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Peregrine Travel Centre

Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne)

Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne)

From $ 6,673 AUD

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Description

With almost 1000 kilometres of water lying between them and the South American mainland, the islands of the Galapagos were able to evolve largely unfettered by the presence of humanity. The archipelago has captivated explorers for years, and it remains almost as rugged, as remote and as enchanting as ever. Encounter sassy sea lions, hike over hardened lava, and cool off with multiple snorkels in aquamarine waters. This cruise is perfect for those who like their adventures active and action-packed.

Trip Name
Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne)
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
7
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Hike, snorkel, sleep, repeat – this isn’t your average cruise. Get active in the rugged and isolated northern Galapagos Islands.
  • From sunbathing sea lions to colourful crabs, this trip is bound to feature encounters with crazy critters of all shapes and sizes.
  • Wander along the beautiful white sand beach at Bahia Borrero, then snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays..
  • This 7-day tour is a short and sweet introduction to the famed archipelago, the perfect addition to any South American adventure.
  • An itinerary that strikes the perfect balance between excursion-packed days and relaxing evenings on the Grand Daphne, our newest motor yacht.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, The Galapagos Conservancy. Donations support their Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, providing capital for sustainability initiatives and empowering female entrepreneurs in the Galapagos. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. The maritime component of this trip is operated by a fully licensed Ecuadorian shipping operator. The Captain of the vessel will do all that is possible to adhere to the outlined itinerary however it may be changed without notice due inclement weather or changes to the Galapagos National Park's regulations. We ask you for your patience and understanding with any changes outside our control. Any changes to the itinerary will be undertaken with your safety and comfort in mind. There may be some early starts to the day for the scheduled activities to be conducted as per the itinerary due to specific visiting hours for some sites. All travel distances/times and durations for the activities listed in the trip notes are a guide only and are subject to change. FAMILIES TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN Families can travel with children who are 12 years and above on this trip. There are multiple snorkelling activities on this trip, so we recommend everyone has a good level of swimming ability if they wish to participate in the snorkelling activities. The snorkelling can start at the beach or straight from the zodiacs in deep open water. Life jackets are always available if you prefer to wear one while snorkelling. Children must be accompanied, by their guardian throughout the trip, both on and off the boat which includes during the snorkelling activities. Please discuss cabin options with your sales consultant at time of booking if you are travelling with children. We do not have interconnecting rooms available onboard so if your family requires multiple cabins, please note these may not be available next to each other. Your sales consultant will be able to provide you with the available cabin options and where they are located on the boat at time of booking. We can provide twin and double bed cabins – there are no triple share cabins on this boat. If your family consists of 2 adults and one child, the child must share with one of the adults and the other adult has the option to be paired up with another solo adult of the same gender or pay a single supplement to have their own cabin.

