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Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

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

5 out of 5 based on 25 reviews submitted.
Adventure Cruising
Wildlife
From
GBP £2,766
View dates and book

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.

Trip overview

Map of Galapagos Explorer: 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
GMQE
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.

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

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (4 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

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 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.

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 25 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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Erin · Traveled February 2024
The trip was absolutely flawless. The took such care to make sure no detail was forgotten. We were well cared for and well fed. The staff was amazing and the guide was very knowledgeable. They kept us busy to ensure we got the most from the trip. It was truly a once in a lifetime trip and we are so happy we went with intrepid to experience the Galapagos.
Review submitted 22 Feb 2024

Claire · Traveled January 2024
Everything on this trip was incredible! Our guide Roberto and the crew of the Grand Queen Beatriz made this trip unforgettable, along with the natural beauty and magic of the islands of course!
Review submitted 28 Jan 2024

Ashley · Traveled November 2023
What an incredible adventure! Our guide Roberto was incredible -- so knowledgeable and fun. We loved the snorkeling (fish, sea lions, rays, turtles, sharks), the walk with the giant tortoises, and the boat was lovely. A bit rougher waters than we expected but we got used to it. The crew was wonderful, as well. It's a lot of travel so try to do the 10 day if you can, but if you can't go that long don't hesitate!
Review submitted 14 Nov 2023

Lance · Traveled August 2023
The Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands trip is sure to dazzle, inspire, and let you interact up close and personal with natural life that can be found nowhere else on the planet! Get ready for a heart inspiring and thrilling marine tour of some of the most incredible natural experiences in the world. Without hesitation, this trip can change your world outlook and feelings about nature, the Galpagos, and about life. The highest recommendation to our tour guide, Roberto, and the entire crew of the Grand Queen Beatriz!
Review submitted 27 Aug 2023

Amy · Traveled June 2023
I would highly recommend this tour. Boat, accommodation, food and crew great. Very well organised and Jacinto our tour leader was fantastic. Plenty of activities, we saw so many animals and the scenery on different islands was very diverse. Great trip. Thank you to Jacinto and the crew. A memorable experience.
Review submitted 29 Jun 2023
Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
From
GBP £2,766