Intrepid Travel
Absolute Galapagos (Grand Daphne)
Absolute Galapagos (Grand Daphne)
Calling all wildlife lovers! On this immersive 17-day adventure cruise, you’ll be introduced to the endemic wildlife, beautiful landscapes and underwater treasures of the Galapagos Islands. Explore both the traveller’s favourites and the quieter parts of the archipelago, all with a passionate local naturalist on hand to guide you over pahoehoe lava and through marine iguana colonies. Snorkel in clear waters off the coast of Isla Espanola, paddle through a green turtle breeding grove on Isla Floreana, look out for mottled Galapagos hawks on Isla Fernandina and wander between sea lions lounging on beaches with red, black and white sand.
Activities
- Isla Santa Cruz – Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) – Dry Landing
- Isla Floreana – Post Office Bay – Walk (1.5 hours) – Wet Landing
- Isla Floreana – Punta Cormorant walk (1.5 hours) – Wet Landing
- Isla Floreana – Post Office Bay – Snorkel (1 hour)
- Isla Floreana – Devils Crown Snorkel (45 mins)
- Isla Espanola – Bahia Gardener – Snorkel (1 hour)
- Isla Espanola – Punta Suarez – Walk (3 hours) – Dry Landing
- Isla San Cristobal – Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) – Dry Landing
- San Cristobal – Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock)
- Isla San Cristobal – Cerro Brujo – snorkel or beach walk (1 hour)
- Isla Plaza Sur – Walk (2 hours) – Dry Landing
- Isla Santa Fe – Walk (1.5 hours) – Wet Landing
- Isla Santa Fe – Snorkel (1 hour)
- Isla Genovesa – Bahia Darwin – Walk (2 hours) Wet Landing
- Isla Genovesa – La Barranco – Snorkel (1 hour)
- Isla Santiago – Sullivan Bay – Walk (1.5 hours) – Dry 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)
- Isla Santa Cruz – Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) – Wet Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz – Bachas Beach Snorkel (1 hour) – Wet Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz – Black Turtle Cove – Panga ride (1.5 hours)
- 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
Highlights
- Spend over two weeks on the archipelago of the Galapagos Islands, moving at a leisurely pace and spending more time on each island, soaking up the sun and the sea (the lions and the water).
- 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.
- Spot sea lions – the dogs of the ocean, these amazing creatures are playful, goofy and curious. While you can’t pat them, you’re bound to fall in love with these furry frolickers as you swim alongside them each day.
- See gorgeous pink flamingos, red-throated frigates and blue-footed boobies, craning your neck, snapping photos and contemplating a career in ornithology.
- Walk varied landscapes among towering cacti, rocky cliffs, red-sand beaches, volcanic grounds and immersive sea coves.
| Day 1 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Day 2 |
Isla Santa Cruz, or Santa Cruz Island, is one of the Galápagos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador. This tropical and volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean is the typical starting place for excursions throughout the Galápagos Islands and is famous for its spectacular biodiversity, especially the iconic Galápagos tortoises. Highlights of Santa Cruz Island include the Charles Darwin Research Station, the town of Puerto Ayora, Carrion Point lagoon, and Tortuga Bay. |
| Day 3 |
Located off the coast of Ecuador, Floreana Island is one of the Galápagos Islands and a popular stop for gazing at a variety of wildlife, including Galápagos tortoises and flamingoes. Post Office Bay is home to the island chain's first post office site, originally established by visiting whalers in the 18th century. Though one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, Floreana is well worth the trip! |
| Day 4 |
Española Island lies in the southeastern part of the Galápagos archipelago. Highlights of this tropical paradise include Punta Suarez, a popular scenic point for bird watching, and the beaches of Bahía Gardner on the island's north coast. |
| Day 5 |
Geologically, San Cristobal Island is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos archipelago. It is home to the only source of fresh water in the islands, a small lake called Laguna El Junco. The lake hosts a large population of birdlife, as does the rest of the island. Other animal inhabitants include sea lions, tortoises, marine iguanas, dolphins, lobsters and more. One of San Cristobal Island's most popular visitor sites is Cerro Brujo, with its expansive white sand beach and a lagoon that locals once used as a salt mine but now offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. Another must-see is Kicker Rock, a fascinating rock formation that looks like a boot from one angle (hence its English name) and like a sleeping lion from another (thus its Spanish name, Roca León Dormido). |
| Day 6 |
On South Plaza Island, sea lions breed all along the low lying northern coast. These sheer cliffs are home for swallow-tail gulls and the beautiful red billed tropic birds. The landscape is dominated by optunia cactus trees. A look under each tree reveals a land iguana patiently waiting for a succulent cactus pad to fall. |
| Day 7 |
Named after the Italian city of Genoa, Genovesa Island is a dormant volcano in the Galápagos Islands. Its nickname, Bird Island, stems from the large and diverse bird population including storm petrels, red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and more.
