We chose this adventure because of the reputation al National Geographic and their photographers. We were not disappointed. We were lucky enough to have Don Johansson on board to educate us on Darwin and the discovery of “Lucy”. What a treat! We were able to see all the wild life up close and personal and learn how to get really good shots. Every activity was planned to the tee and the scheduling and timing was on point. Unreal. The ship was delightful and the food was authentic and delicious with several “theme “ nights. The wait staff learned our favorites and were always ready to please! The staff was multi talented. Their knowledge of the area was unsurpassed and one night we were entertained by them with their entertainment and guitar skills! I’d you are lucky enough to have Salvatore on board please ask him to make the sound of a sea lion! If you hav ever had The Galápagos on your bucket list, this is the company to book with. A trip of a lifetime. Read Less

Go National Geographic/Linblad! While the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos exists for all, the ability to experience it to the fullest is not always the case. Each day we were offered three/four unique expeditions, and often two levels of the same expedition. So, while I snorkeled the deep waters the first day and hurt myself, my partner chose a 3 mile hike and I was able to be on a much shorter expedition. My stroll was awesome, informative, exciting and my partner felt the same way. Our ship had 7 Naturalists, Each was Fabulous always available, always enthusiastic, always caring. Access to the islands is limited by the park service. Nat-Geo/Linblad is an active supporter of the Darwin Foundation and is given priority on sites. Now wrap all this up in the comfort and SECURITY of being on a floating HOTEL. Did I mention the fabulous food, the head of the restaurant, who learned EVERYONE's name and food preferences? Throughout the cruise, EVERY PERSON went out of their way to make the experience the BEST and to enable each and every one of us to have full access and comfort. My travels are usually less expensive, however, I felt the security and knowledge this company offered was worth it. YES IT WAS! THANK YOU! Read Less

The trip was seamless and excellent from start to finish. There were representatives at every embarkation and disembarkation points to help us on our way. The crew, staff, and guides onboard were friendly, courteous, and always willing to help with any situation. The food was great. Our cabin was very well appointed, the bed comfortable, the head facilities were very well appointed and included a hair drier and an outlet near the sink - very convenient. The staff tat looked after us was meticulous in making up the room each and every time we left for an excursion, so it was always nice to come back to a fresh room. Each outing went smoothly and exceeded our expectations. The guide were knowledgable about the geography and the wildlife and always willing to answer any questions. Including being well versed in the nature around us, most of the guides were also quite knowledgable about the best photographic techniques to use. This was the best adventure we have ever been on. Read Less

We had heard about this NGLindblad Galapagos expedition from friends who had done it a prior year. The whole experience exceeded our expectations (which were already high). Lindblad takes care of every detail, from being met at Miami Airport to final drop off in Guayaquil. Everyone on the ship was top notch- knowledgeable, professional, helpful. The naturalists were amazing , with their broad and deep knowledge of flora fauna, everything. And we saw SO MUCH! Communication was superb on the ship. We were informed about the various options for shoreside excursions and snorkeling, and what was needed to participate, including options for those who needed a different option (such as a shorter hike). The whole dining experience was wonderful. The food choices were plentiful and delicious. We especially appreciated the use of local products. We liked the casual atmosphere- no dressing up, and open seating so we could mix and mingle. Nametags were very helpful! Our cabin was just right and serviced at least 2-3 times a day. The ship was well organized. The whole experience was fantastic. We would choose Lindblad for our next "trip of a lifetime". Read Less

We wanted to see all the best Peru and Ecuador had to offer in one trip and this exceeded our expectations. The pre trip to the cloud forest of Mashpi was stunning, i will remember our fabulous guide Fernando and the tiny frogs and hummingbirds forever. Quito too was a lovely surprise, beautiful historic city. Cruise itself around Galapagos was perfect; busy with expeditions 2 - 3 times per day so we saw all the local wildlife. Then Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu...Wow Wow Wow!! The quality of the guides and the accomodation could not be surpassed, we had a very small group and Lourdes bought the whole history of the Incas alive for us. The Galapagos ship experience worked like clockwork and i am so pleased we went on larger ship as the seas were quite rocky at night as we travelled between islands. There were the inevitable occasions when you felt herded on the ship leg given roughly 90 passengers but it was worth it for the quality of everything else - cabin, food, staff all truely exceptional. if you want to be totally immersed in the best Of Peru and Ecuador you would be hard pressed to beat this. Read Less

Since Galapagos is a trip of a lifetime and difficult to get to, we wanted to make sure we did it right. The ship, crew & naturalists were EXCELLENT! Each excursion was with a small group and a Naturalist. The Naturalists were extremely knowledgeable, articulate, attentive and personable. They made it interesting, fun, educational and safe; and their passion for the Galapagos was evident. Regarding the wildlife, they always under-promised & over-delivered! We saw so much it was unbelievable. Blue-footed Boobies, Flightless Cormorants, tons of Iquanas, Sea Lions all over, Yellow Warblers, Brown Pelicans, Sea Turtles, Giant Tortoises, Red-footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, etc... The logistics were so well planned & executed. I was impressed by how efficiently they got us off & on the boat for expeditions twice a day. I was also impressed by their safety considerations. The zodiac drivers and crew took excellent care of us.... using the Galapagos hand-shake to make sure everyone was safe getting on and off zodiacs. Each day we had several options to chose from. Hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, swimming & glass-bottom boat viewing. And often we could do more than one option. The communication was excellent. Each night we had a recap and discussion of the next days options & timeline. The food was excellent, so many options & plentiful! The cabin was very comfortable & we were so well taken care of. Seemed every time we left the cabin they tidied it up for us! They had thought of so many little details to make our trip so enjoyable! Water bottles for each guest. Sea sickness pills available at reception. Coffee of your choice 24hrs/day. Free cocktails. Interesting lectures once or twice a day. Photography assistance. When we went snorkeling, the guides had shampoo to use on our masks to make sure they didn't fog up! Amazing the details they had prepared for. Free stretching/yoga at start of day. Read Less

Could not have asked for a better experience. From the moment we were in the hands of Lindblad everything was handled flawlessly. Pre travel questions were handled in a professional timely fashion. All land accommodations were excellent. Embarkation and debarkation were well coordinated and executed. Ship board accommodations were comfortable, roomy and clean. Housekeeping visited the cabin on a frequent basis to insure cleanliness throughout the day. The dining room and staff were excellent. Special appreciations to the wait staff and cooks. My son has dietary restrictions and they were very attentive to his needs and provided alternatives when necessary. Food was very good and a good variety of options. All of the days activities were well planned and explained as to the degree of difficulty or other particulars.While the day was full we never felt rushed or "we have a schedule to keep". The naturalists were knowledgeable and eager to provede information and respond to questions. I have already recommended this trip to friends and will certainly consider Lindblad for future trips. Read Less

It was always a dream of mine to see both Galapagos and Machu Picchu, ever since I started receiving catalogs from Lindblad and NatGeo. If I was going to see these historic places, I wanted National Geographic to be a part of it so that I could maximize my experience and my learning. I wanted the see more and do more, in a safe and secure environment. But I also wanted a small group experience. I didn't want to be overwhelmed or stymied by a large cruise ship. I wanted to get closer to the islands of the Galapagos, get to know the naturalists and tour guides personally, and I wanted to meet fellow travelers who shared my enthusiasm and quest for knowledge. Lindblad/NatGeo delivered on all of those things with a luxury cruise experience for 90+ passengers. The food was local, sustainable and delicious every single day. My husband and I had the base-level cabin, but it was roomy and efficiently designed. It was so smartly laid out that we had enough room for everything we brought with us, and that was plenty. My husband is 6'4" and the shower was tall and big enough for him. The activities were varied and accommodated different interests and activity levels. We wished there were longer hikes, as an option. We'd never snorkeled before but both enjoyed deep-water snorkeling on this trip. The efficiency of the program meant the staff was always on time and ready for us, whether it was handing out wet suits, fins and masks or jumping on the zodiacs to begin the next activity. We were never bored, and we always had a clear picture of the day's activities so we could make decisions about what we wanted to do. This was our first cruise ever. It set the bar really high! Read Less

