Grand Daphne Galapagos Cruise

AM: On arrival in the Galapagos, you’ll be met in the arrivals hall by your naturalist guide and transferred to your ship, M/Y Grand Daphne, which will be moored close to Baltra Island. Once on board, you’ll meet the crew, be assigned a cabin, and enjoy a delicious lunch with your fellow travelers. Try on the snorkeling gear to ensure it fits, before your first snorkeling session. Wetsuits can also be rented at an additional cost.

PM: Sail from Baltra to Las Bachas beach, on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, which is a nesting site for the Pacific green turtle. You may also see some marine iguanas. The sand here, made of decomposed coral, is particularly white and soft. The nearby rocks make for an excellent snorkeling spot, where you might see some of the many Sally Lightfoot crabs on the island. A saltwater lagoon just near the beach is home to flamingos, whimbrel, and great blue herons.

• Activity:Walking. Sightseeing. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Explore the breathtaking beauty of Rábida Island, with its striking red-sand beach and a pristine lagoon teeming with graceful flamingos. Marvel at nesting pelicans and encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, and pintail ducks. Discover an opuntia cactus forest, hinting at the presence of land iguanas and Galapagos hawks.

PM: Go on an afternoon adventure to Albemarle, where mangroves envelop the bay and provide sanctuary for sea turtles, penguins, and flightless cormorants. Wander inland to discover remnants of a World War II radar base and encounter mesmerizing pahoehoe and a’a lava formations. This is an excellent snorkeling site!

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling. Panga Ride.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Tagus Cove, located in the upper west corner of Isabela, was named after an English warship that passed Galapagos in 1800. Many sailors and pirates made this a popular spot. Volcanic rock even has their names and those of their ships inscribed. Many of the island’s characteristics result from volcanic activity, including large volcanic rocks and small balls of petrified rainfall. The trail leads to Darwin Lake via a tuff cone.

PM: Urbina Bay is located a little further south than Tagus Cove. This is a fascinating site because of the volcanic and tectonic activity that caused the island’s uplift. The corals and reefs below the surface rose with it. They can still be seen, but they are starting to decline due to the air exposure. You may see Galapagos giant tortoises and land iguanas near the coast.

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling. Panga ride.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Today you visit Espinoza Point, a stunning narrow ledge of lava and sand nestled at the base of La Cumbre volcano. Explore the peninsula’s rich biodiversity, from lava cacti and marine iguanas to barking sea lions and tiny penguins. Don’t miss the incredible Galapagos hawk and top-notch snorkeling opportunities. Keep an eye out for turtles and sea lions swimming in the clear waters, and witness flightless cormorants drying their wings on the rocks.

PM: In the afternoon, head to Vicente Roca Point, a site where panga rides enable guests to observe the abundant wildlife. It offers one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. Along the cliffs, you get the rare chance to explore two shallow underwater caves.

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling. Panga ride.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Head to Egas Port, a black-sand beach on the west side of James Bay, northwest of Santiago Island. It’s home to some amazing volcanic tuff formations. Take a stroll along the beach with the native marine iguanas, pelicans, finches, mockingbirds, oystercatchers, Galapagos sea lions, and Galapagos fur seals. You can see the amazing tidal pools, formed from ancient lava flow, providing a home for sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles, and fish.

PM: In the afternoon, travel to Buccaneer Cove. Located on the northwest side of Santiago, it is a sheltered bay that pirates and buccaneers used to rest and repair their ships while part of the crew was on land looking for Galapagos giant tortoises to take them on board to eat.

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling. Panga ride.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Wake up in Bartolomé Island, home to Galapagos penguins and lava lizards. Put on your walking shoes and climb up 360 wooden steps to the summit, where the amazing view from Pinnacle Rock awaits. This is one of the most photographed sights in the Galapagos: an abrupt jag of rock protruding from the earth like a tooth.

PM: Visit Chinese Hat, a small island with white sandy beaches and unique volcanic landscapes. Observe sea lions and penguins resting and nesting on the rocks. Enjoy an easy hike followed by snorkeling to spot reef sharks, sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions. This 3-hour activity promises an unforgettable marine adventure.

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling. Panga ride.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Wake up on North Seymour, one of the most visited islands of the Galapagos. Explore the island on foot, spotting blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and the unique relationship between boobies and frigatebirds. Look out for land iguanas, marine iguanas, sea lions, and the endemic incense tree. Afterward, cool off with a snorkeling session and encounter a variety of fish, white-tipped reef sharks, rays, and sea lions.

PM: Visit Puerto Ayora, the economic center of the archipelago and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Witness vital conservation work and get up close with Galapagos giant tortoises, baby tortoises, and land iguanas. Discover the town’s charm and immerse yourself in the fascinating research happening at the station.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling. Panga ride.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM/PM: You will visit the Santa Cruz highlands. Travel through the agricultural region and into the misty forests, where you can see the unique scalesia trees, dome-shaped giant tortoises in the wild, different species of Darwin finches, and possibly the world-famous woodpecker and warbler finches. You might also glimpse a vermillion flycatcher.

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 tour. This flight takes approximately 2.5 hours with a stop in Guayaquil.

