Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
Experience Overview
When it comes to encountering wildlife up close and personal, a voyage to the Galapagos Islands really is an experience like no other. Head underwater off Isla Santa Cruz, Bartolome or Isla Isabela and you'll be snorkelling with sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles and penguins. Look to the skies in North Seymour or Caleta Bucanero and you'll spot boobies, pelicans and more soaring above. Head out for a wander across the volcanic landscapes of Punta Espinosa and you'll see land iguanas and flightless cormorants. This 10-day sailing expedition through the central islands of the Galapagos is an adventure waiting to happen.
Highlights
- Experience the benefits of small group travel aboard your vessel, M/Y Grande Daphne, sailing through the natural beauty of the Galapagos, day and night.
- Explore the remote west coast of Isabela on a small panga boat, and venture to the far-west Fernandina, home of the highest density of marine iguanas.
- Encounter the unique Galapagos wildlife in their natural habitat, from giant blue-footed and masked boobies, pelicans and frigate birds to iguanas, sea lions and turtles.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, The Galapagos Conservancy. Donations support their Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, providing capital for sustainability initiatives and empowering female entrepreneurs in the Galapagos. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1985
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Boat,Plane,Bus,Zodiac (Panga)
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GMDD
Starts: Quito, Ecuador
Finishes: Quito, Ecuador
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (7), Dinner (8)Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights),Overnight boat (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,416 ($642 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. This country might be smaller than its heavyweight South American neighbours, but it stakes a legitimate claim as the continent's most complete package, blessed with interesting cities, perfect beaches and the remarkable Galapagos Islands. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm or 6 pm tonight. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the hotel by early evening, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). After your welcome meeting, head out with your local leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional flavours and get to know you group as you settle into the coming adventure.
If you arrive early, get out and explore Quito (2,850 m), one of South America’s most attractive cities. Stroll around the Old Town and be sure to visit the majestic Monastery of San Francisco if you have time. Alternatively, check out Cotopaxi volcano, the Cloud Forest, the local hot springs or the Equatorial Monument.
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
Transfer to Quito Airport for your early morning flight to the Galapagos Islands. Keep in mind that you may leave the hotel as early as 4:30 am (a boxed breakfast will be provided), as the airport is a one-hour drive away and you must allow for delays and check-in times. (Your tour leader will confirm this time with you at the Welcome Meeting on Day 1).
When you arrive, you’ll be met in the arrivals hall by your naturalist guide and transferred to your boat, M/Y Le Grande Daphne, which will be moored close to Isla Baltra. Once on board, you’ll meet the crew, be assigned a cabin and enjoy a delicious lunch with your fellow travellers. Try on the snorkelling gear to ensure it fits, before your first snorkelling session. Wetsuits can also be hired at an additional cost.
Sail from Baltra to Las Bachas, on the north shore of Isla Santa Cruz, which is a nesting site for the Pacific green turtle. You may also see some marine iguanas. The sand here, made of decomposed coral, is particularly white and soft, and the nearby rocks make for an excellent snorkelling spot, where you might see some of the many Sally Lightfoot crabs on the island. A saltwater lagoon just near the beach is home to flamingos, whimbrel and great blue herons.
Included Activities:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Snorkel (1 hour) - Wet Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you will sail from Las Bachas to Isla Rabida, known for its spectacular red sand beaches, caused by the high content of iron in the sand which rusts to form the unusual shade. Follow a trail from the shore along to a lagoon which is one of the best spots in the Galapagos to view flamingos. Keep an eye out for nesting pelicans, pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions – all are commonly sighted on the island. Check out a vast opuntia cactus forest, hinting at the previous habitation of land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, mockingbirds, doves, finches and lava lizards. You may like to take the chance to go snorkelling and seek out sea stars, damsels, gobbies and surgeon fish.
In the afternoon, head to Albemarle on the northeast side of Isabela Island. Covered in mangroves, the bay is home to sea turtles, sea lions, penguins and flightless cormorants who feed on the algae and fish here. Another fantastic location for snorkeling, you may like to have a look beneath the water’s surface in search of sea turtles and flightless cormorants.
Included Activities:
- Isla Rabida - Walk and Snorkel from the beach (2 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Isabela - Punta Albermarle - Snorkelling (1 hour)- Dry Landing
- Isla isabela - Punta Albermarle - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)
Sail overnight from Punta Albermarle around to the western shores of Isla Isabela. Wake up near Tagus Cove, where pirates and whalers used to collect tortoises for their travels. Enjoy a short visit here (approximately 2 hours), perhaps snorkelling or checking out the graffiti on the walls (the oldest of which is from 1836). Witness flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, a variety of waterfowl and the most northerly penguins in the world. You will walk to a lookout point for a stunning view of the north of Isabela Island and Volcan Wolf (Wolf Volcano).
Today you will also visit Bahia Urbina on the west of Isabela Island, Urbina Bay has a wide variety of plant life which changes depending on the season. You will be able to observe the beautiful color of the plants which attracts many different insects. The site also features a short trek inland, where giant tortoises can be spotted amongst the bushes in their natural habitat. You may also see land iguanas which often nest in the middle of the trail where their distinctive, textured and yellowish skin can be observed from up close. Flycatchers, Darwin’s finches and mockingbirds are common on the ground and in the trees.
Included Activities:
- Isla Isabela - Tagus Cove - Walk (1.45 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Isabela - Tagus Cove - Snorkel (1 hour)
- Isla Isabela - Urbina Bay - Snorkel (1 hour)
- Isla Isabela - Urbina Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)
Today we visit Punta Espinosa that is a narrow ledge of lava and sand extending from the base of La Cumbre volcano. Take a walk around the beautiful peninsula, which boasts such wildlife and plant life as lava cacti, marine iguanas, barking sea lions, tiny penguins and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Keep a lookout for that marvelous Galapagos predator hunting from the treetops: the Galapagos hawk. Top-notch snorkeling opportunities await in the clear waters, and turtles and sea lions can be seen swimming around and feeding on the shore. This is also a great spot to see flightless cormorants drying their atrophied wings on the rocks.
In the afternoon head to Punta Vicente Roca, this site allowed for panga rides to observe the abundant wildlife and offers one of the best snorkeling spots of the Archipelago. The snorkeling “route” takes us along the cliffs and offers the not so common chance of exploring two shallow underwater caves.
The primitive and unaggressive bullhead shark, known locally as the Port Jackson shark, is often seen here sharing its space with red-lipped batfish, frogfishes, Pacific seahorses, the endemic Camotillo, schools of barracuda and brown-stripped snappers. Sponges, corals, and other marine invertebrates are also abundant in the area.
Included Activities:
- Isla Fernandina - Punta Vicente Roca Snorkelling (1 hour) Dry Landing
- Isla Fernandina - Punta Vicente Roca - Panga Ray boat tour (30 mins)
- Isla Fernandina - Punta Espinosa - Snorkel (1 hour)
- Isla Fernandina - Punta Espinosa - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)
Sail this morning to Puerto Egas, a black-sand beach on the west side of James Bay, northwest of Isla Santiago, home to incredible volcanic tuff formations. Take a stroll along the beach with the native marine iguanas, pelicans, finches, mockingbirds, oystercatchers, Galapagos sea lions and Galapagos fur seals. You can see the amazing tidal pools, formed from ancient lava flow, providing a home for sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish. You might also end up snorkelling with a Galapagos fur seal – they’re always looking for a friend! In the afternoon travel to the northwest side of Santiago Island where you’ll find Caleta Bucanero, named after the pirates and buccaneers who once found shelter in the bay. Here you’ll have the chance to go snorkelling and take a dinghy ride to look for blue-footed boobies, pelicans and nocturnal seagulls nesting in the cliffs.
Included Activities:
- Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Snorkelling (1 hour)
- Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Walk (1.45 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Santiago - Caleta Buccanero - Panga boat tour (1 hour)
- Isla Santiago - Caleta Buccanero - Snorkelling (1 hour)
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up in Bartolome Island, a spectacular volcanic landscape full of spatter cones and lava flows, and home to Galapagos penguins and lava lizards. Put on your walking shoes and climb up 360 wooden steps to the summit, where an amazing view of Pinnacle Rock awaits. This is one of the most photographed sights in the Galapagos – an abrupt jag of rock protruding from the earth like a tooth, providing a focal point for two nearby bays. Hike to the top of a once-active volcano and enjoy superb views across to Bahia Sullivan on nearby Isla Santiago. If you’re in luck, you might catch a glimpse of the Galapagos hawk. There’s also the chance to go snorkelling among the colourful marine life. In the afternoon, travel to the small island of Sombrero Chino, found on the southeast side of Santiago Island. With lovely sandy beaches and a striking volcanic landscape, this is a fantastic place to take a hike and look out for the sea lions and penguins that rest here, and snorkel in search of reef sharks and sea turtles.
