Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage
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.
Expedition Gallery
Overview
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.
Expedition Details
- Operator: Lindblad Expeditions
- Ship: National Geographic Delfina
- Region: GALAPAGOS
- Duration: 9 nights
- From AUD 15,161 per person
Places Visited
- Quito, Ecuador
- Quito / Galápagos Islands
- Exploring the Galápagos Islands
- Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Quito
- Quito
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, where guests are met and transferred to a hotel for an overnight stay. At 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito’s elevation makes early arrival beneficial for acclimatization. Pre-voyage extensions are available, including experiences in the lush cloud forest of the tropical Andes or additional time to explore Quito and its surrounding cultural highlights. Additional nights in Quito may also be reserved to further enhance the journey. Arrival Time: AnytimeArrival City: Quito, Ecuador
Day 1
Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, where guests are met and transferred to a hotel for an overnight stay. At 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito’s elevation makes early arrival beneficial for acclimatization. Pre-voyage extensions are available, including experiences in the lush cloud forest of the tropical Andes or additional time to explore Quito and its surrounding cultural highlights. Additional nights in Quito may also be reserved to further enhance the journey. Arrival Time: AnytimeArrival City: Quito, Ecuador
Day 2
Quito / Galápagos Islands
In the morning, transfers to the airport and luggage assistance are provided for the recommended flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, embark the ship.
Day 2
Quito / Galápagos Islands
In the morning, transfers to the airport and luggage assistance are provided for the recommended flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, embark the ship.
Day 3-8
Exploring the Galápagos Islands
Below are a selection of islands you may visit during your expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations. 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 you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus. 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. Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, the 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. 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 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. 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 giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands. 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. 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.
Day 3-8
Exploring the Galápagos Islands
Below are a selection of islands you may visit during your expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations. 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 you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus. 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. Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, the 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. 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 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. 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 giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands. 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. 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.
Day 9
Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Quito
Disembark this morning and join the recommended flight to Quito, with transfers and luggage assistance provided. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure. Opportunities are available to extend the journey with additional time in Quito or onward travel in South America, including Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca.
Day 9
Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Quito
Disembark this morning and join the recommended flight to Quito, with transfers and luggage assistance provided. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure. Opportunities are available to extend the journey with additional time in Quito or onward travel in South America, including Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca.
Day 10
Quito
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for onward flights.Departure Time: Anytime on day 10, or anytime after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 9Departure City: Quito
Day 10
Quito
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for onward flights.Departure Time: Anytime on day 10, or anytime after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 9Departure City: Quito
Ship & Suites
National Geographic Delfina
Main Deck
Upper Deck
Observation Deck
05
Cabins feature a private balcony with two chairs and a table; two large windows; two single beds that convert to a queen; bedside table; writing desk with chair; ensuite bathroom; and a closet.
04
Cabins feature two large windows; two single beds that convert to a queen; bedside table; writing desk with chair; ensuite bathroom; and a closet.
Lounge
Gather in the forward-facing lounge for Recaps and presentations. This area also includes the Global Gallery and the library.
Dining Room
Meals are served in a single, unassigned seating for a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Bridge
The fleet's open bridge policy allows guests to visit anytime to chat with the captain and crew, conditions permitting.
Outdoor Café
Meals are served al fresco at the outdoor café at the stern of this wrap-around deck.
Observation Deck
The airy and shaded Observation Deck is an ideal place to look for wildlife or stargaze.
Hot Tub
Relax in the hot tub, located on the Observation Deck.
Special Offers
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
Celebrate a milestone with a group of eight or more and enjoy a special amenity package including: 5% savings on voyage fares, custom group photo, US$150 shipboard credit for the group, and other special gifts. Milestone celebration to be communicated at time of booking.
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Valid for new bookings only on select departures, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
COMBINING OFFERS
Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
Departures & Pricing
Real-time pricing pulled directly from Lindblad Expeditions. Prices shown are per person in AUD.
What's Included
Costs Include
All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.
Airfare
For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are based on 2007 fares and are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements.
Note
Complete pre-journey information, including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading, will be sent after your reservation is confirmed 4-6 months prior to departure.
Terms & Conditions
Effective October 1, 2007, all Lindblad voyages departing from and returning to ports outside the United States will be operated by Lindblad Maritime Enterprises, Ltd., a subsidiary of Lindblad Expeditions, Inc.Reservations: To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program as outlined is required at the time of reservation and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check. The per person amount due is noted on each dates and rates screen.Final Payment: For expeditions of eight nights or less, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. For expeditions of nine nights or more, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.Travel Protection Plan: Travel protection and medical insurance are available at extra cost. Ask about our comprehensive guest travel protection plan for a worry-free expedition. Learn more about Lindblad Expeditions Travel Protection "Plus" Plan.Smoking: Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas.Responsibility and Other Terms & Conditions: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions’ and the National Geographic Society’s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests on the ship’s ticket sent prior to departure, and are also available where within this site or upon request. By registering for a trip, the guest agrees to all such terms and conditions.CANCELLATION POLICY:For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less:Number of Days to Expedition Start / Prior Per Person Cancellation Fee90 or more days / $150*89–60 days / Advance payment cost59–30 days / 50% of trip cost29–0 days / No refundFor Expeditions 9 Nights or More:Number of Days to Expedition Start / Prior Per Person Cancellation Fee120 or more days / $150*119–90 days / Advance payment cost89–60 days / 25% of trip cost59–30 days / 50% of trip cost29–0 days / No refund
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