Experience Overview
Experience the serenity of the Galapagos as you drift across the Pacific Ocean on this 10-day sail of the central eastern islands. The natural beauty and unique wildlife of these Ecuadorian isles are something to behold and, aboard your sailing vessel, you will have the best seat in the house. Retrace the voyage of Charles Darwin by sea, admiring the sandy beaches of Espumilla contrasted with the jagged rock formations and volcanic craters of Isla Santiago. Gaze at the sea, land and sky, spotting blue-footed boobies, Galapagos sea turtles and sea lions in their natural habitat. The central eastern islands of the Galapagos offer so much to explore, so sit back and relax on this spectacular sailing adventure.
Highlights
- Get a true taste of the Galapagos, sailing through its central and eastern islands, discovering untouched wilderness and unique wildlife.
- Enjoy a room with a new view each day, getting to each island in the comfort of the mighty M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz.
- Encounter giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed and masked boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, as well as land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and perhaps dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
- Live on island time, with the opportunity to explore coves, craters and inlets off the beaten track – one of the many benefits of a small group sail.
- Experience the contrasting landscapes of a selection of islands. From the sandy Espumilla beach to the volcanic formation of Pinnacle Rock, you’ll see the diversity of the Galapagos.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, The Galapagos Conservancy. Donations support their Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, providing capital for sustainability initiatives and empowering female entrepreneurs in the Galapagos. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1993
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Minibus,Boat,Plane,Zodiac
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GMQB
Starts: Quito, Ecuador
Finishes: Quito, Ecuador
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (7), Dinner (8)Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights),Overnight boat (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 8156 (CAD 816 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport and be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure until a welcome meeting at either 5 pm or 6 pm. After your welcome meeting, head out with your local leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional flavours and get to know you group as you settle into the coming adventure.
Quito sits at high altitude under the towering Pichincha volcano. It is a beautiful city, arguably one of the most beautiful in South America. The city stretches along the valley and is surrounded by the Andes. The Old Town of Quito is awash with history, with more than 30 churches to explore, and a number of fascinating museums. La Compania de Jesus is considered to be the most beautiful and ornate churches in the Americas. The city's oldest street, Calle La Ronda, is well worth exploring.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Please note the pick-up time can be as early as 4.30 am (a boxed breakfast will be provided). When you arrive, you'll be met by the National Park Guide and transferred to your boat, the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz – a first-class boat with all of the creature comforts you’ll need.
This afternoon you'll travel into the interior of Isla San Cristobal to visit the highlands site of Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado (Red Hill) where the national park has established a breeding program and information centre for native tortoises. Here, you'll be able to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and learn all about their origin, evolution and their threatened future.
Included Activities:
- Isla San Cristobal - Highlands Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Having cruised overnight, arrive at Bartolome – one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the Galapagos, full of parasitic cones, lava flows and home to Galapagos penguins and lava lizards.
Bartolome is a relatively new island in the archipelago and traces of its volcanic past can be seen everywhere, as seen by the amazing lunar-like landscape. The Pinnacle Rock is one of the most photographed sites in the Galapagos – a rock structure protruding from the earth like a tooth, providing a focal point for two nearby bays.
Head to nearby Isla Santiago, where you can hike to the top of a once-active volcano (360 wooden steps) and enjoy superb views across to Sullivan Bay. If you’re in luck, you might catch a glance of the Galapagos Hawk. You also have the opportunity to go snorkelling with plenty of tropical fish, starfish, white-tipped reef sharks, rays and (hopefully) penguins.
On Santiago's eastern coast sits James Island. Here, take a walk on Pahoe-Hoe lava, from an eruption that occurred in 1897, and witness the regrowth of unique plant species since the last eruption. Look out for marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, finches, turtles, sharks and penguins. On a walk, your guide will explain the interesting geological history of the islands.
