Absolute Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

Intrepid Travel · 17 days

4.5

3 Reviews

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Duration

17 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Calling all wildlife lovers! On this immersive 17-day adventure cruise, you’ll be introduced to the endemic wildlife, beautiful landscapes and underwater treasures of the Galapagos Islands.

Highlights

Spend over two weeks on the archipelago of the Galapagos Islands, moving at a leisurely pace and spending more time on each island, soaking up the sun and the sea (the lions and the water).
Hike, snorkel, sleep, repeat – this isn’t your average adventure cruise! You’ll have daily walks and hikes followed by snorkelling excursions to spot marine life and corals – the best way to cool off.
Spot sea lions – the dogs of the ocean, these amazing creatures are playful, goofy and curious. While you can’t pat them, you’re bound to fall in love with these furry frolickers as you swim alongside them each day.
See gorgeous pink flamingos, red-throated frigates and blue-footed boobies, craning your neck, snapping photos and contemplating a career in ornithology.
Walk varied landscapes among towering cacti, rocky cliffs, red-sand beaches, volcanic grounds and immersive sea coves.

Trip Details

Duration

17 days

Transportation

Boat,Plane,Bus,Zodiac (Panga)

Tour Type

Group Tour

Guide Language

English

Starts

Quito, Ecuador

Finishes

Quito, Ecuador

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure begins in Quito – Ecuador’s sprawling capital city. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 or 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and small group of fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe check out the city at your own pace – head to the Old Town and pick one (or more) of the 30 churches to explore. After your meeting, you’ll head to a small, local restaurant for dinner with your group. Take in the aromas and fresh flavours of the traditional Ecuadorian cuisine – think locroc (traditional potato soup) or quinoa, pork and vegetable dishes cooked with herbs, lemongrass and rich sauces, all sourced from local farms.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Isla Baltra - Santa Cruz Highlands

You have a very early start this morning (maybe as early as 4 am, depending on flight times) as you head into the Galapagos. Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito Airport), with a boxed breakfast on the way. When you arrive, you’ll meet your naturalist guide in the arrival hall. Take the short bus ride to the ferry, then board and head across the Itabaca Channel to Isla Santa Cruz. You’ll then board a private bus to Los Gemelos, in the highlands. Surrounded by the unique scalesia cloud forest, look out for the abundant birdlife when you arrive, including different species of Darwin finches, woodpeckers, warbler finches and vermillion flycatchers. Continue further into the highlands to explore a rancho farm, where you’ll take a walk and have lunch – you might even see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat! After lunch, travel to Puerto Ayora, where the Grande Daphne and her crew will be waiting for you.

Included Activities:

Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Post Office Bay - Punta Cormorant - Devils Crown, Isla Floreana

Learn about the maritime history of Post Office Bay – home of the oldest postal system in the Americas. The post box here was first built by 18th-century whalers and is still in use today. Maybe leave a postcard, then head out for your first spot of snorkelling. After, head ashore at Punta Cormorant where the sand is made up of olivine crystal – a glassy, volcanic mineral that gives the beach an olive-green colour. Take a walk in search of sea lions, flamingos, pintails and stilts, finishing at a sandy beach where Eastern Pacific green turtles nest. Just offshore, the famous Devil’s Crown waits for those who want a special snorkelling experience – the partially-submerged remains of a volcanic cone are now a unique swimming hole, home to rays, sharks, sea lions and turtles.

Included Activities:

Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
Isla Floreana - Punta Cormorant walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Snorkel (1 hour)
Isla Floreana - Devils Crown Snorkel (45 mins)

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Punta Suarez - Bahia Gardner, Isla Espanola

Today will begin with a hike on Isla Espanola – the southernmost island of the Galapagos and the breeding site for almost all the estimated 24,000 waved albatross on earth. If you’re lucky (and the timing is right), you might spot the elaborate courtship rituals performed by albatross before the female chooses her lifelong mate. Hike through booby colonies to the rocky trails of beautiful Punta Suarez, ending at a clifftop viewpoint. Look out over views of rugged cliffs framed by swooping frigate birds, watching while albatross use the cliffs as their ‘runway’, getting airborne on the southeast winds. Next, head to Bahia Gardner for a walk along the beach. Dodge lounging sea lions, then cool off with a spot of snorkelling. The rocks off the coast are rich with reef sharks, turtles and many species of tropical fish (such as surgeon and angelfish). Small, white-tipped reef sharks can also be spotted resting under the rocks.

