The Galapagos: An Expedition That Changes You

Every once in a while you travel somewhere that truly changes you. That’s how I would describe my time in the Galápagos Islands sailing with Lindblad Expeditions in partnership with National Geographic. This wasn’t a typical cruise. It was an expedition.

What Makes an Expedition Different

On most cruises, the ship is the destination. On an expedition cruise, the destination is the destination. Our ship carried only 96 guests, which made the experience feel incredibly intimate. Within a day or two you recognized everyone onboard. We often shared meals with different people and naturally made a few new friends along the way.

With a ship that small, everyone ends up feeling connected. The atmosphere was friendly and respectful — the kind of place where people hold doors, wait their turn, and look out for each other. No rushing. No pushing. No “me first.” Just travelers who were grateful to be experiencing something special together.

A Front-Row Seat to Nature

It didn’t take long for me to realize why people say the Galápagos is an expedition that changes you. The first thing that struck me was how unafraid the animals are of humans. You’re standing just a few feet from marine iguanas, sea lions, and even giant tortoises, watching them go about their day as if you aren’t even there.

We saw sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies, frigate birds with their bright red throat sacs on display, tiny Galápagos penguins, and land iguanas basking in the sun—so much wildlife everywhere you look.

They don’t run away. They don’t hide.

In many moments it almost felt like they were just as curious about us as we were about them. That kind of interaction only exists because these islands are so carefully protected. There is no trash, no crowds, and no overdevelopment. The environment feels raw, untouched, and incredibly special.

Landscapes Like Another Planet

The Galápagos landscape is unlike anywhere I’ve ever seen. Black lava fields stretch out beside turquoise water. Rugged cliffs drop into the ocean. The islands were formed by volcanic activity, and you can feel that power in the terrain everywhere you go. It’s stark, dramatic, and beautiful in a way that’s hard to describe until you’re standing there.

Learning From the Experts

One of the things that made this experience so meaningful was the team onboard. We had eight Naturalists with us throughout the journey, and they were truly with us every step of the way—on every Zodiac ride, every hike, and every snorkel.

They didn’t just guide excursions; they were constantly pointing out wildlife we might have missed, helping us spot the details, taking photos, and helping us appreciate the beauty of it all.

They explained behaviors like mating rituals and nesting habits, and even though this is something they’ve likely seen hundreds of times, you could still see the excitement on their faces as we experienced it for the first time.

Each naturalist had their own specialty—evolution, geology, conservation, photography, oceanography, and the history of the islands. You weren’t just observing wildlife. You were learning the story behind it.

The Pace of the Days

Expedition cruising is active. Most mornings started early with a hike or Zodiac excursion. Afternoons often included snorkeling or another landing. Evenings were filled with recaps from the naturalists about what we had experienced that day. By the time we went to bed — usually around 9:00 or 9:30 PM — we were exhausted, but in the best way. The kind where your mind is full, your body is tired, and you feel grateful for everything the day offered.

The Galapagos: An Expedition That Changes You

The Galápagos is one of those rare places that shifts your perspective. You’re immersed in nature that feels untouched and unspoiled. There are no crowds, no noise, no distractions. Just wildlife, wind, water, and volcanic earth. It reminds you how incredible our planet is — and how important it is to protect places like this. This isn’t a “check the box” destination. It’s the kind of expedition that changes you and stays with you long after you return home.