Wild Galápagos Escape
aboard the National Geographic Islander II
Wild Galápagos Escape
aboard the National Geographic Islander II
Coda Tours is partnering with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic for an exciting 6-night cruise in the Galapagos Islands in September 2024. The voyage will be aboard the newest vessel in the Galapagos, the National Geographic Islander II. Coda Tours founder, Jim Smith, has a long history with this vessel, dating back to the early 1990s. Jim served as cruise director aboard this vessel throughout Europe and the Middle East. The first-ever National Geographic travel program was operated on this ship under the direction of Jim Smith.
Now the vessel, freshly renovated and looking fabulous, is plying the waters of the Galapagos under the Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic.
With only a total capacity of 48 guests, Coda will have a significant group on board. A Galapagos cruise is one of life’s best travel experiences.
Cruise Overview
Countries Visited: Ecuador
Starts In: Guayaquil
Ends In: Guayaquil
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Cruise Date: Sep 21-28, 2024
Group Size: No minimums
Accommodations: Luxury (5 ★)
Activity Level: Moderate
Experiences: Wildlife, Sealife Culture, Food, Cruise
Int'l Air Route: USA | Guayaquil (GYE)...Guayaquil (GYE) | USA
Highlights
- Coda Tours signature small group size
- Coda Tours signature comprehensive sightseeing programs
- Coda Tours signature inclusive meal plan
- Coda Tours signature deluxe accommodations aboard the NGI II, intimate, yacht-like ship
- UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quito (extension only)
- Cross the Equator and see Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes and one of the largest active oceanic volcanos in the world
- Snorkel and Kayak among fish, sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions
- Opportunity to view wildlife: whales, dolphins, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, waved albatross, and flightless cormorant
About National Geographic Islander II
Launching in August 2022, the sleek and elegant National Geographic Islander II will sail year-round in the Galápagos Islands and elevate the guest experience to an entirely new level. This new ship replaces the National Geographic Islander and carries the same number of guests.
The National Geographic Islander II, a best-in-class expedition ship, expertly refitted to facilitate the active exploration at the heart of the Lindblad experience, has the spirit and soul of a private yacht. Accommodating just 48 guests, she is a spacious all-suite vessel with a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio and five expedition staff. Guests will enjoy more space than ever before while exploring the Galápagos Islands.
Travelers will find encircling teak decks that gracefully connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, indoor-outdoor dining options, a well-outfitted observation deck, 26 light and airy suites, and new expedition amenities including a marina and science hub. A true, ocean-going vessel, National Geographic Islander II is 280-feet long, 46-feet wide, and equipped with stabilizers for smooth sailing. Her refit for Galápagos includes key environmental and fuel-efficient upgrades like reduced outdoor lighting, special paint, and recycled water from the newly installed air conditioning system.
Cabins & Prices
| Cabin Category | Double/Twin | Single | Cabin Square Footage |
| SU (Bridge Deck • Main Deck) | $10090 | $N/A | 280 sq. ft. |
| IS (Main Deck • Bridge Deck) | $14060 | $N/A | 515 sq. ft. |
| SO (Bridge Deck • Main Deck) | $N/A | $15030>WAITLIST AVAIL.< | 280 sq. ft. |
Deposit:
- A Deposit Payment of 15% of the cabin fare, per person, will hold a cabin for you.
- Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure date.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure date.
Date Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee
120 or more days No penalty: Deposit Payment will be credited toward your next expedition.**
119-90 days 50% of trip cost**
89-0 days 100% of trip cost**
**Advance payments (Deposits) will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.
**Trip cost is total price paid including extensions, charter airfare, and other additional services.
Special Notes:
- Single Occupancy rates can be avoided if you wish to be matched with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share is available, the single rate will apply.
- Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour online.
- Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made. Rates are based on a minimum participation and if the minimum participation is not met rates may need to be revised.
Do these dates not fit in with your schedule?
CODA can help design a tailor made tour to suit you!
Tour Map
Itinerary
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DAY 1: Sep 21, 2024 | U.S. / Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart on any regularly scheduled flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, transfer to our 5-star accommodations for a free evening.
Accommodations: Hotel del Parque★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Hotel: Hotel del Parque -
DAY 2: Sep 22 | Flight to Baltra | Embark
Today we fly to Baltra, at the heart of the Galápagos. A world unto itself, we will embark aboard the National Geographic Islander II, welcomed by our naturalist staff to begin an in-depth exploration of these magical Tropical Pacific islands.
