Other than researchers and a few divers, the two Daphne islands (Major and Minor) between Santa Cruz and Santiago are generally off-limits to visitors. The tuff cone of Daphne Major has been the site of scientific research of the Galapagos finch populations. It is also home to blue-footed boobies and an endemic palo santo forest. With special permission from the National Park, this could be an exciting yet rare stop on your Galapagos trip. Otherwise, you'll have to appreciate it from afar and from the pages of the famous book written about the Darwin Finches that reside on this island called "The Beak of the Finch."
10 Best Cruises Near Daphne Mayor or Daphne Menor for 2024-2025
Daphne Island is one of the more remote islands in the Galapagos archipelago, making it a truly unique and off-the-beaten-path destination. Here are some facts and highlights to help guide you during your visit.
Daphne Island is home to a variety of seabirds including blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, and storm petrels. Birdwatchers can observe these fascinating species up close and marvel at their unique behaviors.
The island's volcanic cliffs and rugged coastline offer breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and neighboring islands.
Daphne Island, like most of the archipelago's territory, is part of the Galapagos Islands National Park and is a protected habitat delicate ecosystem.
Daphne Island is a popular destination for scientific research and has been the site of numerous studies on seabird behavior and ecology.
The waters surrounding Daphne Island are teeming with marine life, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving. Swim with sea lions, sea turtles, and a variety of colorful fish.
Despite its small size, Daphne Island is home to a variety of unique plant species, including cacti and endemic shrubs.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.