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Galapagos Encounter: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

6 Days | Encounter the Galapagos' southern islands on this adventure-filled sailing tour

5 out of 5 based on 6 reviews submitted.
Adventure Cruising
Wildlife
From
GBP £2,034
View dates and book

Encounter the Galapagos on a sailing voyage that takes in the very best of the southern islands. Rub shoulders with the local wildlife as sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises and exotic birds of all shapes and sizes go about their daily business all over this wild slice of paradise. Go snorkelling in the presence of mighty manta rays and lively turtles, and see tropical fish fill the surrounding water with fluorescent colour. Experience firsthand the natural, rugged landscapes of the Galapagos, and see what Charles Darwin saw when he arrived on the isles more than 180 years ago and began formulating his theory of evolution. Prepare to get fully acquainted with the natural wonder of these far-flung islands on this breathtaking Galapagos Encounter.

Trip overview

Map of Galapagos Encounter: 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 12
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
GMQH
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
  • As you board your vessel, M.Y. Grand Queen Beatriz, and follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, you will encounter nature at its finest.
  • Explore the islands from on deck, on foot and in the water, no doubt with your eyes open for your next unique sight.
  • You'll 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.
  • 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 a lot of active adventure. We ask that you read through the itinerary carefully to asses if you'll 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.
  • You will be entering and exiting a Zodiac boat (panga) during wet and dry landings and when returning from snorkelling. Although the waters we sail are usually calm, there are times when the sea can get rough and choppy. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) are needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.
  • While at sea and when exploring the islands, you may be exposed to the sun for large parts of the day. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water.
  • 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 Galapagos Encounter: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz) including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (3 nights)

Activities
  • 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

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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 100 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park. If your voyage visits Isabela Island, there is also a USD 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.

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 6 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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Shane · Traveled August 2023
Wonderful trip, we saw so much and had a great crew that went above and beyond.
Review submitted 18 Sep 2023

Sondra · Traveled July 2023
Thank you Intrepid for, once again, providing a life-changing experience! Every aspect of the trip, from the travel to the food to the expert guides was excellent! Anyone who is on the fence about taking a trip with Intrepid needs to just go ahead and push that BOOK button...you will NOT regret it!
Review submitted 10 Aug 2023

Ashley · Traveled April 2023
The trip was excellent, especially our guide Roberto and the snorkeling opportunities. Sea lions, hammerheads, starfish, marina iguanas, turtles. Worth getting a longer itinerary though. Would be nice to have a little more time in town to support local shops and restaurants.
Review submitted 20 Apr 2023

Penny · Traveled February 2023
I dreamed of a Galapagos trip for many years. Finally, I was able to go in February 2023. By happenstance, I chose to go with Intrepid on the Queen Beatriz. From start to finish, this trip was phenomenal. Maximum 16 guests on the boat, made for a small group so we could maximize our time. Wilson, our guide was incredible and ensured that every moment counted. It was a trip of a lifetime.
Review submitted 27 Mar 2023

Ciara · Traveled October 2022
Amazing trip! Can’t stop raving about it to friends and family when we got back. We got to see so much that even though it wasn’t a long trip the mix of activity and locations took advantage of each day to the fullest. Great crew, accommodations and food was a big cherry on top of an amazing trip! Highly recommend! No way we would have been able to plan such an amazing trip on our own.
Review submitted 31 Oct 2022
Galapagos Encounter: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
From
GBP £2,034