Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)

10 days
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Small Group Tour
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...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • 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.

What's this trip about?

    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.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityQuito
End CityQuito

Travel Themes

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise
  • Sailing

Destinations

Attractions

  • Cotopaxi
  • Darwin
  • Galapagos
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Isabela Island
  • Isla Baltra
  • Isla Santiago
  • Quito
  • Santa Cruz
  • Santiago

Activities

  • Sailing
  • Wildlife viewing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • 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

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Quito

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. This country might be smaller than its heavyweight South American neighbours, but it stakes a legitimate claim as the continent's most complete package, blessed with interesting cities, perfect beaches and the remarkable Galapagos Isla...

Day 2 Quito - Isla Baltra - Las Bachas (Isla Santa Cruz)

Transfer to Quito Airport for your early morning flight to the Galapagos Islands. Keep in mind that you may leave the hotel as early as 4:30 am (a boxed breakfast will be provided), as the airport is a one-hour drive away and you must allow for delays and check-in tim...

Day 3 Isla Rabida - Punta Albermarle (Isla Isabela)

Today you will sail from Las Bachas to Isla Rabida, known for its spectacular red sand beaches, caused by the high content of iron in the sand which rusts to form the unusual shade. Follow a trail from the shore along to a lagoon which is one of the best spots in the ...

Day 4 Tagus Cove (Isla Isabela) - Bahia Urbina (Isla Isabela)

Sail overnight from Punta Albermarle around to the western shores of Isla Isabela. Wake up near Tagus Cove, where pirates and whalers used to collect tortoises for their travels. Enjoy a short visit here (approximately 2 hours), perhaps snorkelling or checking out the...

Day 5 Punta Espinosa (Isla Fernandina) - Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)

Today we visit Punta Espinosa that is a narrow ledge of lava and sand extending from the base of La Cumbre volcano. Take a walk around the beautiful peninsula, which boasts such wildlife and plant life as lava cacti, marine iguanas, barking sea lions, tiny penguins an...

Day 6 Puerto Egas (Isla Santiago) - Caleta Bucanero (Isla Santiago)

Sail this morning to Puerto Egas, a black-sand beach on the west side of James Bay, northwest of Isla Santiago, home to incredible volcanic tuff formations. Take a stroll along the beach with the native marine iguanas, pelicans, finches, mockingbirds, oystercatchers, ...

Day 7 Isla Bartolome - Isla Sombrero Chino

Wake up in Bartolome Island, a spectacular volcanic landscape full of spatter cones and lava flows, and home to Galapagos penguins and lava lizards. Put on your walking shoes and climb up 360 wooden steps to the summit, where an amazing view of Pinnacle Rock awaits. T...

Day 8 Isla North Seymour - Charles Darwin Research Station (Isla Santa Cruz)

Wake up this morning in North Seymour, one of the most visited islands of the Galapagos. First up is a walk around the island to spot some blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. Boobies and frigates have an interesting relationship, sharing the same nesting are...

Day 9 Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Highlands - Baltra - Quito

Flights to the mainland from Galapagos depart mid-morning, so it’s an early start for your last morning on the islands. You will visit the Santa Cruz Highlands. Travel through the agricultural region and into the misty forests where you can see the unique scalesia c...

Day 10 Quito

There are no activities planned for the day so you can depart your accommodation at any time. If you have not spent time in Quito beforehand, we recommend you stay on a few days as there are many fascinating things to do, such as the Cotopaxi volcano, the Cloud Forest...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,498
Price per day$450
Last Updated: 12/20/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
31 Dec 2024
09 Jan 2025
$7,875
31 Dec 2024
09 Jan 2025
$6,727
31 Dec 2024
09 Jan 2025
$8,180
31 Dec 2024
09 Jan 2025
$8,330
14 Jan 2025
23 Jan 2025
$8,475
14 Jan 2025
23 Jan 2025
$7,865
14 Jan 2025
23 Jan 2025
$8,885
14 Jan 2025
23 Jan 2025
$7,865
28 Jan 2025
06 Feb 2025
$8,475
28 Jan 2025
06 Feb 2025
$7,865

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Intrepid Travel

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If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

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  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
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  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

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Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

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On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
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Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
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Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

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

Transportation & Flights

Boat,Plane,Bus,Zodiac (Panga),

Transportation & flights

Boat,Plane,Bus,Zodiac (Panga)
Guides
Our local representative will meet you in the evening of day 1 of the trip and conduct the group briefing. They will then also transfer with you to the airport on day 2 for your flight to the Galapagos. On arrival in the Galapagos you will be met your Guide. Our Guides are registered and trained in conservation and natural sciences by the Charles Darwin Foundation and licensed by the Galapagos National Park Service. The Guide will be on board with you for the duration of the trip and will accompany you on all excursions. Our boats are also staffed by highly experienced shipboard staff and crew.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services The Ecuadorian government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers entering Ecuador. Proof of insurance may be requested at upon entering the country by immigration officials.
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • NH Collection Quito Royal
  • Cordero 444 - Avenida 12 de Octubre
  • Quito
  • 170143
  • ECUADOR
  • Phone: 593 22233333
Trip ID
intrepid-GMDD

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