Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
10 Days Starting and ending in Quito
Visiting: Quito, Quito - Isla Baltra - Las Bachas (Isla Santa Cruz), Isla Rabida - Punta Albermarle (Isla Isabela), Tagus Cove (Isla Isabela) - Bahia Urbina (Isla Isabela), Punta Espinosa (Isla Fernandina) - Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela), Puerto Egas (Isla Santiago) - Caleta Bucanero (Isla Santiago), Isla Bartolome - Isla Sombrero Chino, Isla North Seymour - Charles Darwin Research Station (Isla Santa Cruz), Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Highlands - Baltra - Quito
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GMDD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Encounter wildlife up close and personal on a voyage to the Galapagos Islands for an experience like no other. On this 10-day adventure cruise, you’ll head underwater off Isla Santa Cruz, Bartolome or Isla Isabela and go snorkelling with sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles and penguins. Look to the skies in North Seymour or Caleta Bucanero to spot boobies, pelicans and other seabirds soaring above. Wander across the volcanic landscapes of Punta Espinosa and see land iguanas and flightless cormorants. A paradise for nature-lovers, you’ll discover the beauty of the Galapagos all with a naturalist guide by your side to show you the way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Location: Quito
Meals Included: Dinner
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure begins in Quito – Ecuador’s sprawling capital city. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 or 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and small group of fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe check out the city at your own pace – head to the Old Town and pick one (or more) of the 30 churches to explore. After your meeting, you’ll head to a small, local restaurant for dinner with your group. Take in the aromas and fresh flavours of the traditional Ecuadorian cuisine – think locroc (traditional potato soup) or quinoa, pork and vegetable dishes cooked with herbs, lemongrass and rich sauces, all sourced from local farms.
Day 2: Quito - Isla Baltra - Las Bachas (Isla Santa Cruz)
Location: Quito - Isla Baltra - Las Bachas (Isla Santa Cruz)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You have a very early start this morning (maybe as early as 4 am, depending on flight times) as you head into the Galapagos. Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito Airport), with a boxed breakfast on the way. When you arrive, you’ll meet your naturalist guide in the arrival hall, then be transferred to your boat – Le Grande Daphne. Meet the crew, settle in and have some lunch with your fellow travellers. Try on the snorkelling gear before your first snorkelling session, then sail to Las Bachas, where the soft sand made of decomposed coral is a nesting site for the Pacific green turtle. Marine iguanas are also commonly spotted along the beach. The rocks make for excellent snorkelling and are populated by Sally Lightfoot crabs. A saltwater lagoon just near the beach is home to flamingo and whimbrel and you might also see a great blue heron. Remnants of a floating pier, a testimony to the US presence in the Galapagos during World War II, can also be seen.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Isla Rabida - Punta Albermarle (Isla Isabela)
Location: Isla Rabida - Punta Albermarle (Isla Isabela)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you’ll 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. From the shore, follow today’s hiking trail to a lagoon that’s one of the best spots in the Galapagos to see flamingos. Keep an eye out for nesting pelicans, pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions, too. Check out a vast opuntia cactus forest, hinting at the previous habitation of land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, mockingbirds, doves, finches and lava lizards. After, you can opt to go snorkelling to seek out the resident 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 snorkelling, you may like to have a look beneath the water’s surface in search of sea turtles and flightless cormorants.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Tagus Cove (Isla Isabela) - Bahia Urbina (Isla Isabela)
Location: Tagus Cove (Isla Isabela) - Bahia Urbina (Isla Isabela)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. Maybe go snorkelling here or check out the graffiti on the walls (the oldest of which is from 1836!). Look out for flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, a variety of waterfowl and the most northerly penguins in the world. You’ll then walk to a lookout point for a stunning view of the north of Isabela Island and Volcan Wolf (Wolf Volcano). Later, visit Bahia Urbina on the west of Isabela Island to see the bay’s diverse and colourful plant life, which attracts many different insects. The site also features a short hike inland, where giant tortoises can be spotted among the bushes. You may also see land iguanas, which often nest in the middle of the trail. Flycatchers, Darwin’s finches and mockingbirds are common on the ground and in the trees.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Punta Espinosa (Isla Fernandina) - Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
