All-inclusive, all-LGBT+ 11-day adventure beginning in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, including a 7-night luxury cruise in the Galapagos, ending back on the mainland, in Ecuador’s largest city Guayaquil.
Brand g Vacations is pleased to introduce our 2025 Ecuador and the Galapagos Expedition. 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.
Activity Level: Low to Moderate Guest Count: 95
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.
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 on board the ship (excluding some premium brands) Dining: all meals included during your cruise
Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
Use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits during cruise
Use of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards during the cruise
Complimentary enhanced Wi-Fi on board 24/7Services of Lindblad’s Expedition Team during the cruise
Services of a certified photo instructor during the cruise
Expedition Equipment on board: Glass-bottom boat, Underwater video camera, video microscope
Galapagos National Park entry fee
Complimentary Online Voyage Portfolio link (provided 3-5 weeks after voyage return) Complimentary downloadable video link for each guest
One post night stay in Guayaquil
Light lunch in Guayaquil
Farewell dinner in Guayaquil
Itinerary
Pricing
Accommodations
Go Quito Hotel
The Go Quito Hotel is located on Avenida Eloy Alfaro N34-151 & Catalina Aldaz, one of the most lively and attractive economic and commercial zones in the Quito Metropolitan Area. Just a short walk away from parks, shopping malls, restaurants, banks, and other places of interest. Go Quito Hotel is close to Latin America’s largest and most well-preserved colonial historic center. You can visit its narrow streets and museums and marvel at its ecclesiastical crown jewel, the church of La Compañía de Jesús.
Go Quito Hotel offers a restaurant onsite, the property also has a fitness center, as well as an indoor pool and a sauna. The property provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower.
Dates of Stay: August 28-30, 2025
Additional pre-program nights available upon request. Please contact us for availability and pricing.
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.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
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.
Dates of Stay: August 30 – September 6, 2025
Wyndham Guyaquil
Located just steps from the historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous lighthouse, and minutes from the lively Malecón 2000. This non-smoking hotel offers an ideal location near many of the tourist attractions.
The property offers a rooftop pool, spa and gym, free WiFi, same-day dry cleaning, 24-hour business center and bilingual front desk and concierge teams are at your service 24/7.
