Expedition Advisory · Galápagos · National Geographic-Lindblad
Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage
Quito to Quito · 10 days / 7 nights aboard
Operator-published starting fare for selected dates and categories, per person sharing. Not a January 2027 cabin quote. Flights are additional. Checked 4 October 2026; subject to availability and change.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Why we picked this voyage
An expedition worth considering
Delfina offers a particularly personal way to explore the islands. With only 16 guests, the catamaran keeps the focus on wildlife, naturalist-led outings and time outdoors. A full week aboard gives the experience more depth than a short island sampler, while the mainland hotel nights make the travel sequence straightforward.
Travellers wanting a very small expedition group and an intimate catamaran atmosphere.
Just 16 guests, with two experienced naturalists and photography guidance.
Cabins are staterooms rather than suites. Small-ship intimacy comes with fewer public spaces than a larger expedition vessel.
Let’s match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities.
Talk to an expedition guideThe Expedition Advisory difference
Why book this voyage with us?
Choose your voyage and cabin with confidence. We’ll help with the rest of your journey.
Operator Pricing
You pay the expedition operator’s fare. We check applicable offers and promotions for your voyage. Our advice and booking support cost you nothing extra.
Independent Advice
Compare this voyage with other expedition options. We match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities. We search all available itineraries from our partner operators, including voyages not listed on our website.
Field Experience
Our expedition guiding experience helps you understand sea conditions, time ashore and daily expedition life before you choose.
Beyond the Cruise
Get practical flight, packing and preparation guidance, plus a pre-departure call with a regional guide. We can book your hotels and transfers with no extra booking fee.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
The voyage
Voyage overview
Delfina offers a particularly personal way to explore the islands. With only 16 guests, the catamaran keeps the focus on wildlife, naturalist-led outings and time outdoors. A full week aboard gives the experience more depth than a short island sampler, while the mainland hotel nights make the travel sequence straightforward.
- A 16-guest expedition catamaran
- Two naturalists and photography support
- Guided island walks and small-boat exploration
- Snorkelling opportunities among Galápagos marine life
- An observation deck and outdoor café
Your expedition
Day-by-day plan
The mainland travel sequence is fixed, while the island circuit varies by ship and departure. The island examples below are possibilities, not a promise that every departure visits them.
Arrive in Quito
Transfer to your programme hotel. An earlier arrival can help you adjust to the altitude and enjoy the city.
Fly to the islands and board Delfina
Take the recommended Galápagos flight, charged separately, and embark National Geographic Delfina. Meet the naturalists and learn about your departure’s approved island circuit.
Days 3-8
Wildlife-rich island shores
Guided walks explore the habitats selected for your route. Possible highlights include seabird colonies, sea lions and marine iguanas. The island order varies rather than following one universal daily schedule.
Days 3-8
Volcanic scenery and life underwater
Small-boat outings and snorkelling bring a different view of the archipelago. Depending on the circuit, you may see San Cristóbal’s Kicker Rock, lava shores or quiet bays rich in marine life.
Days 3-8
Conservation and giant tortoises
The published island choices include Santa Cruz, where conservation and highland tortoises give context to the Galápagos story. Your final programme confirms the actual visits.
Return to mainland Ecuador
Disembark and take the recommended return flight, an additional cost. Transfer to the programme hotel for a final overnight.
Onward travel
Transfer to the airport. International flight days may extend the total time away.
Wildlife sightings, landings and water activities depend on conditions and park permissions. Your confirmed departure programme controls the final travel plan.
Choose your season
Dates and departures
| Departure | Programme |
|---|---|
| 8-17 January 2027 | National Geographic Delfina |
| 15-24 January 2027 | National Geographic Delfina |
| 22-31 January 2027 | National Geographic Delfina |
| 29 January-7 February 2027 | National Geographic Delfina |
| Later 2027 / 2028 | Request your preferred dates from EA |
Selected programmes for travel from now through October 2028. Exact dates, ship and cabin availability require confirmation. Starting fares above apply to selected departures across the operator’s programme.
Find the right departure and cabin for you.
Check dates with EAPlan your voyage
Your ship and life aboard
National Geographic Delfina
National Geographic Delfina carries 16 guests in eight air-conditioned outside cabins across three decks. Its shared spaces include an indoor lounge, dining room, outdoor café and open observation deck. The intimate scale suits travellers who value a small group and easy access to their guides.
The ship experience
Life aboard
Explore the cabins, shared interiors and spaces for relaxing between outings.
Representative ship photography supplied in the operator’s published material. Confirm your chosen ship, category and bedding with EA.
Cabins and suites
Upper Deck staterooms
Category 4 cabins have two large windows, beds that convert between twins and a queen, a writing desk and an ensuite bathroom. Published size: 172 square feet.
Main Deck staterooms
Category 5 cabins are on the Main Deck. We will check the current deck plan, bedding and window arrangement for your selected cabin. Delfina does not use suite categories.
Watch the experience
National Geographic-Lindblad · destination film, not a Delfina ship tour
Explore with your guides
Activities and exploration
- A 16-guest expedition catamaran
- Two naturalists and photography support
- Guided island walks and small-boat exploration
- Snorkelling opportunities among Galápagos marine life
- An observation deck and outdoor café
Guided walks, small-boat outings and snorkelling are central to the Galápagos experience. Kayaking, glass-bottom boat outings and other activity choices vary by ship and conditions. We will check your interests and mobility needs when matching a departure.
The voyage package
What the voyage includes
Published inclusions
- Seven nights aboard with onboard meals
- Naturalist-led island exploration and talks
- Published mainland hotel nights and programme transfers
Additional costs and exclusions
- International flights and recommended mainland-Galápagos flights
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Optional extensions and services outside the confirmed package
Confirm all inclusions for the specific departure and offer with EA before booking.
Expedition Advisory guidance
Make the whole journey work
Allow for international flight days beyond the 10-day programme. Quito is at altitude, so an extra arrival night can make the journey more comfortable. We will compare the exact ship, park-approved island route, flight arrangements and cabin before recommending a departure.
Let’s find your expedition
Tell us your dates, party size and what matters most. We’ll compare the ship, cabin and complete travel plan.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees