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.
Why you'll love this adventure
- 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.
- 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.
Dates
This trip can be tailor made for your perfect travel dates. Please make a booking enquiry for more information.
Itinerary
This trip includes an action packed itinerary! Please make an enquiry and we'll send you the full itinerary for each day including meals, activities, travel and accommodation.
What's included
- 9 breakfasts, 8 dinners and 7 lunches
- Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (7 nights)
- Boat , Plane , Bus , Zodiac (Panga)
- 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
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (7 nights)
Accommodation notes
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.
Meals
9 breakfasts, 8 dinners and 7 lunches
Food and dietary requirements
All meals are included onboard the Daphne, this includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Tea, coffee and cold water is available at any time during the day [or night].
Most meals are served buffet style. Here is an example of the typical meals served
Breakfast
Toast, spreads, muesli, eggs with fresh fruit and fruit juices
Lunch
A mix of hot and cold dishes plus salads or vegetables and fruit salad and juice
Dinner
Fresh seafood, chicken or pork, pasta, rice, vegetables, salads and dessert.
If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies please notify us at the time of booking so we can determine the extent to which your dietary requirements can be met. We will endeavour to accommodate all requests but please note that we have limited refrigeration and storage space on board the Galapagos boats and there is very limited (if any) access to shops or supermarkets.
Vegans, coeliacs or those with specific meal requirements might choose to supplement meals with supplies bought from home, e.g. protein bars. Please note that the Galapagos does have strict quarantine laws when it comes to bringing in goods from the mainland.
Who is this trip for?
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.
Transport notes
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.
Additional notes
Covid-19
Health related to Covid-19. This operator has a policy in place for COVID-19 and their adventures. Please request full details so we can share the most up to date information with you and be aware that the note below was relevant at the time of writing but may have changed. Thanks!
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.
Health
GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.
When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government’s foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.
YELLOW FEVER
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It’s also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you’ll be visiting.
SUNSCREEN
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.
The Galapagos Islands are located about 1000kms off the coast of Ecuador mainland and many of these islands are uninhabited by humans. The populated islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal have medical facilities however they are limited in what procedures they can perform and have limited medical supplies. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please ensure you have travel insurance to cover this. Travel insurance should also cover the cost of repatriation or if any additional supplies are needed to be flown in from the mainland.
We know that many travellers have travelled to other parts of South America before the Galapagos and during this time have contracted a stomach bug. If you are feeling unwell at the time of the briefing or at anytime on the voyage, please let our representative or guide know. Travelling on a boat means that everyone is sharing the same common areas which means that if one passenger is feeling unwell, this can be spread to your fellow travellers. We want to maximise your time on the boat and for you to enjoy the experience and the best way to do that is to ensure that everyone is healthy.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Please note a very small number of travellers do feel the affects of altitude sickness when they arrive in Quito. Please refer to https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/altitude-sickness
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.
CPAP Machines:
If you are travelling with a CPAP machine there should be uninterupted power throughout the night however we suggest you travel with a fully charged back up battery just in case. If you are travelling by yourself, we highly recommend that you book a single supplement to limit disruption to other passengers.
The sockets on board are two pronged plugs used in the US, Canada and Japan. There is a choice of voltage on board, 220-240 for Australian, New Zealand, UK & Europe, and 110 for US, Canada & Japan.
Your fellow travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and if you are willing to share a twin cabin there will be no compulsory single supplement [this also applies to the first and last night in the hotel in Quito]. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in the twin cabins. The double cabins are set aside for couples or friends/family who are willing to share a bed.
If you are a single traveller and wish to have a room to yourself a single supplement is available for this trip.
Covid-19
This operator has a policy in place for COVID-19 and their adventures. Please request full details so we can share the most up to date information with you. Thanks!
Tour operator
We love this operator for the freedom and flexibility they give travellers to get off the tourist trails and really experience local cultures. Their style of small group travel is perfect for solo travellers, couples or small groups of friends and their grassroots style of travel seeks to have a positive impact on the communities they visit.
They use local leaders, local accommodation & transport and support local community projects, ensuring sustainability is at the centre of everything they do.
In addition, they expect their staff and travellers to demonstrate the principles of responsible travel – respecting people, cultures and local environments; in the distribution of wealth; in good will and cross-cultural sharing; and in contributing to sustainable development.
Enquire today
Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Le Grande Daphne)
Please complete the enquiry form above with as much detail as you can and we will send you all the trip information and connect you with the operator so you can make a booking directly.
If you have queries and questions about the trip include those in your form and we’ll personally reply to you within 24 hours.
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A most helpful, friendly and knowledgeable travel company!
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