GRAND DAPHNE - Burgess on board in the Galapagos.

If your interest is piqued by extraordinary wildlife and you are drawn to witness the scenes that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution, then the Galapagos Islands are a must-visit destination. GRAND DAPHNE relaunched in 2020 and has been sailing these waters ever since, giving charterers a luxurious base from which to explore and learn about this unique archipelago. This is a charter with an environmental twist, so we sent Miami-based Associate Charter Manager Elizabeth Coleman on an adventure to tell us more...

Why visit the Galapagos Islands

This is a place everyone should see in their lifetime, truly unbelievable, a bucket-list destination. Nowhere else will you see nature like this – the whole island archipelago is a National Park and Marine Reserve. At one point I was snorkelling and a penguin swam about six inches from my fingertip – absolutely incredible!

Our itinerary

GRAND DAPHNE set the pace of the charter, so that it was as relaxing as it was exciting. We would hike to see tortoises and marine iguanas, or famous landmarks like Pinnacle Rock, the most photographed location, and then lunch on board. In the morning, yoga on deck followed by fresh pastries started our day. Then there were sunset cocktails in the evening, and stargazing as night fell – you can see so much with no light pollution.

GRAND DAPHNE is perfect for exploring the Galapagos! The floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge and dining saloons are made for viewing this amazing archipelago while underway. Her cabins are very spacious - and with eight cabins you can bring the whole family. This is five-star service and meals, as you would expect it anywhere else in the world - and unique in the Galapagos on board GRAND DAPHNE.

Life on board

The sun deck was the place to be, the awnings and mix of seating was perfect for our group - it allowed for sun bathers and those who like the shade to hang out, chit chat, and watch the jumping sting rays and white-tipped sharks swim by.

The GRANDE DAPHNE crew are amazing

The crew all make this charter spectacular. They are all native to Ecuador so are very familiar with the Galapagos including the flora and fauna. The itinerary they create is jam packed with unique activities and they guide you every step of the way. GRAND DAPHNE’s Naturalist Guide, Fausto, made the trip for us. He was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the Galapagos, and very easy to talk to.

We joined the yacht in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. It is a really modern metropolis, full of bars, hotels and boutiques – but even there, sea lions sit on the pavements!

My Galapagos highlight

Very hard to pick just one! But if I had to I would say that Sombrero Chino Island was our favourite excursion – Sombero Chino means Chinese hat.

Sea Lions sunbathing on rocks that we could walk amongst, one even sniffed my shoe! Marine Iguanas and penguins swimming in crystal clear turquoise water, flamingos flying, lots of bright red crabs and the volcanic landscape was so bare and rocky – it was like being on the moon. That was the Galapagos I had dreamed of.

Make sure that you meet the locals

There are actually around 30,000 people living on these islands. We visited El Trapick Farm on Santa Cruz Island where we met Adriano Cabrera farming sugarcane - he still uses donkey-power to crush the sugarcane on an old wheel press. He offered us a taste of his homebrew Cachara, made from sugar cane and coffee - think expresso martini Galapagos-style!

The Galapagos is very pristine and you can tell that its residents take care of this beautiful place. There are strict laws as far as no littering, no use of motorized water toys to protect the plants and animals that can’t be found anywhere else on planet earth.

A top tip for charterers

This is a place everyone should see in their lifetime, truly unbelievable, a bucket-list destination. This is a very adventurous charter while still living in the lap of luxury.

Leave the fancy gown at home and don your hiking boots and get ready for a real adventure!

GRAND DAPHNE OFFER 25% discount on charters in September 2021

39.8m (130ft) GRAND DAPHNE sleeps 12 in 8 cabins

Rate from USD 217,000 per week

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.