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Nat Geo Delfina

An elegant catamaran offering intimate, expert-led Galapagos cruises with panoramic wildlife viewing.

Overview

Step aboard the National Geographic Delfina and set sail for the heart of the Galápagos, without sacrificing comfort or style. This state-of-the-art, 16-guest catamaran delivers an intimate and elegant cruising experience with just eight spacious suites, each offering floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted views of the archipelago and its remarkable wildlife.

Life On Board

The modern yet warm ambiance invites relaxation, whether you’re soaking in the open-air hot tub, savoring fresh Ecuadorian flavors in the dining room, or sipping a cocktail on the sun-drenched deck. The highly trained crew, including expert naturalists and certified photo instructors, ensures each day brings both adventure and insight. Expect attentive service and spontaneous wildlife encounters—from dolphins riding the bow wave to frigatebirds soaring overhead—as you glide between islands.

A Choice Of Itineraries

The National Geographic Delfina offers dynamic week-long itineraries that explore both the Eastern and Western Galápagos Islands, each revealing unique wildlife spectacles and volcanic landscapes. Each day, expert-led excursions include snorkeling, kayaking, Zodiac rides, and guided nature walks, giving guests rare access to one of the planet’s last great untouched wildernesses.

On the Eastern route, you might snorkel with playful sea lions and stroll pristine coral sands on Española Island, or witness the vibrant red-footed boobies of Genovesa. The Western itinerary brings you face-to-face with the iconic flightless cormorants and marine iguanas of Fernandina, and into close proximity with the towering shield volcanoes of Isabela.

A Small Ship For Big Adventures

Feel the thrill of walking where Darwin once stood, encounter species found nowhere else, and return home with both unforgettable memories and world-class photos. Perfect for adventurous spirits, nature enthusiasts, and families eager to reconnect with the wild, this is your chance to explore the Galápagos with the experts—and to tread softly in a place few have seen, but all should experience.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

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8-Day

8 Day - Intimate Voyage

itinerary map

Embarkation

In the morning, if you’re joining the recommended flight to the Galapagos, transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on the 16-guest National Geographic Delfina.

Delfina - Intimate Voyage
Location
Ecuador Mainland to Galapagos
Day
1 / 8

Exploring the Galápagos Islands

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations and islands you may visit during your expedition.

AM-PM: North Seymour: Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance and where you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus. 

Bartolomé: Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.

Delfina - Intimate Voyage
Location
Galápagos Islands
Day
2 / 8

Exploring the Galápagos Islands

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations and islands you may visit during your expedition.

AM-PM: Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked. 

Delfina - Intimate Voyage
Location
Galápagos Islands
Day
3 / 8

Exploring the Galápagos Islands

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations and islands you may visit during your expedition.

AM-PM: Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins, and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.

Delfina - Intimate Voyage
Location
Galápagos Islands
Day
4 / 8

Exploring the Galápagos Islands

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations and islands you may visit during your expedition.

AM-PM: Española: See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white sand beach, and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay.

Floreana: Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay.

Delfina - Intimate Voyage
Location
Galápagos Islands
Day
5 / 8

Exploring the Galápagos Islands

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations and islands you may visit during your expedition.

AM-PM: Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Delfina - Intimate Voyage
Location
Galápagos Islands
Day
6 / 8

Exploring the Galápagos Islands

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations and islands you may visit during your expedition.

AM-PM: Genovesa: Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, redand blue-footed boobies and frigates to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles and manta rays.

San Cristobal: Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town. 

Delfina - Intimate Voyage
Location
Galápagos Islands
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: Disembark this morning and join the recommended flight to Guayaquil or Quito; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Unwind in Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil, or pick from several options in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel.

PM: The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may also want to take advantage of overnight flights home.

Delfina - Intimate Voyage
Location
Galápagos Islands to Ecuador Mainland
Day
8 / 8
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Accommodations

Social Areas

Top Deck
Sundeck
Alfresco Dining
Dining Area
Outdoors Cafe
Indoors Lounge

Suites & Cabins

Delfina - Upper Deck - Cat 4 Delfina - Upper Deck - Cat 4 Delfina - Upper Deck - Cat 4
4 Cabins

Upper Deck - Cat 4

Guests
2
Size
16 m²/172 ft²
Beds
Queen/Twin

The four Upper Deck cabins can be interconnected for friends and family. Cabins measure 16 m²/172 ft², and have ensuite bathrooms, generous storage space, queen or twin bed configurations, a large window, and a door that opens onto the outside deck.

Delfina - Main Deck - Cat 5 Delfina - Main Deck - Cat 5
4 Cabins

Main Deck - Cat 5

Guests
2
Size
16 m²/172 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

Each of the four main-deck staterooms features a private balcony, an ensuite bathroom, generous storage space, and flexible bedding options with either a queen bed or two twin beds. The staterooms measure 16 m²/172 ft² and include a 4 m²/43 ft² balcony with seating and two large windows.

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Features

  • Connecting cabins
  • Cabins with balconies
  • Air conditioning
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Lecture room
  • WIFI available
  • Hot showers
  • All inclusive
  • Heating

Equipment

  • Snorkeling gear
  • Wetsuits
  • Stand up paddleboard
  • Kayaks / Canoes
  • Water canteen/bottle
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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