Few destinations are more iconic than the Galápagos Islands, where Lindblad Expeditions brought the very first group of citizen explorers more than 50 years ago. Sail among the varied landscapes of this magical archipelago to encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, and charismatic sea lions, all unfazed by your presence. With chances to explore by land and at sea, including via hikes, photo walks, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, and the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program for kids and teens, all that's missing is you!

Save your spot today to join us on this adventure of a lifetime. Open to kids 8+!

Because cruise pricing can be complex and varies by cabin type, we encourage you to download the brochure and refer to page 7 for a detailed overview of available options and rates.

More details including rates and ship information is available when you download the brochure.

Dive into Darwin, genetics, and identity with Michell Chresfield, a historian of science and Assistant Professor of Africana Studies. Michell's research focuses on Afro-Indigenous communities known as “tri-racial isolates” and examines their engagement with biological and social scientists across the 20^th century. In tracing the enduring scientific interest in triracial populations, her forthcoming book makes clear that triracial populations were central to major scientific theories of the twentieth century and served as a living laboratory through which scientific experts worked out the meaning of racial purity, mixture, and identity.

Dr. Chresfield’s writings have appeared in the Times Literary Supplement, the LA Review of Books, and the Conversation, while her interviews have been highlighted on BBC Radio 4, the Globalist, and BBC’s Women’s’ Hour.

Her CAU Summer 2025 course The Science & Ethics of Ancestry DNA Testing generated exceptional interest, reflecting widespread enthusiasm for her timely research and engaging approach to teaching.

If you want to learn in-depth while traveling to one of the most remote and astounding places on Earth, this tour is for you. CAU is known for bringing you extraordinary opportunities to learn with Cornell faculty. This expedition is a shared departure. Alumni, family, and friends are welcome!

Walk respectfully among wildlife who have no instinctive fear of humans: lounge on beaches with sea lions, marvel at huge colonies of marine iguanas, and see nesting seabirds. Choose your own adventure each day, with options to explore by kayak, paddleboard, glass-bottom boat, and Zodiac!

Join Professor Michell Chresfield for an unforgettable journey through the Galápagos Islands—where ecological wonders meet the more hidden history of global scientific discovery and exploration. Drawing on her expertise in the history of science and Indigenous Studies, Dr. Chresfield offers a compelling lens for understanding the human and scientific legacies that have shaped the islands’ past and present.

Designed with lavish windows to frame the never-ending panorama as you voyage from island to island, National Geographic Endeavour II is a comfortable and well-equipped vessel deigned to meet exacting standards. Expedition equipment including snorkel gear, paddleboards, wetsuits, and an underwater video camera will help you explore; an onboard spa, fitness center, and hosted exercise classes will help you unwind.

The flexible nature of this trip allows your crew to operate in true expedition style, visiting a collection of islands that are as unique as their colorful flora and fauna. On Santiago, for example, step into quiet grottos of black basalt and an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross all call these islands home. Bring your binoculars or borrow some on board and start adding these spectacular creatures to your life list!

Guests describe being aboard National Geographic Endeavour II as feeling like a cross between a grand floating hotel and a scientific research vessel. Perfectly equipped for solo travelers, groups, and kids, including via connecting cabins, National Geographic Endeavour II will make your Galápagos Islands explorations both comfortable and exhilarating.

Guided by their commitment to explore responsibly, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is committed to offsetting 100% of their carbon emissions; supporting conservation, science, and education initiatives around the planet; and investing in the communities where they travel.

The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions team will meet you upon your arrival in Ecuador for an included transfer to your convenient hotel for an overnight stay. You can choose to arrive in Quito, Ecuador's capital city in the Andes, or the coastal city of Guayaquil; both cities are well-served by international carriers.

(Meals aloft.)

In the morning, choose to join the recommended flight to the Galápagos and embark upon the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II to begin your great adventure!

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Together, we'll spend five days exploring the islands. Exact itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations. On the wildlife-rich central island of North Seymour, follow coastal trails past curious sea lions and then walk through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest and land iguanas feed on cacti.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Sail across the Equator to Genovesa Island, a remote caldera home to over a million seabirds. Keep an eye out for hammerhead sharks, turtles, and manta rays, too! On Isabela Island, see one of the island's six great shield volcanoes and walk in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

On Bartolomé, visitors can summit this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views, or swim and snorkel from the beach, keeping an eye out for the rare Galápagos penguins. On  San Cristobal, the easternmost island, search for the lava lizard in its only known location.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning, disembark the ship and join a flight back to mainland Ecuador. Spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure, reminiscing on your once-in-a-lifetime expedition, or catch an overnight flight home.

(Meals included: Breakfast)

After breakfast, bid your new friends farewell (not before planning your next trip together!), transfer to the airport, and board flights home.

(Meals included: Breakfast)

Arrive just one day earlier to join the See Quito Pre-Voyage Extension, or perhaps opt to start your journey in the lush cloud forests that surround Mashpi Lodge on this 6-day extension among iridescent hummingbirds, howler monkeys, and rare orchids.

To reserve your space, contact CAU partner Lindblad Expeditions
Phone: 833-985-1261 |  Email: groups@expeditions.com
(Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the CAU/Cornell group!)

November 11 – 24, 2025

Featuring Amanda D. Rodewald, the Garvin Professor, Natural Resources and the Environment; and Senior Director of the Center for Avian Population Studies, Laboratory of Ornithology, aboard the 128-guidest Heritage Adventurer.

Produced by CAU in partnership with Criterion Travel

CAU is your first choice for in-depth, lifelong learning with Cornell faculty in the classroom and around the globe.

We are committed to ensuring that CAU and Cornell Alumni Travel tours provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone. You can find the expectations that are applicable to all attendees of Cornell University alumni events, both on and off campus, by visiting this link.