Santa Cruz and Daphne Island Tour

This 11-day Galapagos Islands tour pairs the well-known Santa Cruz with the less-visited Daphne, leaning heavily toward relaxation and free time around three days of scheduled excursions. The trip begins with the highlights of Santa Cruz: the volcano twin craters inland, the Darwin Research Center near town, and the famous Turtle Beach where turtles and iguanas live in their real habitat. Spend time in Puerto Ayora — the local market, the harbor, the popular selfie spot that every visitor seems to know — and let the town pace settle in. Daphne is the contrast. A boat trip out to the island brings you into one of the richest marine experiences in the archipelago: small and big fish thrive in the surrounding waters, with schools of colorful fish, sharks and huge manta rays moving through the dive zones. Sea turtles and dolphins are spotted on most visits. The Daphne experience finishes at the beach of Borrero Bay, where you can relax, swim, snorkel and take pictures at your own pace. Three of the eleven days carry scheduled activities; the rest are for relaxation and free time. Most travelers spend that downtime in Puerto Ayora or back on Turtle Beach. Airport-hotel taxi service is included. After breakfast on day 11, your taxi will return you to the airport.