Included Activities:
- Isla Santiago - Sullivan Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Bartolome - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Bartolome - Snorkelling (1.5 hours)
- Isla Bartolome - Panga ride (30 mins)
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the morning at Espumilla Beach, on the northern coast of Santiago in James Bay – one of the most idyllic locations in the Galapagos. With large waves, it's often a favourite among beach lovers, and is also an important nesting site for marine turtles.
Look around and see Galapagos hawks, ghost crabs, blue-footed boobies (often plunging for fish) and brown pelicans up close. Espumilla is also well known for its forest of palo santo trees and some extraordinary lava formations.
You'll also visit Caleta Bucanero (Buccaneer Cove), a natural monument of rocks caused by sea erosion. This cove was used by pirates to careen their ships. It is a place of local legends and stories, including where Charles Darwin camped for nine days while making his study of the islands and their wildlife. If conditions are favourable, you can enjoy some further snorkelling.
The next stop is Puerto Egas, a black sand beach located on the west side of James Bay and northwest of Santiago. South of the beach is Sugarloaf Volcano, which has deposits of volcanic tuff. This site is named Puerto Egas, after Hector Egas who last attempted to mine salt here. On the walk along the beach, you’ll encounter hundreds of marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. You will also see amazing tidal pools formed from ancient lava flow and home to sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish. Snorkelling with the seals always offers the possibility of thrilling encounters.
Included Activities:
- Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Walk (1.45 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Snorkelling (1 hour)
- Isla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Panga ride or Snorkelling (45 mins)
- Isla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Sanitago - Buccaneer's Cove - Snorkelling (1 hour)
- Isla Sanitago - Buccaneer's Cove - Panga Ride (45 mins)
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll visit 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 the best opportunities for close encounters with giant tortoises. You'll also see baby tortoises and land iguanas.
After, head up into the highlands for a total 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. Plus, you are likely to see Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and perhaps even the bright red feathers of a vermillion flycatcher!
Included Activities:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a morning excursion to North Seymour, which is one of the most visited islands in the Galapagos. The trail on North Seymour crosses inland through the island and then explores the rocky coast. Along the way, the trail passes colonies of blue footed boobies and frigate birds.
The magnificent frigate bird, a large black bird with a long wingspan and a hooked beak, is extremely fast and has excellent vision. Frigate birds are known for the large red pouch on their necks. During mating season, the males throw back their heads, inflate the pouch (sometimes to the size of a soccer ball), and shake – trying to capture the attention of female frigates. Boobies and frigates have an interesting relationship. Sharing the same nesting area on North Seymour, blue-footed boobies nest on the ground making their nests from the twigs of the palo santos trees, while the frigate birds nest just above them in the saltbushes.
Your walk is followed by snorkelling where you will discover a colourful variety of fish and, possibly, some white-tipped reef sharks, rays and sea lions.
After lunch, visit the small sandy island of Mosquera, a relaxing stop situated between Baltra and North Seymour. Along the rocks and in the tide pool, Sally Lightfoot crabs (red lava crabs) scamper back and forth, skipping across small pools of water in search of food. These crabs with their bright red shell tops and blue under shells are stunning against the black lava. The island also has a very large colony of sea lions as well as a sizeable resident brown pelican population. Depending on the tides and visibility, you may have a chance to go snorkelling here.
Included Activities:
- Isla North Seymour - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla North Seymour - Snorkelling (1 hours)
- Isla Mosquera - Snorkelling (1 hour)
- Isla Mosquera - Beach Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll take a panga (Zodiac boat) to Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) – a red mangrove wetland on the north shore of Isla Santa Cruz. Paddle among the cove’s peaceful waters, for your first taste of the underwater riches of this region – it’s a wonderful place to see green turtle and is a nursery for golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays and Galapagos sharks. There is also abundant birdlife, such as the yellow warblers and lava herons. This is also a breeding area for turtles, so it is not uncommon to see them mating.