Included Activities:

Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardener - Snorkel (1 hour)
Isla Espanola - Punta Suarez - Walk (3 hours) - Dry Landing
Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardener - Walk (1 hour)

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Kicker Rock - Cerro Brujo - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Isla San Cristobal

Take a trip to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) – this basalt crater rises 150 m above the water and is divided into two parts by a narrow channel. Cruise around Kicker Rock as nesting seabirds flank the boat, tropicbirds soar overhead and sea lions lounge by the water. Next, spend some time snorkelling at Cerro Brujo, looking out for Galapagos sharks and sea turtles or walk on the beach to see the sea lions. Later, sail to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the island of San Cristobal. Some passengers will be leaving today, and others may join you. You’ll have free time in the town, then in the afternoon you’ll visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre, which brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life. If there’s time, your guide may be able to organise a visit to the highlands, for a chance to see giant tortoises in the wild. The price of this optional activity depends on the number of passengers attending. Relaxing on the beach is a great option for those who don’t wish to go.

Included Activities:

Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Brujo - snorkel or beach walk (1 hour)
San Cristobal - Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock)

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Isla Santa Fe - Isla Plaza Sur

Sea lions, iguanas and hawks – oh my! Isla Santa Fe is home to all three, plus Galapagos mockingbirds, marine turtles, frigate birds, Galapagos doves and lava lizards. This island boasts one of the most attractive coves in the whole archipelago. Take a hike along the coast into the Opuntia forest, then cool off with a snorkel, looking out for schools of fish, rays and sea turtles. After, continue to Isla Plaza Sur. When you arrive on this small, gorgeous island, you’ll head out for another walk to get close to sea lions, passing one of the Galapagos’ largest land iguana populations. The southern cliffs are great for spotting tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls, as well as ‘the Gentlemen’s Club’ – a gathering of male sea lions. Today, there may be an extra stop on the way to Plaza Sur to restock the boat’s provisions.

Included Activities:

Isla Plaza Sur - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
Isla Santa Fe - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
Isla Santa Fe - Snorkel (1 hour)

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Bahia Darwin - Prince Philip's Steps, Isla Genovesa

Explore Isla Genovesa – the archipelago's north-eastern outpost. The island’s varied landscapes are a twitcher's paradise, with all three kinds of boobies (including the rare red-footed booby) nesting here. Next, see Bahia Darwin (Darwin Beach) for another birding site with large breeding colonies of seabirds, frigates, lava herons, swallow-tailed gulls, mockingbirds and vampire finches. Head out for a hike to see tide pools, sea lions and diamond stingrays. The steep Prince Philip's Steps lead you to the heart of the seabird rookeries, with birds swirling overhead and nesting among the cliffs. Look out for storm petrels on the island’s rocky plains – Genovesa is the only place in the world where these birds can be seen flying during the day! After, maybe cool off with a snorkel, looking out for manta rays, sharks, turtles and moray eels, plus many species of fish.

Included Activities:

Isla Genovesa - Bahia Darwin - Walk (2 hours) Wet Landing
Isla Genovesa - La Barranco - Snorkel (1 hour)

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Bahia Sullivan, Isla Santiago - Cerro Dragon, Isla Santa Cruz

On Santiago Island's eastern coast sits Bahia Sullivan. Take a walk along Pahoehoe lava, which was created by an eruption that occurred here in 1897. With some luck, you might see some marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, finches, turtles, sharks and penguins. During your walk, as always, your naturalist guide will take you through the geological history of the island. Then, travel to Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) – one of the best places to see land iguanas. Walk to a brackish lagoon to see lagoon birds such as stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings and flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. This area is a nesting site for land iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation makes for an ideal place to see Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galapagos flycatcher and yellow warblers.

Included Activities:

Isla Santiago - Sullivan Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry 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)

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Black Turtle Cove - Las Bachas, Isla Santa Cruz

Explore the red mangrove wetland of Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) today on your Zodiac. Cruise through this peaceful cove and look out for mating green turtles, golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays and Galapagos sharks. After, head to Las Bachas, where the soft sand made of decomposed coral is a nesting site for the Pacific green turtle. Marine iguanas are also commonly spotted along the beach. The rocks make for excellent snorkelling and are populated by Sally Lightfoot crabs. A saltwater lagoon just near the beach is home to flamingo and whimbrel and you might also see a great blue heron. Remnants of a floating pier, a testimony to the US presence in the Galapagos during World War II, can also be seen.

Included Activities:

Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet Landing
Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Snorkel (1 hour) - Wet Landing
Isla Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - Panga ride (1.5 hours)

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Isla Rabida - Punta Albemarle, Isla Isabela

Today, you’ll sail from Las Bachas to Isla Rabida, known for its spectacular red sand beaches, caused by the high iron content in the sand which rusts to form the unusual shade. From the shore, follow today’s hiking trail to a lagoon that’s one of the best spots in the Galapagos to see flamingos. Keep an eye out for nesting pelicans, pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions, too. Check out a vast opuntia cactus forest, hinting at the previous habitation of land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, mockingbirds, doves, finches and lava lizards. After, you can opt to go snorkelling to seek out the resident 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 snorkelling, you may like to have a look beneath the water’s surface in search of sea turtles and flightless cormorants.

