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Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

10 Days | Sail the central eastern islands of the remote and largely untouched Galapagos

5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews submitted.
Adventure Cruising
Wildlife
From
NZD $9,122
View dates and book

Experience the serenity of the Galapagos as you drift across the Pacific Ocean on this 10-day sail of the central eastern islands. The natural beauty and unique wildlife of these Ecuadorian isles are something to behold and, aboard your sailing vessel, you will have the best seat in the house. Retrace the voyage of Charles Darwin by sea, admiring the sandy beaches of Espumilla contrasted with the jagged rock formations and volcanic craters of Isla Santiago. Gaze at the sea, land and sky, spotting blue-footed boobies, Galapagos sea turtles and sea lions in their natural habitat. The central eastern islands of the Galapagos offer so much to explore, so sit back and relax on this spectacular sailing adventure.

Trip overview

Map of Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern 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
GMQB
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
  • Get a true taste of the Galapagos, sailing through its central and eastern islands, discovering untouched wilderness and unique wildlife.
  • Enjoy a room with a new view each day, getting to each island in the comfort of the mighty M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz.
  • Encounter giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed and masked boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, as well as land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and perhaps dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
  • Live on island time, with the opportunity to explore coves, craters and inlets off the beaten track – one of the many benefits of a small group sail.
  • Experience the contrasting landscapes of a selection of islands. From the sandy Espumilla beach to the volcanic formation of Pinnacle Rock, you’ll see the diversity of the Galapagos.
  • 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.
  • Our 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 Eastern 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 San Cristobal - Highlands Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Santiago - Sullivan Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Bartolome - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Bartolome - Snorkelling (1.5 hours)
  • Isla Bartolome - Panga ride (30 mins)
  • Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Walk (1.45 hours) - Wet Landing
  • Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Snorkelling (1 hour)
  • Isla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Snorkelling (45 mins)
  • Isla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
  • 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

Dates and availability

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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 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.

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

5 out of 5 based on 11 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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BRIAN · Traveled July 2023
Our trip to the Galapagos with Intrepid exceeded our expectations. The balance between land and water activities was perfect. The meals and snacks on board were delicious and healthy. Our guide Roberto was incredible. His knowledge, passion, concern for safety and sense of humour won us over.
Review submitted 21 Jul 2023

Barbara · Traveled May 2023
I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. The boat was larger than we expected and the cabins very comfortable. Each day included a walk on one of the islands which were all very different and also time snorkeling which was sensational. We snorkeled with stingrays, penguins, reef sharks, sea lions and many varieties of colourful tropical fish. At times the amount and density of sardines made it almost impossible to see the sea bed. Tortoises and iguanas on land were not fazed by human presence. A truly magnificent experience. Our guide, Roberto, was someone who can paint a picture with his words, his knowledge and passion was infectious.
Review submitted 06 Jun 2023

Christine · Traveled May 2023
This is a fantastic way to see a lot of the Galapagos. We were amazed at how different each island was and all the wildlife we saw. A once in a lifetime experience we will never forget!
Review submitted 07 Jun 2023

Robyn · Traveled May 2023
The Intrepid Galápagos Island trip aboard the Grand Queen Beatrix was amazing. Our naturalist guide Roberto was so knowledgeable and had a really fun way of imparting knowledge. The snorkelling was fantastic; clear waters, felt safe, good equipment and playing with a juvenile sea lion was a highlight. Not having to pack up each day and transfer was also terrific. Thank you!
Review submitted 31 May 2023

Kevim · Traveled March 2023
Review submitted 26 Apr 2023
Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
From
NZD $9,122