Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

8 Days | Encounter the extraordinary flora and fauna of the Galapagos’ central islands

5 out of 5 based on 6 reviews submitted.
Adventure Cruising
Wildlife
From
EUR €4,668
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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.

Trip overview

Map of Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne) including Ecuador
Start
Isla Baltra, Ecuador
Finish
Isla Baltra, Ecuador
Theme
Adventure Cruising, 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 12
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
GMDP
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.

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.

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 Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne) including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Boat, Bus, Zodiac (Panga)

Accommodation

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

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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 or Guayaquil,to the Galapagos, there is a US$20 transit fee that needs to be paid so you will need to make sure you are at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. On arrival in the islands you must pay the US$100 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park.

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 6 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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Kia · Traveled May 2023
There are no words to describe how wonderful this trip was. From our fantastic guide and crew to the accommodations and the number of activities we had, everything was top notch. I am officially an intrepid fan.
Review submitted 31 May 2023

Lin · Traveled May 2023
Wonderful trip! Well planned itinerary, safe, excellent crew, great guide.
Review submitted 31 May 2023

Jenny · Traveled September 2022
This was a fabulous trip on a superb boat. The variety of food was loved by the vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters of the group. Plenty of opportunities to see the flora and fauna up close both on land and in the water, excellent daily briefings plus amazing sunsets!
Review submitted 29 Oct 2022

Lucy · Traveled September 2022
This is a spectacular tour in a wonderful location. Jacinto was an excellent guide who was thoughtful, knowledgable, informed and open to our questions. All my expectations were realised, and more. When snorkelling, a sea-lion choose to come and swim with us, it was like some kind of aquatic dance, and will remain one of the travel highlights of my life? On another occasion an Orca breached three times across the front of the pangas. And then there were the dive-bombing birds! So much wildlife, so much beauty. What a privilege!
Review submitted 14 Oct 2022

Nolen · Traveled September 2022
Pure Galapagos was one of the best trips ever! Both the Grand Daphne and our local naturalist tour leader were exceptional.
Review submitted 15 Oct 2022
Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne)
From
EUR €4,668