Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
$8205
Tour Overview
Experience the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands as you drift across the Pacific Ocean on this 10-day sailing adventure. The beauty of these Ecuadorian isles is something to behold from aboard the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz and you’ll retrace the 180-year-old voyage of Charles Darwin by sea with a naturalist guide by your side. Witness the giant tortoises that call these lands home and go birdwatching for blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Each day, a new view will greet you out your cabin window, with a new array or wildlife to see up above and down below (snorkel, anyone?). ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure begins in Quito – Ecuador’s sprawling capital city. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 or 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and small group of fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe check out the city at your own pace – head to the Old Town and pick one (or more) of the 30 churches to explore. After your meeting, you’ll head to a small, local restaurant for dinner with your group. Take in the aromas and fresh flavours of the traditional Ecuadorian cuisine – think locroc (traditional potato soup) or quinoa, pork and vegetable dishes cooked with herbs, lemongrass and rich sauces, all sourced from local farms. ...more ...less
Day 2: Isla Baltra - Punta Carrion
Location: Isla Baltra - Punta Carrion
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You have a very early start this morning (maybe as early as 4 am, depending on flight times) as you head into the Galapagos. Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito Airport), with a boxed breakfast on the way. When you arrive, you’ll meet your naturalist guide in the arrival hall. Transfer a short distance away to Isla Baltra, where you’ll board your home for the adventure – M/Y Queen Beatriz. Once on board, settle in and then have lunch with your group. After, you’ll sail to Punta Carrion – on the eastern side of the Itabaca Channel that separates the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz. This is a shallow and protected cove, ideal for your first snorkel and swim in the Galapagos! From the vantage point of your boat, wildlife is plentiful, so keep your eyes peeled for occasional sights of blue-footed boobies, Galapagos herons and great blue herons, while under the surface swim rays and white-tipped reef sharks. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome cocktail during the crew’s onboard presentation.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
Location: Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up on the south Coast of Isla Isabela – the largest island of the Galapagos archipelago. Isabela was formed by five giant volcanic craters, all still considered active. The island is located in one of the youngest geological areas in the world, having been formed less than 1 million years ago and the southern coast has the largest area of beaches in the Galapagos. You’ll visit Las Tintoreras, heading to a viewing walkway where you can see a colony of white-tipped reef sharks swimming and sleeping. Take a long walk through lava flows and see the resident blue-footed boobies, penguins, marine iguanas and crabs. In the afternoon, take another walk through a coastal lagoon, where you might see some flamingos. This mangrove-lined path leads to Isabela’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center (Arnoldo Tupiza) where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. You’ll then have the choice to go swimming at the beach or head out for some shopping in Puerto Villamil.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Devil's Crown - Punta Cormorant.
Location: Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Devil's Crown - Punta Cormorant.
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Isla Floreana is a highlight of any Galapagos cruise, rich in natural wonders and wildlife. Today you’ll take a panga ride around the bay to see marine iguanas, sea lions and crabs before taking a leisurely walk to Post Office Bay, where 18th century whalers used a barrel as an unofficial mail drop. This custom continues today with visitors to the Galapagos – post one of your own or see if there are any you could deliver back home! You’ll also have the chance to go snorkelling with sea turtles. Today you might also be lucky enough to see pink flamingos and other water birds wading in the lagoons, including pintails and stilts. Just offshore, the Devil’s Crown is an old eroded volcanic cone and a popular roosting site for seabirds like boobies, pelicans and frigates. Go snorkelling in the cone, full of sea lions and colourful fish, for maybe the best underwater experience of the adventure! Later, you’ll head to Punta Cormorant, where the sand is made up of olivine crystals (a glassy volcanic mineral), giving the beach an olive-green colour.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz Highlands.
Location: Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz Highlands.
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up in Isla Santa Cruz – the second-largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station – as well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station also makes for interesting exploration and offers an opportunity to see giant tortoises. You may also be able to observe the baby tortoises and land iguanas! After your visit, head up into the highlands for a change of scenery. Beginning at the coast, you'll travel across Santa Cruz through the agricultural region and into the misty forests. This is a lush, humid zone containing miconia bushes, scalesia and inactive volcanic cones. Santa Cruz has more endemic plants than any of the other islands and you’re likely to see Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and maybe even the bright red feathers of a vermillion flycatcher!
