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Map of Grand Galapagos (Grand Queen Beatriz) including Ecuador

Climb aboard for a comprehensive adventure through the Galapagos Islands

Climb aboard for a 17-day Adventure Cruise of the unforgettable Galapagos Islands. Sail from Santa Cruz to the islands of Isabella, Floreana, Espanola, North Seymour and more, taking in diverse landscapes that range from lava flows to sands of green, red and white. Spend days exploring the archipelago that a young Charles Darwin called ‘a little world within itself’, and evenings sipping cocktails on the deck while watching the sunset. This unique part of the world is full of beautiful surprises, and this tour gives you the time to see them all.

Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Destination
Ecuador
Style
Comfort
Theme
Adventure Cruising, Wildlife
Code
GMQG
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • This 17-day program is the ultimate Galapagos exploration and our most comprehensive voyage, taking in both popular destinations and lesser-known treats.

  • Encounter spectacular wildlife, both on land and underwater. You can expect to see giant tortoises, sea lions, sea turtles, plus a variety of iguanas, birds and sharks.

  • Scrambling over hardened lava, hiking through cacti forests, and snorkelling in an eroded volcanic cone – this trip is one for the explorers.

  • Discover otherworldly landscapes. From arid shrubbery decorated with technicolour iguanas to rich underwater ecosystems where turtles and sharks nest among colourful fish and crabs.

  • Enjoy the company and guidance of a passionate local naturalist during your excursions on land, gaining insight into the flora, fauna and history of the islands.

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 trip notes and 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.

ecuador_floreana_island_galapagos
Galapagos tortoise
Marine Iguanas sunbathing on the rocks of the Galapagos Islands
blue footed boobie on Galapagos
galapagos_crab-rocks-running
Galapagos-Grand-queen-bea

Boats

Grand Queen Beatriz sailing

Grand Queen Beatriz

Experience the ‘Enchanted Islands’ in our new custom-built yacht, the Grand Queen Beatriz.

Boat type
Yacht
Passengers
16
Learn more

Itinerary
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Welcome to Quito, one of South America’s most beautiful cities. On arrival at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport (AKA Quito Airport), an Intrepid representative will greet you and assist with transfer to your hotel. A welcome meeting will be held in the evening at either 5 pm or 6 pm in the hotel, where you can meet your fellow travellers. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure. If you arrive with time to spare, why not visit the city's oldest street – Calle La Ronda – a cobblestone beauty that is vibrant both day and night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on exactly where and when the meeting will take place.

We recommend not partaking in any strenuous activity until you have time to gauge your reaction to the city’s high altitude, as some people experience mild symptoms of attitude sickness such as dizziness, shortness of breath and sleeplessness.

As this trip spends very little time in Quito, we recommend you spend a few extra days before or after your trip if you want to experience all the city has to offer.

Rise and shine! Please note the pick-up time for your transfer to the airport can be as early as 4.30 am (a boxed breakfast will be provided), as the airport is a one-hour drive away and we must allow for delays and check-in times. An Intrepid will confirm the time at the welcome meeting on day 1.

The flight to the Galapagos will make one stop in Guayaquil to pick up other passengers. Total flight time is about 3.5 hours. On arrival in the Galapagos you will be met in the arrival hall of the airport and then transferred to your base for the next few weeks – the Grand Queen Beatriz, anchored a short distance off the coast. Climb aboard, settle in to your assigned cabin and meet the crew for a welcome meeting and safety drill.

With the formalities out of the way, sit down to lunch with your fellow travellers and your naturalist guide to get to know each other a little better.

Once you’re fed, refreshed and ready to explore, set out for Punta Carrion, located on the eastern side of the Itabaca Channel. This shallow and protected cove is the ideal place for your first snorkel and swim in the pristine waters of the Galapagos! Wildlife is plentiful both underwater and above, so keep your eyes peeled for of blue-footed boobies, Galapagos herons, great blue herons and rays and white-tipped reef sharks beneath the surface.

Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail and crew presentation on board.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Isla Baltra to Punta Carrion: 1.5 hours (10 nautical miles)
Punta Carrion to Isla Isabela (Puerto Villamil): 9 hours (64 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
A USD 20 per person transit card is payable on departure at Quito Airport and a USD 100 per person national park entry fee is payable on arrival on the islands. Please have cash on hand for these transactions as credit cards are not accepted.

Please note snacks provided by the airline on the flight to the Galapagos Islands may not meet specialty dietary requirements. You will have time to purchase food for the flight after check-in and before departure to consume on the flight, though keep in mind the Galapagos has strict quarantine regulations on many foodstuffs.

Wake up on the south coast of Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos archipelago. Isabela was formed by five giant volcanic craters, all of which are still considered active. The island sits in one of the youngest geological areas in the world, having formed less than 1 million years ago.

Visit Las Tintoreras, where from the viewing walkway you can look down into this narrow channel to see a colony of white-tipped reef sharks swimming and sleeping, with the occasional sea lion among them! Blue-footed boobies and penguins, marine iguanas and crabs also make their home here.

Enjoy a long walk on a gravel path through aa lava flow (pronounced ‘ah-ah’) and look out for marine iguanas.

In the afternoon, visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center. Enjoy another leisurely walk through a coastal lagoon, during which it may be possible to spot flamingos. Follow the mangrove-lined path to the breeding centre, where you can observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. See the five sub-species of tortoises on Isla Isabela, some of which are bred in captivity.

Choose between cooling off with a swim at the beach, or shopping in Puerto Villamil.

Sail for Post Office Bay overnight.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Isla Isabela (Puerto Villamil) to Post Office Bay: 6 hours (40 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Isabela - Arnolda Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center including Flamingo Lagoon (2 hours) - Dry Landing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that there's a USD 5 fee to be paid in cash upon landing on Isla Isabela.

The island of Floreana is a highlight of any Galapagos trip, rich as it is in natural wonders and wildlife. Enjoy a Zodiac ride to observe marine iguanas, sea lions and crabs before taking a leisurely walk to Post Office Bay, where 18th-century whalers used a barrel as an unofficial mail drop. This custom continues to this day. Post one of your own or see if there are any you can deliver back home!

Choose your own adventure on this glorious island. You might want to snorkel with sea turtles, or perhaps you’d prefer to head to the lagoons in search of pink flamingos and other water birds. Just offshore, the Devil’s Crown (an eroded volcanic cone) is popular roosting site for seabirds such as boobies, pelicans and frigates and offers another fantastic snorkelling opportunity.

Later, head to Punta Cormorant where the sand is made up of fine olivine crystals, a glassy volcanic mineral that gives the beach a distinct olive-green colour. This is the best place to see Galapagos sea lions, so get your camera ready.

Cruise to Puerto Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Post Office Bay to Punta Cormorant: 0.5 hours (3 nautical miles)
Punta Cormorant to Puerto Ayora (Isla Santa Cruz): 4 hours (32 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • 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)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Welcome to the second-largest island in the Galapagos, Isla Santa Cruz. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. As well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station offers the best opportunities for close encounters with giant tortoises. Coo over baby tortoises and check out some marine iguanas, then head into the highlands for a change of scenery.

Travel from the coasts into misty forests on a 45-minute drive. This is a lush, humid zone containing miconia bushes, scalesia and inactive volcanic cones. Santa Cruz has more endemic plants than any of the other islands on the Galapagos, and there’s a great chance of seeing giant tortoises in their natural habitat among the shrubbery.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Puerto Ayora to Isla Santa Cruz Highlands: 45 minutes by bus
Puerto Ayora to Isla Santa Fe: 2 hours (16 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today there will be some passengers leaving the tour and some new passengers joining.

Spend some time today exploring gorgeous Isla Santa Fe, where the sea lions are especially eager for synchronised swimming partners! The island’s friendly furry inhabitants, plus the attractive coves and jade-green waters, make it ideal for snorkelling.

Santa Fe also has a dense concentration of other wildlife and it’s a fantastic place to see many of the stars of the Galapagos in a relatively small area. Expect to see Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, a variety of finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, marine turtles, frigatebirds, Galapagos doves and lava lizards.

Hiking towards the cliffs will take you through a forest of prickly pear cacti, an unusual member of the cactus family that give the landscape a distinctive look. You might want to head out and explore one of the trails, spying iguana populations resting amid cacti. The island’s rugged southern cliffs are an excellent place to spot tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls, as well as the 'Gentlemen’s Club’, a gathering of male sea lions either too young or too old to be beachmasters!

Visit the tiny islet of Plaza Sur, then sail overnight to Isla Espanola.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Isla Santa Fe to Isla Plaza Sur: 2 hours (16 nautical miles)
Isla Plaza Sur to Isla Espanola (Punta Suarez): 7 hours (60 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isla Plaza Sur - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Santa Fe - Panga ride (45 mins)
  • Isla Santa Fe - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Wake up on Isla Espanola, the southernmost island of the Galapagos. Because of its remote location, this island has a large population of endemic fauna. It is also the breeding site for nearly all the 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses on earth, plus home to colonies of blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

Trails from the golden beaches, where sea lions bathe and marine iguanas make their way towards the water, will lead you right through the middle of booby colonies. It’s also possible to spot Galapagos doves and mockingbirds along the way.

Pay a visit to Punta Suarez and take a trail walk to a clifftop viewpoint. From here you’ll gain a magical panorama, watching boobies line the rocky shoreline beneath you while frigate birds twirl overhead, and enormous male sea lions can be seen lounging in the distance. Depending on the season, albatross also use the cliffs as their ‘runway’, helped in becoming airborne by the gusts of southeast winds. If you’re lucky (and the season is right), you’ll see the elaborate courtship rituals performed by albatrosses before the female chooses her lifelong mate!

Visit the beautiful white sandy beaches at Bahia Gardner, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The rocks off the coast provide excellent snorkelling opportunities, with reef sharks, turtles and many species of tropical fish nesting here. The small white-tipped reef sharks are often spotted resting under the rocks too.

Sail overnight to Punta Pitt (Isla San Cristobal).

Estimated travel time/distance:
Punta Suarez to Bahia Gardener: 1 hour (7 nautical miles)
Bahia Gardener to Punta Pitt (Isla San Cristobal): 7 hours (50 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • 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
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Make a morning visit to Punta Pitt on the eastern end of Isla San Cristobal. Walk to the top of the volcanic hill for expansive views of the sparsely vegetated area. A variety of seabirds nest here, including blue-footed boobies and frigates.

You will then navigate close by Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) the basalt remains of a crater in the middle of the sea, with the shape resembling a sleeping lion. The rock rises 150 meters above the surface and is divided into two parts by a narrow channel. Although there are no landing areas, you will circumnavigation the Rock where you will see tropic birds, marine iguanas in the water and many sea lions.

Later, visit Isla Lobos, a tiny island off the coast of San Cristobal. This is the perfect time to witness sea lions as they play in the shallow waters. Blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and marine iguanas can also be seen.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Punta Pitt to Kicker Rock (Isla San Cristobal): 2.5 hours (27 nautical miles)
Kicker Rock to Isla Lobos: 1 hour (7 nautical miles)
Isla Lobos to Puerto Baquerizo (Isla San Cristobal): 1 hour (5 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isla San Cristobal - Punta Pitt - Walk (2 hours) - Wet Landing
  • Isla San Cristobal - Isla Lobos - Walk (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Visit San Cristobal Interpretation Center in the morning. This centre brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life, from its volcanic origins to the present day. The human history exhibit offers an insight into the discovery and colonisation of the Galapagos, and the problems facing the island today.

Enjoy some free time for shopping before going on board for lunch.

This afternoon you will travel to the interior of San Cristobal (approximately 45 mins bus ride) to visit Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado, where the national park has established a breeding program for giant tortoises. Learn more about these behemoths, their evolution and their future.

Sail overnight to Isla Bartolome.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Puerto Baquerizo (Isla San Cristobal) to Isla Bartolome: 8 hours (70 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isla San Cristobal - Highlands Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today there will be some passengers leaving the tour and some new passengers joining.

Bartolome is one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the Galapagos, full of parasitic spatter cones, lava flows, Galapagos penguins and lava lizards.

This relatively new island (by the ancient standards of the archipelago) is home to Pinnacle Rock -- one of the most photographed sites in the Galapagos. Visit the abrupt jag of rock, which protrudes from the earth like a tooth.

Choose to partake in a difficult (but rewarding) hike to the top of a once-active volcano, or perhaps go snorkelling with plenty of tropical fish, starfish, white-tipped reef sharks, and rays to keep you company.

Visit Isla Santiago’s Bahia Sullivan for a guided walk on pahoehoe lava, left over from an eruption that occurred in 1897. You’ll likely see some marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, finches, turtles, sharks and penguins while you’re here too.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Bartolome to Bahia Sullivan (Isla Santiago): 0.5 hours (1 nautical mile)
Bahia Sullivan (Isla Santiago) to Espumilla Beach: 3 hours (25 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • 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)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Visit Espumilla Beach, an important nesting site for marine turtles and great place to take a dip. Well known for its palo santo forest and some extraordinary lava formations, it’s also the ideal spot to see Galapagos hawks up close.

