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Galápagos by Catamaran - Delfina
Dive into the wild wonders of the Galápagos! Kayak along volcanic shores, snorkel with sea lions, and explore these uniquely magnificent islands with expert naturalists leading the way.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.2*
ECO SCORE
16
PASSENGERS
10
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Galápagos: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
National Geographic Delfina
Zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea. Experience the Galápagos aboard a stylish and stable double-hulled yacht for 16 guests, well-equipped for up-close exploration. See and do more with two veteran naturalists, including a National Geographic certified photo instructor. National Geographic Delfina is available as a private charter. The ship is perfectly sized for a group of family and friends, or your organization.
- • Discover wildlife unfazed by your presence: lounge on beaches with sea lions, walk among huge colonies of marine iguanas, and delight at the antics of nesting seabirds from ship and shore.
• With the chance to see blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, gulls, owls, and many other birds, this voyage is a birdwatcher's paradise.
• Explore tide pools teeming with life and trek across the recent lava flow of one of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world – there’s no shortage of thrilling activities.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
25% off select 2024 and 2025 departures when you book by Sept. 19!
Rates:
From $9,940 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Departures available every Friday, year-round.
(Starting in Feb. 2025)
Year-round;
Hover here for specific dates.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
We meet you on arrival in Ecuador, either in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, for an included transfer to your convenient hotel for overnight. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galápagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. You may opt for a pre-voyage extension to Mashpi Reserve in the tropical Andes outside Quito, or take just one extra day to explore Quito.
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands
Fly to the Galápagos and embark National Geographic Delfina awaiting us at anchor. Explore the islands and their remarkable wildlife.
(Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included)
Below are a selection of islands we may visit during our expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.
Day 3: North Seymour
Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance, and where we may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.
(Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included)
Day 4: Bartolomé & Santiago
Bartolomé
Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim, and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.
Santiago
Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.
(Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included)
Day 5: Isabela & Fernandina
Isabela
Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore.
Fernandina
One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos — and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins, and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.
(Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included)
Day 6: Española & Floreana
Española
See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white sand beach, and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay.
Floreana
Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay.
(Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included)
Day 7: Santa Cruz
Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George, and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness the giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.
(Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included)
Day 8: Genovesa & San Cristobal
Genovesa
Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red- and blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles, and manta rays.
San Cristobal
Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.
(Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included)
Day 9: Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Guayaquil or Quito
Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your Travel Curator about Peru, Quito, and other post-voyage options.
(Breakfast included)
Day 10: Guayaquil or Quito
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.
(Breakfast included)
National Geographic Delfina
Welcome to the newest and most intimate addition to the Galápagos fleet, National Geographic Delfina. Setting sail in early 2025, this sleek, contemporary vessel is a luxury catamaran designed for cruising the Galápagos Islands in style and stable comfort. The elegant, well-appointed ship, with a double hull, accommodates 16 guests in eight spacious, air-conditioned double staterooms with polished wood décor. Located on two decks, staterooms have either a private balcony (Category 5) or direct access to an expansive wood deck (Category 4).
The open-air Observation Deck, which provides 360-degree views, has a shaded area for relaxation, a whirlpool hot tub, and lounge chairs to take in your surroundings. On the wrap-around Upper Deck, dine al fresco at the stern and enjoy spectacular island views from the bow as you watch for dolphins, whales, and other dazzling marine life. The dining room, bar, and cozy lounge with library are on the Main Deck, which is also the boarding area and marina.
Capacity: 16 Guests
Cabins: 8
Specialists: Highly-Credentialed Naturalists, Expert Crew
ACHIEVEMENTS
2023 ”Best Cruise Ships in the World" Conde Nast Traveler Gold List
2023 "Best Expedition Ships" Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards
2022 "World's Best Cruise Line" World Cruise Awards
2022 "GOLD: Best Expedition Line" Reader's Choice Awards, Recommend Magazine
"This brand-new catamaran offers one of the most intimate and stylish sailing experiences in the Galápagos. With just 16 passengers aboard this sleek, modern vessel, it feels like your own private yacht, featuring comfortably appointed staterooms. Enjoy locally sourced cuisine al fresco or unwind on the open-air observation deck, ideal for spotting marine life. Combined with a world-class expedition team and enthusiastic, highly credentialed experts, every voyage aboard Delfina promises an outstanding adventure."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
Now you can travel with National Geographic-level experts on an intimate catamaran with only 16 passengers! This would be an outstanding charter option for your family & friends, or enjoy even more close engagement with your guides than you could ever have on one of the larger Nat Geo ships.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in itinerary; Kayaks, Zodiac cruises, stand-up paddle boards, full complement of snorkeling gear, glass-bottom boat rides, where relevant; Guidance and expertise of expedition staff; All meals as indicated in itinerary; Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and snacks; Cocktails and spirits on select ships; Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes; 24-hour access to shared spaces, such as the lounges and fitness centers; Complimentary WiFi.
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers; Travel protection plan, passport, visa, and immigration fees; Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving and phone services (except when indicated as included).
