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Classic Galapagos: South Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

10 Days | Explore the best of the otherworldly Galapagos Islands on this tour

5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews submitted.
Adventure Cruising
Wildlife
From
GBP £4,218
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Travel to a place where the creatures and the landscapes exemplify the beauty and the diversity of life on our planet. This 10-day trip will have you hiking through prickly pear cactus forest on the rugged cliffs of Isla Santa Fe in the morning, then watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand just a few hours later. Exotic animals crowd these isolated islands, and you can expect to encounter giant tortoises, spiky marine iguanas, curious sea lions and all manner of colourful, rare birdlife. For the best the Galapagos Islands have to offer, look no further than this classic adventure.

Trip overview

Map of Classic Galapagos: South 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 12
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
GMQC
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
  • Observe in the flesh animals that most people only see during Attenborough documentaries, from flamingos to Sally Lightfoot crabs.
  • Explore Earth’s most delicate ecosystems with an island local and an onboard naturalist, so you can be sure you’re doing Galapagos travel in the most sustainable way.
  • Walk across the rumpled black lava flows of Bahia Sullivan, the remnants of an eruption that occurred over 100 years ago.
  • The Grand Queen Beatriz is the perfect vessel for those who want to follow in the footsteps of Darwin, but desire a few more creature comforts than the hardened 19th-century explorer.
  • 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.

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..

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: South Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz) including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 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 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
  • 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 - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry 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 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.

TEMPORARY ITINERARY CHANGE for departures in February and March 2024
Due to the confirmed cases of Avian Influenza H5N1 (or bird flu as its commonly known) being reported in the Galapagos Islands, a temporary itinerary change will be in place for all departures in January and February 2024. Please see further information in the "itinerary Disclaimer" section of the Essential trip information for the current itinerary.

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 4 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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Jennifer · Traveled January 2024
This was a bucket list destination for me and I had high expectations going into the trip. Incredibly the trip far exceeded my expectations. We had two naturalist guides during the trip and both Roberto and Karla were very knowledgeable, organised, communicated well, and shared their enthusiasm and passion for the Galapagos. The itinerary was impacted by island closures for onshore landings due to concerns around avian flu - while it was disappointing not to follow the itinerary on some days, we were notified in advance by Intrepid and the activities offered instead gave us comparable alternative experiences. We had a top crew onboard the Grand Queen Beatriz and I was so pleased with the meals offered onboard, cleanliness in the cabin and in common areas, and safety measures taken on the pangas and snorkeling. This was one of the best trips I have done with Intrepid.
Review submitted 12 Feb 2024

Uwe · Traveled January 2024
Excellent tour, well organized, exceptionally crew on board super knowledgeable guides. Could not have asked for a better experience
Review submitted 16 Jan 2024

James · Traveled April 2023
Excellent trip!!! Can't recommend it enough, amazing guides and staff, so much included and great activities and views excellent food too!
Review submitted 07 May 2023

Martin · Traveled November 2022
An icredible destination for anyone who has a passion to see wildlife up close and personal.
Review submitted 12 Dec 2022
Classic Galapagos: South Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
From
GBP £4,218