7 Days | Explore the fascinating wildlife and diverse terrain of the southern Galapagos Islands.
![Sea lions relax on a boat off Isla Isabela](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt88e144ef57af650b/6584c8ed9074455c89742683/Intrepid_Travel-Galapagos-Isla-Isabela-DSCF8440-sea-lion.jpg?width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Close up of a Galapagos Giant Tortoise on Isla Santa Cruz](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt89819fa47b5f3844/6584c89294f38d1a5763570c/Intrepid_Travel-Galapagos-Isla-Santa-Cruz-highlands-ITLL0090-tortoise.jpg?width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Intrepid leader shows travellers local plant material on Isla Seymour](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt4122ff270cc834e6/6584c8f020f28b36d06b04b1/Intrepid_Travel-Galapagos-Isla-Seymour-Norte-ITLL0381.jpg?width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![galapagos_sea-lion_beach-resting](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt0ef0a8015a839f40/63c980e0ddcc4240d68626af/GMQJ_galapagos_sea-lion_beach-resting.jpg?width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![galapagos_crab-rocks-running](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltec3532eaed8c396e/63c984b50523e71fc782f3e8/GMQJ_galapagos_crab-rocks-running.jpg?width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
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](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt641400bbc4ce299d/6337c4b072041a4f8a260e9a/gmqe_2020.gif?width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
- 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
- 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.
- 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
Itinerary
Inclusions
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (4 nights)
- 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
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 March and April 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 March and April 2024. Please see further information in the "itinerary Disclaimer" section of the Essential trip information for the current itinerary.
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.
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