We choose this cruise due to the nature & places the cruise went. We knew there would be things we'd never see again. The ports were fabulous. There were so many things to see. The service was great & staff very friendly. There were many excursions daily. The only thing we feel would be better is if prior to the trip an itinerary of the each days activities had been sent. We were told casual clothing which I thought was for dinner so I didn't pack correctly. I thought we'd be in bathing suits most of the time so for myself I didn't pack tee shirts or shorts. As far as the food there was plenty of choices but all fancy. We would have preferred just plain simple food(meatloaf, hamburgs, etc). The food we ate was good but we didn't eat much. Lunch salads needed to have a lot more items to put in the salad. Usually there was only 2 items other than the lettuce. The ship & cabin was great. Due to the price I don't think we'd go again but you never know. Read Less

As a scientist and biologist, I wanted to explore the Galapagos Islands for myself to witness the uniqueness of species that motivated Charles Darwin to advance his factual theories on evolution and natural selection. The National Geographic team aboard the Endeavor II gave us an exceptionally motivating expedition of the most unique location on our planet. The experience was enhanced by the warm, friendly, motivated and well-informed staff, especially the expedition leader, Carlos, who was also a comedian. There was no shortage of excellent Ecuadorian food and snacks and drinks. There was even time for early morning stretching on the observation deck and a work out in the gym. One of the most exciting experiences on board was meeting so many new people for the first time. The Lounge and Dining Room were large and cozy enough to make this possible. The frequent visits by zodiacs to the different islands highlighting the unique species was breathtaking to say the least. I've never seen so many beautiful creatures in my life. There's no doubt that I will do this expedition again, soon. Read Less

Visiting the Galapagos Islands has been on our travel list. When we were offered an opportunity to do it with friends we immediately agreed. This cruise was hosted by Lindblad / National Geographic. The cruise was great, there was no part of the cruise which I found lacking or poorly done. L/NG provided the smoothest transition from the airport to the hotel on the day of arrival and then the same service the next day as we flew out to the GI and boarded the Endeavor II. The handling of the people and our luggage was smooth, and quick. They transferred the people and luggage from shore to the ship in Endeavor II zodiacs. By the time we completed the buffer lunch our luggage was in our room. We traveled to and visit 6 islands, with hiking, snorkeling or kayaking available to see this natural wonder up close. Each days events were briefed in detail the night before, during an open bar happy hour, and then again in the morning. Carlos the Expedition Leader kept track of what was going an insured that the schedule was kept in order to accomplish the myriad of events which occurred through out the day. Ecuador does not allow individuals onto the islands with an Ecuador licensed Naturalist. There were seven Naturalists on board the E II. The lead all the small group tours, hikes and snorkeling. They were very knowledgeable and all were native to Ecuador. The promised sightings of the varieties of wildlife and birds always happened. Breakfast was always a buffet. Lunch was also a buffet. Dinner was a menu selection of local seafood and other meats. There were always at least three choices. One of which was Vegan/Vegetarian. The food was awesome. The ship crew was friendly and always helpful. If they had trouble with English they would find someone to help them and then help you. All the Dining and housekeeping staff spoke English fluently. The Deck Crew and Engine Crew understood English, but did not necessarily speak it well. However, they never ran away if you asked a question. They always got answer. The crew was very proud of its ship. It was clean, and in very good repair. I highly recommend this cruise, Read Less

