Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage - National Geographic Delfina Catamaran - Galapagos Cruise

Upon your arrival in Ecuador, we greet you either in Quito, the capital nestled in the Andes, or in Guayaquil, a coastal city. You'll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay, with both cities conveniently accessed by international airlines. Flights to the Galapagos Islands begin and conclude in Quito with a stopover in Guayaquil. Consider extending your journey with a pre-voyage excursion to the Mashpi Reserve in the lush Andean tropics near Quito, or opt for a one-day extension exploring Quito on the See Quito Pre-Voyage Extension.

Arrival Time: Anytime
Arrival City: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador 

Board the National Geographic Delfina in the Galápagos Islands after flying there, and embark on an exploration of these unique islands and their extraordinary wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Here are some of the islands we might visit during the expedition, subject to Galápagos National Park regulations:

North Seymour: Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Explore a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, home to nesting frigatebirds and dancing blue-footed boobies, with a chance to spot prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.

Bartolomé: Ascend the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic landscape for breathtaking views. Enjoy exploration, swimming, and snorkeling from the beach, possibly encountering Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest species.

Santiago: Discover tide pools and observe fur seals sheltered in tranquil grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard along Santiago’s stunning coast, and wander through a coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, the northernmost of Isabela’s six shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, explore Darwin and Melville's footsteps and observe wildlife along the rugged volcanic shoreline.

Fernandina: As one of the world's most active oceanic volcanoes, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in the Galápagos. It's home to the flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins, and the largest marine iguanas. Walk across impressive recent lava flows during shore hikes.

Española: Experience a bird paradise with swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, and seasonally, the world’s only waved albatross population. Encounter vividly colored marine iguanas and watch sea lions on white sand beaches, with snorkeling opportunities offshore at Gardner Bay.

Floreana: Follow trails past a rose-tinted lagoon occasionally visited by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay.

Santa Cruz: Explore Puerto Ayora, the largest town and base for the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour giant tortoise breeding corrals, with opportunities to witness these creatures in the wild in the lush highlands.

Genovesa: Sail north across the Equator to this remote flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps for encounters with Nazca, red- and blue-footed boobies, frigates, gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles, and manta rays.

San Cristobal: Stroll along powdery white sands at a picturesque beach near iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive amidst the town’s surroundings.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, you'll disembark and take a return flight to the mainland. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure, with the possibility of catching an overnight flight home. Consult your expedition specialist for information on post-voyage options such as exploring Peru, Quito, or other experiences like the Galapagos by Catamaran + Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for your flights home, unless you've arranged for additional nights or an extension.

Departure Time: Anytime on day 10, or anytime after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 9

Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast