Becoming an Explorer in The Galápagos

As a child, I thought that exploration was reserved for the great Marco Polos’ and Christopher Columbus’ of the world, ready to conquer unchartered territory one voyage at a time.

When my wife, Rory and I recently booked a Galápagos getaway with Lindblad Expeditions, I set out to answer the question, “What is exploration travel?” In the industry, “exploration” had become a buzzword that crossed destinations, spanned cultures, and encompassed various modes of transportation. In my quest for clarity, I longed for a concrete definition that went beyond “wow” experiences and country highlights.?

And so, I went straight to the source: Lindblad Expeditions.

As the founders of expedition cruising, their love for discovery dates back to the 1960s when Lars-Eric Lindblad led voyages to Antarctica and the Galápagos.

History was made in his commitment to bring the right people to the wild wonders of the world—the protectors and the adventurers longing to safeguard the sacred secrets of our planet. From that moment onward, Lindblad Expeditions was set apart from the exploration pack.

Their theology was based on beauty beyond the boat, by tapping into a preserve of global experiences that enhanced knowledge and protected the very world we consume. And so, as I booked my own expedition with Lindblad Expeditions, I wondered if I would walk away as a consumer or as an explorer.

“When it comes to exploration, it’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters.”

Thus began our 8-day journey to the Galápagos. Departing from San Diego, Rory and I flew (via Miami) to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Awaiting our arrival was a Lindblad representative who escorted us to Hotel del Parque. Located in the heart of the city, the carefully restored 19th century Relais & Chateaux property boasted classic Ecuadorian luxury and modern comforts.

With just enough time to battle jet lag, we then flew from Guayaquil to Baltra to board the?National Geographic Islander II . Joining the Lindblad Expeditions fleet in 2022, the elegant ship has just 26 staterooms, with a 1-to-1 guest to crew ratio.

Personalized and interactive, it felt like a private yacht-meets-luxury summer school.

From the moment we stepped aboard, I knew we were in for an enlightening experience. We were greeted by naturalists (versus butlers) who were eager to brief us on our first island landing. ?

By Zodiac, we arrived at a shallow lagoon where a white sandy beach and shorebirds stole the show. As our first dip in the Pacific, we tested our snorkel gear that would guide our underwater dreams teaming with sea lions. Like underwater dogs fetching joy, they darted between ocean and land, piercing the aqua horizon to greet salt-loving succulents and land iguanas.?Snorkel gear was just one of the many expedition tools at our fingertips. The National Geographic Islander II?carried a fleet of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Zodiacs, video microscopes, and a glass-bottom boat. Also at our disposal were five naturalists, an undersea specialist, a certified photo instructor, and certified field educators who ran a special explorers program for kids.

After kayaking at secluded Barrington Bay, our naturalists shared insight on local wildlife ranging from hawks to penguins. Despite the scholar-filled excursions, I wanted to learn more.

Perhaps it was my surroundings or my company of educated travelers, but I found myself studying maps in the ship library, or heading to the observation deck to dig a little deeper. Lindblad Expeditions passengers expressed a scientific sophistication that I hadn’t experienced with other cruise lines; frankly, their hunger for knowledge became refreshingly contagious.

With each morning, I found myself unplugging from society and connecting more to my environment. Nature was within reach and experts were within call. It was like having a personal professor on vacation. With cocktails in hand, we all gathered for lectures in The Cove, recapping the day and planning for the one ahead. Flat-screen TVs showcased audiovisual presentations to keep us engaged between indoor lectures and outdoor “classrooms.”

Between the viewing platform and the Science Hub, we could research, study, and engage to our hearts’ content. It was a unique combination of education, relationships, and experiences that set this trip apart from any others.

But don’t get me wrong. Balancing out all that mental stimulation were spa treatments and cocktails. . . because who wouldn’t want to learn about oceanography with a martini in hand? The Zodiac became our daily driver, taking us to the crystalline waters of Sombrero Chino and Sullivan Bay where dried lava fields dated back to 1897. ?

Sailing north across the equator, we reached the northern realm of the Galápagos, home to the red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, great frigates birds, and other seabirds.?It was explorer's choice of kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or cruising to the caldera walls in search of wildlife.

Avid birdwatchers climbed Prince Phillip’s Steps in search of seabird colonies, while others like me, admired the beauty from the al fresco Patio Café, the Promenade Deck, and the Observation Deck. At the various dining venues, we gathered for locally-sourced cuisine, wine tastings, and sunset cocktails.

When it came to the Galápagos, there was literally no fear for these animals.

Closing out the trip was our stop at the verdant Santa Cruz Island where giant tortoises roamed like boulders on the go. When it came to the Galápagos, there was literally no fear for these animals. The birds didn’t fly frantically, the penguins didn’t waddle away, and the sea lions didn’t swim to escape man. There was mutual respect that came from this sacred relationship between man and animal.

During our final stretch to Baltra, I thought about the uniqueness of the islands and how Lindblad had opened my eyes to discovery. A week earlier, I set out asking, “What is exploration?”

But Lindblad Expeditions muddled that mindset, leaving me with a deeper question to answer, “What does it mean to be an explorer?” While I haven’t fully found the answer, I know that Lindblad Expeditions holds the key.

Lindblad Expeditions has a saying: “When it comes to exploration, it’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters.”?

It’s why they build ships that facilitate exploration. It’s why they design itineraries that manifest discovery. It’s why they assemble teams that inspire us to chart new courses, engage with our surroundings, and become better human beings.

If those eight days in the Galápagos helped make me a better man, I’d like to think that Lindblad has the potential to impact the life of every passenger, and ultimately change—and save—the world. ?

To learn more about becoming an “explorer” on a future Lindblad Expeditions excursion to the Galápagos, or any other destination, call me at 310.774.7611 or schedule a complimentary consultation.

—Jeff Lavender, Founder & Chief Experience Officer of Travel Concierge