Accommodations: National Geographic Islander II ★★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3 Sep 23 | : Galápagos Islands: Santa Cruz & North Seymour
Call at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz, the largest town and headquarters of both Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. Head to the lush, green highlands to see giant tortoises roaming in the wild. Next, encounter nesting frigatebirds and land and marine iguanas on a coastal walk on the island of North Seymour.*
Accommodations: National Geographic Islander II ★★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4: Sep 24 | Galápagos Islands: Isabela & Fernandina
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. Next, visit one of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, it is the youngest and most pristine island in the Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant and the largest marine iguanas.*
Accommodations: National Geographic Islander II ★★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 5: Sep 25 | Galápagos Islands: San Cristobal
Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island of San Cristobal. Next, venture to the center of town to explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive.*
Accommodations: National Geographic Islander II ★★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 6: Sep 26 | Galápagos Islands: Española & Floreana
Home to swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at Punta Suarez. Then, at Floreana, follow the trail towards the pink-tinted lagoon full of flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac and visit the famous barrel at Post Office Bay.*
Accommodations: National Geographic Islander II ★★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner*These are sample itineraries of the islands we may visit. Our expeditions begin and end at Baltra, and include visits to Isla Santa Cruz and a careful selection of diverse islands. Each of our itineraries offers an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes and experiences. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.
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DAY 7: Sep 27 | Disembark | Flight to Baltra | Guayaquil
Say goodbye to the ship as we disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for return flights to Guayaquil. Enjoy a room for the day until departure flights to the USA, or stay overnight.
Accommodations: Hotel del Parque★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Hotel: Hotel del Parque -
DAY 8: Sep 28 | Departure Flights to USA
If departure flights scheduled today, check-out and transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
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OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO QUITO & OTAVALO
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DAY 7: Sep 27 | Disembark | Flight to Quito
Follow the mystery and magic of Galápagos with a four-day cultural experience in the Andes of Ecuador on this post-voyage extension. Say goodbye to the ship as we disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for flights 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, a converted mansion in the heart of the colonial center on Plaza San Francisco.
Hotel: Casa Gangotena★★★★
Room Standard
Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 8: Sep 28 | Quito
After breakfast, set out 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.
Hotel: Casa Gangotena★★★★
Room Standard
Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 9: Sep 29 | Otavalo
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.
Hotel: Casa Gangotena★★★★
Room Standard
Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 10: Sep 30 | Departure Flights to USA
This morning transfer to the airport for departure flights to the
USA.Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
What's Included
- Three nights aboard the luxury NGI II; Two nights luxury hotel accommodations (Four nights with extension)
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner while aboard the NGI II (Additional five meals with extension)
- Private transportation and tours throughout the tour
- Sightseeing excursions and entry fees, as stated in the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking local guides in each country
- Coda Tour Representative, with minimum participation
- Pre-departure assistance and Information Portfolio from Coda Tours
- Taxes and service charges
What's Not Included
- International airfare and baggage fees
- Intra-tour airfare (quoted separately)
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
- Passport and visa fees; no visa is required for this tour
- Departure tax, if applicable
- Personal meals, transfers, drinks, telephone, gifts, and expenses not outlined in the itinerary
- Any optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in the itinerary
- Gratuity for local guides, drivers, staff, and Coda Tour Manager
Travel Prep
Airlines serving Guayaquil (GYE) are American, United, Latam Ecuador, and Copa. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer. Please request a quote if you would like Coda Tours to assist with international airfare bookings. We often can offer favorable rates for Business or Economy class at a standard fee of $35 per ticket.
Intra-tour flights are at an additional cost and are outlined below. Coda Tours will book these on your behalf.
$520 economy class
Monday, September 23, 2024 Guayaquil / Galapagos
Saturday, September 28, 2024 Galapagos / Guayaquil
Optional Extension Airfare
FARE TBA
Saturday, September 28, 2024 Galapagos / Quito TBA
A valid passport is required for international travel and must be valid for 6 months after the return date of travel and have two blank pages available per country visited. No visa is required for American and Canadian passport holders.
All travelers must be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and have proof of vaccination that is verified by a medical professional. No other immunizations are required for travel on this tour; however, the Center for Disease Control suggests that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccines, including Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Shingles. For this tour, it is especially important to be up to date on your Hepatitis A and B vaccines.
The average temperature will likely range from a low of 64°F and a high of 75°F on this tour. Being on the water can bring a cool breeze. While September is one of the driest months, the sky may be either sunny or overcast and there might be a bit of drizzle from time to time.
All departures and rates are guaranteed on a minimum number of participants. A Coda Tour Manager will accompany a tour also based on a minimum number of participants. This tour can be operated as a Private Tour or customized and repriced based on a final itinerary.
A complete portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed to you approximately three weeks prior to departure