From CAD 4,620 Was CAD 5,775
Guarantee
Group Tour
Average
Rating
(9 reviews)
Experience Overview
With almost 1000 kilometres of water lying between them and the South American mainland, the islands of the Galapagos were able to evolve largely undisturbed by humanity. Discover the rugged landscape of this wild place with a week-long adventure cruise, all with a local naturalist guide by your side to show you the way. Encounter sea lions, hike over hardened lava, spot diverse marine life with snorkelling opportunities and cool off in the aquamarine waters. With time to explore both on land and underwater, your adventure will show you some of the best of the northern islands – don't forget to watch the sunset from your motor yacht every night, too!
Highlights
- Enjoy a short but sweet introduction to the famed archipelago – this trip makes for the perfect addition to any South American adventure – strikeing the perfect balance between excursion-packed days and relaxing evenings on the Grand Daphne – one of the newest motor yachts.
- Hike, snorkel, sleep, repeat – this isn’t your average cruise! Get active in the rugged and isolated northern Galapagos Islands.
- See sunbathing sea lions, colourful crabs, amazing birdlife and maybe even some giant tortoises that call these islands home.
- Wander along the beautiful white sand beach at Bahia Borrero, then snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays.
- Discover the otherworldly landscapes and creatures the islands are famous for, going deeper with a knowledgeable local naturalist guide who will accompany you on all your excursions.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1982
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Boat,Plane,Bus,Zodiac (Panga)
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GMDC
Starts: Quito, Ecuador
Finishes: Quito, Ecuador
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (4), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights),Overnight boat (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4620 (CAD 660 /day)
Itinerary
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)
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. Then, head to the Grande Daphne and have lunch with your shipmates. Your first stop is the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, which brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life, from its volcanic origins to the present day. This afternoon, there will be an opportunity to travel to the highlands to see giant tortoises in a protected area.
Included Activities:
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Daphne (Number of Nights: 1)
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 on the way. 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)
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)
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
- Santa Cruz - Bahia Borrero - Walk (1 hour)
- Santa Cruz - Bahia Borrero - Snorkel 45minutes - Wet 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)
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 the airport in Isla Baltra for your flight back to Quito. You’ll arrive back in Quito at approximately 4 pm, where you’ll then transfer to your hotel for your last night.
Included Activities:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - Panga ride (1.5 hours)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Jeremy - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was a once in a lifetime experience, the crew, and especially the guide were wonderful, knowledgeable, and paid very careful attention to our safety and our enjoyment. I would travel with this group again without question.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Mina - Traveled, January 2024
Absolutely marvelous vacation. The crew members took care of us every step of the way. Meals were well-prepared and with consideration of allergies and preferences. I’m missing this vacation already!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/05/2024
David - Traveled, November 2023
Over all Intrepid gets an A+. Besides a booking snag ( which was absolutely address and handled very satisfactory). The adventure was amazing , informative and professional. I will absolutely use Intrepid again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2023
Connor - Traveled, September 2023
The Daphne is a fantastic boat with a friendly and knowledgable crew. Despite one of the islands on the itinerary being closed, Intrepid made sure we visited other famous spots. 10/10!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Dorian - Traveled, April 2023
Our Galapagos trip was delightful! Of course, the animals were marvellous but so were guide Jacinto and the Grand Daphne and crew! Bravo to all!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/09/2023
Wladyslaw - Traveled, April 2023
Excellent and memorable trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2023
Ken - Traveled, April 2023
Excellent trip that included valuable and condensed information about unique mammals and birds on Galapagos islands.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2023
Dorian - Traveled, April 2023
Short but sweet! We will be back with Intrepid on the Grand Daphne again. Superb guide, staff, food and accommodations. Beautiful, fascinating destinations well organized.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2023
Harold - Traveled, February 2022
This was a well organised trip with excellent staff, food, and accommodation. The only problem was the engine noise from the boat Grand Daphne. It was a new boat but the engine noise was 93 decibels in the lounge when the boat was under sail
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2022
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