March 2: Flight to Galapagos Islands and Boarding Ship

What the brochure says: 

Guayaquil/San Cristobal, Galápagos Islands/Embark National Geographic Endeavour II (B,L,D).

The (B, L, D) stands for Breakfast, Lunch, and/or Dinner included, just so 'ya know!

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to
the Galápagos Islands. Upon your arrival to San Cristobal you will embark National Geographic
Endeavour II.

Your airline tickets for the flights between Ecuador and the Galápagos are issued in Ecuador.
Note: The flight to the Galápagos Islands originates and ends in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil.
Please remember that on the flight between Guayaquil or Quito and the Galápagos, you are
allowed 1 checked bag per person that cannot exceed 50 pounds and carry-on restricted to
22 pounds (per person). This regulation is not always enforced, but you should be prepared.

The Consejo de Gobierno, Government of Galápagos, has implemented a Transit Control Card
for the islands. The Transit Control Card will be given to everyone traveling to the Galápagos
Islands and has been implemented as an additional measure toward sustainable human
development and conservation of the Galápagos ecosystems. Please keep this with your other
important documents while traveling in the Galápagos Islands. Officials will ask for this card as
you leave.

In addition, we will arrange for payment of the Galápagos National Park fee and other required
documents. Your naturalists will meet you at the airport for the transfer by bus to the pier for
embarkation by Zodiac. Once aboard, lunch will be served, and you will have time to settle into
your cabins, explore, and attend important welcome briefings. This evening, circumnavigate
iconic Kicker Rock. Welcome aboard!

Our experience:

With breakfast they brought around a cheesy bread they say is traditional.


They were very efficient and organized getting us to busses and to the airport. We have an hour and a half flight to San Cristobal island. There are a few people hacking up a lung on the plane, I wish they would mask. Our plane landing used the whole runway then made a U-turn and taxied back to the terminal.


We didn't see one of our bags at the terminal and we were worried. It was selected for "special" searching. It was no big deal but we were worried when it was not with all the other luggage.

A 5 minute bus ride took us to the dock. While we waited for our zodiac, we watched the sea lions and crabs lounging on the rocks.

And on our way to the National Geographic Endeavor II!

All our credentials were checked and we were shown to room 314.


Then off to a lovely buffet lunch and my first salad of the trip.


Paul went the pasta route.


We tried the free Wi-Fi but I can't upload any pictures or send any messages so we bought the $165 Wi-Fi plan and all is good.

Muster drill! A requirement on all ships upon embarkation.


This is sleeping Lion Rock


A little closer view...


The cocktail du jour...

We went all the way around Sleeping Lion Rock and saw some Sea Lion pups and Frigate birds.




They used to let small boats go thru there, but they stopped after someone hit the side and scraped the rocks. Looks a little tight, doesn't it?



Then a nice chance to rest followed by a welcome reception with champagne,  pizza, and smoked trout on toast.

They told us the park rules and what we are doing tomorrow. Then dinner with pork loin for Paul and I had quinoa with veggies, and chocolate cheesecake for dessert. But honestly, the dinner and dessert wasn't that good. Maybe we are just spoiled already.

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