We are a retired couple in our active 60’s and needed an expedition that combined moderate activity level in a new to us part of the world with better than average comfort care. This was that trip. One week in the Galapagos Islands. Endeavour II carries 96 passengers and a crew of more than 60 including Galapagos naturalists. Staff is very organized with constant communication on board via daily sheets and announcements. The ship has three levels with zodiac landing, restaurant, cabins, group lounge, small library, shop, photo sharing workspace. No elevators. There is also an open air top deck with lounging chairs and bar area for special events (like equator crossing) and sunset viewing parties. Rooms are small but efficient. There is plenty of storage space for swimwear and active clothing and a small desk area. We were in their “basic” level which was very comfortable with a large picture window. The en suite bath has a sufficient shower with lots of hot water and a clothesline cord. All meals are included. Wine and beer flow easily at lunch and dinner. Local foods are served daily with fun explanations of what we’re eating. A different cultural food is featured each day. Plenty of fresh food including salads, vegetables, meats and desserts. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style. Dinner is table service in group settings. Entertainment is basic in consideration of the size of the ship and staff. Every evening includes cocktail hour in the lounge with appetizers like fish skewers and chips and guacamole. This includes a recap and pics of the day’s activities and a preview of the next day’s plans. After dinner entertainment includes local performers or a nature film. There is lots of interaction with other passengers and staff. Children are welcome and the crew have a special activity just for them each day. Lindblad Expeditions addresses every detail. The pre trip packet has a very explanatory itinerary, personnel bios, and a very good packing list of recommended special gear. Our only recommendation is to add shirts etc with sun protection in addition to sunscreen lotion. After all, this is right on the equator. The crew covers their hands and faces. There are usually three activities per day. 1) One to two mile hikes. 2) Water activities include ocean swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and 3) zodiac and glass bottom boat tours. All entrance and exit from the ship is via zodiac – even to and from the airport. All drivers and guides are very safety and care conscious. But one must feel confident getting in and out of the zodiac and riding over ocean waves motorboat style. Special zodiac lifejackets become second nature. Shore landings might be dry on sand or wading thru low tide. They must be hands free for assistance sake so cameras and gear are best on neck straps. Hiking excursions are across volcanic rock which is sometimes slippery. So hiking shoes for uneven terrain are absolutely necessary. Trekking poles are helpful. Treks are less than two miles at a low to moderate climb rate. Water activities include shore swimming. Snorkeling is deep water style straight off the zodiac. The staff takes great care helping passengers choose the best shortie wet suits, masks, snorkels and vests. Snorkeling experience is recommended but not required. Zodiac tours move slowly with unbelievable photo ops at the water level and close to shore for animal and bird viewing. Galapagos National Park maintains a very strict itinerary for visitors. Naturalist guides are extremely knowledgeable and helpful with photo shots, zodiacs and hiking. They know history, geology, geography and animal habitat notes free on a professor level. Wildlife spotting is beyond words. All are easy to spot, unafraid of us and easy to photo. We saw sand crabs, marine iguanas, pelicans, egrets, herons, sea turtles, sea lions, Galapagos penguins, blue footed boobies, cormorants, land tortoises, land iguanas, cattle, red footed boobies and many varieties of Darwin finches. Trip includes a couple of village visits including a tortoise research station and town walk. The trip is expensive but there are minimal additional costs once on board – laundry, crew tips, and cocktails (wine/beer at meals is covered). Read Less

My sister and I chose this cruise because it was someplace we had always wanted to see but never thought we would have that opportunity. Lindblad/National Geo came highly reccommended and we were not disappointed - our room was roomy and comfortable and the food was local and delicious. Everything from the immaculate ship, the friendly crew and fantastic excursions made this a trip we will never forget. The local naturalists were a highlight- their stories of and knowledge about the islands was an inspiration. It is wonderful that these young men and women have taken the opportunity to be educated about their island and have chosen to make a career out of educating other people. Amongst all the fabulous sights and activiities the he ability to snorkel with sea lions was my favorite thing My lasting gift from this trip is to see that there is sill someplace on earth where people value the natural beauty in which they live and have prioritized its preservation. Read Less

The usual high standards about all aspects of the expedition were quite evident. The ship and the facilities were top class. The food and drink were of high quality and highly varied. The dining room was informal and it was always nice to find different people to eat meals with. The hotel manager and his staff were outstanding. The naturalists were all qualified, well experienced and most importantly local. They were approachable and took pride in explaining the biology and geology of the islands. The excursions were very well planned and executed in an impeccable manner without any hitches. As in our past journey, the logistics were managed outstandingly well. This is our second trip with Lindblad/ NatGeo and it fully met our expectations (which were very high after our first trip to Antarctica on the NG Explorer). We covered the older islands and didn’t go to the two western-most – Isabella and Fernandina. However, we had seen all the wildlife that we ever wanted to see – the finches, the mocking birds, the boobies (all three types), frigate birds, tropic birds, Galapagos penguins, the giant tortoises, marine and land iguanas, barn owls, Flamingos, Shearwaters, Herons, Egrets, and many other animals. We went snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, went kayaking (and some others did paddle boards), rode in glass bottom boat and had our fill of marine life that included numerous fish species, rays, sea turtles, sea lions, etc. We also went to a white tipped shark nursery among the mangroves on northern side of Santa Cruz island. On the last day of the voyage we went across the equator to the island of Genovesa which was a paradise for birds with mangroves abound. A visit to the Darwin Foundation was special. The National Geographic photographer on board – Todd Gippstein was special. He gave a presentation nearly every day on how to shoot better, sharing his vast experience in a very accessible manner. And, he was very hands on in terms of help with cameras and shooting in the field. He was a great magician too, so entertainment came alongside learning! Overall, the people of Lindblad and National Geographic made the trip very special. Read Less

All I can say is our “expedition” with Nat Geographic far exceeded our expectations. We went with Linblad and National Geographic in the Nat Geo Endeavor 11 because we knew they had been there the longest as far as a “cruise line” But this was not a cruise.. it was indeed an Expedition! Full of hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and lectures, loaded with information on everything “Galapagos” for the 7 days we were fortunate to experience all of it. As I said, This was a week long amazing, beautiful course in the Galapagos. We are NOT cruise people, we love active vacations. And this is exactly what we received. The entire staff was gracious, well educated on where we were, extremely wanting to please. I was most impressed by the hotel management and attention to detail, even in the dining room. We were not only served organic, sustainable typically Ecuadorian fare, but we were also served up an education on local cuisine including meats, fruits, vegetables, spices, desserts .. which also added to a very well rounded “immersion” in everything Ecuador! Naturalists gave us their rich wealth of information. Tips on Photography, both on land and under the sea. Lectures everyday were well attended.. by the entire guest population on the ship. Rooms were well appointed and cared for. Housekeeping was also impressive as rooms were tidied up 3 times a day, laundry was usually back same day.. The ship paid very strict attention to cleanliness, as there were hand sanitizer stations all over. Ship doctor was always available, even graciously, for 1 bandaid. I will most definitely look forward to my next Linblad Nat Geo trip. Hopefully Antarctica! (Only if Emma and Walter are our Naturalists!!! Book this trip if you’re interested in seeing and experiencing everything the beautiful Galapagos has to offer through the eyes of knowledgeable professional hosts. It’ll be worth every Penney. It really was the trip of a lifetime. Read Less

When it comes to wildlife, outdoor exploration and comfort, Linblad-National Geographic is top of the line. We chose the Galapagos because we wanted to be outside exploring and photographing. The Endeavor II provided a highly functional and comfortable boat for the experience. Our cabin was large enough for two people to comfortably enjoy the week long trip without feeling crowded. The windows allowed for excellent viewing even when we were in the room. The boat staff also exceeded expectations. Carlos, the food maestro, provided healthy but incredibly flavorful options. We had the best of the best local food. He remembered our names and our food preferences--remarkable for a 98 person passenger list. Likewise, the naturalists on this boat were also exceptional. The photography expert, Antonio was quite good. Rather than focusing on camera mechanics, he focused on composition and what really makes a photograph special. He skipped all the technical mumbo jumbo and talked to us about how to tell a story in pictures. He used examples from the Galapagos so we had real concrete ideas of what to photograph on each day's adventure. My husband snorkeled every day. I hiked and kayaked. We both were thoroughly exhausted at the end of each day so we savored every sunset in this beautiful island setting. For people looking for an active, busy vacation, this is a good fit. The Galapagos dazzles with its underwater sea life, colorful birds, sea lions everywhere, land tortoises and iguanas with personality. Highly recommend booking a trip on the Endeavor II. Read Less

