Meals

9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners

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 cabins 1x lower deck double cabin 1x main deck double suite 2x upper deck twin/double cabins Zodiacs (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. Boat , Plane , Bus , Zodiac (Panga)

Flights

Intra-flight from Quito to the Galapagos is included. As we have travellers from all over the world, flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price and you need to arrange these separately by yourself once your tour is guaranteed. As we specialise in organising the best tours around the world for you, we are unable to advise on flight prices or book flights on your behalf. We recommend that you do not book your flights until your place on the tour has been confirmed. Check out the following link which is powered by Skyscanner to book your flight - https://flights.tourradar.com

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. Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (7 nights)

Guide

Our local representative will meet you in the evening of day 1 of the trip and conduct the group briefing. They will then also transfer with you to the airport on day 2 for your flight to the Galapagos. On arrival in the Galapagos you will be met your Guide. Our Guides are registered and trained in conservation and natural sciences by the Charles Darwin Foundation and licensed by the Galapagos National Park Service. The Guide will be on board with you for the duration of the trip and will accompany you on all excursions. Our boats are also staffed by highly experienced shipboard staff and crew.

Others

Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing Isla Floreana - Punta Cormorant walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardener - Snorkel (1 hour) Isla Espanola - Punta Suarez - Walk (3 hours) - Dry Landing Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing Isla Plaza Sur - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing Isla Santa Fe - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing Isla Santa Fe - Snorkel (1 hour) Isla Genovesa - Bahia Darwin - Walk (2 hours) Wet Landing Isla Genovesa - La Barranco - Snorkel (1 hour) Isla Santiago - Sullivan Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing Santa Cruz - Bahia Borrero - Walk (1 hour) Santa Cruz - Bahia Borrero - Snorkel 45minutes - Wet Landing Isla Santiago - Sullivan Bay - Snorkelling (45 mins) Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Snorkelling or swimming (1 hour) Isla Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - Panga ride (1.5 hours)

Not included:

Others

Arrival and departure transfers (available on request). Tipping. Other meals, snacks and drinks. Pre and post tour accommodation. Single supplement (Not Available). Please note that the following fees will be added to the tour price upon booking: Transit fee for Intra-flight - US$20 Galapagos Entrance Fee - US$100

Optional

Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost and will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Quito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Quito

The adventure gets under way in Quito, Ecuador’s sprawling but refined capital city. A welcome meeting will be held this evening at either 5 pm or 6 pm where you’ll get the chance to meet your fellow travellers, but aside from that you are free to check out the city on your own today. After your welcome meeting, head to a small, local restaurant for dinner with your group. You can expect some pretty mouth-watering aromas from the fresh flavours of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. Think quinoa, pork and vegetable dishes laced with local herbs, lemongrass and rich sauces all sourced from local farms. You might even get to try the traditional Locro (potato soup). If you arrive with time to spare, perhaps head to Quito’s Old Town and pick one (or more) of the 30 churches to explore.
Day 2 Day 2: Isla Baltra - Santa Cruz Highlands - Puerto Ayora
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Isla Baltra - Santa Cruz Highlands - Puerto Ayora

Rise and shine! An early start is necessary this morning to make it to the Galapagos with time to play today. This could mean leaving as early as 4.30 am, and an Intrepid representative will confirm the exact departure time during the welcome meeting on Day 1. Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (AKA Quito Airport), enjoying a boxed breakfast en route. Fly to the Galapagos (approximately 3.5 hours). On arrival, collect your luggage and meet your naturalist guide in the arrival hall. Follow your guide on a public bus for a short distance (approximately 5 minutes), then board the public ferry and head across the Itabaca Channel (approximately 7 minutes). All public transport fees are included in your trip price. Once you reach Isla Santa Cruz, board a private bus to the highlands. After a short journey (approximately 10 minutes), arrive at Los Gemelos – twin sinkholes created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. They are surrounded by the unique scalesia cloud forest, so be on the lookout for the abundant bird life including different species of Darwin finches, woodpeckers, warbler finches and vermillion flycatchers. Continue further into the highlands (approximately 30 minutes) and explore a rancho farm, where you will take a walk and enjoy lunch. An approximately 2-kilometre walk around the area will likely reveal giant tortoises in their natural habitat. After lunch, travel to Puerto Ayora (approximately 45 minutes) where Grande Daphne and her crew will be waiting for you. Once on board, you’ll be assigned a cabin and have a chance to settle in for your first night on the islands before a safety briefing.
Day 3 Day 3: Post Office Bay - Punta Cormorant - Devils Crown (Isla Floreana)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Post Office Bay - Punta Cormorant - Devils Crown (Isla Floreana)