Day 1 - Quito
The adventure gets underway in Quito, Ecuador’s sprawling but refined capital city. A welcome meeting will be held this evening at either 5 pm or 6 pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers, but aside from that you are free to check out the city on your own today. If you arrive with time to spare, perhaps head to Quito’s Old Town and pick one (or more) of the 30 churches to explore. After your welcome meeting, head to a small, local restaurant for dinner with your group. You can expect some pretty mouth-watering aromas from the fresh flavours of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. Think quinoa, pork and vegetable dishes laced with local herbs, lemongrass and rich sauces all sourced from local farms. You might even get to try the traditional Locro (potato soup).
Day 2 - Quito/Isla San Cristobal
Rise and shine! An early start is necessary this morning to make it to the Galapagos with time to play today. This could mean leaving as early as 4.30 am, and an Intrepid representative will confirm the exact departure time during the welcome meeting on day 1. Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (aka Quito Airport), enjoying a boxed breakfast en route. On arrival in the Galapagos, meet your local naturalist guide in the arrival hall and transfer to the Grande Daphne. Climb aboard and settle into your assigned cabin, meet the crew and listen to a safety drill. With the formalities out of the way, sit down to lunch and get to know your shipmates a little better. The first stop today is the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. The centre brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life, from its volcanic origins to the present day. Get a complete overview of the Galapagos, the perfect way to start your adventure. This afternoon, there will be an opportunity to travel to the highlands in order to view Giant Tortoises in a protected area. Please note that this will be your only opportunity on this trip to see these magnificent creatures, but the price is not included in your trip price. This optional excursion will take approximately 2 hours with a shared cost around US 120, though individual cost will vary depending on how many of your group choose to partake.
Day 3 - Isla Santa Fe/Isla Plaza Sur
Take a walk on Isla Santa Fe, home to a collection of the most spectacular wildlife in the Galapagos. You can expect to see sea lions, Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, a variety of finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, marine turtles, frigatebirds, Galapagos doves and lava lizards. Phew. The approximately 1.5-hour hike takes you along the coast and through a forest of opuntia (prickly pear cacti). The trail can be a little rocky, so mind your step and wear solid walking shoes. Later enjoy a snorkel in deep water and look out for schools of fish, rays and sea turtles. Afterwards, continue to Isla Plaza Sur, a small, picturesque island. Take a walk (approximately 1.5 hours), getting close to sea lions and passing one of the Galapagos’ largest land iguana populations which rest among cacti. The southern cliffs of Plaza Sur 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 along the way to Plaza Sur to restock the provisions for the boat. Later tonight, set sail for Isla Genovesa. Estimated travel time/distance: Isla San Cristobal to Isla Santa Fe: 3.5 hours (26 nautical miles) Isla Santa Fe to Isla Plaza Sur: 2 hours (16 nautical miles) Isla Plaza Sur to Bahia Darwin (Isla Genovesa): 7.5 hours (59 nautical miles)
Day 4 - Isla Genovesa
After an overnight sail, reach Isla Genovesa, the archipelago's north-eastern outpost. It’s undeniably worth the voyage. Dolphins are often spotted in the waters here, so keep your eyes peeled. These varied landscapes are a twitcher's paradise, with all three kinds of boobies, including the rare red-footed booby, making their home here. Next up is Bahia Darwin (Darwin Beach), another superb site with large breeding colonies of seabirds and frigates and other birds such as lava herons, swallow-tailed gulls, mockingbirds and, hopefully, vampire finches. Enjoy a moderate walk (approximately 2.5 hours) that passes tide pools, sea lions and diamond stingrays. This walk involves sand and some rocky sections. The steep Prince Philip's Steps lead you to the heart of the seabird rookeries, with birds 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. Afterwards, perhaps cool off with a snorkel. The island's magnificent marine life makes for spectacular snorkelling – you might encounter manta rays, sharks, turtles and moray eels, plus many species of fish. Later tonight, depart Isla Genovesa for Isla Santiago. Estimated travel time/distance: Prince Philip's Steps to Bahia Sullivan (Isla Santiago): 8 hours (48 miles)
Day 5 - Isla Santiago/Isla Santa Cruz
On Santiago Island's eastern coast sits Bahia Sullivan. 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. Travel to Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill): one of the best places to see land iguanas in the islands. From our dry landing, walk to a brackish, lagoon spotting 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. The path can be challenging but it will be worth it for a spectacular view of the bay. Estimated travel time/distance: Bahia Sullivan to Cerro Dragon: 1.40 hours (17 nautical miles) Cerro Dragon to Black Turtle Cove :50 minutes (8 nautical miles)
Day 6 - Isla Santa Cruz/Quito
Brave an early start to explore Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) on a Zodiac ride. This red mangrove wetland is located on the north shore of Isla 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 Isla Baltra for your flight back to Quito. The flight will stop over in Guayaquil en route, arriving at Quito Airport at approximately 4 pm. Enjoy a transfer back to your hotel. Your local Intrepid representative may stop by at your hotel this evening to get your feedback on your Galapagos experience. Estimated travel times/distance: Daphne to Isla Baltra: 15 mins Flight time Isla Baltra to Quito: approx 3.5 hours (including transit in Guayaquil) Transfer Quito Airport to Hotel: 1 hour (depending on traffic)
Day 7 - Quito
There are no activities planned for the final day after breakfast. There are many fascinating things to do in and around Quito, so consider staying for a few days to explore. If you are planning to spend more time in this charming city, consider booking an Urban Adventure. These day tours are the perfect crash course in the city. Find out more at urbanadventures.com/destination/Quito-tours.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-12-202419-12-2024AUD $ 6,973-
