Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

8 days57 reviews
Cruises
Wildlife
From
AUD $7,979

Encounter the extraordinary flora and fauna of the Galapagos’ central islands

Few destinations rival the Galapagos for up-close encounters with wildlife, and this adventure focuses on the stars of the show. Enjoy a pure boat trip that’s free of detours, overnight stopovers and passengers joining or leaving throughout. Stay on the ship and venture to remote parts of the archipelago – the west coast of Isla Isabela and Isla Fernandina – and see almost all the wildlife the Galapagos is famous for. Take the chance to swim and snorkel with sea lions and reef sharks off Isla Santa Cruz and Isla Bartolome, spy frigatebirds, boobies and pelicans soaring above North Seymour, and stroll among land iguanas and flightless cormorants on volcanic Punta Espinosa.

Map of Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne) including Ecuador
Trip code: GMDP
Start
Isla Baltra, Ecuador
End
Isla Baltra, Ecuador
Destinations
Ecuador
Meals
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport
Boat, Bus, Zodiac (Panga)
Accommodation
Overnight boat (7 nights)
Days
8
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Ages
Min 12
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Cruises, Wildlife
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Comfort
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

If there’s one ultimate Galapagos adventure, this is it. Combining off-the-beaten-track gems with iconic sights like the Pinnacle Rock, this trip is a microcosm of the Galapagos

This unique, stand-alone sailing adventure shares its itinerary with no other Intrepid trip. Enjoy minimal contact with other travellers and boats

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

Beach-lovers will be in heaven. The turtle-dotted Las Bachas is about as idyllic as they come.

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.

Boats

Grand Daphne motor yacht off Las Bachas in the Galapagos
Grand Daphne
BOAT TYPE: YachtPASSENGERS: 16
With indoor and outdoor dining areas and bars, plus a sundeck with lounges, there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy time with your fellow travellers. All meals are included on the Grand Daphne. The lower deck cabins have portholes, while the main deck and upper deck cabins have large windows.
Explore features

Itinerary

Map of Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne) including Ecuador

Inclusions and activities

Meals

7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Boat, Bus, Zodiac (Panga)

Accommodation

Overnight boat (7 nights)

Included activities
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet Landing
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Snorkel (1 hour) - Wet Landing
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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)
  • 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
  • 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
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing

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 this trip 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.
  • You will be entering and exiting a Zodiac boat (panga) during wet and dry landings and when returning from snorkelling. Although the waters we sail are usually calm, there are times when the sea can get rough and choppy. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) are needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.
  • While at sea and when exploring the islands, you may be exposed to the sun for large parts of the day. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water.
  • Please note that while there is an itinerary in place, some changes may occur due to the weather or because of direction from the local authorities. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for potential modifications to the route or activities. A sense of humour and flexibility will ensure you have a fun, relaxing trip through this beautiful part of the world no matter what happens.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

START TIME on DAY ONE
This trip starts at Baltra Airport on day one at 11am

GALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARD
Before 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.

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.

ALTERNATIVE TRIP:
If you wish to have flights included to and from the Galapagos Islands along with hotel accommodation in Quito, please refer to our Ultimate Galapagos trip - GMDD.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 7 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Kimberly · Traveled June 2024
Review submitted 16 Jun 2024

Kia · Traveled May 2023
Review submitted 31 May 2023

Lin · Traveled May 2023
Review submitted 31 May 2023

Nolen · Traveled September 2022
Review submitted 15 Oct 2022

Jenny · Traveled September 2022
Review submitted 29 Oct 2022
Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne)
From
AUD $7,979