Included Activities:

Isla Rabida - Walk and Snorkel from the beach (2 hours) - Wet Landing
Isla Isabela - Punta Albermarle - Snorkelling (1 hour)- Dry Landing

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Tagus Cove - 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. Maybe go snorkelling here or check out the graffiti on the walls (the oldest of which is from 1836!). Look out for flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, a variety of waterfowl and the most northerly penguins in the world. You’ll then walk to a lookout point for a stunning view of the north of Isabela Island and Volcan Wolf (Wolf Volcano). Later, visit Bahia Urbina on the west of Isabela Island to see the bay’s diverse and colourful plant life, which attracts many different insects. The site also features a short hike inland, where giant tortoises can be spotted among the bushes. You may also see land iguanas, which often nest in the middle of the trail. Flycatchers, Darwin’s finches and mockingbirds are common on the ground and in the trees.

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Punta Espinosa, Isla Fernandina - Punta Vicente Roca, Isla Isabela

Today, visit Punta Espinosa – a narrow ledge of lava and sand extending from the base of La Cumbre volcano. Walk around the peninsula to see the lava cacti, marine iguanas, barking sea lions, tiny penguins and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Keep an eye out for the Galapagos hawk, too, hunting in the treetops. Then, dive into the clear waters for snorkelling, looking out for the resident turtles and sea lions. In the afternoon, head to Punta Vicente Roca and take a Zodiac ride to see the abundant wildlife here. This spot is also one of the best snorkelling spots in the archipelago! The route takes you along the cliffs and allows you to explore 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, frogfish, Pacific seahorses, the endemic Camotillo, schools of barracuda and brown-stripped snappers.

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Puerto Egas - Caleta Bucanero, Isla Santiago

Sail to Puerto Egas – a black-sand beach on the west side of James Bay, northwest of Isla Santiago. Home to incredible volcanic tuff formations, you’ll stroll along the beach with the native marine iguanas, pelicans, finches, mockingbirds, oystercatchers, Galapagos sea lions and fur seals. You can see the 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 can go snorkelling and take a dinghy ride to look for blue-footed boobies, pelicans and nocturnal seagulls nesting in the cliffs.

Included Activities:

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)

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Isla Bartolome - Isla Sombrero Chino

Wake up in Bartolome Island – a volcanic landscape full of spatter cones and lava flows, home to Galapagos penguins and lava lizards. Put on your walking shoes and climb 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! Hike to the top of a once-active volcano and enjoy the views of Bahia Sullivan on nearby Isla Santiago. If you’re in luck, you might see 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 sandy beaches and a volcanic landscape, this is a great spot to hike and look out for the sea lions and penguins that rest here. Or, you can snorkel in search of reef sharks and sea turtles.

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Isla North Seymour - Charles Darwin Research Station, Isla Santa Cruz

Wake up in North Seymour – one of the most visited islands of the Galapagos. Take a morning walk around the island to see 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, cool off and go snorkelling to see the variety of fish and white-tipped reef sharks, rays and sea lions here. Later, travel to Isla Santa Cruz – the second largest island in the Galapagos. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station – 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!

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Highlands, Isla Baltra - Quito

Flights to the mainland depart mid-morning, so it’s an early start for your last morning on the islands today. You’ll visit the Santa Cruz Highlands first, travelling through the agricultural region and into the misty forests, where you can see the dome-shaped giant tortoises in the wild. Look out for different species of Darwin finches and the world-famous woodpecker and warbler finches. 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 trip. You'll arrive at about 4 pm, taking a transfer back to your hotel. You might want to head out with your fellow travellers for dinner tonight, toasting to an incredible, wildlife-filled adventure.

Included Activities:

Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Quito

There are no activities planned for today, and your adventure finishes after breakfast this morning. Of course, that doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! Why not stay on in Quito for a few days and discover the charms of the city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $19,145

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 17 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Average

Calling all wildlife lovers! On this immersive 17-day adventure cruise, you’ll be introduced to the endemic wildlife, beautiful landscapes and underwater treasures of the Galapagos Islands.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Aug 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Dwight

Traveled, February 2022

04/05/2022

The Absolute Galapagos trip in February/March 2022 was excellent. A vast variety of islands of the archipelago were visited with virtually all of the endemic fauna being seen at one stage or another. Touring with a group of like-minded people from diverse countries was a pleasant experience, and sharing daily physical activities like hiking and snorkelling helped make this adventure very enjoyable. The unique and varied geography, history, fauna and flora of the Galapagos was the key to the success of this trip. In every way it was at least as exciting and informative as my previous trip with Intrepid in 2019. It seems everyone I have since spoken to about the Galapagos has such a trip on their bucket list. My advice? Just do it! You will not be disappointed.

4.0

Clare

Traveled, May 2024

06/17/2024

This was our trip of a lifetime - 2 wonderful weeks where we had new, amazing experiences every day. It is impossible to select our highlight as highlights just kept coming. We saw all the wonderful wildlife and swam with penguins, rays, sharks turtles & marine iguanas - each an incredible experience.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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