Daphne Island (Galapagos)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Region
Galapagos Islands
Local Time
2026-11-02 17:31
79°F 26°C
Light breeze3.1 m/s
83 °F / 29 °C 78 °F / 26 °C
Port Daphne Island cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Daphne Island, Galapagos. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
| Day | Ship | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 November, 2026 Thursday |  Celebrity Flora | 13:00 | 14:00 |
Daphne Island (aka Daphne Major) is one of the smaller Galapagos Islands. It is located north of Santa Cruz Island and west of Baltra Island. Among the isle's features is a tuff crater (without any trees), with a rim (highest elevation point) rising up to 120 m (394 ft).
- While this islet is easily accessible, the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS) has highly restricted tourist visits, making it a primarily scientific research site.
- Here was conducted an intensive study of the Darwin's finch colony, studied by the British evolutionary biologists Peter Raymond Grant and Barbara Rosemary Grant over a period of 20 years. The results strongly supported the Darwin's evolution theory. Their study was documented in the book "The Beak of the Finch".
- Daphne Island's fauna is represented also by other birds, including blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos martins, red-billed tropical birds, frigatebirds.
Daphne Island cruise terminal
The following map of Galapagos Islands cruise itineraries shows the two main routes and all island stops (ports / landing sites) in the archipelago.
What to Expect at Daphne Island
Daphne Island, usually listed as Daphne Major, is a wildlife-viewing stop in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. For ordinary cruise passengers, the visit takes place from the ship or, on some itineraries, a guided small boat. Tourist landings are normally not permitted because access to this protected research island is tightly restricted.
Independent sightseeing is not available. There is no passenger terminal, town, public transport or self-guided walking route. Plan around the ship’s scheduled viewing activity rather than a conventional day ashore.
Best Ways to Spend Your Visit
Scenic Cruising and Birdwatching
The main experience is watching Daphne Major’s volcanic cone and steep shoreline as the ship passes or circles the island. Look for boobies, frigatebirds and red-billed tropicbirds around the cliffs; sightings vary, and binoculars help considerably. Sea lions may also be visible along the shore.
This is an easy activity with little physical effort. Be on the viewing deck before the announced approach and allow the full scheduled passage for observation. Follow the naturalists’ advice about which side of the ship offers the best views.
Guided Coastal Boat Ride, If Offered
Some operators include a panga or dinghy ride for a closer look at the coastline and seabirds. This is a guided water-based outing without a landing, and it should only be expected if confirmed in your ship’s activity briefing.
Walking is minimal, but boarding requires stepping between the ship and a small boat. Swell can make the transfer awkward, and spray is possible. Ask the expedition team about suitability if you have balance or mobility difficulties; duration depends on the approved itinerary and conditions.
Naturalist Commentary and Photography
Join the onboard commentary to understand the island’s role in research on Darwin’s finches and to identify birds visible from the water. The finches themselves are small and should not be expected to be clearly visible from the ship.
Combine wider photographs of the volcanic cone with binocular observation or a zoom lens for wildlife. An open deck provides flexibility as the viewing angle changes during the passage.
Landings and Water Activities
Do not plan a crater hike, beach visit or independent swim. Special access arrangements for researchers do not make Daphne Major a regular tourist landing site.
Marine dive sites exist around Daphne Major and nearby Daphne Minor, but diving is a separate activity requiring an authorized operator and a suitable itinerary. Do not assume snorkeling or diving is included in a cruise stop simply because Daphne appears on the schedule.
Practical Tips
- Check the daily briefing: a Daphne visit may be a brief scenic passage rather than several hours at anchor.
- Bring binoculars, sun protection and a secure camera strap. Exposed decks can be sunny and windy.
- For a small-boat outing, wear the required life jacket and protect cameras from spray.
- Follow the guide’s wildlife instructions and avoid feeding or disturbing animals.
- If leaving the ship by small boat, follow the assigned boarding and return times. Sea conditions and park requirements may change or cancel the activity.