Its unique horseshoe shape is the result of the eruption of a shield volcano followed by the collapse of one side of the caldera wall. This formed Darwin Bay and its surrounding cliffs, home to many of the afore-mentioned birds. Lake Arcturus, a salt-water crater lake, lies at the center of the island. Adventurous visitors can also climb up Prince Philip's Steps, also known as El Barranco. This steep, rocky path leads to a marvelous viewpoint at the top of 82-foot cliffs but its initial incline can be daunting. |
| Day 8 |
Flanked by the Chilean Coast Range and the snowy Andes, Chile's largest metropolis offers a dazzling array of sights and attractions for visitors to pursue. Mirrored skyscrapers, 16th-century churches, hip cafes, dance clubs... and did we mention the delicious Chilean cuisine? Must-sees in scenic Santiago include the famous city center Plaza de Armas, Parque Tupahue with its zoo and cable cars, and San Cristóbal Hill, with its hikes and widescreen city views. |
| Day 9 |
Isla Santa Cruz, or Santa Cruz Island, is one of the Galápagos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador. This tropical and volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean is the typical starting place for excursions throughout the Galápagos Islands and is famous for its spectacular biodiversity, especially the iconic Galápagos tortoises. Highlights of Santa Cruz Island include the Charles Darwin Research Station, the town of Puerto Ayora, Carrion Point lagoon, and Tortuga Bay. |
| Day 10 |
Isabella Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabella is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
On Isabella's west coast lies Tagus Cove, a natural protected harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night and left their ships' signatures painted on the rocks. Near Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point is a birdwatcher's delight. Further inland, visitors will find six volcanoes, five of which are still active and two that sit directly on the Equator. At the base of Alcedo Volcano is Urbina Bay, a perfect spot for snorkeling and home to the biggest land iguanas in the Galapagos. To the north, located at the "mouth" of the island, is Punta Vicente Roca. Although it's a marine-only site (meaning it can only be accessed via dinghy or SCUBA diving), the formation nonetheless draws plenty of visitors eager to see its spectacular sea life - penguins, seahorses, sea turtles, sunfish, and more. |
| Day 11 |
Isabella Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabella is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
On Isabella's west coast lies Tagus Cove, a natural protected harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night and left their ships' signatures painted on the rocks. Near Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point is a birdwatcher's delight. Further inland, visitors will find six volcanoes, five of which are still active and two that sit directly on the Equator. At the base of Alcedo Volcano is Urbina Bay, a perfect spot for snorkeling and home to the biggest land iguanas in the Galapagos. To the north, located at the "mouth" of the island, is Punta Vicente Roca. Although it's a marine-only site (meaning it can only be accessed via dinghy or SCUBA diving), the formation nonetheless draws plenty of visitors eager to see its spectacular sea life - penguins, seahorses, sea turtles, sunfish, and more. |
| Day 12 |
Punta Espinosa is the sole tourist site on Fernandina Island, the most pristine and active volcano in the Galapagos. The site offers an ideal location for seeing mangroves, fascinating lava formations, and colorful lava cactus, one of the first species able to grow on young lava.
Visitors will experience an abundance of wildlife, including hundreds of marine iguanas and the famous flightless cormorant as well as penguins, pelicans, sea lions and more. |
| Day 13 |
Flanked by the Chilean Coast Range and the snowy Andes, Chile's largest metropolis offers a dazzling array of sights and attractions for visitors to pursue. Mirrored skyscrapers, 16th-century churches, hip cafes, dance clubs... and did we mention the delicious Chilean cuisine? Must-sees in scenic Santiago include the famous city center Plaza de Armas, Parque Tupahue with its zoo and cable cars, and San Cristóbal Hill, with its hikes and widescreen city views. |
| Day 14 |
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| Day 15 |
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| Day 16 |
Puerto Ayora is home to the Galapagos National Park, the Darwin Foundation and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Located on the southern shore of Santa Cruz, it's the most populous town in the Galápagos Islands and has the best developed infrastructure. |
| Day 17 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/27/25 - 06/12/25 |
Starting At $15,295 |
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|
06/10/25 - 11/25/25 |
Starting At $14,160 |
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|
12/09/25 - 12/25/25 |
Starting At $14,160 |
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|
01/06/26 - 12/08/26 |
Starting At $14,855 |
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Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.