Cyber Sale ends soon! Last chance to book now and save up to 20% off* trips all over the world. Book Now!

Classic Galapagos: Central Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

10 Days | Hop aboard and bask in the Galapagos’ central and southern islands

4.8 out of 5 based on 13 reviews submitted.
Adventure Cruising
Wildlife
From
EUR 5.243 €
View dates and book

Set sail on a 10-day expedition around the central and southern islands of the Galapagos, observing the unique wildlife of these remote Pacific islands. Be charmed by the native bird species, amazed by an underwater ecosystem of colourful marine life and delighted by its distinct environment. Hike across lava flows, sail through mangroves and snorkel in natural aquariums abundant with fish, sea lions and turtles. This sail features some of the Galapagos’s most picturesque islands, so sit back and relax, because it’s all smooth sailing from here.

Trip overview

Map of Classic Galapagos: Central Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz) including Ecuador
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Theme
Adventure Cruising, Wildlife
Destinations
Ecuador
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
GMQD
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Experience the benefits of small group travel aboard your vessel, M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, sailing through the natural beauty of the Galapagos, day and night.
  • Explore the islands on deck, on foot and in the water, waking to a new view each morning, and keeping an eye out for the next bird sighting or sea turtle passing by.
  • See the contrasting Galapagos landscapes between islands, from the unique formation of Sombrero Chino to the colourful sands of Isla Rabida.
  • Learn a thing or two about 18th century whalers at Post Office Bay, and participate by posting a letter at the remote mail drop.
  • Encounter the unique Galapagos wildlife in their natural habitat, from giant blue-footed and masked boobies, pelicans and frigate birds to iguanas, sea lions, tortoises and fur seals.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support 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 Galápagos.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The Galapagos Islands are a largely untouched natural paradise. In order to experience the splendour of the diverse landscapes and waters, the included activities on this trip often require a moderate level of fitness. We ask that you read the itinerary carefully to ensure that you will be able to participate fully.
  • Your small ships make cruising from island to island a breeze, so you can spend more time exploring the gorgeous surrounds than stuck onboard. Compact size means that the steps between the decks are steep, and as they are designed to maximise living area space, sleeping quarters are cosy.
  • For getting to small islets, coves and prime snorkelling spots, it is sometimes necessary to use a Zodiac boat (panga). You will need to 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.
  • Things are never set in stone when you’re travelling on island time. 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. While the crew will do their best to follow the itinerary, variations may occur due to weather or under direction from local authorities.

Boats

Grand Queen Beatriz
Grand Queen Beatriz
BOAT TYPE: Yacht PASSENGERS: 16
Experience the ‘Enchanted Islands’ in our new custom-built yacht, the Grand Queen Beatriz.
Explore features

Itinerary

Map of Classic Galapagos: Central Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz) including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (7 nights)

Activities
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
  • 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
  • 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)
  • 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
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)
  • Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Isabela - Arnolda Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center including Flamingo Lagoon (2 hours) - Dry Landing
  • 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)
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry Landing

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

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$100 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park. 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 usor the agent 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.

MINIMUM AGE:
The minimum age on this trip is 15. Please note that triple cabins are not available. If travelling with a child, the child will need to share with one of the adults, and the other adult will share with another adult passenger, or pay a single supplement.

SEA SICKNESS- GALAPAGOS:
Please note that from June to August the water is rougher than usual. Consequently travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.

DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS:
We do not offer diving as a part of our Galapagos program and due to our internal safety policy our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 13 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Joseph · Traveled October 2023
If you’re thinking about going to the Galapagos 🐢, I could not recommend more highly such a fantastic experience in an out of the water. Do yourself a favour go !
Review submitted 15 Nov 2023

Julie · Traveled September 2023
My experience aboard the ‘Grand Queen Beatrix’ in the Galapagos was above and beyond what was expected. Every member of the crew was skilled and professional in each of their roles. They radiated happiness and a love for their jobs. As an ecologist I found our guide Roberto an exceptional wealth of knowledge with a genuine love and respect for the natural environment. Even more importantly, he had us laughing from start to finish. We all fell in love with Roberto. As a committed mostly solo traveller for 50 years I felt safe at all times, safety was paramount.
Review submitted 18 Sep 2023

Janice · Traveled September 2023
This was the trip of a lifetime for me. The itinerary included opportunities to see the diversity of flora and fauna the islands are known for. Roberto and the crew of the Grand Queen Beatrix were fabulous.
Review submitted 25 Sep 2023

kerry · Traveled August 2023
Review submitted 30 Aug 2023

ANGELA · Traveled May 2023
An amazing trip with Intrepid living up to all my expectations. The close up encounters with animals are breathtaking be it trecking the islands or snorkelling in the ocean . Accommodation on board was top notch with a wonderful crew and guide who looked after us very well .
Review submitted 31 May 2023
Classic Galapagos: Central Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
From
EUR 5.243 €