Included Activities:
- Isla Bartolome - Snorkelling (1.5 hours)
- Isla Bartolome - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Sombrero Chino - Snorkelling (1.5 hours) Wet Landing
- Isla Sombrero chino - Walk (1.5 hours) Wet Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up this morning in North Seymour, one of the most visited islands of the Galapagos. First up is a walk around the island to spot some blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. Boobies and frigates have an interesting relationship, sharing the same nesting area on North Seymour. Blue-footed boobies nest on the ground while the frigate birds nest just above them in the saltbushes. As you walk, look out for land iguanas, marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions and the endemic incense tree. After the walk, cool off and go snorkelling and encounter a great variety of fish and perhaps some white-tipped reef sharks, rays and sea lions. Later in the day, travel to Isla Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Galapagos. Pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in the small town of Puerto Ayora. As well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station also makes for interesting exploration and offers the best opportunities for close encounters with giant tortoises. You may also see baby tortoises. Enjoy some free time to walk around the town where you can purchase a souvenir or two to take back home with you.
Included Activities:
- Isla North Seymour - Snorkelling (1 hours)
- Isla North Seymour - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)
Flights to the mainland from Galapagos depart mid-morning, so it’s an early start for your last morning on the islands.
You will visit the Santa Cruz Highlands. Travel through the agricultural region and into the misty forests where you can see the unique scalesia cloud forest, dome-shaped giant tortoises in the wild, different species of Darwin finches and possibly the world-famous woodpecker and warbler finches. You might also glimpse a vermillion flycatcher.
Then it’s time to bid farewell to the archipelago and head to the airport for your mid-morning flight back to Quito for the last night of the tour. This flight takes approximately 2.5 hours with a transit in Guayaquil. Upon arrival at Quito Airport, at about 4 pm, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for an overnight stay. A local Intrepid representative might stop by the hotel this evening to get your feedback on the trip.
Included Activities:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for the day so you can depart your accommodation at any time. If you have not spent time in Quito beforehand, we recommend you stay on a few days as there are many fascinating things to do, such as the Cotopaxi volcano, the Cloud Forest, hot springs, the Equatorial Monument or perhaps city tour of the fascinating Old Town. If you want to spend more time, just speak to your booking agent.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Ryan - Traveled, February 2024
Over all this is an average experience due to the lack of effort being put into it. For example food was average, over cooked and use of instant eggs speaks for its self. Beds had bed bugs, The last day was rushed for no reason, and should be excluded as it was pointless to see a farm eith turtles after just seeing them the day before at the darwin museum. You personal activity level should include being able to walk or "hike" with out a walking stick. If you can jump or at least jog this trip is to active for you. I don't recommend intrepid due to a lack of clear communication, over promis and under delivering. If i was to do this again I would use a local agent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
June - Traveled, February 2024
What an amazing trip. This was a celebration for our Golden Wedding anniversary. We saw and visiting almost every Galápagos island, we snorkeled, we hiked and we learnt so much. The stay on the Grand Daphne was great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2024
Paul - Traveled, January 2024
The Ultimate Galapagos Central Islands (Grand Daphne) experience exceeded all of our expectations. We believe the combination of the smaller group size, smaller boat, excellent crew and amazing guide significantly enhanced the Galapagos experience. Each island offered something unique to see and discover. The snorkeling was amazing and the many photo and video opportunities will ensure lasting memories of this once in a lifetime trip. Everything since our arrival in Quito was well organized, safe and fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Justin - Traveled, January 2024
The Ultimate Galapagos trip was the trip of a lifetime with our guide Jacinto being professional, courteous, knowledgeable and a great guy to have a chat with about the area, the people, the flora and fauna. Our family of five including three teenagers had a wonderful trip that we will all remember for the rest of our lives. Thanks go also to the amazing people at Intrepid who looked after us behind the scenes and the crew of our boat who made our onboard experience unforgettable and totally safe!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Charles - Traveled, December 2023
I enjoyed every minute of this trip! Everyday was full of marine life and nature. The snorkeling and walks were amazing! The boat was super comfortable and the crew did an amazing job taking care of us. The food was fresh and, every meal was delicious. Every aspect of this trip was top notch. I went on this trip alone, but felt like I was meeting up with friends once I got to know the other travelers. Highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Whitney - Traveled, December 2023
