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Sunstone Tours & Cruises
Sunstone Tours & Cruises
The Galápagos Islands
by Lindblad Expeditions

A Typical Day on a Galápagos Expedition Cruise

No two days are alike on a Lindblad Expeditions Galápagos expedition. Some days, you’ll snorkel two times in one day, or change course to observe a passing whale or giant sunfish. This is a look at the shape a given day might take.

Sunrise Yoga on Deck

6:00 AM Whale Watch & Wellness

Early-risers join naturalists for sunrise coffee, fruit and fresh-baked pastries, served on the Bridge Deck forward, where we keep watch for whales and wildlife against a backdrop of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Yoga class (and a green smoothie) with Juliana at 0700 on the Observation Deck.

Beach landing from a zodiac

8:00 AM Away We Go!

After breakfast guests disembark in smoothly orchestrated waves: with some opting for a long lava walk, shorter wildlife stroll along the coast, or a Zodiac cruise

Galapagos Tortoise being photographed by a cruise guest

11:00 AM Photo Fun

Join Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor (and author of Galápagos: Life in Motion) Walter Perez for an engaging session photographing animal behavior.

Dining on local fare in the Galapagos

12:30 PM Lunching Local

Lunch today is a typical Ecuadorian buffet, exclusively sourced from Galápagos. Meet our chefs, who will be carving a roast pig from Floreana, and introducing other local specialties.

A child with a male adult taking part in Lindblad's Explorer Program

1:30 PM Get Together, Take a Time Out

Kids participating in the National Geographic Global Explorers program can get together with Paula to Fashion-A-Fish— creating and naming a new aquatic species with adaptations you invent. The teen group meets José in the Library to finish their trailer for the ‘Darwin comes to Galápagos’ movie. And all ages learn about tomorrow’s Zodiac driving lessons at the Reception Hub.

Snorkeling with Galapagos Penguins in the Galapagos Islands

2:30 PM Snorkeling or Glass-Bottom Boat

Zodiacs depart for snorkeling along the coast of Isabela Island—a great place to encounter green turtles, marine iguanas and more in these rich waters. Keep a close lookout for Galápagos penguins, flying through the waters after schools of fish.

Zodiac filled with cruise guests exploring the coastline of the Galapagos Islands

4:00 PM Zodiac Safari

Prepare for an exhilarating Zodiac cruise along the coast— a showcase for volcanic features, nesting penguins and flightless cormorants and nocturnal Galápagos fur seals hauled out to rest. Help your naturalists search for the endangered Galápagos martin to report its presence and behavior to scientists at the Charles Darwin Foundation.

Onboard Equator Celebration

5:45 PM Exactly on the Equator: Volcan Ecuador

Join us on the Observation Deck for wine tasting and some fun as we navigate north crossing the Equator at sunset. King Neptune may make an appearance— and bragging rights swag will be given out!

Passengers attending a daily recap session

6:45 PM Ready for Recap

Everyone meets in the Lounge for tonight’s Recap and a preview of tomorrow. Naturalist Jonathan and National Geographic Global Explorer volunteers Elissa and David have a live demonstration planned of their haul from this afternoon’s plankton tow. Don’t be late!

Photographing stars

9:00 PM Seeing Stars

Night sky stargazing, if conditions allow. The Southern Cross is at its highest point in the sky after dinner tonight. Bring your binoculars for this show-and-tell with Carlos.