In the afternoon, cruise over for a walk on Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) this afternoon. This is one of the best places to see land iguanas in the islands! From your dry landing, you'll walk to a brackish lagoon frequented by lagoon birds including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings and occasionally flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. This area is a nesting site for land iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation makes for an ideal location for birdwatching with Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galapagos flycatcher and yellow warblers all regulars here. The path can be challenging but it will be worth it with a spectacular view of the bay!
Included Activities:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - Panga ride (1.5 hours)
- Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Snorkelling or swimming (1 hour)
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Sombrero Chino is a small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago. It's shaped like a Chinese hat (Sombrero Chino) when seen from afar, and is geologically fascinating, with many lava tubes leading from the cone to the coast. Approach Sombrero Chino via a beautiful crescent-shaped, sandy beach that's home to sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Keep a look out for Galapagos penguins on the rocky shoreline of nearby Santiago, opposite Sombrero Chino. Follow a trail that circles the cove and passes through colonies of sea lions marine iguanas. The cove also offers some great snorkelling opportunities, hopefully with sightings of some penguins and sharks.
On to Isla Rabida, also known as Jervis Island, which is a tiny island sitting roughly five kilometres south of Santiago, having one of the most striking of the archipelago. Introduced species were eradicated in 1971, meaning that the native wildlife has now been returned to a state of isolation. Additionally, volcanic activity here has produced a vivid spectrum of colours, not least the red sand beaches and scarlet cliffs.
From the shore, the trail leads through to what is one of the finest lagoons in the Galapagos for viewing flamingos. Rabida is also a wonderful place to spot nesting pelicans. Elsewhere, spot pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions. There is an opportunity for snorkelling in a cove full of sea stars, damsels, gobies and surgeon fish.
Included Activities:
- Isla Santiago - Sombrero Chino - Snorkelling (1 hour)
- Sombrero Chino - Walk and Panga ride (2 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Rabida - Snorkelling (1 hour)
- Isla Rabida - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
As flights to the mainland from Galapagos depart mid-morning, it is an early start for your last morning on the islands. Today, you'll take an early morning excursion to Las Bachas, which was so named after the barges abandoned by the American Navy here in the 1940s. The sand beaches of Las Bachas on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island are a nesting site for the Pacific green turtle, and marine iguanas are also commonly seen. The sand here is particularly white and soft, as it is made of decomposed coral. The rocks provide great snorkelling and are the perfect habitat for the Sally Lightfoot crabs, which are plentiful on the island. A saltwater lagoon near the beach is home to flamingo, whimbrel and great blue herons. This is your final excursion before you return to the airport in Baltra for your flight back to Quito.
Included Activities:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, there are no activities planned, so you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. There are many fascinating things to do in and around Quito, including an Urban Adventures tour that may take your fancy. Explore Ecuadorian food culture and taste traditional ingredients on the Quito Market Discovery Tour, where you’ll visit an authentic market and ride a cable car to the top of Pichincha to view the expansive city (see urbanadventures.com/destination/Quito-tours). If you wish to stay in Quito, just speak to your booking agent.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Louise - Traveled, March 2024
My husband and I had the best holiday ever! Our guide Roberto was funny, entertaining and very knowledgeable and the program and accommodation brilliant.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Cheryl - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was fantastic. The terrain was a little rough. The wildlife was wonderful. Saw everything I came there to see . Roberto our guide was excellent and extremely knowledgeable. He compare the galapagos to other areas in the world. Pointed out things I would not of noticed on my own. As a single person I felt very comfortable and safe. Made friends with some nice people. Keep doing what you are doing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Nick - Traveled, February 2024
The Galapagos is best encountered on a smaller ship. An Intrepid tour of the islands delivers a personal experience of Galapagos' diversity but with the logistical support and creature comforts typical of much larger vessels.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Brian - Traveled, February 2023
Our trip to the Galapagos with Intrepid exceeded our expectations. The balance between land and water activities was perfect. The meals and snacks on board were delicious and healthy. Our guide Roberto was incredible. His knowledge, passion, concern for safety and sense of humour won us over.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Robyn - Traveled, May 2023
