Intrepid Travel
Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne)
Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne)
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!
Activities
- 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 – Black Turtle Cove – Panga ride (1.5 hours)
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.
| 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 |
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 3 |
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 4 |
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 5 |
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 6 |
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 7 |
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
08/08/25 - 12/12/25 |
Starting At $5,040 |
Get A Quote | |
|
01/09/26 - 12/25/26 |
Starting At $5,280 |
Get A Quote |
Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.