Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

7 days532 reviews
Cruises
Wildlife
From
USD $3,780

Explore the fascinating wildlife and diverse terrain of the southern Galapagos Islands.

Cruise the Galapagos and discover its unique native wildlife on a 7-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 wake up to a different view out your 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.

Map of Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz) including Ecuador
Trip code: GMQE
Start
Quito, Ecuador
End
Quito, Ecuador
Destinations
Ecuador
Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (4 nights)
Days
7
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Ages
Min 12
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Cruises, Wildlife
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Orginal: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Comfort
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
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

Keep an eye out for your next glimpse of Galapagos penguins, sea lions or albatross. In the air, on land and underwater – there’s always something to see.

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 – 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 to a gathering of old and young male 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.

Understand 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.

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.

Boats

Grand Queen Beatriz
Grand Queen Beatriz
BOAT TYPE: YachtPASSENGERS: 16
Experience the ‘Enchanted Islands’ in our new custom-built yacht, the Grand Queen Beatriz. Our new boutique expedition boat came into service on the 30th June 2018. With a stylish modern design, ensuite bathrooms, outward-facing windows in all cabins (and private balconies in some), and a jacuzzi on the sundeck, the 'Grand Queen Bea’ is one of the newest boats operating in the Galapagos. If you don't find the itinerary you're after, our beloved M/Y Grand Daphne offers a fantastic choice of itineraries including visits to Genovesa and Fernandina.
Explore features

Itinerary

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

Inclusions and activities

Meals

6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (4 nights)

Included activities
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Plaza Sur - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Santa Fe - Panga ride (45 mins)
  • Isla Santa Fe - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
  • 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
  • Isla San Cristobal - Punta Pitt - Walk (2 hours) - Wet Landing
  • Isla San Cristobal - Isla Lobos - Walk (1 hour) - Dry Landing

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves lots of active adventure and we ask that you read through the itinerary carefully to ensure that this trip is right for you. You’ll need to feel comfortable with the included activities and with moving about the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over three decks and the steps between the decks are steep.
  • 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.
  • Please note that while there is an itinerary in place, some changes may occur due to the weather or because of direction from the local authorities. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for potential modifications to the route or activities. 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.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

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$200 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park. This applies to everyone aged 13 years and above. For children aged 12 the fee will be USD100.
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 us or your agent of 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.

May and June departures 2024 UPDATE.
On the 11th of May 2024, the Galapagos National Park authorities advised, the landing site of Punta Surez on Espanola Island will now reopen. This landing site was temporary closed as part of the biosecurity measures activated to prevent the spread of the Avian flu. All trip departures will now revert to the original itinerary which includes a landing at Punta Suraz, Espanola Island.

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

5 out of 5 based on 32 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.

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David · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 10 Nov 2024

Elizabeth · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 10 Nov 2024

Samantha · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 10 Nov 2024

Thomas · Traveled July 2024
Review submitted 26 Jul 2024

kerry · Traveled July 2024
Review submitted 25 Jul 2024
Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
From
USD $3,780