Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)

Trip Type: Adventure Cruising|Wildlife|
Ecuador | 10 Days | 1 - 16 People
Starts From:

NZD 7,581.00 /Person

* Sale Price Available

When it comes to encountering wildlife up close and personal, a voyage to the Galapagos Islands really is an experience like no other. Head underwa...

Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)

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.

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 Islands. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm or 6 pm tonight. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the hotel by early evening, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). After your welcome meeting, head out with your local leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional flavours and get to know you group as you settle into the coming adventure. If you arrive early, get out and explore Quito (2,850 m), one of South America’s most attractive cities. Stroll around the Old Town and be sure to visit the majestic Monastery of San Francisco if you have time. Alternatively, check out Cotopaxi volcano, the Cloud Forest, the local hot springs or the Equatorial Monument.

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 times. (Your tour leader will confirm this time with you at the Welcome Meeting on Day 1). When you arrive, you’ll be met in the arrivals hall by your naturalist guide and transferred to your boat, M/Y Le Grande Daphne, which will be moored close to Isla Baltra. Once on board, you’ll meet the crew, be assigned a cabin and enjoy a delicious lunch with your fellow travellers. Try on the snorkelling gear to ensure it fits, before your first snorkelling session. Wetsuits can also be hired at an additional cost. Sail from Baltra to Las Bachas, on the north shore of Isla Santa Cruz, which is a nesting site for the Pacific green turtle. You may also see some marine iguanas. The sand here, made of decomposed coral, is particularly white and soft, and the nearby rocks make for an excellent snorkelling spot, where you might see some of the many Sally Lightfoot crabs on the island. A saltwater lagoon just near the beach is home to flamingos, whimbrel and great blue herons.

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 Galapagos to view flamingos. Keep an eye out for nesting pelicans, pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions – all are commonly sighted on the island. Check out a vast opuntia cactus forest, hinting at the previous habitation of land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, mockingbirds, doves, finches and lava lizards. You may like to take the chance to go snorkelling and seek out sea stars, damsels, gobbies and surgeon fish. In the afternoon, head to Albemarle on the northeast side of Isabela Island. Covered in mangroves, the bay is home to sea turtles, sea lions, penguins and flightless cormorants who feed on the algae and fish here. Another fantastic location for snorkeling, you may like to have a look beneath the water’s surface in search of sea turtles and flightless cormorants.

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 graffiti on the walls (the oldest of which is from 1836). Witness flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, a variety of waterfowl and the most northerly penguins in the world. You will walk to a lookout point for a stunning view of the north of Isabela Island and Volcan Wolf (Wolf Volcano). Today you will also visit Bahia Urbina on the west of Isabela Island, Urbina Bay has a wide variety of plant life which changes depending on the season. You will be able to observe the beautiful color of the plants which attracts many different insects. The site also features a short trek inland, where giant tortoises can be spotted amongst the bushes in their natural habitat. You may also see land iguanas which often nest in the middle of the trail where their distinctive, textured and yellowish skin can be observed from up close. Flycatchers, Darwin’s finches and mockingbirds are common on the ground and in the trees.

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 and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Keep a lookout for that marvelous Galapagos predator hunting from the treetops: the Galapagos hawk. Top-notch snorkeling opportunities await in the clear waters, and turtles and sea lions can be seen swimming around and feeding on the shore. This is also a great spot to see flightless cormorants drying their atrophied wings on the rocks. In the afternoon head to Punta Vicente Roca, this site allowed for panga rides to observe the abundant wildlife and offers one of the best snorkeling spots of the Archipelago. The snorkeling “route” takes us along the cliffs and offers the not so common chance of exploring two shallow underwater caves. The primitive and unaggressive bullhead shark, known locally as the Port Jackson shark, is often seen here sharing its space with red-lipped batfish, frogfishes, Pacific seahorses, the endemic Camotillo, schools of barracuda and brown-stripped snappers. Sponges, corals, and other marine invertebrates are also abundant in the area.

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, Galapagos sea lions and Galapagos fur seals. You can see the amazing tidal pools, formed from ancient lava flow, providing a home for sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish. You might also end up snorkelling with a Galapagos fur seal – they’re always looking for a friend! In the afternoon travel to the northwest side of Santiago Island where you’ll find Caleta Bucanero, named after the pirates and buccaneers who once found shelter in the bay. Here you’ll have the chance to go snorkelling and take a dinghy ride to look for blue-footed boobies, pelicans and nocturnal seagulls nesting in the cliffs.

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. This is one of the most photographed sights in the Galapagos – an abrupt jag of rock protruding from the earth like a tooth, providing a focal point for two nearby bays. Hike to the top of a once-active volcano and enjoy superb views across to Bahia Sullivan on nearby Isla Santiago. If you’re in luck, you might catch a glimpse of the Galapagos hawk. There’s also the chance to go snorkelling among the colourful marine life. In the afternoon, travel to the small island of Sombrero Chino, found on the southeast side of Santiago Island. With lovely sandy beaches and a striking volcanic landscape, this is a fantastic place to take a hike and look out for the sea lions and penguins that rest here, and snorkel in search of reef sharks and sea turtles.

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 area on North Seymour. Blue-footed boobies nest on the ground while the frigate birds nest just above them in the saltbushes. As you walk, look out for land iguanas, marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions and the endemic incense tree. After the walk, cool off and go snorkelling and encounter a great variety of fish and perhaps some white-tipped reef sharks, rays and sea lions. Later in the day, travel to Isla Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Galapagos. Pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in the small town of Puerto Ayora. As well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station also makes for interesting exploration and offers the best opportunities for close encounters with giant tortoises. You may also see baby tortoises. Enjoy some free time to walk around the town where you can purchase a souvenir or two to take back home with you.

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 cloud forest, dome-shaped giant tortoises in the wild, different species of Darwin finches and possibly the world-famous woodpecker and warbler finches. You might also glimpse a vermillion flycatcher. Then it’s time to bid farewell to the archipelago and head to the airport for your mid-morning flight back to Quito for the last night of the tour. This flight takes approximately 2.5 hours with a transit in Guayaquil. Upon arrival at Quito Airport, at about 4 pm, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for an overnight stay. A local Intrepid representative might stop by the hotel this evening to get your feedback on the trip.

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, hot springs, the Equatorial Monument or perhaps city tour of the fascinating Old Town. If you want to spend more time, just speak to your booking agent.

Meals
9 Breakfast(s), 7 Lunch(s), 8 Dinner(s)

Transport
Boat , Plane , Bus , Zodiac (Panga)

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

Included Activities
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Price: NZD 12,610.00

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Price: NZD 11,685.00

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Price: NZD 11,685.00

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Price: NZD 12,615.00

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Price: NZD 11,685.00

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Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 11,685.00

Price: NZD 13,240.00

Price: NZD 12,615.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 10,830.00

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Price: NZD 13,240.00

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Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

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Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 12,610.00

Price: NZD 12,015.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00

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NZD 10,830.00 NZD 7,581.00

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NZD 10,830.00 NZD 9,206.00

Price: NZD 11,265.00

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NZD 12,015.00 NZD 10,213.00

Price: NZD 11,130.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
GMDD
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Quito, Ecuador
Trip Finishes:
Quito, Ecuador
Countries Visited:
Ecuador
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Destination Details
Ecuador | 10 Days | 1 - 16 People

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