Discover the quirky maritime history of Post Office Bay, home of the oldest postal system in the Americas. There’s a post box here that was first built by 18th-century whalers and is still in use today. Perhaps leave a letter to be collected by another traveller or look for one you can deliver. Snorkelling and a Zodiac ride are also included in this outing. Afterwards, head ashore at Punta Cormorant where the sand is made up of fine olivine crystal, a glassy volcanic mineral that gives the beach an olive-green colour. Take a 1-kilometre walk in search of sea lions, as well as flamingos, pintails and stilts. Finish at a sandy beach where Eastern Pacific green turtles nest. Just offshore, the famous Devil’s Crown waits for those who want a special snorkelling experience. The partially-submerged remains of a volcanic cone, Devil’s Crown is now a unique swimming hole and home to rays, sharks, sea lions and turtles. Sail overnight. Estimated travel time/distance: Puerto Ayora to Isla Floreana: 4 hours (32 nautical miles) Punta Comorant to Punta Suarez: 6.5 hours (52 nautical miles)
Day 4 Day 4: Punta Suarez - Bahia Gardner (Isla Espanola)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Punta Suarez - Bahia Gardner (Isla Espanola)

Wake up and take a hike on Isla Espanola, the southernmost island of the Galapagos. It is the breeding site for almost all of the estimated 24,000 waved albatrosses on earth. If you’re lucky (and the timing is right), you might spot the elaborate courtship rituals performed by albatrosses before the female chooses her lifelong mate during your walk. Hike through booby colonies to the rocky trails of beautiful Punta Suarez. This 3-km hike culminates at a clifftop viewpoint. Gaze out over views of rugged cliffs framed by swooping frigate birds, watching while albatross use the cliffs as their ‘runway’, getting airborne on the southeast winds. Next, head to Bahia Gardner for a walk along the beach. Dodge lounging sea lions on this 1-kilometre walk, then cool off with a spot of snorkelling. The rocks off the coast are rich with reef sharks, turtles and many species of tropical fish (such as surgeon and angelfish). Small white-tipped reef sharks can also be spotted resting under the rocks. Estimated travel time/distance: Punta Suarez to Bahia Gardener: 45 minutes (5 nautical miles) Bahia Gardener to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock): 5 hours (8 nautical miles)
Day 5 Day 5: Kicker Rock - Cerro Brujo - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (Isla San Cristobal)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Kicker Rock - Cerro Brujo - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (Isla San Cristobal)

Shake off any early morning doziness with a trip to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock). This basalt crater rises 150 metres above the water and is divided into two parts by a narrow channel. Cruise around kicker rock as nesting seabirds flank the boat, tropicbirds soar overhead and sea lions lounge by the water. Next, spend some time snorkelling at Cerro Brujo, providing opportunities to see Galapagos sharks and sea turtles. Or perhaps enjoy the beautiful beach with a leisurely walk to photograph the interesting sea lions who can often be seen at this location. Later, sail to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the island of San Cristobal. Some passengers will be leaving and others joining the group today, so you have some free time to explore the town of San Cristobal. In the afternoon you will visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre, which brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life, from its volcanic origins to the present day. If there’s time, your guide may be able to organise an optional visit to the highlands of San Cristobal, for a chance to see giant tortoises in the wild. The price of this optional activity depends on the number of passengers attending. Relaxing on the beach is a great option for those who don’t wish to partake in this excursion. Estimated travel time/distance: Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) to Isla San Cristobal: 1 hour (8 nautical miles)
Day 6 Day 6: Isla Santa Fe - Isla Plaza Sur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Isla Santa Fe - Isla Plaza Sur

Sea lions, iguanas and hawks – oh my! Isla Santa Fe is home to all three, plus Galapagos mockingbirds, marine turtles, frigatebirds, Galapagos doves and lava lizards. This stunning island boasts one of the most attractive coves in the whole archipelago. Take a hike along the coast into the opuntia forest (approximately 1.5 hours). The trail is rocky, so mind your step. Later enjoy a snorkel in deep water and look out for schools of fish, rays and sea turtles. Afterwards, continue to Plaza Sur (South Plaza), a small, picturesque island. Take another walk (approximately 1.5 hours), getting close to sea lions and passing one of the Galapagos’ largest land iguana populations. The southern cliffs are great for spotting tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls, as well as ‘the Gentlemen’s Club’ – a gathering of male sea lions. Today there may be an extra stop along the way to Plaza Sur to restock the provisions for the boat. Later tonight, set sail for Isla Genovesa. Estimated travel time/distance: Isla San Cristobal to Isla Santa Fe: 3.5 hours (26 nautical miles) Isla Santa Fe to Plazas Sur: 2 hours (16 nautical miles) Plazas Sur to Bahia Darwin (Isla Genovesa): 7.5 hours (59 nautical miles)
Day 7 Day 7: Bahia Darwin - Prince Philip’S Steps (Isla Genovesa)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Bahia Darwin - Prince Philip’S Steps (Isla Genovesa)