Fantastic adventure. So many animals, fish and plants! The Grand Daphne was superb. The itinerary was very well planned and appropriate. The rooms were better than expected and the food outstanding. Highly recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Fiona - Traveled, January 2023
Bucket list trip come true!. Seeing the Galápagos Islands on the Grand Daphne (super professional crew) and through the eyes of fabulous guide, Jacinto, and made this tour a true delight. I came away amazed, happy, knowledgeable and relaxed. Big shout out to our boat buddies too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2023
Eleanor - Traveled, November 2023
I was blown away by how much wildlife we saw during our trip. It was extraordinary! The crew of the Grand Daphne looked after us so well that I felt like a queen. Jacinto (our guide) was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Overall the trip of a lifetime!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2023
Karalyn - Traveled, November 2023
I signed up for being on a boat, in the ocean with warm weather. The abundance of wildlife in Galapagos repeatedly stole the show. The Grande Daphne is stunning. The crew were very professional and our guide Jacinto was excellent. Highly recommended by me and an easy 5/5 stars!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Elizabeth - Traveled, March 2024
Absolutely loved this trip. Jacinto was such a fabulous guide; enthusiastic about wildlife, ensured we got the best sightings and photos, and overall just really friendly and helpful. The boat was beautiful and the food was absolutely incredible! They catered for my dietary needs where needed and the food was exceptional standard! Thank you everyone
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2024
Lucy - Traveled, March 2024
We didn't need wetsuits to see the amazing wildlife in the water and out. Our guide Jacinto was patient, helpful, knowlegable and made sure we all had a great time snorkelling and trecking and shared his gopro footage with us. I was worried about sharks, erupting volcanoes and the SOE in Equador, and was cautious in Quito but all was fine.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2024
Alan - Traveled, February 2024
Ultimate tour of Galapagos was the best choice because it covered all areas of Galapagos. All staff/crew were excellent and the Grand Daphne was perfect.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2024
Rizwana - Traveled, November 2023
Jacinto was a delightful naturalist guide, with a good sense of humour, and infinite patience with all of our questions. He seemed to have a genuine desire to have us all love and respect the islands; with our group he definitely succeeded! The crew were very helpful, friendly and made me feel very welcome (also tried to help me learn spanish). The Grand Daphne itself was great boat to be on. The chefs made spectacular and healthy meals! Most days you had 2 snorkels, and 2 hikes/panga rides. Due to the number of excursions, we saw all the animals we had hoped to see. Overall, I will definitely be recommending this trip to friends and family so they can also make unforgettable memories.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2023
Barbara - Traveled, September 2023
Ultimate Galapagos is well named. An amazing tour of the northern part of the Galapagos in the beautiful Grand Daphne with excellent facilities and very friendly staff. Our guide Jacinto was incredibly knowlegeable about the area, the flora and fauna and had a great sense of humour. Each day we explored a new area- a morning land excursion, followed by an hour long snorkel, returning to the boat to be greeted by warm towels and a hot refreshment. Afternoon siesta before another snorkel and zodiac exploration. Meals were amazing, 3 courses and lots of choices. Memories to cherish forever- can't recommend highly enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Cameron - Traveled, August 2023
Spectacular trip. Snorkelled with countless sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, reef sharks, and iguanas. Felt like I was living in an episode of Planet Earth. The Grande Daphne and its crew were fantastic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2023
Chandrika - Traveled, August 2023
Trip of a lifetime! Every day was the best day ever until the next day, which was always better! The yacht was total luxury, and this trip was worth every penny!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Alexandra - Traveled, August 2023
A bucket-list trip of a lifetime with an amazing itinerary, quality boat and fantastic guiding. We could not recommend enough going to Galapagos with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2023
Karen - Traveled, October 2022
Galapagos Islands on the Grand Daphne. A beautiful boat with spacious cabins and fabulously attentive and friendly crew.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2022
Jennifer - Traveled, September 2022
The trip was phenomenal! Wildlife abounded, with plenty of close encounters in one of the most pristine special wildlife areas in the world. Our guide was great and the fellow travelers amazing. Accommodations on the Grand Daphne were phenomenal and the on-board staff top-notch.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2022
Jaimee - Traveled, May 2022
Everything about this trip was amazing. The tour guide, the accommodation, the food and the people. We saw so much incredible wildlife. It was my dream trip and it exceeded my expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2022
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