This was one of the places on my bucket list and I was really surprised at what we found. Here are a group of islands on the equator 600 miles west of Ecuador and we thought we would be on lush tropical islands. The truth is that they are closer to a desert environment than tropical. The variety of wildlife and cactus and the successful efforts of the Ecuadoran government to preserve the Islands was marvelous to experience. The staff was terrific and the ship had very nice acomodations and the food was pretty good. If you want to interact with animals, this is the trip for you. Photography was the focus of this trip and we had a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer on the trip with us as well as three other photography experts to give us guidance on the best way to capture this unbelievable experience. I would highly recommend this trip. Read Less

Wanted to have the best possible experience with the best possible access and best possible tools. The Endeavor II and her crew and staff delivered in all regards. I will remember every exciting moment of this journey. As a more than casual photographer, this was an unrivaled opportunity to test my skills under a wide range of conditions with a huge number of subjects. I ordered canvas prints of several photos before I left the ship! The ship was attractive, without being too fancy. The crew was efficient without interfering with our fun. The naturalists were amazingly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The food was quite good and presented flawlessly. The tools were first rate - zodiacs, snorkel gear, etc. The stateroom was remarkably roomy and well organized. The guests were all very friendly and happy to share this great experience. The trip was peaceful and relaxing, which is amazing because there was something to do from 6 in the morning until well into the evening. We should have been exhausted from the multiple hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle-boarding, zodiac rides, glass-bottom boat trips and other activities, but we slept well and felt revived at the end of the voyage. Read Less

We had an excellent experience with our 4 and 5 - year old grandchildren. They were enthralled with the wildlife and geography. The staff on the Endeavor II could not have been more accommodating, and made our granddaughters feel special, particularly with the Explorers Club. The food was surprisingly good and interesting - with a focus on locally and sustainably produced products, prepared in accordance with local traditions and customs. The dining staff were courteous and outgoing, with the result that we looked forward to each meal. The excursions were varied (zodiac, hikes and beaches), providing a range of experiences, with each outing introducing us to different animals, birds sea life and terrain. The length of the outings were properly timed, so that our grandchildren did not become overly tired or loose their enthusiasm. The naturalists were superb, and took a genuine interest in each guest's enjoyment - which ran the spectrum. Read Less

What can one say. The service, food, tour, people, location and travel were all over the top. Walter - our server at meals was so good to us, we really felt like family. Carlos, our tour Director was very attentive to detail and really kept us moving in the correct direction. Our entire family went - and we really bonded even more. Everything was fantastic. The animals, water events, hiking, picture taking, swimming, snorkeling, picture taking - all guided by extremely experienced naturalists. The entire staff - from those that cleaned our rooms, those that served drinks in the bar. those that served us food and those that prepared the food to the Captain - all served with pride and always had a smile all their face. Absolutely a one of a kind experience. We had two nights of music - one night the ship Doctor and Captain - played for us. Excellent. The second night was locals from the Islands. Very inspiring to witness. Best trip ever. Read Less

My trip highlight was swimming side by side with a Penguin. The adrenalin was rushing as I found myself swimming competitively to keep up with a feeding penguin. It was a bonus to add a pre-trip to Mashpi with the Galapagos trip. It completed our Ecuadorian adventure from cloud forest to islands. The onboard dining experience was excellent. They walked me personally thru every meal to assure me what I could choose as gluten free. The daily onboard and offboard activities were planned to perfection and the guides / photo instructors added value with their knowledge to point out things that would have been easily missed. The local guides added value and expertise to the experience. It was also a plus to have Sven Lindblad and his mother on the trip and to know that they genuinely care about their customer's experience and supporting populations in the areas where they offer expeditions. Their interest in helping maintain and restore the local culture and ecology is outstanding and speaks well for the company. To see and hear them in person confirmed to us that we picked the right company to tour with. Look for us on future expeditions. We're already looking ahead and making plans. Read Less

