From CAD 9,570
Guarantee
Group Tour
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience 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?).
Highlights
- Board your vessel, the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, and sail through the southern islands of the archipelago, encountering secluded natural beauty at its finest.
- Encounter Galapagos’s wildlife, including giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, as well as iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and sea turtles.
- Spend time land side on the islands, with expeditions through mangroves and misty forests, passing unique flora, such as opuntia cacti and miconia bushes, and gazing across the coastline from scenic lookouts.
- Swim through a colourful underwater ecosystem when snorkelling in one of the many coves – a playful sea lion might get in your way!
- Explore the islands on deck, on foot and in the water, keeping your eyes wide open for your next bird or water mammal sighting – this trip is a nature-lover's dream.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1991
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Boat,Plane,Bus,Zodiac
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GMQA
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 9570 (CAD 957 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Isabela - Arnolda Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center including Flamingo Lagoon (2 hours) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Floreana - Punta Cormorant walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Floreana - Devil's Crown snorkelling (1 hour)
- Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay snorkelling (45 mins)
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Isla Plaza Sur - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Santa Fe - Panga ride (45 mins)
- Isla Santa Fe - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Isla Espanola - Punta Suarez - Walk (3 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardener - Snorkel (1 hour)
- Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardener - Walk (1 hours) - Wet Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Isla San Cristobal - Punta Pitt - Walk (2 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla San Cristobal - Isla Lobos - Walk (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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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
Robert - Traveled, May 2024
Unforgettable trip. A must for lovers of outdoor activities, nature, birds, sealife, reptiles. Great boat, guide, crew. Busy, well organized. Boat is ideal way to visit Galapagos. NO rain during week on boat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2024
Jenna - Traveled, July 2023
If you are hesitating to book this adventure…stop and just book it. You will NOT regret it. I hit the jackpot getting Roberto, who was my guide. He’s such a great human who is so knowledgeable, funny and kind and went above and beyond to make sure my adventure was better than the day before which was crazy because every day was phenomenal. Everything about the Galapagos is absolutely magical. LOVED this adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Vicki - Traveled, July 2023
An amazing and unforgettable experience full of once in a lifetime moments. Go support the locals, the environment and help preserve this amazing place for generations to come. Don’t forget your reef safe products!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2023
John & Margaret - Traveled, June 2023
The intrepid Classic Galapagos southern islands on the Grand Queen Beatriz was a luxury trip with all meals included and worth every penny of the fare. This was our 25th intrepid and the best so far but we do tend to say that about all our trips. We just love Intrepid that much.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2023
Mark - Traveled, March 2023
After having a trip to the Galápagos Islands on my bucket list for over twenty years, I finally decided to go for it. Considering that I had such a wonderful experience with Intrepid on my three week trip to Scandinavia, and Itrepid’s small ship offering, it couldn’t have made a better choice for checking off another bucket list item Thanks to all the Intrepid people and my fellow travelers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2023
Susan - Traveled, March 2023
Just returned from Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands on Grand Queen Beatriz. It was a magical, bucket list trip. Our guide Roberto was a gold mine of information and very humorous too. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who is a nature lover. Amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2023
Cathy - Traveled, March 2023
This trip to the Galapagos was truly a trip of a lifetime. Roberto, our guide, was amazing...fun, knowledgeable and engaged. The whole staff made the trip exceptional. Can't say enough good things about all the things we saw and things we did. Thanks!!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2023
Helen - Traveled, December 2022
Amazing trip! We did 7 nights on the boat which was perfect for getting the full Galápagos experience. The Queen Beatriz is very comfortable and cabin was spacious , even nicer than the photos. Crew are friendly and very attentive and the food was excellent. The quality and variety of activities was perfect and they made the snorkelling easy even for the beginners. Our guide Roberto was excellent, very knowledgeable , professional and approachable. Can’t say enough good things about this trip, highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/01/2023
Melanie - Traveled, December 2022
This trip exceeded our expectations, even with 3 years of build up and research we were still surprised and awe-struck at every turn! The crew were awesome, always helpful and very professional and Roberto, our guide, is the science teacher everyone needs! He loves what he does and passed that feeling on to all the guests! We will definitely be returning to see more of the Galápagos in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2022
Percy - Traveled, July 2022
From the boat, to the crew, the service was friendly and impeccable. Most importantly, our naturalist/guide Roberto was amazing! His knowledge of the history, flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands was outstanding and shared with passion. To quote Roberto, his abilities as a guide are, "Very, very, very, very, very, very good."
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2022
Christina - Traveled, March 2022
Once in a lifetime experience! Our naturalist and the boat crew went above and beyond to allow us to see more in one day than I’ve ever on a trip! It was incredibly physically active so I would say be cautious if you aren’t a strong swimmer, hiker, don’t do well with heat, etc but if that’s not a problem for you you HAVE to take this trip. Worth every penny.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2022
Patricia - Traveled, February 2022
The intrepid Galápagos Islands trip exceeded my expectations for our boat accommodations, food, excursions, and our wonderful tour guide Isabela.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2022
William Trevor - Traveled, February 2022
10 day trip actually means spending 7 nights on the boat, which is a perfect amount of time. Boat was great, food was excellent. Snorkelled once or twice most days -amazing. The once/twice daily land trips - equally amazing. Our guide, Isabela, was truly outstanding. Dream trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2022
Lacy - Traveled, July 2024
Our trip through the southern islands of the Galapagos on the Grand Queen Beatriz was the most exciting, educational and fun tour I have been on in some time. Our crew and guide, Karla, made our experience unforgettable. The lengths to which they went to make our experiences as unique as possible will never be forgotten.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/07/2024
Christine - Traveled, August 2024
We had a fantastic and very memorable trip. The Grand Queen Beatrix was very comfortable and being a smaller boat got close to the coastline and anchored offshore where the bigger boats couldn’t . Crew were fantastic, made us feel welcome. Loved the morning teas waiting for us after snorkelling or walks. Food excellent. Our guide Roberto was so knowledgeable. The wildlife we saw was extensive, swam with Sea Lion pups, saw sharks. Blue, Red and masked Boobies. Albatross. Turtles ( heaps). Giant Tortoises. I could go on. Very highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2024
Jan - Traveled, August 2024
My trip to the Galapagos, Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands on the Grand Queen Beatriz was beyond expectations. Guide, Roberto, was incredible; his expert knowledge and enthusiasm taking the trip to the next level. The bird and wildlife better than I imagined. The food on the boat was amazing, would thoroughly recommend this trip - wish I could go again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2024
Daniela - Traveled, August 2024
My trip to the Galapagos Islands was simply brilliant. We experienced so much in the 8 days, beautiful landscapes and we saw so many animals on land and in the water. A big thank to Roberto, the entire crew of the Grand Queen Beatriz and my fellow travelers. You all made the tour something very special.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2024
Will - Traveled, May 2024
Unspoilt, exclusive, fun, fascinating and beautiful. Sailing the islands gives you a wonderful insight. From the airport pick up to the final drop off, this was hands free and an exceptional experience. Like nowhere else on earth.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2024
Margaret - Traveled, July 2024
Magical experience. Fabulous boat and crew who were all very helpful and knowledgeable. Very well organised . Would return again in a heart beat. I had high expectations and these were surpassed. Never dreamed I would swim with penguins.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/07/2024
Philip - Traveled, July 2024
We anticipated this trip would be a trip of a lifetime and we were not disappointed in any way. the boat and staff were wonderful and the guild could not have tried harder to make our experience unforgettable. many places claim to be paradise Galapagos is.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/08/2024
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