Galapagos Expedition Luxury All-Gay Cruise 2025

10 nights from Quito to Guayaquil, Ecuador

August 28 – September 7, 2025
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Endeavour II

We are pleased to introduce our 2025 Ecuador and the Galapagos Luxury Gay Expedition. 11-day adventure beginning in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, including a 7-night luxury all-gay cruise in the Galapagos, ending back on the mainland, in Ecuador’s largest city Guayaquil. We have chartered the National Geographic Endeavour II, equipped for comfort as well as in-depth exploration. With a capacity of only 96 guests, this adventure offers all aspects of the Galapagos: intimate contact with wildlife, active volcanoes, a vast Marine Reserve, camaraderie, comfort and safety.

Your all-lgbt+ adventure begins with a full day tour in Quito, home to the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 9,350 feet. From Quito, fly to Baltra Island where you will board a ferry to Santa Cruz Island, the most populous in the archipelago. Explore the highlands of the islands with their lush vegetation before venturing down to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station to meet giant tortoises face to face.

Sail to a stunning anchorage at Santa Fe Island for a visit to this sandy white beach with many sea lion harems, a wonderful spot for our first snorkel, kayak or ride aboard our glass-bottom boat. Disembark amid the waters of South Plaza Island, with its yellow-gray land iguanas munching cactus fruits and coastline where we find sea lion colonies and dozens of sea birds.

A visit to North Seymour Island starts with a walk along the coast and the interior of this island, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. Enjoy the north shore of Santa Cruz Island and its beautiful white beaches, great for a swim or snorkel. Bartolomé Island provides an unbeatable volcanic viewpoint, golden-sandy beach and excellent wildlife exploration for snorkelers. Following the cruise, fly back to the mainland for an overnight in Guayaquil. This tropical city is the financial and commercial center of the country, on the banks of the Guayas River.

Galapagos Expedition Luxury Gay Cruise Highlights

• Explore Quito a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site - that boasts the largest and least-altered downtown in Latin America.

• Travel aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II, equipped with kayaks, paddleboards and Zodiacs, allowing for up-close exploration.

• Up-close encounters with unique species such as flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises.

• Join naturalists on interpretive island walks to learn about Galápagos wildlife, and witness incredible interactions between animals in their natural habitat.

Galapagos Expedition Luxury Gay Cruise Inclusions

• FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED!

• Guaranteed all-LGBT+ charter

• Transfers from the airport to hotel and hotel to airport

• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Quito including daily buffet breakfast

• Welcome reception in Quito

• Full day touring in Quito

• Internal flights from mainland to Galápagos Islands

• Seven nights on board the National Geographic Endeavour II

• Alcoholic beverages (excluding some premium brands)

• Dining: all meals included during your cruise

• Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary

• Wi-Fi up to one hour per day per person on the Galápagos portion of the trip

• One post night stay in Guayaquil

• Farewell dinner in Guayaquil

Your Ship - National Geographic Endeavour II

The National Geographic Endeavour II is a new, state-of-the-art addition to the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet. This fully stabilized ship allows for smooth passage between the islands of the Galápagos archipelago.

This comfortable vessel carries 96 guests in 53 outside cabins and is equipped with a range of exploration tools, including kayaks, Zodiac landing craft, a glass-bottom Zodiac, and snorkeling gear. Onboard amenities include a fitness center, a spa, and a global gallery.

Public Areas
Ship is fully air-conditioned. Covered deck with chairs and tables; doctor’s office; fitness centre; LEXspa; global gallery; library; lounge with full-service bar and facilities for viewing and presentations; and sun deck. Our Ecuadorian captain welcomes guests to the bridge in accordance with our ‘open bridge’ policy.

Expedition Equipment:
Kayaks, glass-bottom Zodiac, snorkeling gear, underwater video camera, video microscope, wet suits, and Zodiac landing craft.

Special Features:
Guest internet access, laundry service, and wellness program. Ship’s doctor and video chronicler are also on board.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I schedule my flights?
Arrival:
You should schedule your arrival to Quito on or before August 28, 2025. Your first event will be a welcome cocktail reception at approximately 5:30pm on August 28th.
Departure:
You should schedule your flight from Guayaquil late night on the 6th of September or on the morning of the 7th of September, 2025. Hotel check-out is at 11:00am.

What arrival and departure transfers are included?
Arrival transfers are provided from the Quito Airport to the host hotel.
Departure transfers are provided from the host hotel to the Guayaquil airport.

If you extend your stay at in Guayaquil, you will then need to arrange your own transfer to the airport.

Contact our team or your travel agent to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.

What should I expect on the included shore excursions?
In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is kept flexible to take advantage of the unexpected, adapting course to the conditions and opportunities that arise. Your expedition experience can be tailored to the activity level you choose, whether it’s light or moderate or a little of both. Travelers should be in good health, comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time and over uneven surfaces and able to get in and out of unstable expedition landing craft. Daily activities may include Zodiac cruises, easy hikes, walking tours and visits to cultural or historic sites, with options for more physical activities such as longer hikes, biking or kayaking, dependent on conditions.

What if I have dietary requirements?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.

Will there be smoking areas?
The comfort and safety of our guests is our first priority. Smoking is not permitted in the suites or enclosed, public areas on board. There is a designated smoking area on the Sun Deck. Land properties will have designated smoking areas.

Is there a dress code?
Attire is casual and comfortable throughout, with comfortable, but sturdy, footwear for excursions. You will want to pack shorts or lightweight pants, long and short sleeve shirts which are lightweight and offer protection from the sun, swimwear, wide brimmed hat, windbreaker or light jacket for the evenings, sunscreen and sunglasses. Footwear is always required in all public areas, and when navigating stairs on board the ship.

What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.

What are the passport and visa requirements?
A passport, which is valid for six months after your last date of travel, is required for this trip.
United States and Canadian passport holders may travel to Ecuador without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. Residents of other countries should consult with their home country state department or Ecuadorian consulate or embassy.