National Geographic Endeavour II
Completely retrofitted in 2016, the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II now cruises the Galapagos Islands year-round as part of the Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic partnership. In addition to its cozy library and full gym, the ship sails with a variety of gear, including Zodiacs (including glass-bottom ones), wetsuits, and snorkeling equipment, which naturalists use to guide groups ashore to view local wildlife. After a full day of adventure, you'll return to the ship's lounge and bar, where the naturalists lead recaps during cocktail hour and mingle with passengers during dinner.
What We Love
Everything is Shipshape: The ship’s refreshed cabins feel brand new again. The bathrooms have separate, spacious showers (with a clothesline), and every cabin comes with thoughtful touches, such as two metal water canteens, which passengers can fill at filtered water dispensers.
Homegrown Naturalists: The majority of the experts on board are Ecuadorian and about half are from the Galapagos, so these guides have a special relationship with and knowledge of the islands that they giddily share with passengers.
Visits to Lonesome George: Santa Cruz Island is the home of the Charles Darwin Research Station where this famous Galapagos tortoise, the last from his specific island, lived out his days as scientists futilely tried to find him a mate. George is now back at the station, fully stuffed and preserved, in a special, climate-controlled pavilion. Happily, the station breeds and releases other Galapagos tortoises very successfully and you’ll get to see them in their environment.
Best Known For
Magic Moments: The ship’s shallow draft allows it to get close to shore, anchor inside a caldera and sail close to volcanic islets. Stargazers can find both the Big Dipper and the Southern Cross blazing at night in the Milky Way.