation deck, and new amenities like a climate-controlled Marina and a high-tech Science Hub.
The new, all-suite National Geographic Islander II provides an authentic sense of place, drawing on our decades of partnering with local communities and conservation groups. Contributing to the fully immersive Ecuadorian experience on board are Ecuadorian staff and locally sourced and sustainable farm-to-table and ocean-to-table culinary ingredients, as well as artisan spa elements and handcrafted textiles, art, and décor all regionally created.
All-Suite Accommodations
18 Suites, 4 Solo suites, and 4 Islander Suites accommodating just 48 guests—all with large windows, convertible king/twin beds with 600-thread count bedding, ample closets, sofa, and marble double-sink bathrooms with a collection of organic amenities crafted exclusively for Lindblad Expeditions. In addition, a stocked mini-bar can be customized to guests’ preferences, and there’s in-room coffee and tea, Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV.
Indoor-Outdoor Dining
Enjoy meals in the expanded al fresco Patio Café, sophisticated Yacht Club Restaurant on the Promenade Deck, or Grill on the Observation Deck, where there’s also a bar and ample seating to host events. Here, guests gather for wine tastings, chocolate tastings, and Bubble-Qs—BBQs made extra celebratory with Champagne. The convenient 24-hour beverage and snack stations in the Bar and Library are other welcome amenities.
The Cove
The newly reimagined Cove is a gathering spot for pre-dinner Recaps, camaraderie with like-minded travelers, and craft cocktails. Four flat-screen TVs are part of a state-of-the-art communications system for engaging and informative audiovisual presentations. A forward-facing viewing platform invites you to step outside to take in the beauty of the islands.
Science Hub
Outfitted with scientific equipment, the exciting new Science Hub continues the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic legacy of supporting conservation and research. Equipped for underway oceanography, interactive video presentations, and an enhanced photo experience, the Science Hub is also a place for young guests in the National Geographic Global Explorers Program to experience hands-on learning.
Expedition Tools
National Geographic Islander II carries a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, a glass-bottom boat, an expanded flotilla of versatile Zodiacs, complete snorkel gear for adults and children, video microscope, and Science Hub.
The newly refitted teak-appointed marina is spacious and climate-controlled, designed for guests to comfortably get in and out of expedition gear.
Public Spaces
The ship’s public spaces enhance the connection to the islands. Guests will find an open Bridge, surrounding teak decks, and a forward-viewing area. Two dining areas accommodate all guests in a single seating. The Cove, which has a bar, is the setting for daily Recaps. Other ship features include a Reception area with glass doors that lead to an open teak Viewing Deck, a Plunge Pool, a Chart Room, the Global Gallery, Library, Marina, Swim Platform, and Zodiac boarding area.
What's Included
• One night accommodation in Guayaquil
• Five nights cruise aboard National Geographic Islander II
• Day room or one night accommodation in Guayaquil after the cruise
• All meals during the cruise
• Shore excursions
• The guidance and expertise of our expedition staff
• Sightseeing & entrance fees
• Special access permits, park fees
• Transfers to and from group flights
• Excursions
• Zodiac, kayak & stand-up paddleboard explorations, where relevant
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel, where relevant
• Use of the fitness center
What's Not Included
• International and internal airfare, except where specified as included
• Meals not indicated in the day-by-day description
• Additional hotel nights
• Private transfers
• Travel Protection Plan
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Items of a personal nature such as internet access, voyage chronicle, laundry, and scuba diving fees
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Wild Galapagos
Deluxe Gay Cruise 2024 Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 21 Sep |
Guayaquil, Ecuador |
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PM |
| 22 Sep |
Guayaquil / Baltra, Galapagos |
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| 23 Sep |
Galapagos Islands |
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| 24 Sep |
Galapagos Islands |
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| 25 Sep |
Galapagos Islands |
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| 26 Sep |
Galapagos Islands |
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| 27 Sep |
Baltra / Guayaquil /Quito |
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| 28 Sep |
Quito, Ecuador |
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| 29 Sep |
Otavalo, Ecuador |
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| 30 Sep |
Quito, Ecuador |
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Day 1 - Arrive Guayaquil, Ecuador
Arrive in Guayaquil and transfer to the 44-room 5* Hotel del Parque. Ask for recommended international flights or additional nights at the hotel.
Day 2 - Guayaquil / Galapagos / Embark
Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific. We are welcomed by our naturalist staff and start exploring the islands.
Day 3 - 6 - Galapagos Islands
Listed below is a sample of islands we may visit during our expedition. Our expedition begin and end at Baltra, and include visits to Isla Santa Cruz and a careful selection of diverse islands. Our itinerary offers an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes and experiences. Itinerary is subject to Galapagos National Park regulations.
North Seymour: Encounter nesting frigatebirds, plus land and marine iguanas, and enjoy a beautiful coastal walk.
Santa Cruz: Call at Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. Head to the lush, green highlands to see giant tortoises roaming in the wild.
Isabela: Toast crossing the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye open for whales and dolphins as you ply these rich waters, once the haunt of whalers and pirates.
Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, it’s the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant and the largest marine iguanas.
San Cristobal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.
Española: Home to swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at Punta Suarez.
Floreana: Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous barrel at Post Office Bay.
Day 7 - Disembark / Baltra / Guayaquil / Depart
Return by air to Guayaquil, where we enjoy dayrooms at the Hotel del Parque before flights home—or continue to Quito for an optional two night extension. You may also opt to overnight and fly home on Day 8 at no additional cost.
Optional Extension to Quito & Otavalo
Follow the mystery and magic of Galápagos with a four-day cultural experience in the Andes of Ecuador on this post-voyage extension.
Day 7 - Disembark / Baltra / Quito
Continue by air from Galápagos to Quito, the capital and cultural center of Ecuador. Heralded as one of Latin America's most beautifully preserved cities, the historic center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, transfer to Casa Gangotena Hotel, a converted mansion in the heart of the colonial center on Plaza San Francisco.
Day 8 - Quito, Ecuador
After breakfast, set to explore the original plazas, impressive churches and Baroque splendors outside your doorstep. This half-day adventure also features a visit to the Mercado San Francisco, oldest in the city. Opt to stay in the center for lunch on your own, wander la Ronda or return to the hotel. Later, opt to join an exclusive neighborhood activity at the hotel. Dinner and the evening at leisure.
Day 9 - Otavalo, Ecuador
Today we drive north with our guide on a private tour through the Andean highlands to Otavalo—crossing the Equator along the way. We take the day to explore the celebrated handicraft markets, visit a nearby weaving village and relax over lunch at a historic hacienda. Evening at leisure.
Note: depending on market schedule, days 8 and 9 may be reversed.
Day 10 - Quito, Ecuador / Departure
The bulk of the gay scene of Quito can be found in the touristic Mariscal area, in and around the “Plaza Foch”. It is affectionally nicknamed “La Zone Rosa” (ie the Pink Zone) by locals, however, not because it's a “gay area” per se, but because it is the heart of the city's nightlife. This is where all of Quito's main bars, clubs and restaurants come to life every evening.
This morning transfer to the airport for flights home.
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