Comfort
Cruises
Wildlife
Absolute Galapagos (Grand Daphne)
17 days • 5
5
Excellent
8 reviews
17 days
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Trip Code
GMDE
Min Age
12
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
16 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners
Transport
Boat, Plane, Bus, Zodiac (Panga)
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (14 nights)
From £10,007(17 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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.
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.
Zodiac boats (pangas) are necessary to reach small islets, coves, and prime snorkelling spots. You’ll 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 the direction of local authorities.
Itinerary
Discover the wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Islands on this in-depth adventure cruise
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. Explore both the traveller’s favourites and the quieter parts of the archipelago, all with a passionate local naturalist on hand to guide you over pahoehoe lava and through marine iguana colonies. Snorkel in clear waters off the coast of Isla Espanola, paddle through a green turtle breeding grove on Isla Floreana, look out for mottled Galapagos hawks on Isla Fernandina and wander between sea lions lounging on beaches with red, black and white sand.
Inclusions
Meals
16 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners
Transport
Boat, Plane, Bus, Zodiac (Panga)
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (14 nights)
Included activities
Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
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)
Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardener - Snorkel (1 hour)
Isla Espanola - Punta Suarez - Walk (3 hours) - Dry Landing
Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardener - Walk (1 hour)
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)
Isla Plaza Sur - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
Isla Santa Fe - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
Isla Santa Fe - Snorkel (1 hour)
Isla Genovesa - Bahia Darwin - Walk (2 hours) Wet Landing
Isla Genovesa - La Barranco - Snorkel (1 hour)
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)
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)
Isla Rabida - Walk and Snorkel from the beach (2 hours) - Wet Landing
Isla Isabela - Punta Albermarle - Snorkelling (1 hour)- 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
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
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Important notes
GALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARD:
Before checking in for the flight from Quito to the Galapagos, there is a US$20 transit fee that needs to be paid. On arrival in the islands you must pay the US$200 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park. This applies to everyone aged 13 years and above. For children aged 12 the fee will be USD100.
If your voyage visits Isabela Island, there is also a US$10 fee to be paid on arrival at the island.
ARRIVAL TRANSFER:
This tour includes a complimentary arrival transfer in Quito. Please advise flight details 30 days prior to travel so that the transfer can be organised.
PASSPORT DETAILS:
When booking, please make sure that your name is spelt correctly, and that you book using the name in your passport (particularly if you are recently married). If you are issued a new passport with a different number between the time that you book and the time you travel, please take both the old and new passports with you.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:
Should you have a special diet requirement (for example vegetarian, celiac, vegan, severe food allergies) it's essential that you inform us or your agent of the specific details at least 10 days prior to departure, in order to make sure the chef on board the boat or on the island can request the necessary food supplies.
FELLOW TRAVELLERS:
This trip is a package tour and is therefore made up of a combination of shorter trips. This may mean you will travel with a different guide and passengers on each section.
May and June departures 2024 UPDATE.
On the 11th of May the Galapagos National Park authorities advised, the landing site of Punta Surez on Espanola Island and Genovesa Island will now reopen. These landing sites were temporary closed as part of the biosecurity measures activated to prevent the spread of the Avian flu. All trip departures will now revert to the original itinerary which includes a landing at Punta Suraz, Espanola Island and Genovesa Island.
Reviews (8)
5 stars
8
Susan
Apr 29, 2025
Galápagos is one of the most special, unique and important places on earth. It was made all the more special by the impeccable organisation by Intrepid, the wonderful crew of the beautiful Grand Daphne and our exceptional guides Karla week one Eastern Isles and Jacinto week two Western Isles. A magical experience.
Paul
Feb 24, 2025
An excellent trip; great itinerary, friendly crew, competent guides. Highly recommend!
Fiona
Nov 28, 2024
The Galapagos islands are just as magical as people say they are. Our Intrepid guide was incredibly knowledgeable: we saw all the wildlife we expected to see, and more, and far closer than I would have imagined. We knew about keeping our distance, but plainly the sea lions don't play by the same rules! Meanwhile the crew on our boat looked after us with warmth and efficiency, and all our travel arrangements worked just as they should. We will be booking with Intrepid again.
Renee
Nov 20, 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations. We saw and experienced more than we dreamed about
Frances
Oct 09, 2024
This was the trip of a lifetime! Our guide, Jacinto was very knowledgeable and he kept us busy with lots of snorkeling and short hikes. The animals don't observe the 2metre human rule - they are everywhere! We saw so many different species on land and in the sea. Living on a boat for two weeks suited us perfectly as we often traveled at night anchoring in a quiet bay ready for an early morning snorkel. Grand Daphne crew were amazing - preparing excellent meals, providing hot drinks & snacks after a snorkel, helping us in and out of the inflatables and always keeping our bedrooms spotless. We couldn't have asked for better.
Clare
Jun 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.
Andrea
May 03, 2024
Wow! If you love wildlife and want the holiday of a lifetime in a very special place, this is it. A beautiful boat with a lovely crew taking you to islands with magical wildlife, and your own naturalist on hand to guide your up close encounters with animals, reptiles, birds and fish.
Dwight
Apr 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.
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