Few destinations carry quite the same sense of anticipation as the Galápagos Islands, but experiencing the archipelago first-hand gave Designer Travel’s Roberta Comley a completely new perspective on expedition cruising.
Roberta was one of five Designer Travel agents invited on an educational trip with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, aboard National Geographic Islander II, which she joined after an overnight stay in Quito, Ecuador.
During the five-night voyage, the group explored the islands by Zodiac, snorkelled with marine wildlife, visited giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands and learnt from National Geographic naturalists and photography experts.
Memorable wildlife encounters
For Roberta, choosing a favourite moment proved difficult.
“It’s almost impossible to pick just one highlight because every day felt like stepping into a wildlife documentary, but if I had to choose it would be the snorkelling. It was simply incredible, both from the beach and deep-sea snorkelling.
“Interacting with the playful sea lions underwater as they weaved around you, even tapping on your Go Pro and pulling on your flippers as if it was a game ,was something that will stay with me forever.”
She says the opportunity to observe wildlife both above and below the water was unlike anywhere else she has experienced, while the National Geographic naturalists added valuable context to every excursion through their knowledge of the islands’ wildlife, geology and conservation.
Luxury meets expedition
One of the biggest surprises was how comfortable expedition cruising can be.
“I was amazed by just how unafraid the wildlife is of humans, which is as it should be. Animals simply go about their daily lives while you’re quietly observing them. It creates an incredibly intimate experience that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else.”
She was equally impressed by the onboard experience.
“I was surprised by the level of luxury onboard. The National Geographic Islander II felt more like a boutique yacht than an expedition ship. With just 48 guests and 57 crew, the service was exceptional. Everything is included, from the Galápagos National Park fees and all excursions and activities to delicious food and drink, so you can completely immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about anything else.”
Selling the Galápagos
Since returning to the UK, she ays the trip has transformed the way she talks to clients about expedition cruising.
“Before travelling, I knew the Galápagos was a bucket-list destination, but experiencing it myself gave me a completely different level of understanding and confidence.”
Within weeks of returning, she had already sold the same National Geographic-Lindblad expedition after using her own photographs and experiences to bring the itinerary to life for clients.
For agents, she believes the all-inclusive nature of the expedition is a major selling point, with park fees, activities, equipment, food and drinks included, alongside the personalised service offered by the ship’s 57 crew for just 48 guests.
She also highlights the expertise of the National Geographic naturalists and onboard photography tuition, which allows guests to improve their wildlife photography while the crew also shares professional images captured during the voyage.
Roberta believes the expedition will appeal to wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, adventurous travellers and clients looking for something beyond a traditional cruise.
“It’s also perfect for travellers who have ticked off many of the world’s bucket list destinations and are now looking for something genuinely unique. If someone wants a once-in-a-lifetime holiday that leaves them inspired, educated and with memories they’ll treasure forever, the Galápagos delivers on every level.”
Book it: National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions offers an Exploring Galapagos itinerary from £6,789pp which includes 10 days aboard National Geographic Islander II including UK flights, all-inclusive luxury cruise, excursions and park fees.
