OVERVIEW :
The Daphnes include two islands, Daphne Major and Daphne Minor, just north of Santa Cruz. The big one´s area is 0.32 sq km and the small island is 0.07 sq km and it is maximum altitude is 38 m (123 ft). Access to Daphne Major is restricted by the Galápagos National Park, so there is not trail on the island.
The large tuff crater is home of the Nazca boobies, red-billed tropic birds, frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies. Daphne Major is the primary site of Peter and Rosmery Grant´s iconic 40-year study of evolution in Darwin´s finches that demonstrates evolution occurring over short periods of time. But there is no visitor site on Daphne Minor. The smaller island is surrounded by the wildest marine fauna. It is place for the peculiar benthic organisms that live on the underwater walls of the island, all of which create a multi-colored aspect to the undersea world. Sea horses can be seen around the black corals and Galápagos Sharks and ometimes rays and sea turtles are present. Under the largest island divers also can observe sea lions, sea turtles, Eagle Rays, various species of sharks, and other pelagic species
The journey starts with a 40-minute bus ride from the hotel to the Itabaca Chanel. Then, a comfortable speed boat is going to take our guests to Daphne Major Island, where the adventurers will be amazed at the unique wildlife (flora and fauna) in natural state. The speed boat is going to offer a wonderful bird watching excursion around the coast of the island. It is possible to observe Nazca boobies, red-billed tropic birds, frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies.
Nearly all of the finches on the island are banded. Then, at the Roca Hundida (also called Piedra Ahogada) shore will be enjoyed snorkeling time, swimming next to the sea lions, sea turtles, Eagle Rays, various species of sharks, and other pelagic species. The boat also will take to the Playa Borrero while our travelers will be taught how to catch Galápagos fish in order to cook a fresh sushini. The last spot of our adventurers will be at the Playa Borrero where is found a pristine beach, so travelers will have pleasant time walking next to the tour guide or just resting on the whitest sand. Adventurers will taste a luscious lunch aboard in the deeply cabin of the boat. Around 3:00 pm the boat will ride back to Puerto Ayora by the same route.
It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature because it falls under 20ºC from September to December and it is up of 27ºC from January to August