Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne)
8 Days Starting and ending in Isla Baltra
Visiting: Isla Rabida - Punta Albermarle (Isla Isabela), Tagus Cove (Isla Isabela) - Bahia Urbina (Isla Isabela), Punta Espinosa (Isla Fernandina) - Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela) , Puerto Egas (Isla Santiago) - Caleta Bucanero (Isla Santiago), Isla Bartolome - Isla Sombrero Chino, Isla North Seymour - Charles Darwin Research Station (Isla Santa Cruz)
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GMDP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Few destinations rival the Galapagos for up-close encounters with wildlife, and this adventure focuses on the stars of the show. Enjoy a pure boat trip that’s free of detours, overnight stopovers and passengers joining or leaving throughout. Stay on the ship and venture to remote parts of the archipelago – the west coast of Isla Isabela and Isla Fernandina – and see almost all the wildlife the Galapagos is famous for. Take the chance to swim and snorkel with sea lions and reef sharks off Isla Santa Cruz and Isla Bartolome, spy frigatebirds, boobies and pelicans soaring above North Seymour, and stroll among land iguanas and flightless cormorants on volcanic Punta Espinosa.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Baltra Airport - Las Bachas (Isla Santa Cruz)
Location: Baltra Airport - Las Bachas (Isla Santa Cruz)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: lunch, dinner
Welcome to the Galapagos! Today you will be meeting other travellers arriving from Quito at Baltra Airport. Please be at the airport by 11am. The guide can’t wait for you, so you need to make sure that you are there on time. Once you have met up with the rest of the group, a 10 minute transfer will bring you to the Grand Daphne which will be anchored in Baltra. Once on board, you’ll be assigned a cabin, meet the crew and get to know your fellow travellers over a delicious lunch. Try on the snorkelling gear to ensure it fits, before your first snorkelling session. Wetsuits can also be hired at an additional cost.
Sail from Baltra to Las Bachas, on the north shore of Isla Santa Cruz, 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, and the nearby rocks make for an excellent snorkelling 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.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 2: Isla Rabida - Punta Albermarle (Isla Isabela)
Location: Isla Rabida - Punta Albermarle (Isla Isabela)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today you will 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. Follow a trail from the shore along to a lagoon which is one of the best spots in the Galapagos to view flamingos. Keep an eye out for nesting pelicans, pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions – all are commonly sighted on the island. Check out a vast opuntia cactus forest, hinting at the previous habitation of land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, mockingbirds, doves, finches and lava lizards. You may like to take the chance to go snorkelling and seek out sea stars, damsels, gobbies and surgeon fish.
In the afternoon, head to Punta 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 snorkeling, you may like to have a look beneath the water’s surface in search of sea turtles and flightless cormorants.
Estimated travel time/distance:
Sail from Bachas to Rabida: 3.3 hours; 23 nautical miles
Rábida to Punta Albermarle: 5 hours; 56 nautical miles
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 3: Tagus Cove (Isla Isabela) - Bahia Urbina (Isla Isabela)
Location: Tagus Cove (Isla Isabela) - Bahia Urbina (Isla Isabela)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
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. Enjoy a short visit here (approximately 2 hours), perhaps snorkelling or checking out the graffiti on the walls (the oldest of which is from 1836). Witness flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, a variety of waterfowl and the most northerly penguins in the world. You will walk to a lookout point for a stunning view of the north of Isabela Island and Volcan Wolf (Wolf Volcano).
Today you will also visit Bahia Urbina on the west of Isabela Island, Urbina Bay has a wide variety of plant life which changes depending on the season. You will be able to observe the beautiful color of the plants which attracts many different insects. The site also features a short trek inland, where giant tortoises can be spotted amongst the bushes in their natural habitat. You may also see land iguanas which often nest in the middle of the trail where their distinctive, textured and yellowish skin can be observed from up close. Flycatchers, Darwin’s finches and mockingbirds are common on the ground and in the trees.
Estimated travel time/distance:
Punta Albermarle to Tagus Cove: 3.5 hours; 37 nautical miles
Tagus Cove to Bahia Urbina: 1.5 hours: 15 nautical miles
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 4: Punta Espinosa (Isla Fernandina) - Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
Location: Punta Espinosa (Isla Fernandina) - Punta Vicente Roca (Isla Isabela)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today we visit Punta Espinosa that is a narrow ledge of lava and sand extending from the base of La Cumbre volcano. Take a walk around the beautiful peninsula, which boasts such wildlife and plant life as lava cacti, marine iguanas, barking sea lions, tiny penguins and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Keep a lookout for that marvelous Galapagos predator hunting from the treetops: the Galapagos hawk. Top-notch snorkeling opportunities await in the clear waters, and turtles and sea lions can be seen swimming around and feeding on the shore. This is also a great spot to see flightless cormorants drying their atrophied wings on the rocks.
