Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)

10 Days | Sail past the extraordinary landscapes and unique wildlife of the Galapagos’s central islands.

4.8 out of 5 based on 29 reviews submitted.
Adventure Cruising
Sailing
Wildlife
From
CHF  5,321
View dates and book

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.

Trip overview

Map of Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne) including Ecuador
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Theme
Adventure Cruising, Sailing, Wildlife
Destinations
Ecuador
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
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
GMDD
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
  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The Galapagos Islands are a largely untouched natural paradise. In order to experience the splendour of the diverse landscapes and waters, the included activities on this trip often require a moderate level of fitness. We ask that you read the trip notes and itinerary carefully to ensure that you will be able to participate fully.
  • Our small ships make cruising from island to island a breeze, so you can spend more time exploring the gorgeous surrounds than stuck onboard. Compact size means that the steps between the decks are steep, and as they are designed to maximise living area space, sleeping quarters are cosy.
  • For getting to small islets, coves and prime snorkelling spots, it is sometimes necessary to use a Zodiac boat (panga). You will need to 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 you have 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 direction from local authorities.

Boats

Grand Daphne Boat
Grand Daphne
BOAT TYPE: Yacht • PASSENGERS: 16
Grand Daphne is a brand new ship that started sailing in 2021, making it one of the newest boats on the market.
Explore features

Itinerary

Map of Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne) including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Boat, Plane, Bus, Zodiac (Panga)

Accommodation

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

Activities
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet Landing
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Snorkel (45 mins) - 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 - 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 Espinosa - Snorkel (1 hour)
  • Isla Fernandina - Punta Espinosa - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Fernandina - Punta Vicente Roca Snorkelling (1 hour) Dry Landing
  • Isla Fernandina - Punta Vicente Roca - Panga Ray boat tour (30 mins)
  • Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Walk (1.45 hours) - Wet Landing
  • Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Snorkelling (1 hour)
  • Isla Santiago - Caleta Buccanero - Panga boat tour (1 hour)
  • Isla Santiago - Caleta Buccanero - Snorkelling (1 hour)
  • Isla Bartolome - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Bartolome - Snorkelling (1.5 hours)
  • 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

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

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$100 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park.

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.

MINIMUM AGE:
The minimum age on this trip is 15. Please note that triple cabins are not available. If travelling with a child, the child will need to share with one of the adults, and the other adult will share with another adult passenger, or pay a single supplement.

SEA SICKNESS- GALAPAGOS:
Please note that from June to August the water is rougher than usual. Consequently travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.

DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS:
We do not offer diving as a part of our Galapagos program and due to our internal safety policy our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity.

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 29 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.

Filter by rating

Fiona · Traveled November 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.
Review submitted 20 Nov 2023

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.
Review submitted 20 Nov 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!
Review submitted 20 Nov 2023

Jeannette · Traveled November 2023
In addition to every aspect of the Ultimate Galapagos trip being excellent and expertly fine tuned for an efficient, no hassle experience, the quality of the itinerary and the knowledge and skill of Galapagos guide (Jacinto) was superb. Accommodation on the Grand Daphne was superior and every member of the crew worked extremely hard and excelled at their work from yacht and panga navigation to room maintenance and hot towels :) after snorkeling and cocktail bar and guest tending to the top quality cuisine with varied menu throughout the Galapagos sail. Last but not least we were fortunate to have a great group among the guests, which made for a fun atmosphere and forged many connections to last beyond the trip. Our naturalist guide, Jacinto’s nightly briefings were great and his go pro videos (shared after the trip) were a much appreciated bonus!
Review submitted 20 Nov 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.
Review submitted 15 Oct 2023
Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
From
CHF  5,321