On 11 May 1872, Endymion was inspected at Portsmouth by Admiral Sir George Mundy KCB, before departing for Portland that evening. She was described as being armed with 22 guns. She later departed for Gibraltar, arriving on 30 June. She sailed on 6 July to join the Mediterranean Squadron. On 12 July, Endymion anchored in the Tagus at Lisbon. She later returned to Gibraltar, remaining behind when the squadron sailed as a court-martial was to be held on board. The engineer of was sentenced to be dismissed from the ship with the loss of a year's seniority and a severe reprimand. Following the conclusion of the court-martial, Endymion joined the squadron at Vigo, Spain on 14 August. The squadron departed on 21 September, for a cruise around the Mediterranean, with an eventual destination of Malta. It arrived off Lisbon on 24 September, Endymion left the squadron at Gibraltar, sailing on 7 October for England in company of Aurora. She towed the French barque Lutin in to Gibraltar that day. The barque had been in collision with the Italian steamship La Pampa off Europa Point and had become waterlogged. Endymion was carrying Sir J Drummond Hay, and took him to Tangier, Morocco, leaving immediately after he had disembarked. She called at Lisbon, arriving on 15 October and departing the next day. She arrived at Portsmouth on 31 October. Endymion then underwent a refit. New masts were fitted, which were brought to Portsmouth on board . On 5 November, a court-martial was held at Portsmouth on board Duke of Wellington of a boy who was accused of the theft of £8 7s 6d belonging to No.7 mess and its caterer. He was found guilty and sentenced to three months' imprisonment at Lewes Gaol.