Going to the Galapagos was a life long dream. Since I learned about it, I've wanted to go there for over 50 years. As we researched options for our trip we found that National Geographic / Linblad offered the best value for the money. We thought they would have the most knowledgable naturalists and would provide a quality experience. We were right! Everything ran without a single problem. We did not book our travel with Linblad. But their team contacted me prior to the trip to ensure I had everything in order, including my plans that weren't part of their responsibility! They made sure everything was going to work out for us. They did the same on the back end of the trip, ensuring we had a late checkout and transportation to the airport. During the cruise the attention to detail and service was outstanding. We had 3 to 5 excursions a day to snorkel, hike, take photographs and more. Every time the zodiacs were ready with no delay or issues. The naturalists were the highlight of the trip. They knew the wildlife and made sure people stayed within the allowable boundaries, ie. 6 ft from the animals. They knew the best places to see the different species and how to get the best lifelong photographs. They made very excursion special. In our week, we saw everything we hoped to see. It was awesome. Our cabin was clean and comfortable with plenty of space. The shower was good size and allowed for a comfortable shower without sticking to the shower curtain like some cruise ships. The food was great and included the different foods of Ecuador. It was well prepared and well run. The head waiter knew I didn't like coconut and provided me with an alternative for every dish that had coconut! That's the kind of service Linblad provided; it was very personal and specific to individuals. We chose to take part in every excursion. We were tired, but it was worth it. Something great happened every time, whether we were on land or in the water. One other thing I want to mention is the help with photography. The National Geographic photographer on board was very good (there is one on every trip). He helped me improve my abilities with just a few short conversations. Because of his help and the experience I had I am considering taking a trip with NatGeo / Linblad that is focused on photography! I highly recommend Linblad and National Geographic. It was a trip of a lifetime, and they played a large part in making it the trip of a lifetime! Read Less

Recommended by friends as the best trip to the Galapagos. Nary a complaint from me or my traveling companion - it was really fantastic. Ship was attractive and comfortable, naturalists were well informed and congenial, food was surprisingly delicious, and coordination of all our various activies on land and on water was well orchestrated throughout. I especially enjoyed all the "active" excursions including snorkeling, sea kayaking and hiking. Great to see all the animals at such close range and during the mating season for many of the species, like the blue footed boobies and the frigates. I found the trip to be very relaxing and a total getaway from the stresses of every day life. One suggestion would be to add some kind of structure, even a canvas awning, to a large area of the observation deck, especially where there are chaises. Often in the afternoon it was too hot to relax outside. Read Less

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When we arrived on the Endeavor II, we knew this trip was going to be something special. We were oriented to the week's activities and couldn't wait to get started. The naturalists were all excellent, not only in their knowledge of the specialness of the Galapagos, but in their enthusiasm and obvious love of what they were doing. The days' activities were diverse and every one special. The accommodations were more than adequate and the service impeccable. Carlos was a wonderful host in the dining room, We are still trying to figure out how he learned everyone's name almost immediately. One night my wife decided to pass on dinner, and Carlos wanted to give me food to bring to our cabin for her. We enjoyed the snorkeling and kayaking, as well as the amazing hikes. The trip into the highlands to see the giant tortoises was also fantastic. The nighttime activities and lectures were perfect for review and to heighten our expectations for the coming day. After completeing our Galapagos adventure, we headed to Lima to begin our Inca exploration. This, too, was amazing, even though it took a little while to get comfortable with the altitude. Machu Pichu is an amazing feat and we enjoyed discussing how this came to be with our knowledgeable guide. The hotels were beautiful and well located. Food was excellent. Again our guides were well informed and certainly proud of the country's Inca history. Organization was perfect and travel was easy. Admittedly after 2 weeks of intense travel we were exhausted when we returned home. However, we enjoyed everything. My one caveat, however, would be to make sure that people on these trips are really physically able to do the activities. Several times people fell or had difficulty making the hikes. Overall, we loved every minute of our Galapagos adventure and Peru and are already looking into our next expedition with Lindblad. Read Less