In the afternoon head to Punta Vicente Roca, this site allowed for panga rides to observe the abundant wildlife and offers one of the best snorkeling spots of the Archipelago. The snorkeling “route” takes us along the cliffs and offers the not so common chance of exploring 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, frogfishes, Pacific seahorses, the endemic Camotillo, schools of barracuda and brown-stripped snappers. Sponges, corals, and other marine invertebrates are also abundant in the area.
Estimated travel time/distance:
Bahia Urbina to Punta Espinoza 1.4hours, 16 nautical miles
Punta Espinoza to Punta Vicente Roca 1.4 hours; 16 nautical miles
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 5: Puerto Egas (Isla Santiago) - Caleta Bucanero (Isla Santiago)
Location: Puerto Egas (Isla Santiago) - Caleta Bucanero (Isla Santiago)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Sail this morning to Puerto Egas, a black-sand beach on the west side of James Bay, northwest of Isla Santiago, home to incredible 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. 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’ll have the chance to go snorkelling and take a dinghy ride to look for blue-footed boobies, pelicans and nocturnal seagulls nesting in the cliffs.
Estimated travel time/distance:
Punta Albermarle (Isla Isabela) to Puerto Egas (Isla Santiago): 5.2 hours; 45 nautical miles
Puerto Egas (Isla Santiago) to Caleta Bucanero (Isla Santiago): 1 hour; 9 nautical miles
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 6: Isla Bartolome - Isla Sombrero Chino
Location: Isla Bartolome - Isla Sombrero Chino
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Wake up in Bartolome Island, a spectacular volcanic landscape full of spatter cones and lava flows, and 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 – an abrupt jag of rock protruding from the earth like a tooth, providing a focal point for two nearby bays. Hike to the top of a once-active volcano and enjoy superb views across to Bahia Sullivan on nearby Isla Santiago. If you’re in luck, you might catch a glimpse of 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 lovely sandy beaches and a striking volcanic landscape, this is a fantastic place to take a hike and look out for the sea lions and penguins that rest here, and snorkel in search of reef sharks and sea turtles.
Estimated travel time/distance:
Caleta Bucanero (Isla Santiago) to Isla Bartolome: 2.2 hours, 21 nautical miles
Isla Bartolome to Isla Sombrero chino:1.25 hours, 7 nautical miles
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 7: Isla North Seymour - Charles Darwin Research Station (Isla Santa Cruz)
Location: Isla North Seymour - Charles Darwin Research Station (Isla Santa Cruz)
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Daphne
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Wake up this morning in North Seymour, one of the most visited islands of the Galapagos. First up is a walk around the island to spot some 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 the walk, cool off and go snorkelling and encounter a great variety of fish and perhaps some white-tipped reef sharks, rays and sea lions. Later in the day, travel to Isla Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Galapagos. Pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in the small town of Puerto Ayora. As well as 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. Enjoy some free time to walk around the town where you can purchase a souvenir or two to take back home with you..
Estimated travel time/distance:
Isla Sombrero Chino to Isla North Seymour: 1.30 hours; 18 nautical miles
Isla North Seymour to Charles Darwin Station (Isla Santa Cruz): 3.45 hour; 31 nautical miles
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 8: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Highlands - Baltra Airport
Location: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Highlands - Baltra Airport
Meals Included: breaksfast
Flights to the mainland from Galapagos depart mid-morning, so it’s an early start for your last morning on the islands.
You will visit the Santa Cruz Highlands. Travel through the agricultural region and into the misty forests where you can see the unique scalesia cloud forest, 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 your fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end after this activity.
You will be taken to the airport directly after this activity. If you plan to extend your stay after your cruise in Puerto Ayora you will need to make your own way back to town (your guide can assist with this).
