A family recently experienced a unique wildlife adventure on a four-night cruise to the Galapagos Islands with National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions. Their journey began with an early morning flight from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, to Baltra Island, followed by a short boat ride on a zodiac, a small inflatable craft used for transfers, to the expedition vessel National Geographic Islander II. The cruise accommodated 48 guests, who were given name badges to encourage connections with fellow travelers, most of whom were from the United States. Unlike traditional cruise ships, this expedition had no entertainment like waterslides or ice cream shops, focusing instead on immersive wildlife encounters. The family’s 11- and 13-year-old daughters were especially engaged in activities such as kayaking and snorkeling in the warm waters, where they swam alongside turtles, parrotfish, and manta rays. To avoid the heat and capture wildlife at its most active time, the cruise included early wake-up calls at 5:45 a.m. Travelers reached each destination via zodiacs, often called "Galapagos Ubers," for either wet landings on sandy beaches or dry landings on rocky terrain. These zodiacs are essential for navigating the islands’ unique geography and ensuring a safe, close encounter with the wildlife. Visitors to the Galapagos Islands are required to follow strict conservation rules, including being accompanied by a naturalist guide and maintaining a minimum distance of six feet from wildlife. Guests are not allowed to take anything from the islands, even seemingly harmless items like shells. Despite these restrictions, the wildlife appeared undisturbed by human presence, with Galapagos penguins perched on rocks and sea lions lounging for photos. Conservation efforts were also a key part of the cruise, including tracking wildlife migrations and cultivating new cacti to support the fragile ecosystem. The National Geographic Islander II is limited to 100 passengers to minimize environmental impact. The islands’ landscape is striking, featuring volcanic black lava fields, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches. Onboard, guests enjoyed Ecuadorian cuisine, such as ceviche served in a sweet tomato-lime broth. Evenings included socializing over meals and drinks, with highlights like a karaoke session where a guest from Missouri surprised everyone with operatic singing and a solo traveler performed a Japanese pop song. Educational talks and lectures on Darwin’s theories and smartphone photography skills rounded out the experience. A seven-day cruise with National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions starts at £4,931 per person, including all meals, tours, and internal flights from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island.