From CAD 6,095
Guarantee
Group Tour
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Cruise the Galapagos and discover the native wildlife on this seven-day sailing adventure around the southern end of the archipelago. Meet giant tortoises that inhabit Isla San Cristobal, watch blue-footed boobies dance the booby two-step and wander the unfamiliar environment that characterises these far-flung islands. Every day you’ll wake up to a different view out the window from the comforts of the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz. Sail past the volcanic Punta Pitt, swim with sea lions at Bahia Gardner, and hike past prickly pear cacti on Isla Santa Fe. Prepare to head on the adventure of a lifetime and become a Galapagos explorer!
Highlights
- Keep an eye out for your next glimpse of Galapagos penguins, sea lions or albatross. In the air, on land and underwater, you’ll constantly be surrounded by unique wildlife!
- Cruise in small-scale style on the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, following in the footsteps of past explorers and passing the best of the southern islands.
- Roam Isla Plaza Sur – a small island packed full of wildlife – and get close to sea lions, walk trails past one of the Galapagos’ largest land iguana populations and visit the rugged southern cliffs that are home of old and young sea lions known as the 'Gentlemen’s Club.’
- Go exotic bird watching off the coast of Isla Espanola, where you may see the unique waved albatrosses, blue-footed boobies and masked boobies.
- Learn about the geography and history of the Galapagos at the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, where you’ll learn more about past explorers and expeditions and how your journey shapes up to theirs.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1998
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Minibus,Boat,Plane,Zodiac
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GMQE
Starts: Quito, Ecuador
Finishes: Quito, Ecuador
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (4), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights),Overnight boat (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 6095 (CAD 871 /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. Take the short bus ride to the ferry, then board and head across the Itabaca Channel to Isla Santa Cruz. Once you reach the island, you’ll hop in a private vehicle and drive to Puerto Ayora – the main port of the island. Here, there will be two dinghies to transport you and your fellow travellers to your home for the next week – M/Y Queen Beatriz. Once on board, settle in and then have lunch with your group. After, 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. 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. Then, 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
Kirsten - Traveled, June 2023
If you are thinking about doing this trip then go for it. Everything is taken care of and all you have to do is enjoy the sights - which is a feast for your eyes! Saw so many amazing sites. Jacinto was amazing and I learnt so much! Crew were great, food and accomodation was also great! A must do!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2023
Rob - Traveled, June 2023
Fantastic trip, the Galapagos wildlife is so amazing to see in person. Intrepid did an amazing job on this trip. The boat and crew were awesome. I am vegan and they were very accommodating. Would highly recommend this adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2023
Oliver - Traveled, May 2023
Amazing trip. Roberto and the crew were simply incredible. The tours were filled with education, humour and nature at its finest. Thank you for one of the best trips of our lives!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2023
Philip and Julie - Traveled, April 2023
A truly memorable trip. Our meals were fantastic and our interaction with the wildlife was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2023
Martin - Traveled, January 2023
The Galapagos was great. The boat was great. The crew was great. This was one of our most enjoyable trips we have ever taken!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2023
Benie - Traveled, January 2023
If you love nature and want to experience it in the luxury style this is it! I was impressed by the knoweledge of our naturalist. I learend a lot about geology of islands, flora and fauna. The food on the trip was amazing, I usually don't eat meat but there vegetrian options fancy testaurant quality. After every excursion we got snack and drink. Everything on the boat was clean and tidy. Crew was awesome. I will do it again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/15/2023
Claire - Traveled, February 2023
The crew and guide are professional and engaging and ensured that we got the maximum enjoyment from the unique trip to the Galápagos Islands.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2023
Amelia - Traveled, January 2023
The trip with Intrepid was fantastic. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable, the boat was totally baller, the food was great, the excursions were plentiful and fun... what an awesome experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/17/2023
Scott - Traveled, December 2022
Viewing wildlife in a natural setting with an experienced naturalist is outstanding
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/13/2022
Sallie - Traveled, December 2022
Wow. This trip was the best trip of my life. No kidding. The activities, the food, the treatment, the amount of variety, the place itself is magical, the informative and fun guide, the group was really great. My experience is usually solo traveler, unguided, but have done 3 other great group trips, been to about 26 countries, but this was really the best of the best for me. Thank you Roberto, fellow travelers and all the folks who worked so hard to make this such a wonderful experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2022
Michelle - Traveled, December 2022
First Intrepid trip and definitely not my last! What an incredible experience from start to finish. Our guide was amazing, the boat crew went above and beyond in every way, and the Islands were pure magic. Our small traveller group got along great--it was the perfect size. I only wish the trip were longer! Will just have to come back some day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/12/2022
Elizabeth - Traveled, November 2024
Amazing guide Carlos ask for him . Walks rocky sturdy footwear essential.. Boat experience onboard really great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2024
Samantha - Traveled, November 2024
I highly recommend this trip for anyone inspired to see the wildlife of the southern Galápagos Islands. The Queen Beatriz crew provided warm and comfortable service and excellent food. And our guide, Carlos, was exceptional, sharing in formation about the origin of the islands and the animals, and was an exceptional Steward of the animals as well. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2024
Shelley - Traveled, April 2024
Overall, this trip was amazing. If you are from a cooler country, definitely be prepared for intense heat, and humidity on the hikes. The wildlife we were able to view was amazing and our guide shared his wealth of knowledge with us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
Erin - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was absolutely flawless. The took such care to make sure no detail was forgotten. We were well cared for and well fed. The staff was amazing and the guide was very knowledgeable. They kept us busy to ensure we got the most from the trip. It was truly a once in a lifetime trip and we are so happy we went with intrepid to experience the Galapagos.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/22/2024
Claire - Traveled, January 2024
Everything on this trip was incredible! Our guide Roberto and the crew of the Grand Queen Beatriz made this trip unforgettable, along with the natural beauty and magic of the islands of course!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
Ashley - Traveled, November 2024
What an incredible adventure! Our guide Roberto was incredible -- so knowledgeable and fun. We loved the snorkeling (fish, sea lions, rays, turtles, sharks), the walk with the giant tortoises, and the boat was lovely. A bit rougher waters than we expected but we got used to it. The crew was wonderful, as well. It's a lot of travel so try to do the 10 day if you can, but if you can't go that long don't hesitate!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2024
Lance - Traveled, August 2023
The Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands trip is sure to dazzle, inspire, and let you interact up close and personal with natural life that can be found nowhere else on the planet! Get ready for a heart inspiring and thrilling marine tour of some of the most incredible natural experiences in the world. Without hesitation, this trip can change your world outlook and feelings about nature, the Galpagos, and about life. The highest recommendation to our tour guide, Roberto, and the entire crew of the Grand Queen Beatriz!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2023
Amy - Traveled, June 2023
I would highly recommend this tour. Boat, accommodation, food and crew great. Very well organised and Jacinto our tour leader was fantastic. Plenty of activities, we saw so many animals and the scenery on different islands was very diverse. Great trip. Thank you to Jacinto and the crew. A memorable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2023
Claire - Traveled, June 2023
Really good trip, learnt lots, nice food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2023
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