• Activity:Exploring. Walking. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.

AM: Get ready for an exciting journey to the Galapagos Islands! Start your day with a trip to San Cristóbal airport, where you’ll be greeted by a friendly cruise guide. Hop on board the Grand Daphne and meet your fellow travelers over a delicious lunch.

PM: In the afternoon, head to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center to uncover the fascinating history and geography of the archipelago. From volcanic origins to human colonization, this center offers a deep dive into the wonders of the Galapagos. Don’t miss out on this enriching experience!

• Activity:Walking. Sightseeing.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Santa Fe Island is a paradise for wildlife lovers, boasting a large colony of sea lions eager for swimming companions. The island is teeming with Galapagos residents, from hawks to marine turtles. With its stunning coves and jade-green waters, Santa Fe is perfect for snorkeling and admiring the diverse flora and fauna.

PM: In the afternoon, head to South Plaza Island for a unique encounter with sea lions and the Galapagos’ largest land iguana population. Walk along trails surrounded by vibrant volcanic landscapes and spot tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls on the rugged cliffs. Don’t miss ‘the Gentlemen’s Club’: a gathering of male sea lions enjoying the sun!

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling. Panga ride.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: An overnight sail takes us to Genovesa Island. Encounter playful dolphins in the surrounding waters and discover the paradise for bird enthusiasts, with rare species like the red-footed booby. Walk Prince Philip’s Steps to witness seabird rookeries and spot storm petrels.

PM: Darwin Bay is an amazing spot filled with seabirds, frigatebirds, and other cool creatures like lava herons and mockingbirds. You can stroll by tide pools with playful sea lions and diamond stingrays, then dive in for some epic snorkeling to spot manta rays, sharks, turtles, and other colorful fish.

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling. Panga ride.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: On Santiago Island’s eastern coast sits Sullivan Bay. Take a walk along Pahoehoe lava (approximately 1 hour), 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.

PM: Cerro Dragón, also known as Dragon Hill, is a must-visit spot in the Galapagos Islands for observing land iguanas. Take a stroll from the dry landing area to a brackish lagoon where you can spot various bird species like flamingos and pintail ducks. Keep an eye out for land iguanas, which are carefully monitored by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid vegetation here is home to unique bird species like Darwin’s finches and Galapagos mockingbirds.

• Activity:Walking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM/PM: Brave an early start to explore Black Turtle Cove on a Zodiac ride. This red mangrove wetland is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. A breeding area for green turtles, this is a good place to catch sight of them mating.

There is also abundant bird life, such as the yellow warbler and lava heron. It is also a nursery for golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays, and Galapagos sharks. This is your final excursion before you head to the airport in Baltra for your flight back to Quito.

• Activity:Walking. Panga Ride. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.

AM: On arrival in the Galapagos, you’ll meet your cruise guide and take a bus to the dock before crossing the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. Prepare for your first adventure as you explore the misty forests of the Highlands, spotting Galapagos giant tortoises, Darwin finches, and vibrant vermilion flycatchers.

PM: After enjoying lunch in the highlands, travel to Puerto Ayora and board the Grand Daphne. Settle into your cabin and meet the crew and fellow travelers. This afternoon, embark on a scenic journey across Santa Cruz, discovering the unique Scalesia cloud forest and encountering iconic bird species like woodpeckers and warbler finches.

• Activity:Arrival. Walking. Snorkeling. Panga ride.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Uncover the unique maritime history of Post Office Bay, home to the oldest postal system in the Americas. Established in 1793, mariners would leave letters in a post office barrel for delivery to the United States and Europe. Today, Galapagos visitors can continue this tradition by leaving letters and postcards to be collected by passing boats.

PM: Step ashore at Punta Cormorant, where the olive-green sand is composed of fine olivine crystals. This is the perfect spot to observe Galapagos sea lions and pink flamingos. Walk to a white sandy beach to see Eastern Pacific green turtles nesting, and venture to Devil’s Crown for exceptional snorkeling among rays, sharks, sea lions, and turtles.

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling. Exploring. Panga ride.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Today we sail to Española, the southernmost island in the Galapagos. Encounter endemic fauna, including waved albatrosses and blue-footed boobies. Walk along golden beaches, observe sea lions and marine iguanas, and enjoy panoramic views from Suárez Point.

PM: Visit Gardner Bay, a stunning beach teeming with sea lions and hood mockingbirds. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, interact with playful sea lion pups, and spot reef sharks, turtles, and colorful tropical fish. Don’t miss the chance to see white-tipped reef sharks resting under the rocks.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling. Panga ride.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM/PM: Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, is an awe-inspiring sight in the Galapagos Islands. This basalt formation rises 500 ft (150 m) above the sea, resembling a sleeping lion. As you cruise through the narrow channel, you’ll be surrounded by a variety of wildlife, including nesting seabirds, tropic birds, marine iguanas, and sea lions. Snorkeling in the area offers the chance to see Galapagos sharks, hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and a diverse array of invertebrates.

After an unforgettable adventure, it’s time to bid farewell to this magical place and head back to Guayaquil or Quito for your mid-morning flight.

• Activity:Walking. Exploring. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.