13-12-202419-12-2024AUD $ 7,173-
13-12-202419-12-2024AUD $ 6,673-
13-12-202419-12-2024AUD $ 6,673-
24-01-202530-01-2025AUD $ 6,728-
24-01-202530-01-2025AUD $ 6,728-
24-01-202530-01-2025AUD $ 7,628-
24-01-202530-01-2025AUD $ 7,278-
07-02-202513-02-2025AUD $ 7,628-
07-02-202513-02-2025AUD $ 7,278-
07-02-202513-02-2025AUD $ 6,728-
07-02-202513-02-2025AUD $ 6,728-
21-02-202527-02-2025AUD $ 6,728-
21-02-202527-02-2025AUD $ 6,728-
21-02-202527-02-2025AUD $ 7,628-
21-02-202527-02-2025AUD $ 7,278-
07-03-202513-03-2025AUD $ 6,728-
07-03-202513-03-2025AUD $ 6,728-
07-03-202513-03-2025AUD $ 7,628-
07-03-202513-03-2025AUD $ 7,278-
21-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 6,728-
21-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 6,728-
21-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 7,628-
21-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 7,278-
04-04-202510-04-2025AUD $ 6,728-
04-04-202510-04-2025AUD $ 6,728-
04-04-202510-04-2025AUD $ 7,628-
04-04-202510-04-2025AUD $ 7,278-
16-05-202522-05-2025AUD $ 6,728-
16-05-202522-05-2025AUD $ 6,728-
16-05-202522-05-2025AUD $ 7,628-
16-05-202522-05-2025AUD $ 7,278-
30-05-202505-06-2025AUD $ 6,728-
30-05-202505-06-2025AUD $ 6,728-
30-05-202505-06-2025AUD $ 7,628-
30-05-202505-06-2025AUD $ 7,278-
13-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 6,728-
13-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 6,728-
13-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 7,628-
13-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 7,278-
27-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 6,728-
27-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 6,728-
27-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 7,628-
27-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 7,278-
11-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 6,728-
11-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 6,728-
11-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 7,628-
11-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 7,278-
08-08-202514-08-2025AUD $ 6,728-
08-08-202514-08-2025AUD $ 6,728-
08-08-202514-08-2025AUD $ 7,628-
08-08-202514-08-2025AUD $ 7,278-
22-08-202528-08-2025AUD $ 6,728-
22-08-202528-08-2025AUD $ 6,728-
22-08-202528-08-2025AUD $ 7,628-
22-08-202528-08-2025AUD $ 7,278-
05-09-202511-09-2025AUD $ 6,728-
05-09-202511-09-2025AUD $ 6,728-
05-09-202511-09-2025AUD $ 7,628-
05-09-202511-09-2025AUD $ 7,278-
19-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 6,728-
19-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 6,728-
19-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 7,628-
19-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 7,278-
03-10-202509-10-2025AUD $ 6,728-
03-10-202509-10-2025AUD $ 6,728-
03-10-202509-10-2025AUD $ 7,628-
03-10-202509-10-2025AUD $ 7,278-
31-10-202506-11-2025AUD $ 6,728-
31-10-202506-11-2025AUD $ 6,728-
31-10-202506-11-2025AUD $ 7,628-
31-10-202506-11-2025AUD $ 7,278-
14-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 6,728-
14-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 6,728-
14-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 7,628-
14-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 7,278-
28-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 6,728-
28-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 6,728-
28-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 7,628-
28-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 7,278-
12-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 6,728-
12-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 6,728-
12-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 7,628-
12-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 7,278-
09-01-202615-01-2026AUD $ 7,048-
09-01-202615-01-2026AUD $ 7,048-
09-01-202615-01-2026AUD $ 7,993-
09-01-202615-01-2026AUD $ 7,623-
23-01-202629-01-2026AUD $ 7,048-
23-01-202629-01-2026AUD $ 7,048-
23-01-202629-01-2026AUD $ 7,993-
23-01-202629-01-2026AUD $ 7,623-
06-02-202612-02-2026AUD $ 7,048-
06-02-202612-02-2026AUD $ 7,048-
06-02-202612-02-2026AUD $ 7,993-
06-02-202612-02-2026AUD $ 7,623-
20-02-202626-02-2026AUD $ 7,048-
20-02-202626-02-2026AUD $ 7,048-
20-02-202626-02-2026AUD $ 7,993-
20-02-202626-02-2026AUD $ 7,623-
06-03-202612-03-2026AUD $ 7,048-
06-03-202612-03-2026AUD $ 7,048-
06-03-202612-03-2026AUD $ 7,993-
06-03-202612-03-2026AUD $ 7,623-
20-03-202626-03-2026AUD $ 7,048-
20-03-202626-03-2026AUD $ 7,048-
20-03-202626-03-2026AUD $ 7,993-
20-03-202626-03-2026AUD $ 7,623-
01-05-202607-05-2026AUD $ 7,048-
01-05-202607-05-2026AUD $ 7,048-
01-05-202607-05-2026AUD $ 7,993-
01-05-202607-05-2026AUD $ 7,623-
15-05-202621-05-2026AUD $ 7,048-
15-05-202621-05-2026AUD $ 7,048-
15-05-202621-05-2026AUD $ 7,993-
15-05-202621-05-2026AUD $ 7,623-
12-06-202618-06-2026AUD $ 7,048-
12-06-202618-06-2026AUD $ 7,048-
12-06-202618-06-2026AUD $ 7,993-
12-06-202618-06-2026AUD $ 7,623-
26-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 7,048-
26-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 7,048-
26-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 7,993-
26-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 7,623-
07-08-202613-08-2026AUD $ 7,048-
07-08-202613-08-2026AUD $ 7,048-
07-08-202613-08-2026AUD $ 7,993-
07-08-202613-08-2026AUD $ 7,623-
21-08-202627-08-2026AUD $ 7,048-
21-08-202627-08-2026AUD $ 7,048-
21-08-202627-08-2026AUD $ 7,993-
21-08-202627-08-2026AUD $ 7,623-
04-09-202610-09-2026AUD $ 7,048-
04-09-202610-09-2026AUD $ 7,048-
04-09-202610-09-2026AUD $ 7,993-
04-09-202610-09-2026AUD $ 7,623-
18-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 7,048-
18-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 7,048-
18-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 7,993-
18-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 7,623-
02-10-202608-10-2026AUD $ 7,048-
02-10-202608-10-2026AUD $ 7,048-
02-10-202608-10-2026AUD $ 7,993-
02-10-202608-10-2026AUD $ 7,623-
11-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 7,048-
11-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 7,048-
11-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 7,993-
11-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 7,623-
25-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 7,048-
25-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 7,048-
25-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 7,993-
25-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 7,623-

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights),Overnight boat (4 nights)

Transport

Boat,Plane,Bus,Zodiac (Panga)

Map

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