
With indoor and outdoor dining areas and bars, plus a sundeck with lounges, there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy time with your fellow travellers. All meals are included on the Grand Daphne. The lower deck cabins have portholes, while the main deck and upper deck cabins have large windows.
Is this tour for me?
Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.
All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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!
Our tours have inclusions and optional activities. When planning your trip, we will discuss these with you to determine what your interests are to create the perfect intentional journey.
You have a very early start this morning (maybe as early as 4 am, depending on flight times) as you head into the Galapagos. Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito Airport), with a boxed breakfast on the way. When you arrive, you’ll meet your naturalist guide in the arrival hall. Then, head to the Grande Daphne and have lunch with your shipmates. Your first stop is the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, which brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life, from its volcanic origins to the present day. This afternoon, there will be an opportunity to travel to the highlands to see giant tortoises in a protected area.
You have a very early start this morning (maybe as early as 4 am, depending on flight times) as you head into the Galapagos. Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito Airport), with a boxed breakfast on the way. When you arrive, you’ll meet your naturalist guide in the arrival hall. Then, head to the Grande Daphne and have lunch with your shipmates. Your first stop is the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, which brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life, from its volcanic origins to the present day. This afternoon, there will be an opportunity to travel to the highlands to see giant tortoises in a protected area.
Sea lions, iguanas and hawks – oh my! Isla Santa Fe is home to all three, plus Galapagos mockingbirds, marine turtles, frigate birds, Galapagos doves and lava lizards. This island boasts one of the most attractive coves in the whole archipelago. Take a hike along the coast into the opuntia forest, then cool off with a snorkel, looking out for schools of fish, rays and sea turtles. After, continue to Isla Plaza Sur. When you arrive on this small, gorgeous island, you’ll head out for another walk to get close to sea lions, passing one of the Galapagos’ largest land iguana populations on the way. The southern cliffs 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 on the way to Plaza Sur to restock the boat’s provisions.
Explore Isla Genovesa – the archipelago's north-eastern outpost. The island’s varied landscapes are a twitcher's paradise, with all three kinds of boobies (including the rare red-footed booby) nesting here. Next, see Bahia Darwin (Darwin Beach) for another birding site with large breeding colonies of seabirds, frigates, lava herons, swallow-tailed gulls, mockingbirds and vampire finches. Head out for a hike to see tide pools, sea lions and diamond stingrays. The steep Prince Philip's Steps lead you to the heart of the seabird rookeries, with birds swirling 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! After, maybe cool off with a snorkel, looking out for manta rays, sharks, turtles and moray eels, plus many species of fish.
On Santiago Island's eastern coast sits Bahia Sullivan. Take a walk along pahoehoe lava, 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. Then, travel to Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) – one of the best places to see land iguanas. Walk to a brackish lagoon to see 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.
Explore the red mangrove wetland of Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) today on your Zodiac. Cruise through this peaceful cove and look out for mating green turtles, golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays and Galapagos sharks. After, head to the airport in Isla Baltra for your flight back to Quito. You’ll arrive back in Quito at approximately 4 pm, where you’ll then transfer to your hotel for your last night.
There are no activities planned for today, and your adventure finishes after breakfast this morning. Of course, that doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! Why not stay on in Quito for a few days and discover the charms of the city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
These questions are about Intentional Journeys, but if you have specific questions abou this tour, then contact us or use our Inquiry Form on this page.
Definitely — you can climb a volcano one day and unwind at a beachfront spa the next.
Yes — I can integrate meaningful volunteer opportunities into any trip, from half-day projects to multi-day programs.
Yes, I specialize in multi-destination itineraries that make the most of your time abroad.
I partner with trusted providers like Globus, Intrepid, and G Adventures, Apple Vacations, Delta Vacations, Funjet Vacations and many more — known for safety, sustainability, and authentic experiences.
Yes, for some complex or customized itineraries, we charge a planning fee that’s applied toward your final trip cost. This covers research, itinerary creation, and vendor coordination.
For international travel, 6–12 months ahead is ideal. For destination weddings or volunteer trips, 12–18 months is recommended.
Absolutely! I create itineraries for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups, with options for joining like-minded travelers.
Yes, and I highly recommend it for all travelers to protect against unexpected changes, delays, or emergencies.
Yes! Whether you’re into hiking, wine tasting, wildlife, photography, or food, we’ll weave your passions into the itinerary.
I specialize in personalized adventure travel, voluntourism, and destination celebrations, ensuring each trip is crafted to match your interests, comfort level, and values.
Since 2007, Intentional Journeys has gone beyond basic travel bookings and into personal adventures. From active getaways to destination weddings to voluntourism, every trip is thoughtfully designed, expertly managed, and fully supported.
Work with a real Wisconsin-based agent who’s available before, during, and after your journey.
Certified in Active & Adventure travel, I create thrilling, safe, and enriching experiences.
I guide you through claims and offer support if things change unexpectedly offering peace of mind.
Access everything through app with real-time itinerary updates, location info, travel documents, and more.
Every trip is tailored through thoughtful conversations, not cookie-cutter packages.
I handle the details from before you leave until you arrive home so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
Experience travel that connects you with local communities and cultures, not just landmarks.
Add purpose to your trip with optional, low-commitment volunteer experiences and donations.
Travel planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With Intentional Journeys, you get a trusted advisor who listens, plans, and supports you every step of the way.
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