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Grand Daphne: Galapagos Northern Islands: 5 Days of Adventure & Wildlife
Explore the Northern Galapagos Islands on a 5-day adventure cruise. Hike volcanic landscapes, snorkel with sharks and manta rays, and encounter sea lions.
Overview
Highlights
- Walk among giant Galapagos land iguanas at South Plazas and Dragon Hill.
- Snorkel alongside sea turtles, rays, sharks and colorful fish.
- Discover Genovesa, a spectacular bird sanctuary home to red-footed boobies, frigates and other seabirds.
- Walk across ancient lava fields and discover the volcanic landscapes of Santiago.
- Navigate the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove by Zodiac and look for green turtles, rays and Galapagos sharks.
- Experience the Galapagos aboard the Grand Daphne, surrounded by extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.
Itinerary
- 1Day 1 – San Cristóbal - Your Galapagos Adventure Begins!
Step into a world unlike any other. Discover the fascinating origins of the Galapagos. Settle into your cabin, meet the crew, and enjoy lunch on board. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center to discover the volcanic origins, history, and evolution of the Galapagos. Activities: Airport transfer, embarkation, safety briefing, and Interpretation Center visit.
- 2Day 2 – Santa Fe & South Plazas- Wild Encounters at Every Turn
Explore Santa Fe Island on a scenic hike through opuntia cactus forests, with opportunities to spot sea lions, land iguanas, Galápagos hawks, and finches. Enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish. Later, walk through South Plazas, famous for its sea lions, land iguanas, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Activities: Hiking, wildlife observation, and snorkeling.
- 3Day 3 – Genovesa - Where the Wildest Galapagos Takes Flight
Discover the spectacular Genovesa Island, home to large colonies of seabirds, including red-footed boobies and frigates. Hike through Darwin Bay and climb Prince Philip’s Steps to reach the heart of the nesting colonies. Cool off with snorkeling among rays, sharks, turtles, moray eels, and tropical fish. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and snorkeling.
- 4Day 4 – Santiago & Santa Cruz - Volcanoes, Iguanas & Ocean Adventures
Walk across the fascinating pahoehoe lava fields of Sullivan Bay, created by a volcanic eruption, while discovering the island’s unique geology and wildlife. Continue to Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragón), one of the best places to observe Galápagos land iguanas, lagoon birds, and endemic species. Activities: Lava-field walk, hiking, and wildlife observation.
- 5Day 5 – Black Turtle Cove - One Last Moment in Paradise
Start the day with a Zodiac excursion through Black Turtle Cove, exploring its peaceful mangrove ecosystem. Look for green turtles, rays, Galapagos sharks, lava herons, and yellow warblers. Activities: Zodiac ride, wildlife observation
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- 4 nights’ accommodation aboard the Grand Daphne
- All meals included on board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Naturalist English-speaking guide
- Transfers and transportation during the cruise
- Activities and visits to the destinations mentioned in the program
Not Included
- Transit Control Card (TCT)
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee
- Trasportation Bus Lobito
- Personal expenses
- International or domestic flights to and from the Galapagos
- Additional activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary
Practical Information
Tour Type
Group
Difficulty
Medium
Minimum Participants
2
Tour Languages
en, es
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes Lightweight, breathable clothing Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses & sunscreen Light jacket or windbreaker
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medications and essentials
- Camera or smartphone
- Waterproof bag for personal belongings
Restrictions
- • A valid passport is required for the trip.
- • The Galapagos has strict environmental regulations. Visitors must follow the instructions of their naturalist guide and park authorities
- • Do not touch, feed, chase, or disturb wildlife.
- • Keep a safe distance from animals at all times.
- • Some excursions involve walking over uneven, rocky, or volcanic terrain and may require moderate physical fitness.
- • • The itinerary may be modified by the cruise operator or naturalist guide when necessary for safety, conservation, or operational reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cruise suitable for first-time visitors to the Galapagos?▾
Absolutely! This 5-day itinerary is an excellent introduction to the Galapagos, combining iconic wildlife, snorkeling, hiking, and beautiful landscapes.
How active is this itinerary?▾
The itinerary is designed for active travelers. It includes several hikes, snorkeling excursions, wet and dry landings, and Zodiac rides. Some trails can be rocky or uneven.
What wildlife can I expect to see?▾
You may encounter sea lions, land iguanas, marine iguanas, sea turtles, sharks, rays, penguins, boobies, frigatebirds, flamingos, finches, and many other species. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, as the animals live freely in their natural environment.
Do I need to know how to swim to join the cruise?▾
Swimming skills are recommended for snorkeling activities. However, participation in snorkeling is optional, and you can enjoy the other excursions even if you choose not to snorkel.
What should I bring?▾
We recommend bringing light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, insect repellent, waterproof jacket, and a small backpack for excursions.
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