From CAD 7,656 Was CAD 9,570
Guarantee
Group Tour
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Experience the tranquil shores and 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. Retrace the 180-year-old voyage of Charles Darwin by sea, witness the impressive giant tortoises and go birdwatching for blue-footed boobies and frigate birds on the shores. Each day, a new view will greet you out your cabin window, with a new adventure to embark on. As far as Galapagos adventures go, this trip is nothing but smooth sailing.
Highlights
- Board your vessel, M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, and sail through the southern islands of the archipelago, encountering secluded natural beauty at its finest.
- Explore the islands on deck, on foot and in the water, keeping your eyes wide open for your next memorable bird or water mammal sighting.
- 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!
- 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: 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 7656 (CAD 766 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Quito! On arrival at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.
A welcome meeting will be held in the evening at either 5 pm or 6 pm when you meet others travelling with you on your tour of the Galapagos Islands. 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 will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Please note the pick-up time could be as early as 4.30 am (a boxed breakfast will be provided), as the airport is a one-hour drive away and you must allow for delays and check-in times. (Your tour leader will confirm this time with you at the welcome meeting).
The flight to the Galapagos will make one stop in Guayaquil to pick up other passengers. (Total flight time is about 3.5 hours).
On arrival in the Galapagos you will be met in the arrivals hall and then transferred to your vessel, M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, anchored a short distance away on Isla Baltra. Once on board you’ll be assigned your cabins, meet the crew members and have a welcome briefing and safety drill, before getting to know your naturalist guide and fellow travellers over a delicious lunch.
Your first stop in the afternoon will be Punta Carrion, located 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 boat, wildlife is plentiful – keep your eyes peeled for occasional sightings of stunning blue-footed boobies, Galapagos herons, great blue herons and, underwater, swim among rays and white-tipped reef sharks.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail and crew presentation on board.
Estimated travel time/distance:
Baltra to Punta Carrion: 1.5 hours (10 nautical miles)
Punta Carrion to Isla Isabela (Puerto Villamil): 9 hours (64 nautical miles)
Included Activities:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, wake up on the south coast of Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos Archipelago. Isabela was formed by five giant volcanic craters, all of which are 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.
This southern coast of turquoise blue waters has the largest area of beaches in the Galapagos. You will visit Las Tintoreras, where from the viewing walkway you can look down into this narrow channel to see a colony of white-tipped reef sharks swimming and sleeping, and the occasional playful sea lion among them. Blue-footed boobies and penguins, marine iguanas and crabs also make their home here. Enjoy a long walk on a path through aa (‘ah-ah’) lava flow and see plenty of marine iguanas. Locally, white sharks are known as 'tintoreras', hence the name of this spectacular site.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through one of Isabela’s coastal lagoons, where you might catch a glimpse of some flamingos. This mangrove-lined lagoon path leads to Isabela’s giant tortoise breeding centre (Arnoldo Tupiza), where you'll observe tortoises in all stages of development. Here you can see the five sub species of tortoises from Isabela Island, some of which are bred in captivity.
You will then have the choice for optional swimming at the beach or decide to do some shopping in Puerto Villamil.
Estimated travel time/distance:
Isla Isabela (Puerto Villamil) to Post Office Bay: 6 hours (40 nautical miles)
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 a multitude of wildlife, both on land and in the waters surrounding the island. Enjoy a panga (Zodiac boat) ride to observe 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 to this day with visitors to the Galapagos – post one of your own or see if there are any you could deliver back home! You will also have the chance to go snorkelling with sea turtles.
Today is also one of your best opportunities 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 such as boobies, pelicans and frigates. Red-billed tropicbirds can also be seen nesting in the rocky crevices. The centre of the cone is an outstanding snorkelling spot, perhaps the most remarkable in the entire archipelago, full of sea lions and colourful fish. It is an experience certainly not to be missed.
You will go ashore at Punta Cormorant where the sand is made up of fine olivine crystals, a glassy volcanic mineral, giving the beach an olive-green colour. It is the best place to see Galapagos sea lions.
Estimated travel time/distance:
Post Office Bay to Punta Cormorant: 0.5 hours (3 nautical miles)
Punta Cormorant to Puerto Ayora: 4 hours (32 nautical miles)
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)
Today you will 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 may also see baby tortoises and land iguanas.
Afterwards, 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, with the walk taking about 45 minutes. 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 are likely to see Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat and perhaps even the bright red feathers of a vermillion flycatcher!
Estimated travel time/distance:
Puerto Ayora to the Highlands: 45 mins by bus
Puerto Ayora to Isla Santa Fe: 2 hours (16 nautical miles)
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 these ones are very eager for swimming partners! It’s a lovely place to take a dip, and offers a dense concentration of wildlife, housing many of the stars of the Galapagos in one relatively small area. Expect to see Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, a variety of finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, sea lions, marine turtles, frigate birds, Galapagos doves and lava lizards. It’s also a naturally beautiful island, with one of the most attractive coves in the archipelago, and the surrounding waters are ideal for snorkelling. There’s a trail that follows the coast into the opuntia forest, where you see Santa Fe's trees – the largest in the Galapagos. Hiking towards the cliffs on Santa Fe will lead you to a forest of prickly pear cactus, also known as opuntia. A member of the cactus family, their name comes from the pear-shaped fruit the plant produces.
Onto Isla Plaza Sur: a small island with great beauty, where you will get close to sea lions and walk past one of the Galapagos’ largest land iguana populations. Plaza Sur is also known for 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 either too young or too old to be beachmasters!
Estimated travel time/distance:
Isla Santa Fe to Isla Plaza Sur: 2 hours (16 nautical miles)
Isla Plaza Sur to Isla Espanola (Punta Suarez): 7 hours (60 nautical miles)
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)
After an overnight sail you will wake up near Isla Espanola – the southernmost island of the Galapagos (and one of the most spectacular). Because of its remote location, this island has a large population of endemic fauna. It is the breeding site for nearly all of the world's 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses and also home to colonies of blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
Trails from the golden beaches, where sea lions and marine iguanas bathe, will lead you right through the middle of booby colonies, Galapagos doves and mockingbirds.
You will also pay a visit to Punta Suarez, home to a large and varied wildlife population. A walk along its trails will take you to a cliff top viewpoint, where you'll gain a scenic view of the island. Boobies line the rocky shoreline beneath you, while frigate birds may be seen overhead, and nearby male sea lions can be seen lounging around. Albatross use the cliffs as their ‘runway’, helping become airborne by the southeast winds that blow across this part of the island. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the elaborate courtship rituals performed by albatross before the female chooses her lifelong mate.
Stop at Bahia Gardner (Gardner Bay), considered by many as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos Islands, full of sea lions and hood mockingbirds. Walk along the pristine white sands or take another opportunity to swim with sea lion pups and lots of fish. The rocks off the coast provide an excellent spot to snorkel, with their abundance of reef sharks, turtles and many species of tropical fish, including surgeon and angelfish. The small white-tipped reef sharks are also often spotted resting under the rocks.
Estimated travel time/distance:
Punta Suarez to Bahia Gardner: 1 hour (7 nautical miles)
Bahia Gardner to Isla San Cristobal (Punta Pitt): 7 hours (50 nautical miles)
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)
This morning you will visit Punta Pitt on the eastern end of Isla San Cristobal. Walk to the top of the volcanic hill for views of the sparsely vegetated island. A variety of seabirds nest here, including blue-footed boobies and frigates.
You will then navigate close by Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) the basalt remains of a crater in the middle of the sea, with the shape resembling a sleeping lion. The rock rises 150 meters above the surface and is divided into two parts by a narrow channel. Although there are no landing areas, you will circumnavigation the Rock where you will see tropic birds, marine iguanas in the water and many sea lions.
You will also visit Isla Lobos, a tiny island almost touching San Cristobal. This is the perfect time to see the always friendly sea lions as they play in the calm shallow waters here. There are also blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and marine iguanas around the island.
Estimated travel time/distance:
Punta Pitt to Kicker Rock (San Cristobal): 2.5 hours (27 nautical miles)
Kicker Rock to Isla Lobos: 1 hour (7 nautical miles)
Isla Lobos to Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristobal): 1 hour (5 nautical miles)
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)
As flights to the mainland from Galapagos depart mid-morning, it is an early start for the last morning on the islands. Depending on the time of the flight, time spent on this final excursion could be limited.
Visit San Cristobal Interpretation Center in the morning. This centre 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.
This is a great way to complete your time in the Galapagos. This will be your final excursion before you head to the airport in San Cristobal for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito Airport you are transferred back to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Included Activities:
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (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, and perhaps an Urban Adventures tour 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).
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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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