Explore Isla Genovesa, the archipelago’s north-eastern outpost. The island’s varied landscapes are a twitcher’s paradise, with all three kinds of boobies, including the rare red-footed booby, nesting here. Next, Bahia Darwin (Darwin Beach) is another superb birding site with large breeding colonies of seabirds, frigates, lava herons, swallow-tailed gulls, mockingbirds, and vampire finches. Enjoy a moderate walk (approximately 2.5 hours) that passes tide pools, sea lions and diamond stingrays. This walk involves sand and some rocky sections. The steep Prince Philip’s Steps lead you to the heart of the seabird rookeries, with birds swirling overhead and nesting among the cliffs. Look out for storm petrels on the island’s rocky plains -- Genovesa is the only place in the world where these birds can be seen flying during the day. Afterwards, perhaps cool off with a snorkel, during which you could encounter manta rays, sharks, turtles and moray eels, plus many species of fish. Later tonight, depart Isla Genovesa for Isla Santiago. Estimated travel time/distance: Prince Philip’s Steps to Bahia Sullivan (Isla Santiago): 8 hours (48 miles)
Day 8 Day 8: Bahia Sullivan (Isla Santiago) - Cerro Dragon (Isla Santa Cruz)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Bahia Sullivan (Isla Santiago) - Cerro Dragon (Isla Santa Cruz)

On Santiago Island’s eastern coast sits Bahia Sullivan. Take a walk along pahoehoe lava (approximately 1 hour), which was created by an eruption that occurred here in 1897. With some luck you might see some marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, finches, turtles, sharks and penguins. During your walk, as always, your naturalist guide will take you through the geological history of the island. Travel to Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill): one of the best places to see land iguanas in the islands. From our dry landing, walk to a brackish, lagoon spotting lagoon birds such as stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings and flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. This area is a nesting site for land iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation makes for an ideal place to see Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galapagos flycatcher and yellow warblers. The path can be challenging but it will be worth it for a spectacular view of the bay. Estimated travel time/distance: Bahia Sullivan to Cerro Dragon: 1.40 hours (17 nautical miles) Cerro Dragon to Black Turtle Cove :50 minutes (8 nautical miles)
Day 9 Day 9: Black Turtle Cove (Isla Santa Cruz) - Isla Baltra - Quito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Black Turtle Cove (Isla Santa Cruz) - Isla Baltra - Quito

Brave an early start to explore Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) on a Zodiac ride. This red mangrove wetland is located on the north shore of Isla Santa Cruz. A breeding area for green turtles, this is a good place to catch sight of them mating. There is also abundant bird life, such as the yellow warbler and lava heron. It is also a nursery for golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays and Galapagos sharks. This is your final excursion before you head to the airport in Isla Baltra for your flight back to Quito. The flight will stop over in Guayaquil en route, arriving at Quito Airport at approximately 4 pm. Enjoy a transfer back to your hotel. Your local Intrepid representative may stop by at your hotel this evening to get your feedback on your Galapagos experience. Estimated travel times/distance: Santa Cruz to Isla Baltra: 15 mins Flight time Isla Baltra to Quito: approx 3.5 hours (including transit in Guayaquil) Transfer Quito Airport to Hotel: 1 hour (depending on traffic)
Day 10 Day 10: Quito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Quito

There are no activities scheduled after breakfast this morning. Planning to stay in Quito? We don’t blame you! This gorgeous city deserves more time than we were able to give it on this trip, so if you have the time why not explore on an Urban Adventure. Find out more at www.urbanadventures.com/quito

10 days tour

Complete Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Complete Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

Day 1: Quito

Day 2: Isla Baltra - Santa Cruz Highlands - Puerto Ayora

Day 3: Post Office Bay - Punta Cormorant - Devils Crown (Isla Floreana)

Day 4: Punta Suarez - Bahia Gardner (Isla Espanola)

Day 5: Kicker Rock - Cerro Brujo - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (Isla San Cristobal)

Day 6: Isla Santa Fe - Isla Plaza Sur

Day 7: Bahia Darwin - Prince Philip’S Steps (Isla Genovesa)

Day 8: Bahia Sullivan (Isla Santiago) - Cerro Dragon (Isla Santa Cruz)

Day 9: Black Turtle Cove (Isla Santa Cruz) - Isla Baltra - Quito

Day 10: Quito

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