National Geographic Islander
The Experience
Exploring Galápagos aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Islander allows you to experience the islands on an up-close, personal scale. Originally built for service in the Caribbean, and then later used for expeditions in the Scottish Highlands, the twin-hulled Islander has been sailing year-round in the Galápagos since 2004 and is perfectly suited to these wild islands.
A nimble, modern ship, she offers an intimate environment and a friendly, convivial community quickly forms on board. Yacht-scaled and trim, her mahogany and gleaming brass fittings create a gracious and welcoming environment. Designed for active exploration, she can visit areas larger vessels can,™t, and guests often compare Islander to being aboard a private yacht one that,™s as smart as she is lovely and dedicated to discovery.
Islander accommodates 48 guests in 24 outside cabins, including two suites. At 164 feet, she is perfectly sized and offers a full range of facilities. With such an intimate community, life aboard is friendly and bright. A community at sea quickly develops between guests and staff. Names are quickly learned and personal preferences remembered shipboard services are impeccable. From broad open decks (complete with comfy hammocks perfect for iguana-like basking in the sun) to delectable dining on fresh, local food, Islander delivers a sophisticated and amiable expedition.
Contemporary and stylish, she offers a high degree of comfort on board without sacrificing expedition pedigree. Her dining room easily accommodates all guests at once for a single seating, and a large lounge forms the social hub of the ship. Here, you,™ll gather each evening with newfound friends, members of your own party and our naturalists for an expedition tradition called Recap. As you,™d expect from your own yacht, life on board is casual in every respect, with no need for formal clothing. And services such as professional laundry and wireless Internet make packing and traveling more convenient.
Don,™t be fooled by her sleek exterior: Islander is a ship built for adventure and exploration. Her cool tools for expedition offer an impressive range of ways to experience the wildness of Galápagos. Learn about life below the surface with our undersea cameras, poke into waterline caves aboard a kayak, and snorkel with playful, inquisitive sea lions. And, with our small groups and several Zodiac landing craft, you,™ll be ashore within minutes of our dropping the anchor–meaning more time exploring and less time waiting.