Included Activities:
-
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Overnight boat (7 nights) -
Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet Landing
-
Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Snorkel (45 mins) - 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 Espinosa - Snorkel (1 hour)
-
Isla Fernandina - Punta Espinosa - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
Included Activities
Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet LandingIsla North Seymour - Walk (2 hours) - Dry LandingIsla North Seymour - Snorkelling (1 hours)Isla Bartolome - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Bartolome - Snorkelling (1.5 hours)Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Walk (1.45 hours) - Wet LandingIsla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Snorkelling (1 hour)Isla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet LandingIsla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Snorkelling (45 mins)Isla Sanitago - Buccaneer's Cove - Sail (15 mins)Isla Isabela - Tagus Cove - Walk (1.45 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Isabela - Tagus Cove - Snorkel (1 hour)Isla Fernandina - Punta Espinosa - Walk (2 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Fernandina - Punta Espinosa - Snorkel (1 hour)Isla Isabela - Elizabeth Bay - Panga Ride (2 hours)Isla Isabela - Punta Moreno - Walk and Panga ride (2 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Isabela - Punta Moreno - Snorkel (45min)Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras visit (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Crater Walk (3.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Isabela - Los Humedales (Wetlands) - Dry LandingIsla Isabela - Interpretation Center VisitIsla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Santa Cruz - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Transport
Le Grande Daphne is a motor yacht. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned cabins each with en-suites.Cabins:4x lower deck twin cabins1x lower deck double cabin1x main deck double suite2x upper deck twin/double cabinsZodiacs (locally known as pangas) are modest-sized, open, outboard-powered boats which are very common throughout Galapagos. The boats are used to get you to and from the Daphne when you do activities. Depending on the type of activity, this could either be a wet or dry landing. The boat crew are there to assist you getting into and out of the zodiac.
Accommodation
Le Grande Daphne features en suite cabins all with air conditioning and a safety box. The airconditioning is a centrally controlled system for the lower deck cabins and the upper deck cabins have individually controlled systems. The upper deck cabins have large windows and the lower deck cabins have portholes. Due to the lower deck cabins being close to the water, the portholes cannot be opened. There are 4 lower deck twin cabins, 1 lower deck double cabin, 1 main deck double suite cabin and 2 upper deck twin/double cabins.Please note that single passengers cannot be booked/confirmed in the double cabin unless a single supplement is paid.
Important Information
START TIME on DAY ONEThis trip starts at Baltra Airport on day one at 11amGALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARDBefore 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.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.ALTERNATIVE TRIP:If you wish to have flights included to and from the Galapagos Islands along with hotel accommodation in Quito, please refer to our Ultimate Galapagos trip - GMDD.
Mode of Transport
Le Grande Daphne is a motor yacht. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned cabins each with en-suites.Cabins:4x lower deck twin cabins1x lower deck double cabin1x main deck double suite2x upper deck twin/double cabinsZodiacs (locally known as pangas) are modest-sized, open, outboard-powered boats which are very common throughout Galapagos. The boats are used to get you to and from the Daphne when you do activities. Depending on the type of activity, this could either be a wet or dry landing. The boat crew are there to assist you getting into and out of the zodiac.
Accommodation
Le Grande Daphne features en suite cabins all with air conditioning and a safety box. The airconditioning is a centrally controlled system for the lower deck cabins and the upper deck cabins have individually controlled systems. The upper deck cabins have large windows and the lower deck cabins have portholes. Due to the lower deck cabins being close to the water, the portholes cannot be opened. There are 4 lower deck twin cabins, 1 lower deck double cabin, 1 main deck double suite cabin and 2 upper deck twin/double cabins.Please note that single passengers cannot be booked/confirmed in the double cabin unless a single supplement is paid.** There is a proposal to make all travellers show proof of an accommodation booking if they are doing independent travel or staying on the islands pre-their Galapagos cruise. This proposal will take effect in July.
Check out our Q&As
-
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.
You will be entering and exiting a Zodiac boat (panga) during wet and dry landings and when returning from snorkelling. Although the waters we sail are usually calm, there are times when the sea can get rough and choppy. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) are needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.
While at sea and when exploring the islands, you may be exposed to the sun for large parts of the day. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water.
Please note that while there is an itinerary in place, some changes may occur due to the weather or because of direction from the local authorities. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for potential modifications to the route or activities. 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. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Dec
2026
Wednesday - Wednesday
Jan 01, 2025 - Jan 08, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jan 15, 2025 - Jan 22, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jan 29, 2025 - Feb 05, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Feb 12, 2025 - Feb 19, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 05, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 19, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
May 07, 2025 - May 14, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
May 21, 2025 - May 28, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 24, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Nov 05, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Nov 19, 2025 - Nov 26, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Dec 03, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Dec 17, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Dec 31, 2025 - Jan 07, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Jan 14, 2026 - Jan 21, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Jan 28, 2026 - Feb 04, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Feb 11, 2026 - Feb 18, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Feb 25, 2026 - Mar 04, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Mar 11, 2026 - Mar 18, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Mar 25, 2026 - Apr 01, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 22, 2026 - Apr 29, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
May 06, 2026 - May 13, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
May 20, 2026 - May 27, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Jun 03, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Jun 17, 2026 - Jun 24, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 15, 2026 - Jul 22, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 29, 2026 - Aug 05, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 12, 2026 - Aug 19, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 26, 2026 - Sep 02, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 09, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 23, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026Wednesday - Wednesday
Dec 02, 2026 - Dec 09, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.