Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

Intrepid Travel · 8 days

4.4

7 Reviews

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Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Few destinations rival the Galapagos for up-close encounters with wildlife and this eight-day adventure cruise focuses on all the stars of the show.

Highlights

Hop aboard your vessel, Le Grande Daphne, and sail through the naturally beautiful landscapes of the Galapagos, all with a handy naturalist guide by your side.
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.
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.
Walk varied landscapes among towering cacti, rocky cliffs, red-sand beaches, volcanic grounds and immersive sea coves.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Boat,Bus,Zodiac (Panga)

Tour Type

Group Tour

Guide Language

English

Starts

Baltra Airport - Las Bachas (Isla Santa Cruz), Ecuador

Finishes

Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Highlands - Baltra Airport, Ecuador

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Baltra Airport - Las Bachas (Isla Santa Cruz)

Bienvenidos! Welcome to the Galapagos. Your adventure begins in the Baltra Airport, where you’ll be meeting the other travellers arriving from Quito at 11 am. When you’ve met up with the rest of the group and your local naturalist guide, take a quick transfer to your home for the next week – Le Grande Daphne. Meet the crew, settle in and have some lunch with your fellow travellers. Try on the snorkelling gear before your first snorkelling session, then sail 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

Accommodation:

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

Day 2: Isla Rabida - Punta Albermarle (Isla Isabela)

Today, you’ll 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. 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 3: 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. 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 4: 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 5: Puerto Egas (Isla Santiago) - 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 Galapagos 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 6: 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 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! Hike to the top of a once-active volcano and enjoy the views across to 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 7: 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 8: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Highlands - Baltra Airport

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. If you plan to extend your stay after your cruise in Puerto Ayora, you can ask your guide to assist you with making your own way back to town. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Included Activities:

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

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 $8,995

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Average

Few destinations rival the Galapagos for up-close encounters with wildlife and this eight-day adventure cruise focuses on all the stars of the show.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 Sep 2025

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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

Kimberly

Traveled, June 2024

06/16/2024

Outstanding trip in every way. Jacinto the naturalist guide was excellent. The Galapagos are unlike any other place on earth. We were blown away - everything was perfection.

4.5

Kia

Traveled, May 2023

05/31/2023

There are no words to describe how wonderful this trip was. From our fantastic guide and crew to the accommodations and the number of activities we had, everything was top notch. I am officially an intrepid fan.

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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