Make a new booking today and receive FREE AIR + $500 off for a limited time on select 2010 departures. Call for details. We specialize in small ship expeditions, so our cabin inventory is limited. We encourage you to email us to find out if there are special rates that you may take advantage of.
CONTACT: Sangay Touring® for more information & details [info@sangay.com]
National Geographic Galapagos cruise aboard ENDEAVOUR
Last updated: September 7th, 2010
| From | To | Nights | Space(s) | Rate per person | Note(s) | Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct.15 | Oct.22 | 7 | several | *SPECIAL | *Free Air between Miami | Reserve |
| Oct.22 | Oct.29 | 7 | several | *SPECIAL | *Free Air between Miami | Reserve |
| Nov.19 | Nov.26 | 7 | several | *SPECIAL | *Free Air between Miami | Reserve |
| Dec.03 | Dec.10 | 7 | several | *PHOTO DEPARTURE | $500 DISCOUNT PER PERSON | Reserve |
| Dec.10 | Dec.17 | 7 | several | *PHOTO DEPARTURE | $500 DISCOUNT PER PERSON | Reserve |
Don’t let her accommodating public and private spaces, the posh quiet and rich collection of books in her Library, or the lavish observation space on her decks fool you — the National Geographic Endeavour is an expedition ship, designed for discovery and active exploration, not just passing-by. The National Geographic Endeavour heads out equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs, enabling us to make landfall in all the remote and riveting locations that beckon! We offer kayaking opportunities wherever possible and frequent walks or hikes.
We can set a pace for more demanding walkers and simultaneously provide a rewarding experience for strollers, too. There’s no age limit to our adventurous opportunities — anyone who feels fit and is interested is welcome to participate. And because navigation is an underlying theme, our “Open Bridge” policy will provide you with one of the more gratifying memories of the many you’ll make. The spontaneity and flexibility that characterizes our expedition style means there is literally something new to experience and enjoy daily.
Registry: Bahamas
Public Areas: Ship is fully air-conditioned. Covered deck with chairs and tables; Doctor’s Office; Fitness Center; Global Gallery; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; Suana and small Swimming Pool.
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with Ecuadorian flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Glass-bottom boat, hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.
Special Features: Guest internet access and laundry service. A ship’s doctor, Undersea Specialist, and Video Chronicler are also onboard.
Wellness: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features an outdoor stretching area and a floating massage platform.
DECK PLAN
ITINERARY MAP
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 — U.S./Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart U.S. and arrive Guayaquil by late evening. We’ve found that Miami is a convenient gateway for most, but other air alternatives are available. If you choose to take the non-stop American Airlines group flight from Miami, we depart in the early evening with a flying time of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, it’s a short drive to the Hotel Hilton Colón.
DAY 2 — Guayaquil/Galápagos/Baltra/Embark Ship
This morning fly to the Galápagos. Flying time is approximately 1½ hours; upon arrival immediately board National Geographic Endeavour. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 — Floreana
Champion Islet, just off the eastern shore of Floreana, is a fabulous snorkel site and home to a large colony of sea lions. There is nothing more delightful than an hour spent in the clear waters with these creatures! On Floreana, we may find flamingos, pintail ducks and various shorebirds. Hike to a lovely beach. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 — Isabela and Fernandina
Anchor off the picturesque port of Puerto Villamil. Walk the streets of this small town, visit the nearby saltwater lagoons, home to flamingos or simply stroll along a beautiful beach. Visit the tortoise breeding center which is jointly administered by the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. We’ll also explore Isabela’s caves and shoreline and search the waters for dolphins, whales, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish — the mola-mola. We’ll also investigate Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island — the youngest island in Galápagos. It’s marine iguana heaven, with Isabela’s volcanoes as a dramatic backdrop. (B, L, D)
DAY 5-6 — Santa Cruz
The epicenter of Galápagos administration as well as the Charles Darwin Research Center where we’ll learn about their vital preservation work. We’ll head up into the highlands to roam the moss-draped lush landscape where wild giant tortoises often forage. (B, L, D)
DAY 6-7 — Bartolome and Santiago
Bartolome is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. Great walks, views and a chance to snorkel with penguins — a tropical oxymoron. Santiago provides us a chance to see the Galápagos fur seal, along with the opportunity to enjoy the best “tide pooling.” (B, L, D)
DAY 8 — Espanola
See blue-footed boobies, sea lions galore, Española marine iguanas which develop particularly vivid coloration, and waved albatross exclusive to this island. Snorkel and stroll the island’s lovely beaches. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 — Baltra/Disembark Ship/Guayaquil
This morning disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil. The late afternoon and evening free to explore the city and prepare for your journey home. If you would like to visit Quito, please inquire about our optional Quito extensions. (B)
DAY 10 — Guayaquil/Home
This morning fly home (or extend your time to enjoy the diversity Ecuador has to offer! (B)
ENDEAVOR TEAM LEADERS
PAULA TAGLE
Expedition LeaderPaula grew up in Guayaquil where she obtained an Undergraduate degree in Geology from the Polytechnic University of Guayaquil. She enjoyed many field trips all around Ecuador and during her vacations traveled in Central and South America in the hope of learning more about her people and culture. The last year of her studies she worked at a mine looking for a more ecological way of recovering gold. Interested more in volcanoes than in raw materials, she came to Galapagos, a Mecca for geologists, in 1992. She was bewitched by the other wonders of the islands and became a naturalist guide for the Galapagos National Park.
In 1994 she went to Belgium for her Masters degree in Quaternary Geology at the Free University of Brussels. As soon as she was back in Ecuador she returned to her longed-for islands. Since then, she has been an interpreter for the Galapagos National Park, and for other nature destinations such as Baja California and Central America, where she also leads trips for Lindblad Expeditions, with whom she has worked since 1997. In 2000 she obtained a US sailing certification, and is qualified to skipper centerboard and keel boats up to 40 feet. In 2004, Paula published her book “Galapagos Bedtime Stories” intended to be for kids and kids at heart. She also writes a column about the Galapagos for one of the most prestigious Ecuadorian newspapers “El Universo”.
JAMES NAPOLI
Video ChroniclerJim was born in rural New England where he quickly developed an appreciation for the outdoors and a love of exploration. At 20 years of age he joined the U.S. Navy, serving for four years on two vessels as a Journalist, taking him to the far reaches of the globe. He studied Television at Boston University and Northeast College of Communications, while working as an editor at a Boston television station.
Chancing upon an opportunity to combine his wanderlust with his video production experience, he took a job with two major cruise lines; installing and managing broadcast centers onboard a total of over a dozen ships. His interest in the exploring drew him to Lindblad Expeditions. As a wildlife enthusiast, he especially enjoys filming and capturing the natural behavior of animals and their interactions. From the penguin colonies of Antarctica to Polar Bears hunting in the Russian high arctic, he’s had the pleasure to film in both polar regions of the globe, as well as in a variety of eco-systems in between.
His footage has been showcased on National Geographic Television, Lonely Planet, ABC, NBC and others. Being ‘out in the field’ on assignment is a passion of his; gathering wildlife footage while camping in remote areas like Antarctica and the steppes of Asia. His enthusiasm for filming the natural world, with a special affinity for seabirds and seals, has found the perfect home with Lindblad Expeditions where he’s had the privilege to work since 2001. Jim now lives in the mountains outside of Banff in Alberta, Canada.
PATRICIA CUEVA
Wellness SpecialistPaty was born in Quito, where she studied Business Administration at the University of the Americas. However, since she was very young she felt passionate about living a healthy and holistic lifestyle, and also helping others to feel better. For this reason, Paty decided to study esthetics and alternative therapies at the Institute of Integral Esthetics and Therapies in Quito.
Paty also specialized in Aromatherapy and got a degree in Massage Therapy with the World Organization of European Alternative Therapies and Studies. Paty has continued to grow as a professional taking seminars and courses in and outside of Ecuador in subjects such as Thai Massage, Shiatsu, yoga, Pilates and fitness, and most recently in lymphatic drainage and water massage and exercises. She has been the Wellness Specialist onboard since 2003 where she has incorporated all her experience and own techniques. Since working for Lindblad Expeditions, she has also had the opportunity to work and travel onboard the National Geographic Islander and the River Cloud.
GILDA GONZALEZ
StaffGilda was born in Ambato, located in the very middle of the Ecuadorian Andes. Since she was a child, she liked animals and used to rescue street cats and dogs. Her parents always made sure there were good nature books and plenty of Jacques Cousteau’s videos at home. She graduated from high school with a degree in Chemistry and Biology. Afterwards, Gilda obtained a Business Administration degree in Tourism and Hotel Management in Quito. She also studied English, French and German. In 1992, she spent two months in Brussels, Belgium studying and practicing the French language.
Gilda began working in the mainland of Ecuador and acquired a lot of experience as a guide. She worked for the Museum of Colonial Art, the Archeological Museum of the Central Bank of Ecuador, and the Ethnological Museum Abya-Yala in Quito. While working for these important institutions she specialized in archeology, barroc art, religious iconography, and the ethnic groups that live in Ecuador. She also learned about the medicinal uses of Ecuador’s native plants. Gilda guided all around the different regions of Ecuador, except Galapagos. Her first contact with the islands was when she travelled there to be trained as a Galapagos Naturalist by the Galapagos National Park Service and Charles Darwin Research Center in 1996, and she has been working as such ever since. Gilda discovered a new passion in the observation of marine mammals, birds, geology, and biogeography and is also very interested in evolution. When not at work in the islands, she spends quality time with her young son, and also likes to paint and practice photography while traveling around Ecuador with her family.
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BITINIA ESPINOZA
StaffBitinia, better known as Biti, was born on Santa Cruz Island. She studied primary School and High School on the islands, then moved to study two years of computer sciences in Quito, after this she came back to Study in the University extension of Guayaquil in Galapagos and Graduated as a Naturalist Guide and in tourism administration.
She became a Naturalist Guide for the Galapagos National Park in 1991, since then she looks forward to welcoming visitors to show them the wonders of this Paradise She participates in the lecture circuit and teaches intersession courses at Rollins College in Florida on the Ecology and management programs of the Galapagos National Park. She lives on the Islands with her parents and two daughters (the eldest one is a champion on her category of professional bicycle road racings at 13 years of age; the second one is following her footsteps). Bitinia’s mother was also born on Santa Cruz, from a family that has been living on the island since the mid 30s. Her father was an active fisherman and worked in the tourism industry as well, he loved doing sustainable fishing to support his family, so she learned to love nature from him. Bitinia is currently studying via correspondence, her second year of Environmental Engineering, and hopes to finish in the next three years, to work and apply her knowledge for the benefit of the future of Galapagos. She also enjoys professional photography and has lead photo safari trips several times.