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Isla Santa Fe - Isla Plaza Sur
Location: Isla Santa Fe - Isla Plaza Sur
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Isla Santa Fe is home to many sea lions and is a fantastic place to go snorkelling. This morning, expect to see Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, a variety of finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, marine turtles, frigatebirds, Galapagos doves and lava lizards, too. After your snorkel, head out for a hike on a trail along the coast, heading into the opuntia forest. Walk under the largest trees in the Galapagos to a forest of prickly pears and look out for the unique sub-species of land iguana that live here. Later, sail to Plaza Sur, where you’ll get close to sea lions and follow a trail past one of the Galapagos’ largest land iguana populations. Walk through cacti and volcanic landscapes, coloured bright red and green by sesuvium. The island’s rugged southern cliffs are an excellent place to spot tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls, as well as the 'Gentlemen’s Club’ – a gathering of male sea lions.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardner - Punta Suarez
Location: Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardner - Punta Suarez
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up on the island of Espanola – the southernmost island of the Galapagos. Because of its remote location, this island has a large population of endemic fauna and is the breeding site for nearly all the 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses on Earth. Take a trail to where sea lions bathe and marine iguanas make their way towards the water, walking right through booby colonies. Then, visit Punta Suarez. Walk along a trail that takes you to a clifftop viewpoint, where you'll see the boobies line the rocky shoreline beneath, while frigate birds soar overhead. Nearby, male sea lions can be seen lounging. Watch the albatross use the cliffs as their ‘runway’, helped into the air by the southeast winds that blow across this part of the island. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see the elaborate courtship rituals before the female chooses her lifelong mate! End the day on a white sandy beach at Bahia Gardner. The rocks off the coast provide excellent snorkelling opportunities, with reef sharks, turtles, sea lions and many species of tropical fish – including surgeon and angelfish – often seen. White-tipped reef sharks are also commonly spotted resting under the rocks.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Isla San Cristobal - Leon Dormido - Isla Lobos - Punta Pitt
Location: Isla San Cristobal - Leon Dormido - Isla Lobos - Punta Pitt
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Punta Pitt on the eastern end of Isla San Cristobal this morning. Walk to the top of the volcanic hill for expansive views of the sparsely vegetated area. A variety of seabirds nest here, including blue-footed boobies and frigates. Then, sail to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) – the basalt remains of a crater in the middle of the sea, resembling a sleeping lion. The rock rises 150 m above the surface and is divided into two parts by a narrow channel. Although there are no landing areas, you’ll circumnavigation the Rock to see tropicbirds, marine iguanas and sea lions. Later, visit Isla Lobos – a tiny island off the coast of San Cristobal. This is the perfect time to watch as the sea lions play in the shallow waters. Blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and marine iguanas can also be seen.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Fly From San Cristobal To Quito.
Location: Fly from San Cristobal to Quito.
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Flights to the mainland depart mid-morning, so an early start is necessary today to make the most of your last day on the islands. You’ll visit San Cristobal Interpretation Center – this information hub brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life, from its volcanic origins to the present day. The human history exhibit offers an insight into the discovery and colonisation of the Galapagos, and the reality of the problems the islands face today. After, head to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Tonight, you may like to head out with your group for a farewell dinner and toast to an excellent adventure.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Quito
Location: Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
There are no activities planned for today, and your adventure finishes after breakfast this morning. Of course, that doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! Why not stay on in Quito for a few days and discover the charms of the city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (7 nights) -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners -
Isla Santa Cruz - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)
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Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
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Isla Isabela - Arnolda Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center including Flamingo Lagoon (2 hours) - Dry Landing
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Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
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Isla Floreana - Punta Cormorant walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
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Isla Floreana - Devil's Crown snorkelling (1 hour)
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Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay snorkelling (45 mins)
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Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
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Isla Plaza Sur - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
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Isla Santa Fe - Panga ride (45 mins)
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- The Grand Queen Beatriz is a modern motor yacht. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, a jacuzzi as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned cabins and yet, at 41 metres, she is small enough for us to offer an individual level of service. She's just perfect for a more personal look at this great marine reserve.
- Cabins:
- 4xStandard twin cabins
- 2xJunior Suite cabins
- 2xDeluxe Balcony cabins
- All cabins are fully air-conditioned with private facilities
- Specifications:
- Built: 2017
- Length: 40.96 m
- Beam: 9 m
- Engines: 2
- Speed: 12 knots
- Passengers: 16
- Crew: 8 + 1 English speaking naturalist guide
- Zodiacs (locally known as pangas) are modest-sized, open, outboard-powered boats which are very common throughout Galapagos. The boats are used to get you to and from the Grand Queen Bea when you do activities. Depending on the type of activity, this could either be a wet or dry landing. The boat crew are there to assist you getting into and out of the zodiac.
Accommodation
- The stylish modern design of the Grand Queen Beatriz features large en suite cabins all with individual air conditioning and ocean views. There are 4 Standard twin cabins on the main deck and on the upper deck there are 2 Junior Suite cabins and 2 deluxe balcony cabins. The upper deck cabins all have private balconies. All cabins are equipped with a safety deposit box, hair dryers and toiletries.