Location: Punta Espinosa (Isla Fernandina) - Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, visit Punta Espinosa – a narrow ledge of lava and sand extending from the base of La Cumbre volcano. Walk around the peninsula to see the lava cacti, marine iguanas, barking sea lions, tiny penguins and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Keep an eye out for the Galapagos hawk, too, hunting in the treetops. Then, dive into the clear waters for snorkelling, looking out for the resident turtles and sea lions. In the afternoon, head to Punta Vicente Roca and take a Zodiac ride to see the abundant wildlife here. This spot is also one of the best snorkelling spots in the archipelago! The route takes you along the cliffs and allows you to explore 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, frogfish, Pacific seahorses, the endemic Camotillo, schools of barracuda and brown-stripped snappers.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Puerto Egas (Isla Santiago) - Caleta Bucanero (Isla Santiago)
Location: Puerto Egas (Isla Santiago) - Caleta Bucanero (Isla Santiago)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail to Puerto Egas – a black-sand beach on the west side of James Bay, northwest of Isla Santiago. Home to incredible volcanic tuff formations, you’ll stroll along the beach with the native marine iguanas, pelicans, finches, mockingbirds, oystercatchers, Galapagos sea lions and Galapagos fur seals. You can see the 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 can go snorkelling and take a dinghy ride to look for blue-footed boobies, pelicans and nocturnal seagulls nesting in the cliffs.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Isla Bartolome - Isla Sombrero Chino
Location: Isla Bartolome - Isla Sombrero Chino
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up in Bartolome Island – a volcanic landscape full of spatter cones and lava flows, 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! Hike to the top of a once-active volcano and enjoy the views across to Bahia Sullivan on nearby Isla Santiago. If you’re in luck, you might see 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 sandy beaches and a volcanic landscape, this is a great spot to hike and look out for the sea lions and penguins that rest here. Or, you can snorkel in search of reef sharks and sea turtles.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Isla North Seymour - Charles Darwin Research Station (Isla Santa Cruz)
Location: Isla North Seymour - Charles Darwin Research Station (Isla Santa Cruz)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up in North Seymour – one of the most visited islands of the Galapagos. Take a morning walk around the island to see 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, cool off and go snorkelling to see the variety of fish and white-tipped reef sharks, rays and sea lions here. Later, travel to Isla Santa Cruz – the second largest island in the Galapagos. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station – 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!
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Highlands - Baltra - Quito
Location: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Highlands - Baltra - Quito
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Flights to the mainland depart mid-morning, so it’s an early start for your last morning on the islands today. You’ll visit the Santa Cruz Highlands first, travelling through the agricultural region and into the misty forests, where you can see the dome-shaped giant tortoises in the wild. Look out for different species of Darwin finches and the world-famous woodpecker and warbler finches. 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 trip. You'll arrive at about 4 pm, taking a transfer back to your hotel. You might want to head out with your fellow travellers for dinner tonight, toasting to an incredible, wildlife-filled adventure.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Quito
Location: Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
There are no activities planned for today, and your adventure finishes after breakfast this morning. Of course, that doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! Why not stay on in Quito for a few days and discover the charms of the city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (7 nights) -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners -
Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet Landing
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Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Snorkel (1 hour) - Wet Landing
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Isla Rabida - Walk and Snorkel from the beach (2 hours) - Wet Landing
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Isla Isabela - Punta Albermarle - Snorkelling (1 hour)- Dry Landing
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Isla isabela - Punta Albermarle - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
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Isla Isabela - Tagus Cove - Walk (1.45 hours) - Dry Landing
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Isla Isabela - Tagus Cove - Snorkel (1 hour)
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Isla Isabela - Urbina Bay - Snorkel (1 hour)
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Isla Isabela - Urbina Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
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Isla Fernandina - Punta Vicente Roca Snorkelling (1 hour) Dry Landing
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Included Activities
Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet LandingIsla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Snorkel (45 mins) - Wet LandingIsla North Seymour - Walk (2 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Bartolome - Snorkelling (1.5 hours)Isla Bartolome - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla North Seymour - Snorkelling (1 hours)Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Walk (1.45 hours) - Wet LandingIsla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Snorkelling (1 hour)Isla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet LandingIsla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Snorkelling (45 mins)Isla Sanitago - Buccaneer's Cove - Sail (15 mins)Isla Isabela - Tagus Cove - Walk (1.45 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Isabela - Tagus Cove - Snorkel (1 hour)Isla Fernandina - Punta Espinosa - Walk (2 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Fernandina - Punta Espinosa - Snorkel (1 hour)Isla Isabela - Elizabeth Bay - Panga Ride (2 hours)Isla Isabela - Punta Moreno - Walk and Panga ride (2 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Isabela - Punta Moreno - Snorkel (45min)Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras visit (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Crater Walk (3.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Isabela - Interpretation Center VisitIsla Isabela - Los Humedales (Wetlands) - Dry LandingIsla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Santa Cruz - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Transport
Le Grande Daphne is a motor yacht. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned cabins each with en-suites.Cabins:4x lower deck twin cabins1x lower deck double cabin1x main deck double suite2x upper deck twin/double cabinsZodiacs (locally known as pangas) are modest-sized, open, outboard-powered boats which are very common throughout Galapagos. The boats are used to get you to and from the Daphne when you do activities. Depending on the type of activity, this could either be a wet or dry landing. The boat crew are there to assist you getting into and out of the zodiac.
Accommodation
Le Grande Daphne features en suite cabins all with air conditioning and a safety box. The airconditioning is a centrally controlled system for the lower deck cabins and the upper deck cabins have individually controlled systems. The upper deck cabins have large windows and the lower deck cabins have portholes. Due to the lower deck cabins being close to the water, the portholes cannot be opened. There are 4 lower deck twin cabins, 1 lower deck double cabin, 1 main deck double suite cabin and 2 upper deck twin/double cabins.Please note that single passengers cannot be booked/confirmed in the double cabin unless a single supplement is paid.
Important Information
GALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARDBefore checking in for the flight from Quito to the Galapagos, there is a US$20 transit fee that needs to be paid. On arrival in the islands you must pay the US$200 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park. This applies to everyone aged 13 years and above. For children aged 12 the fee will be USD100.If your voyage visits Isabela Island, there is also a US$10 fee to be paid on arrival at the island.ARRIVAL TRANSFER:This tour includes a complimentary arrival transfer in Quito. Please advise flight details 30 days prior to travel so that the transfer can be organised.PASSPORT DETAILS:When booking, please make sure that your name is spelt correctly, and that you book using the name in your passport (particularly if you are recently married). If you are issued a new passport with a different number between the time that you book and the time you travel, please take both the old and new passports with you.DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:Should you have a special diet requirement (for example vegetarian, celiac, vegan, severe food allergies) it's essential that you inform us or your agent of the specific details at least 10 days prior to departure, in order to make sure the chef on board the boat or on the island can request the necessary food supplies.
Mode of Transport
Le Grande Daphne is a motor yacht. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned cabins each with en-suites.Cabins:4x lower deck twin cabins1x lower deck double cabin1x main deck double suite2x upper deck twin/double cabinsZodiacs (locally known as pangas) are modest-sized, open, outboard-powered boats which are very common throughout Galapagos. The boats are used to get you to and from the Daphne when you do activities. Depending on the type of activity, this could either be a wet or dry landing. The boat crew are there to assist you getting into and out of the zodiac.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip involves lots of active adventure, and we ask that you read through the itinerary carefully to ensure that it is right for you. You’ll need to feel comfortable with the included activities and with moving about the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over three decks, and the steps between the decks are steep.
A Zodiac boat (panga) is sometimes necessary to reach small islets, coves, and prime snorkelling spots. You must be comfortable climbing in and out of one during wet and dry landings.
The waters of the Galapagos are generally calm and serene. However, there is always the possibility of choppy water at sea. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) will be needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.
Things are never set in stone when you’re travelling on island time. A sense of humour and flexibility will ensure a fun, relaxing trip through this beautiful part of the world, no matter what happens. While the crew will do their best to follow the itinerary, variations may occur due to weather or under the direction of local authorities. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions