Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne)

7 days4.812 reviews
Cruises
Wildlife
From
ZAR  58,482

Explore the untrammelled wilderness of the northern Galapagos Islands

With almost 1000 kilometres of water lying between them and the South American mainland, the islands of the Galapagos were able to evolve largely unfettered by the presence of humanity. The archipelago has captivated explorers for years, and it remains almost as rugged, as remote and as enchanting as ever. Encounter sassy sea lions, hike over hardened lava, and cool off with multiple snorkels in aquamarine waters. This cruise is perfect for those who like their adventures active and action-packed.

Map of Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne) including Ecuador
Trip code: GMDC
Start
Quito, Ecuador
End
Quito, Ecuador
Destinations
Ecuador
Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
Boat, Plane, Bus, Zodiac (Panga)
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (4 nights)
Days
7
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

Orginal: 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

Hike, snorkel, sleep, repeat – this isn’t your average cruise. Get active in the rugged and isolated northern Galapagos Islands.

From sunbathing sea lions to colourful crabs, this trip is bound to feature encounters with crazy critters of all shapes and sizes.

Wander along the beautiful white sand beach at Bahia Borrero, then snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays..

This 7-day tour is a short and sweet introduction to the famed archipelago, the perfect addition to any South American adventure.

An itinerary that strikes the perfect balance between excursion-packed days and relaxing evenings on the Grand Daphne, our newest motor yacht.

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 Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne) including Ecuador

Inclusions and activities

Meals

6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Boat, Plane, Bus, Zodiac (Panga)

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (4 nights)

Included activities
  • 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)

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.
  • 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.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

GALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARD & ISABELA ISLANDS PORT FEES:
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.

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 Peregrine 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.

May and June departures 2024 UPDATE.
On the 11th of May the Galapagos National Park authorities advised, the landing site of Punta Surez on Espanola Island and Genovesa Island will now reopen. These landing sites were temporary closed as part of the biosecurity measures activated to prevent the spread of the Avian flu. All trip departures will now revert to the original itinerary which includes a landing at Punta Suraz, Espanola Island and Genovesa Island.

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 12 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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Chantal · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 05 Oct 2024

Austin · Traveled May 2024
Review submitted 30 May 2024

Jeremy · Traveled March 2024
Review submitted 01 Apr 2024

Mina · Traveled January 2024
Review submitted 05 Feb 2024

David · Traveled November 2023
Review submitted 28 Nov 2023
Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne)
From
ZAR  58,482