The Intrepid Galápagos Island trip aboard the Grand Queen Beatrix was amazing. Our naturalist guide Roberto was so knowledgeable and had a really fun way of imparting knowledge. The snorkelling was fantastic; clear waters, felt safe, good equipment and playing with a juvenile sea lion was a highlight. Not having to pack up each day and transfer was also terrific. Thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Barbara - Traveled, May 2023
I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. The boat was larger than we expected and the cabins very comfortable. Each day included a walk on one of the islands which were all very different and also time snorkeling which was sensational. We snorkeled with stingrays, penguins, reef sharks, sea lions and many varieties of colourful tropical fish. At times the amount and density of sardines made it almost impossible to see the sea bed. Tortoises and iguanas on land were not fazed by human presence. A truly magnificent experience. Our guide, Roberto, was someone who can paint a picture with his words, his knowledge and passion was
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2023
Jonathan - Traveled, October 2022
Exploring the Galapagos by boat is the best way to go! There is so much to see while at sea and you will definitely see lots of marine and wildlife on this trip! We saw and swam with sea lions, penguins, turtles, rays and even sharks! Everyday is a new surprising day and you don’t know what you might see! We even got the rare chance of seeing Orcas close up! Johan our Naturalist guide took really good care of the group and really knew his stuff! He really took the trip to the next level with his expertise
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2022
Paul - Traveled, October 2022
A wonderful way to experience the Galapagos. The ship and crew were first-rate. Special mention to our guide, Roberto Quintana King, an immense storehouse of knowledge, a passion for the Galapagos and the environment, and great fun to be around. Don't know how it could have been any better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2022
Theresa - Traveled, August 2022
This Galapagos trip exceeded our expectations (high praise considering we arrived with great expectations)! We travel extensively, and now this trip ranks among the top few. Our extensive itinerary was beautifully executed by guide Fernando Gil and the crew of the Queen Beatriz. We saw and learned more that we thought possible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2022
Robert - Traveled, April 2022
The absolute best snorkeling in the world
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2022
Howard - Traveled, May 2024
Our Intrepid trip to the Galápagos Islands was a remarkable experience. The accommodations, crew and guide exceeded all expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2024
Kathy - Traveled, May 2024
I'd encourage anyone considering a Galapagos trip to do the Classic Galapagos on Grand Queen Beatriz. Every detail was well organized, ship was meticulously clean, food was excellent and healthy, all our expectations were met or exceeded.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024
Hannah - Traveled, May 2024
This was an incredible tour! Roberto is a fantastic guide, clearly passionate and so excited to share the wonderful Galapagos Islands with everyone. Travelling on the boat was brilliant, definitely maximised our activity time, and no seasickness. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2024
Louise - Traveled, March 2024
My husband and I had the best holiday ever! Our guide Roberto was funny, entertaining and very knowledgeable and the program and accommodation brilliant.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Cheryl - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was fantastic. The terrain was a little rough. The wildlife was wonderful. Saw everything I came there to see . Roberto our guide was excellent and extremely knowledgeable. He compare the galapagos to other areas in the world. Pointed out things I would not of noticed on my own. As a single person I felt very comfortable and safe. Made friends with some nice people. Keep doing what you are doing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Christine - Traveled, May 2024
This is a fantastic way to see a lot of the Galapagos. We were amazed at how different each island was and all the wildlife we saw. A once in a lifetime experience we will never forget!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2024
Larry - Traveled, February 2023
I have always dreamed of visiting The Galapagos since I was a kid watching Jacques Cousteau. In my 50s I finally got there with incredibly high expectations of its wonders and Intrepids tour. Both exceeded expectations beyond belief and I cannot wait to go back for the southern part. Intrepid. Thank You!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2023
Olivia - Traveled, February 2023
This trip was excellent from start to finish. I had high expectations for my once in a lifetime trip to the Galápagos Islands and these were exceeded. Every day just got better and better. A lot of this was thanks to our excellent guide, Roberto, who had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the islands coupled with being a thoroughly lovely person to be around.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2023
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