Comfort
Cruises
Wildlife
Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
5
Excellent
80 reviews
10 days
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Trip Code
GMDD
Min Age
12
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
Transport
Boat, Plane, Bus, Zodiac (Panga)
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (7 nights)
From £5,280(10 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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.
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 it 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.
A Zodiac boat (panga) is sometimes necessary to reach small islets, coves, and prime snorkelling spots. You must 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 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.
This trip involves lots of active adventure, and we ask that you read through the itinerary carefully to ensure that it 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.
A Zodiac boat (panga) is sometimes necessary to reach small islets, coves, and prime snorkelling spots. You must 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 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
Sail through unique landscapes and spot wildlife in the Galapagos’ Central Islands
Encounter wildlife up close and personal on a voyage to the Galapagos Islands for an experience like no other. On this 10-day adventure, you’ll spend seven nights cruising around the islands, snorkelling with sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles and penguins. Look to the skies in North Seymour or Caleta Bucanero to spot boobies, pelicans and other seabirds soaring above. Wander across the volcanic landscapes of Punta Espinosa and see land iguanas and flightless cormorants. A paradise for nature-lovers, you’ll discover the beauty of the Galapagos all with a naturalist guide by your side to show you the way.
Inclusions
Meals
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
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 - 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
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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.
Reviews (77)
5 stars
74
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
Valentina
Aug 13, 2025
On day one of our trip, Jacinto, our guide, asked about our expectations. I replied that I didn’t want to have any pre-expectations; instead, I was hoping to be surprised by the experience. And that’s exactly what happened!
Roshanne
Aug 06, 2025
This was an excellent tour, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone else. The duration of the tour was perfect, I felt that there was a lot of activities, and we were able to cover the Galapagos Islands well. The boat was incredibly comfortable, every meal was delicious, the crew were amazing. Our guide, Jacinto, was incredible - extremely knowledgeable and skilled.
Lisa
Jun 25, 2025
Board the Grand Daphne for the Galapagos experience of a lifetime! Extremely experienced crew and a fantastic guide will leave you with memories that you will never forget. 5* snorkelling, wildlife walks and so many new experiences, every, single, day! Muchos gracias Jacinto, Bolo and crew. Hasta la vista! Lisa
CONSTANCE
Jun 18, 2025
Quel voyage d'exploration! J'ai adoré l'organisation et l'itinéraire proposé. Une foule de découvertes sur l'histoire, la géologie, la faune et la flore de ces merveilleuses Iles Galapagos. Quel voyage de rêve! Merci à toute l'équipe et au guide Jacinto. Une équipe professionnelle qui a su s'occuper du groupe, aux petits soins et nous faire sentir comme une famille à la maison et surtout en toute sécurité. Merci aux chefs cuisiniers: de très bons repas faits maison, variés et surtout une grande fraîcheur des ingrédients, des fruits et des légumes. Merci spécial au service de la très travaillante et attentionnée Gaby! Merci à Jacinto ce guide compétent et connaissant! Un très bon leader qui a su bien diriger le groupe et l'équipe pour une expérience extraordinaire et inoubliable!
Jonathan
Jun 17, 2025
I haven't stopped thinking about this trip since I've been back. The crew of the Grand Daphne: hard-working, exceeding all expectations, considerate, and genuine . The location was magical and awe-inspiring. Intrepid's itinerary didn't waste a moment. Prepare to be exhausted in the best way possible.
Josh
Jun 13, 2025
An unbelievable and truly unique experience that needs to be seen to be believed
Cath
May 31, 2025
Leanna
May 29, 2025
This was an incredible trip! I was able to see all of the wildlife and landscapes that I had wanted, plus more. Sailing was a great way to experience the Galapagos but I may come back to do some island hopping too! The tour guide and boat crew were amazing, and I met some great people on the trip. A truly memorable experience!
Richard
May 29, 2025
This was a fabulous trip. The Galapagos Islands are stunning and the Intrepid operation was first class. Our boat, the Grand Daphne, was of excellent quality and the whole crew did a great job looking after us all. This really was an exceptional holiday.
Amanda
May 27, 2025
Fantastic introduction to multiple islands within the Galapagos, with multiple snorkels and excursions a day! We saw all the key animals across the islands and it felt like we were living in paradise!
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