grand daphne

Board Gran Daphne, a sleek Galapagos small-ship yacht built for travelers who notice the details; ocean-view cabins, smooth deck flow, naturalist-guided outings, and wildlife-rich itineraries that favor time in the field over time in transit.

$3,042

USD

starting at

I

4 - 5 - 8 - 15

DAYS

Highlights:

• Modern design

• Spacious cabins

• Personalized service

Class: Tourist

Type: Motor Yacht

Capacity (guests): 16

Gran Daphne feels like a modern field base at sea, quiet, nimble, and intentionally guest-centric. Ashore, small groups and story-driven guiding place you eye-level with the archipelago’s rhythms: iguanas soaking warmth from black basalt, sea lions threading green bays, seabirds riding invisible windlines. Back on board, the atmosphere stays calm and contemporary, rinse off the salt, review sightings with your guide, and watch the Pacific shift from cobalt to constellations. If you value stylish simplicity, naturalist-led exploration, and low-crowd wildlife encounters, Gran Daphne fits beautifully.

overview

In the Lower deck there are 5 cabins with different types of accommodation, in the Upper Deck there are 2 cabins with convertible beds, and in the main Deck 1 Suite with a king size bed is available.

• Convertible Bedding: Twin or matrimonial setups available; practical for couples or travel partners.

• Ready-to-Roll Staging: A compact gear console near your door hooks for reef shoes, a mesh tray for masks, and a grab spot for day packs—keeps transitions tidy.

• Short Steps, Big Views: Lounges and open bow/upper deck positioned for clear sightlines and quick movement without bottlenecks.

suites & layout

Main Deck Suite

Upper Deck Cabin

Lower Deck Cabin

life on board

Life aboard Gran Daphne blends small-ship ease with crisp operations: sunrise coffee and a clear plan from your Galapagos naturalist, active windows for snorkeling, kayaking, or Zodiac cruising, then quiet interludes on open sun decks or in the ocean-view lounge.

Evenings lean local—chef-crafted plates, relaxed conversation, and a sky bright enough to reframe your sense of distance, an inviting home base for Galapagos discovery.

itineraries & dates

Varied routes that go from 4 - 15 days itineraries around the archipelago. 

JAN    FEB    MAR    APR    MAY    JUN

JUL    AUG    SEP     OCT    NOV    DEC

Solarium

Shaded Lounge

Guide Shadow Moments: Short, optional “follow-the-guide” intervals on trails where you learn to read tracks, tide lines, and nesting cues, turning small details into big discoveries.

Water-Start Coaching: Before each session, your naturalist demos gentle entries, fin etiquette, and buddy signals, confidence-building for first-time snorkelers.

Kayak Drifts (when conditions allow): Slow, guide-led drifts along mangroves and lava edges for low-impact wildlife viewing and photo angles you can’t get from shore.

Culinary Story Bites: Bite-size tastings with citrus ceviche notes, Andean coffee aromas, tropical fruit pairings, each linked to a place you visited that day; light, local, memorable.

Respectful Distance Training: A simple visual guide for wildlife spacing (and “what to do when an animal approaches you”) to keep encounters safe and natural.

services & experiences

Wind-smart hat setup: Bring a brimmed hat with a chin cord or retainer, Galapagos crosswinds love souvenirs.

Hands-free phone safety: A floating lanyard case keeps your phone secure during wet landings and kayak entries.

Daypack rain skin: A featherweight pack cover stops salt spray and mist from reaching cameras and notebooks.

Non-slip deck footwear: Soft-soled, non-marking slides or deck shoes make night stargazing safer on dewy surfaces.

Binocular comfort: A lightweight harness beats a neck strap on bouncy Zodiacs and frees hands for photos.

Departure rhythm: Set a silent alarm 10 minutes before briefings—no rush, no missed pangas, pure calm.

good to know

faqs

Can Gran Daphne celebrate a birthday or special occasion?
Yes, share details in advance. The crew can arrange small touches (a dessert, card, or toast) that fit the yacht’s quiet, elegant style.

Are there quiet hours on board?
Evenings are naturally calm; guests tend to wind down after briefings. Soft voices on deck help everyone enjoy stargazing and ocean sounds.

What safety practices are in place?
Expect a day-one safety & Zodiac briefing, lifejackets on transfers, and site-specific guidance before hikes and water sessions.

Can I bring my own fins or mask?
Absolutely. While gear is typically available, many travelers pack a personal mask for best fit and open-heel fins with booties for lava entries.

How are waste and plastics handled?
Gran Daphne follows low-impact practices: refillable water stations, minimal single-use items, and careful waste management aligned with park rules.

Is seasickness common on Gran Daphne?
The route is usually moderate, but bring your preferred motion remedy. Choosing mid-ship cabins and watching the horizon helps.

What is the best way to store and charge camera gear?
Use a multi-port USB/USB-C charger and stash batteries in a dry pouch. A silica pack prevents condensation when moving from sea air to A/C.

• International flights to/from Ecuador

• Airfare to / from Galapagos

• Alcoholic  & Soft drinks

• Wetsuits rental

• US$200 Galapagos National Park fee

• US$20 Transit Control Card

• Travel / medical insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Tips

• Accommodation on board

• All meals during the cruise

• Use of kayaks and stand-up paddle boards

• Use of snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, and fins

• Daily excursions according to the itinerary

• Naturalist Bilingual Guide

inclusions

not included

Plan with Galapagos Inspīrāre, specialists in tailor-made Galapagos journeys with local insight and curated luxury partners.