Welcoming 2026 in True Expedition Style: Ecuador & the Galápagos with National Geographic

A Bucket-List Beginning: Ecuador & the Galápagos

As we welcome a new year, there is no better way to begin 2026 than by stepping into the unknown. We’re kicking off the year with an unforgettable National Geographic expedition to a destination that has long lived on our bucket list, and one that’s entirely new for us: Ecuador and the legendary Galápagos Islands. From the mainland to the enchanted islands that changed the way we understand life on Earth, this journey marks our first time exploring this remarkable corner of the world, where raw nature, rare wildlife, and centuries of culture converge. This expedition promises discovery, perspective, and the kind of travel that leaves you forever changed. Stay tuned as this journey unfolds.

A Remarkable First Day in the Galápagos

Kareem George, Joyce Hayes Giles, and I welcomed the new year with an exhilarating first day in the Galápagos Islands, hiking ashore and marveling at an astonishing array of wildlife. Playful sea lions lined the shoreline, prehistoric-looking Christmas Iguanas appeared right on cue, while lively seabirds and brilliantly colored crabs brought the volcanic landscape to life. Now aboard the Endeavour II, our home for the week with Lindblad National Geographic Expeditions, we are already immersed in the magic of these legendary islands and can feel that this voyage is off to a truly marvelous start.

—Frederick Morsches

Onboard the National Geographic Endeavour II: The Adventure Begins

I’ve arrived safely and am now settled aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II. The journey here was smooth and effortless, thanks to the care and attention of National Geographic Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions. As I look out over the waters and feel the gentle sway of the ship, I can’t help but anticipate the wonders ahead, from pristine islands to extraordinary wildlife, and the unforgettable experiences that only a Galápagos expedition can offer. Here’s to the start of a truly remarkable adventure!

Our Galápagos Adventure Begins!

Our great Galápagos adventure is officially underway! After embarking in San Cristóbal, we set out to circumnavigate the dramatic Kicker Rock, where the striking volcanic formations rise sharply from the turquoise waters. From the deck, the wildlife was already unforgettable, seabirds gliding overhead and the promise of encounters with the islands’ legendary inhabitants around every turn. With every photo captured and every new sight, the journey proves that the Galápagos are as extraordinary as their reputation.

Snorkeling, Photography, and the Galápagos Welcome

This morning began with a refreshing snorkeling lesson on a pristine Galápagos beach, an experience that was as exhilarating as it was grounding. Back aboard the ship, we dove into an informative photography session, guided by one of the expert photographers on the Lindblad National Geographic team. Every detail of the expedition is designed to immerse us fully in the islands while providing practical skills to capture them. From the water to the deck, it’s clear that Lindblad Expeditions is taking excellent care of us as we acclimate to the magic of the Galápagos.

Snorkel-Ready for the Galápagos

Thank goodness we had two weeks to “shape up” at Six Senses Vana before fitting into these wetsuits! This morning’s practice session got us ready and confident for snorkeling, and tomorrow we set off for Champion Island to explore the deep waters. With anticipation high and warm waters ahead, we’re eager to see what underwater wonders the Galápagos have in store.

Giants of the Galápagos: Tortoises and Conservation

A true marvel of the Galápagos, the legendary giant tortoises of Santa Cruz Island are living symbols of endurance and evolution. Watching them lumber gracefully through the highlands feels like stepping back in time. Just nearby, the Charles Darwin Research Station stands as a cornerstone of scientific dedication. Supported for years by the Lindblad–National Geographic Fund, its researchers work tirelessly to protect these extraordinary creatures and the fragile ecosystems they call home. It’s a vivid reminder that conservation and wonder can coexist, beautifully, patiently, and powerfully, right here in the heart of the Galápagos.

—Frederick Morsches

Hiking Española: Where Endurance Meets Discovery

Our afternoon hike on Española Island was nothing short of incredible. The landscape revealed itself in layers, rugged, dramatic terrain unfolding into endless vistas, each turn offering a new perspective on the raw beauty of the Galápagos. The hike challenged our endurance in the best way, grounding us in the rhythm of the land while surrounding us with abundant wildlife at every step.

This experience served as a perfect introduction to the islands’ unique flora and fauna, where evolution feels present and alive. It was also an ideal opportunity to put my learnings from the onboard enhancing photography session into practice, capturing moments that reflect both the scale and the intimacy of this remarkable place. So, how did I do?

Active Days and Endless Discovery Aboard the Endeavour II

Life aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II is defined by movement, curiosity, and constant discovery. Each day brings a thoughtful balance of activity and learning, hiking across volcanic landscapes, snorkeling in clear waters, scenic cruising between islands, and expert-led talks that deepen our understanding of the Galápagos. It’s the kind of travel that keeps both body and mind fully engaged. For travelers who love to stay active while continuously learning, the Galápagos is not just a destination, it’s an experience that belongs at the very top of the list.

Giant Tortoise Day: Awe, Artistry, and Island Life

Are you ever truly ready for giant tortoise day? I thought I was, yet nothing compares to standing in the presence of these colossal, prehistoric-looking creatures, many of them already more than 100 years old. Seeing them move slowly across the landscape is a powerful reminder of time, resilience, and the extraordinary evolution that defines the Galápagos.

Each day exploring the islands with Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic Expeditions has been filled with awe and discovery, and today was no exception. Beyond wildlife encounters, we were introduced to the human stories of the Galápagos, meeting local artisans, including a chocolatier, a watercolorist, and an artist who hand-paints t-shirts. We also visited a hydroponic farm that supplies many of the fresh greens served onboard, offering a deeper look at sustainability in action. Together, these moments reveal a side of the Galápagos that is as thoughtful and creative as it is wild. Enjoy today’s photo recap.

A Morning Among Giants: Hiking Cerro Dragón in the Galápagos

There is something profoundly grounding about starting the day on foot, immersed in nature before the world fully wakes up. On this particular morning in the Galápagos, that grounding came courtesy of a hike at Cerro Dragón, and it exceeded every expectation.

I knew we were in for something special the moment we stepped ashore and were greeted by a pair of blue-footed boobies. Their unmistakable coloring and calm presence felt like a warm welcome, a reminder that in the Galápagos, wildlife doesn’t hide, it confidently shares the stage with you.

As we continued along the trail with National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions, the landscape unfolded in layers. Volcanic terrain gave way to surprising textures and colors, each turn revealing a new perspective of this remarkable ecosystem. The scenery alone was enough to captivate, but soon the true stars of Cerro Dragón made their appearance.

Iguanas, both land and marine, were everywhere. Watching them bask, move, and interact in their natural habitat was nothing short of mesmerizing. These ancient-looking creatures seem perfectly at home in a world that feels untouched by time, and observing them up close was a powerful reminder of how rare and protected this place truly is.

Then came another unexpected moment of beauty: flamingos. Their elegant silhouettes and soft pink hues stood in stunning contrast to the rugged surroundings, adding yet another layer of wonder to an already unforgettable morning.

This hike was more than just a walk through nature, it was an intimate introduction to the Galápagos, one that engaged all the senses and set the tone for the day ahead. And as if the morning hadn’t already delivered enough magic, the afternoon promises snorkeling, offering an entirely different perspective on this extraordinary destination.

The Galápagos has a way of reminding you how vast, intricate, and awe-inspiring our world truly is. Cerro Dragón was the perfect place to begin the day, and a memory I’ll carry with me long after the journey ends.

Food, Glorious Food: A Question Everyone Asks at Sea

Every expedition sparks curiosity.

What wildlife will we encounter?
What will the landscapes feel like up close?
How will it feel to live at sea while exploring one of the most remote places on Earth?

And then there’s the question that always comes up, the one people message me about before we even set sail:

“How is the food onboard?”

It’s a fair question. When your days are filled with hiking volcanic trails, kayaking along wild coastlines, and snorkeling beside sea lions, dining becomes part of the rhythm of expedition life. Meals are where explorers regroup, share stories, and recharge for what’s ahead.

Rather than describe it here, I’ll let you hear my thoughts directly.

In the video below, I answer your most-asked question and share my experience of dining aboard the National Geographic Endeavor II with Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic Expeditions.

And yes, thankfully, we’re snorkeling and hiking daily.

Press play below to join me.

Twice a Day Beneath the Surface

Some experiences redefine how you see a destination.

For me, snorkeling in the Galápagos has become exactly that. This week alone, I’ve spent more time in the water than in my entire life, often diving in twice a day. What began as a new adventure quickly became one of the most memorable highlights of this journey.

The waters may be described as “chilly,” but the reward is immediate. Each descent below the surface opens a new world, vibrant marine life, dramatic underwater landscapes, and quiet moments of wonder that feel entirely removed from the everyday. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you’ve dried off and warmed up on deck.

Snorkeling here isn’t just an activity; it’s a perspective shift. A chance to connect more deeply with the environment and witness nature in its purest form.

In the video below, I share more about these underwater adventures and what makes this part of the expedition so special.

Learning to See the Underwater World

There’s something humbling about your first time snorkeling.

You imagine yourself gliding effortlessly through crystal-clear water, capturing stunning underwater photographs like a seasoned explorer. Reality, at least for me, looked a little different at first. Snorkeling photos? Quite challenging. Framing a shot while floating, breathing through a mask, and trying not to drift off course takes practice and patience.

Fortunately, this journey with Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic Expeditions in the Galápagos offers plenty of opportunity to improve. With two snorkeling outings scheduled each day for the next several days, I’ll have no shortage of chances to refine my technique, grow more comfortable in the water, and hopefully capture images that do justice to what lies beneath the surface.

And what lies beneath is extraordinary.

The sea landscapes are as dramatic underwater as they are above. Schools of colorful fish move in shimmering patterns, darting through volcanic rock formations shaped by time and tide. At one moment, I found myself passing through a cloud of tiny iridescent jellyfish, a fleeting, magical scene I wish I had managed to photograph. Some moments are meant to simply be experienced.

This is all part of the adventure, learning as you go, embracing the challenges, and discovering new ways to connect with nature’s most remote and remarkable places.

To my fellow snorkelers and underwater photographers: I welcome your tips and wisdom. The journey continues, and I’m just getting started.

A Masterpiece of Faith and Fusion in Quito

In the heart of Quito, Ecuador’s historic Plaza San Francisco, the Church and Monastery of San Francisco rises in quiet grandeur, a living testament to devotion, artistry, and cultural convergence. From the moment you step inside, time seems to soften. Golden light dances across gilded altars. Intricate wood carvings tell stories shaped by hands centuries ago. The atmosphere hums with the reverence of the 16th century, still palpable in every arch and corridor.

Yet what makes this sacred space truly extraordinary is not only its European baroque elegance, but the seamless way indigenous Andean artistry weaves through it. Sacred icons bear local symbols. Spiritual motifs merge across traditions. Moorish-inspired ceilings stretch overhead, intricate and unexpected, revealing the layered influences that shaped Ecuador’s colonial soul.

This is not simply a church to visit, it is an experience to absorb. A place where architecture becomes narrative, where faith becomes form, and where cultural dialogue is etched into stone, gold, and wood.

For the traveler who seeks beauty with meaning and history with soul, the Church and Monastery of San Francisco is an unforgettable gem in the heart of Quito.

—Frederick Morsches

The Winged Virgin of Quito

There are moments in travel when art stops you mid-step, not because of its scale, but because of its story.

Inside Quito, Ecuador’s Convent of San Francisco Museum, one such moment awaits. Here hangs Francisco de Torres’ 17th-century Virgen alada, the Winged Virgin, an image unlike any other in the world. This is the only known depiction of the Virgin Mary portrayed with gilded wings, symbolizing her Assumption and ascent to the divine.

Yet what makes this masterpiece truly extraordinary lies beyond its rarity. Look closer, and you begin to see the dialogue within the painting. Andean symbolism quietly woven into sacred iconography. Indigenous artistic language merging with Spanish Baroque expression. A visual syncretism that reflects the cultural fusion that shaped Quito’s colonial identity.

The result is not simply religious art. It is cultural storytelling in pigment and gold leaf, a sacred image that once helped bridge belief systems, inviting worshippers to find familiarity in faith newly introduced.

Standing before the Virgen alada, you feel the layers of history at work: devotion, adaptation, artistry, and resilience. It is a reminder that travel at its most meaningful is not only about seeing beautiful places, but about understanding the forces that shaped them.

A single painting. A single room. An enduring conversation between worlds.

—Frederick Morsches

La Compañía: Quito’s Golden Heart

Over the years, I have stepped into countless churches, cathedrals, and sacred spaces across the world. Many have been memorable. Few have been breathtaking. And then I walked through the doors of the Church of La Compañía de Jesús in Quito, Ecuador.

The first step inside feels like crossing into another realm. Gold glows from every surface. Light dances across carved columns and vaulted ceilings. Faith and artistry radiate in every direction, creating a space that feels less built by human hands and more summoned by devotion itself. It is, quite simply, a living reliquary of gold and light.

Construction of La Compañía began in 1605 and continued for more than a century and a half, finally reaching completion around 1765. The result was a triumph of Jesuit vision and craftsmanship, a baroque masterpiece where European artistic tradition met the skilled hands and imagination of Andean artisans.

But history, as it often does, intervened. In 1767, the Jesuits were expelled from Spanish territories, and La Compañía was shuttered. For decades, its luminous interior remained hidden, silent, and unseen.

Today, fully restored and resplendent once more, La Compañía stands as the golden heart of Quito. A place where baroque exuberance meets Andean soul. Where architecture transcends structure and becomes emotion. Where visitors do not simply observe beauty, they feel it.

For the culturally curious traveler, this is not merely a church to visit. It is an experience to absorb, a moment to linger, and a reminder of how powerfully art, history, and devotion can converge.

—Frederick Morsches