Important Information
- FELLOW TRAVELLERS:
- This trip is a package tour and is therefore made up of a combination of shorter trips. This may mean you will travel with a different guide and passengers on each section.
- GALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARD & ISABELA ISLANDS PORT FEES:
- Before checking in for the flight from Quito to the Galapagos, there is a US$20 transit fee that needs to be paid. On arrival in the islands you must pay the US$200 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park. This applies to everyone aged 13 years and above. For children aged 12 the fee will be USD100.
- If your voyage visits Isabela Island, there is also a US$10 fee to be paid on arrival at the island.
- ARRIVAL TRANSFER:
- This tour includes a complimentary arrival transfer in Quito. Please advise flight details 30 days prior to travel so that the transfer can be organised.
- PASSPORT DETAILS:
- When booking, please make sure that your name is spelt correctly, and that you book using the name in your passport (particularly if you are recently married). If you are issued a new passport with a different number between the time that you book and the time you travel, please take both the old and new passports with you.
- DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:
- Should you have a special diet requirement (for example vegetarian, celiac, vegan, severe food allergies) it's essential that you inform us or your agent of the specific details at least 10 days prior to departure, in order to make sure the chef on board the boat or on the island can request the necessary food supplies.
Mode of Transport
- The Grand Queen Beatriz is a modern motor yacht. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, a jacuzzi* as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned cabins and yet, at 41 metres, she is small enough for us to offer an individual level of service. She's just perfect for a more personal look at this great marine reserve.
- Cabins:
- 2xStandard twin cabins
- 2xstandard double cabins
- 2xJunior Suite cabins (1 twin & 1 double)
- 2xDeluxe Balcony cabins (1 twin & 1 double)
- All cabins are fully air-conditioned with private facilities
- Specifications:
- Built: 2017
- Length: 40.96 m
- Beam: 9 m
- Engines: 2
- Speed: 12 knots
- Passengers: 16
- Crew: 8 + 1 English speaking naturalist guide
- Zodiacs (locally known as pangas) are modest-sized, open, outboard-powered boats which are very common throughout Galapagos. The boats are used to get you to and from the Grand Queen Bea when you do activities. Depending on the type of activity, this could either be a wet or dry landing. The boat crew are there to assist you getting into and out of the zodiac.
- *Please note the jacuzzi can only be used when the boat is stationary. This will be while you are doing an activity or excursion and pre and post some meals (if you’ve decided to sit out an activity or excursion you will also be able to use the jacuzzi). If you wish to use the jacuzzi please speak to the Guide or a crew member who will organise for it to be filled and switched on. At no time should a passenger use or fill the jacuzzi without notifying a crew member. Before the boat weighs anchor the jacuzzi will be emptied to prevent spillage once the boat is underway
Accommodation
- We don't ask travellers to complete a physical participation form for this trip however we do ask you read through the trip notes carefully to ensure that this trip is the right trip for you. This applies to the included activities and moving around the boat. You will also need to enter and exit a zodiac during wet and dry landings and and while on snorkelling - crew members will be on hand to assist you.
- The cabins and communal areas of the Queen Beatriz are spread over 4 decks.
- From the zodiac to the main deck there are 4 steps
- From the main deck to the first level there are 10 steps
- From the first level to the second there are 10 steps
- From the second level to the sundeck there are 10 steps
- The stylish modern design of the Grand Queen Beatriz features large en suite cabins all with individual air conditioning and ocean views. There are 4 Standard twin cabins on the main deck and on the upper deck there are 2 Junior Suite cabins and 2 deluxe balcony cabins. The upper deck cabins all have private balconies. All cabins are equipped with a safety deposit box, hair dryers and toiletries.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip involves lots of active adventure, and we ask that you read through the itinerary carefully to ensure that it is right for you. You’ll need to feel comfortable with the included activities and with moving about the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over three decks, and the steps between the decks are steep.
A Zodiac boat (panga) is sometimes necessary to reach small islets, coves, and prime snorkelling spots. You must be comfortable climbing in and out of one during wet and dry landings.
The waters of the Galapagos are generally calm and serene. However, there is always the possibility of choppy water at sea. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) will be needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.
Please note that while there is an itinerary in place, some changes may occur due to the weather or because of directions from the local authorities. This can happen with little notice, so please be prepared for potential modifications to the route or activities. A sense of humour and flexibility will ensure you have a fun, relaxing trip through this beautiful part of the world, no matter what happens. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
10 Days Starting and ending in Quito
Visiting: Quito, Isla Baltra - Punta Carrion, Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Devil's Crown - Punta Cormorant., Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz Highlands., Isla Santa Fe - Isla Plaza Sur, Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardner - Punta Suarez, Isla San Cristobal - Leon Dormido - Isla Lobos - Punta Pitt, Fly from San Cristobal to Quito. ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GMQA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-99