NEW YORK — The Galapagos is no longer the unattainable destination it once was, thanks to Lindblad Expedition’s brand new, shorter itineraries.

For the first time in the company’s 50+ history, the bucket-list destination is now available in shorter durations, which is significant considering travellers have traditionally had to commit to an extended voyage in the past.

The new one-week ‘Wild Galápagos Escape’ departs on Saturday and Thursday aboard the newly refurbished 48-guest National Geographic Islander. The expedition features five days in the archipelago, with one night pre-voyage in Guayaquil, as well as the option of another night post-voyage at no additional charge. Multiple adventures are included each day on land and undersea, including walks and hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling.

Dr. Sylvia Earle, marine biologist and Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, will join the first two Wild Galápagos Escape voyages (Nov. 24 and 29, 2018) as a special guest speaker.

The remaining departures for Wild Galápagos Escape are April 27, May 2, 11 and 16, Sept. 5, 14 and 19, and Oct. 31, 2019. Rates start at US$5,450 per person, based on double occupancy in category 1 cabins.

Another option is the nine-day ‘Wild Galápagos & Peru Escape, which starts in Lima on a Saturday night, followed by two nights in the Sacred Valley and stops in Machu Picchu and Cusco. Guests will journey to the Galapagos for a five-day voyage aboard National Geographic Islander, returning home on Sunday. Departures are Dec. 1, 2018; May 4 and 18; Sept. 7 and 14; and Nov. 2, 2019. Rates start at $6,250 per person, double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.

As an added bonus, Lindblad is providing complimentary roundtrip charter flights from Ecuador to Galapagos for guests who book ‘Wild Galápagos Escape’ or ‘Wild Galápagos & Peru Escape’ on the above noted departures.

Other Galapagos news for 2018 and 2019 include:

• Hotel del Parque: Guests books on National Geographic Islander will stay at the Hotel del Parque in Guayaquil, featuring 44 rooms, two courtyards, a 19th-century chapel, and gourmet café facing the river.
• Free air: Lindblad is offering free roundtrip air from Miami to Guayaquil, Ecuador for guests travelling aboard National Geographic Island and National Geographic Endeavour II on select departure on the longer 10-day expeditions through December 2018. Guests can also opt for an upgrade to Business Class for $500 on Miami/Guayaquil flights on select departures. Both offers are subject to availability and must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions.
• Drinks and Wi-Fi: New for 2019 aboard any Lindblad voyage in Galapagos, guests will receive complimentary bar (excluding certain premium brands) and an hour of free wi-Fi a day, per person.

For more information go to expeditions.com.