“A little world within itself,” as Darwin described it, where life-altering encounters with animals–curious, or sublimely indifferent to our presence–happen like nowhere else on earth. Each island is uniquely fascinating and magical. We will discover the diverse habitats across this legendary volcanic archipelago aboard our well-equipped expedition ship, the 96-guest, National Geographic Endeavour II. We’ll use our onboard fleet of nimble Zodiacs and kayaks for up-close explorations and gain remarkable insights from our knowledgeable, and local, naturalist team. Hike among the wildlife; investigate the vibrant sea—snorkel, stand-up paddleboard, and swim daily with sea lions, sea turtles, and penguins. And for those who prefer to stay dry, there’s the adventure of our glass-bottom boat—providing the opportunity for any guest to discover the rich life of the undersea. We’ll explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, a team of handpicked local naturalists, including a National Geographic certified photo instructor, certified field educators who run the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program for kids and teens, and an undersea specialist. Their knowledge and passion for the islands is the key to our once-in-a-lifetime experience.