Lindblad Galápagos Escape Review: Sea Lions, 6am Kayaks and Charlie's First Snorkel
A week after I got home from Alaska, I booked another Lindblad expedition.
(If you read my Lindblad Alaska review, you already know why.)
Well... we went.
In October, I took my daughter Charlie, who is five, to the Galápagos on Lindblad's Galápagos Escape: eight days, Saturday to Saturday, with five nights aboard National Geographic Islander II.
And I have thoughts.
Some of them might surprise you.
Snorkeling With Sea Lions on Charlie's First Try
It was Charlie's very first time snorkeling.
Her first time.
And two sea lions decided to come see what we were up to.
They circled us. Over and over. Curious, playful and completely unbothered.
I'm honestly not sure who was more excited, Charlie or me.
(Okay, it was me.)
That one moment was worth the whole trip.
What Surprised Me About the Galápagos
I expected wildlife everywhere. On every rock, every beach, around every corner.
There was wildlife, but fewer animals than I expected. And the giant tortoises? We only saw them on one island.
We stopped at all seven islands on our itinerary: North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, San Cristóbal, Española and Floreana.
They're remote and beautiful. No towns, no crowds, and most of the time, no other people at all.
So if you love wandering a cute little town between excursions... this isn't that trip.
A Typical Day: Adult Science Camp, the Sequel
If you read my Alaska review, you know I nicknamed Lindblad "Adult Science Camp."
The Galápagos is that, with the volume turned all the way up.
A typical day looked like this: a 6am kayak, then a Zodiac or glass-bottom boat ride, snorkeling, a hike, and an afternoon presentation from the naturalists.
Back to back to back.
Some days it honestly felt a little rushed. The national park has strict rules: every group needs a certified naturalist guide, and visitors have to stay at least two meters from the wildlife. So the schedule runs tight.
National Geographic Islander II: The Ship and Our Suite
The good news? The ship made it easy to recharge.
Islander II was even nicer than our Alaska ship. Our Islander Suite was a true one-bedroom, and the shower had great water pressure and plenty of hot water, which you will appreciate after a day in the salt water.
One thing to know if you're looking at 2027: Lindblad lists the new National Geographic Gemini for this itinerary starting next year, so ask which ship your departure uses.
What I'd Tell a Friend Before Booking
It's not a typical cruise. Think expedition, not pool deck.
The water and the air can be cold. The ship provides shorty wetsuits, masks, snorkels and fins.
The hikes are rocky, hot and humid. Bring good shoes.
Can Young Children Do a Galápagos Cruise?
Charlie was five, so yes, it can be done, but the details matter. I'd think about:
Early mornings and back-to-back activities
Rocky, hot and humid hikes
Cold water and whether your child is comfortable snorkeling
Long days with no towns or shops to break things up
Age requirements, which can differ by ship and activity
Lindblad also offers a family program called National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, so ask what's available on your departure.
It's a great fit for a curious kid. And if you're weighing up big family trips, here's what I learned taking Charlie on safari.
Would I Recommend the Galápagos Escape?
For the right traveler, absolutely.
The Galápagos Escape is perfect if you want a great overview of the islands, or if you're looking for a one-week fall break.
It's ideal for curious kids, nature lovers and anyone who would rather snorkel than shop.
If you want slow mornings and charming towns, I'd point you somewhere else.
Why Book Through a Travel Advisor?
As a luxury travel advisor affiliated with Departure Lounge, a Virtuoso member agency, I can often provide additional value on Lindblad Expeditions, including exclusive offers and added amenities on select departures.
More importantly, I've now done this firsthand, so I can help you decide whether an expedition cruise is actually the right fit for you.
Thinking About the Galápagos?
If the Galápagos is on your list, I'd love to help you figure out the right itinerary, ship and time of year for you.
Torn between the Galápagos and Alaska for your first expedition cruise? Tell me who's traveling and when, and I'll tell you which one I'd pick for you.
Start planning your Galápagos trip
Photos courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions.