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US DOLLARS ($)

+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Luxury Expedition Ship
The Galápagos

National Geographic Gemini

HIGHLIGHTS
GALLERY
FEATURES
GOOD TO KNOW
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Highlights

Built for exploration – Gemini’s shallow draught and manoeuvrable design allow her to navigate close to remote shores, while quick-launching Zodiacs keep time spent transferring to a minimum.
More experts to learn from – The expedition team extends beyond naturalist guides, with a certified photography instructor on every departure and an undersea specialist joining most voyages.
Unusually generous accommodation – Gemini offers some of the largest suites in the Galápagos, including 13 balcony cabins and a 460-square-foot top suite with two private balconies.
See beneath the surface – Undersea specialists film marine life during dives, then share the footage during evening recaps, revealing encounters that even snorkellers may have missed.
Explore in different ways – Zodiac cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling and guided walks allow each day to be adapted to the conditions, wildlife and guests’ interests.
A distinctly Ecuadorian experience – The largely Ecuadorian crew is complemented by menus built around locally sourced, farm-to-table and ocean-to-table ingredients.

Features

Constructed: Launched in 2001 as a purpose-built expedition ship and comprehensively revitalised before entering Galápagos service in 2025.
Capacity: A maximum of 48 guests, giving her considerably more space per passenger than many comparable expedition ships.
Guides: A multi-disciplinary expedition team includes naturalists, a certified photography instructor and, on most voyages, a specialist documenting the underwater world.
Crew: 57 staff and crew, including the expedition, marine, hospitality and technical teams – an unusually high ratio for 48 guests.
Speed: The operator does not publish an official cruising speed, so it is better omitted than estimated.
Size: Length: 90.2 metres. Beam: 13.1 metres. Her shallow-draught design is particularly useful when approaching remote coastlines.
Restaurants: A main restaurant and separate outdoor café both accommodate every guest in a single, open seating.
Leisure: Whirlpool hot tub, windowed gym and spa, library, lounge, bar, open decks, kayaks, paddleboards, Zodiacs and full snorkelling equipment.
Stabilisers: No specific stabilisation system is stated in the published technical information. Her size nevertheless provides a steadier platform than the smaller yachts.
Cabins: 27 outward-facing cabins, including dedicated solo rooms, triples, interconnecting family accommodation and 13 balcony cabins. The largest suite measures 460 square feet and has a separate lounge plus two balconies.

Gallery

Good to know

How to get there

Gemini’s Galápagos voyages generally connect with flights from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristóbal. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the ship, with the domestic flights, embarkation arrangements and accompanying mainland stay organised as part of the wider expedition itinerary.

Are children welcome?

Very much so. The choice of twin, triple and interconnecting cabins makes Gemini particularly practical for families, while the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training programme introduces younger guests to wildlife, navigation, photography and marine science through hands-on activities. There is no blanket minimum age, although children should be comfortable with active excursions and Zodiac transfers.

Giving back

Every Gemini voyage contributes to conservation through a dedicated fund that has directed more than US$10 million towards protecting Galápagos wildlife, habitats and communities.

Recent projects have supported the Charles Darwin Foundation’s research into threatened land birds, restoration of the endangered Scalesia forest and work to prevent marine invasive species. Funding has also helped WildAid strengthen protection of the Galápagos Marine Reserve and supported the return of giant tortoises to Floreana.

Onboard measures include offsetting operational carbon emissions, removing guest-facing single-use plastic bottles, cups, straws and stirrers and sourcing food from local farmers and responsible fisheries. Scientific specialists, visiting researchers and community speakers also help connect guests with the conservation work taking place throughout the archipelago.

Why we love National Geographic Gemini

Gemini is particularly good for people who want the depth of a serious expedition without accepting a small cabin as part of the bargain. Her 48-guest capacity supports a broad team of specialists, yet the ship still feels personal. The evening footage filmed by the undersea specialist is a real highlight, showing an unseen side of each day’s exploration.