Caleta Bucanero (Buccaneer Cove), is also on the schedule today. This massive cove was once used by pirates to careen their ships and is now the source of plenty of local legends. It is also where Darwin camped for nine days while making his study of the islands and their wildlife. If conditions are favourable, enjoy some further snorkelling here.

Travel to Puerto Egas, a black-sand beach located on the west side of Bahia Sullivan and northwest of Isla Santiago. A walk along the beach offers encounters with hundreds of marine iguanas and sea lions. Amazing tidal pools formed from ancient lava flow are home to sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish. Snorkelling alongside the seals is an ever-thrilling option.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Espumilla Beach to Caleta Bucanero: 0.5 hours (1 nautical mile)
Caleta Bucanero to Puerto Egas: 0.5 hours (1 nautical mile)
Puerto Egas to Puerto Ayora: 7 hours (60 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • 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
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today you will return to Isla Santa Cruz and get the chance to see the island from a different perspective on an exploration of love tunnels and hidden beaches. Take a short speed boat taxi, followed by a 15-minute walk, to Las Grietas (The Cracks). The clear water that fills this ‘crack’ in the earth offers a unique swimming opportunity.

This afternoon you can get active with some kayaking around the bay, or enjoy some free time to relax on the boat or wander about town.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Puerto Ayora to Isla North Seymour: 4 hours (35 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today there may be some passengers leaving the tour and some new passengers joining.

Take a morning excursion to North Seymour and follow a trail inland, emerging on rocky coast. Along the way pass colonies of frigate birds. Along with their long wingspan and hooked beak, frigates are extremely fast and have excellent vision. The males are easiest to spot, announced by the bulbous red pouch attached to their necks.

After the walk enjoy a spot of snorkelling, followed by lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the small sandy island of Mosquera, a relaxing, picturesque stop situated between Isla Baltra and Isla North Seymour. Along the rocks and in the tide pool, red Sally Lightfoot crabs scamper back and forth, skipping across small pools of water in search of food. These crabs with their bright red shell tops and blue under shells are stunning against the black lava. The island also has a very large colony of sea lions, as well as a sizeable resident brown pelican population. Depending on the tides and visibility, you may have a chance to go snorkelling here.

Estimated travel time/distance:
North Seymour to Isla Baltra: 4 hours (35 nautical miles)
Isla Baltra to Caleta Tortuga Negra: 1 hour (7 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • 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
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Take a Zodiac ride to Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) – a red mangrove wetland on the north shore of Isla Santa Cruz. Paddle among the cove’s peaceful waters looking for green turtles, golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays and Galapagos sharks. There is also abundant birdlife, such as the yellow warbler and lava heron, to keep an eye out for.

In the afternoon, cruise over for a walk on Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) – one of the best places to see land iguanas in the Galapagos. After a dry landing, walk to a brackish lagoon frequented by stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings and, occasionally, flamingos. Follow the trail for a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. The arid-zone vegetation makes for a rewarding location for birdwatching. Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galapagos flycatcher and yellow warblers are all regulars here. The path can be challenging but you will be well-rewarded with a spectacular views and wildlife spotting.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Caleta Tortuga Negra to Cerro Dragon: 2 hours (12 nautical miles)
Cerro Dragon to Sombrero Chino (Chinese hat): 1.5 hours (9 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • 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)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Sombrero Chino is a small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago, so named because it’s shaped like conical hats worn in some parts of Asia. Approach Sombrero Chino via a crescent-shaped, sandy beach that is home to sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Follow the trail that circles the cove and pass through a sea lion colony, maybe stopping to snorkel.

Visit Isla Rabida, also known as Jervis Island, a tiny land mass roughly five kilometres south of Isla Santiago. Introduced species were eradicated here in 1971, and indigenous wildlife has since returned to a state of splendid isolation. Additionally, volcanic activity here has produced vivid, fantastical colours in the landscapes, including red-sand beaches and scarlet cliffs.

From the shore, a trail leads through to what is one of the finest lagoons in the Galapagos for viewing flamingos. Rabida is also a wonderful place to spot nesting pelicans. There is also an opportunity for snorkelling among sea stars, damsels, gobies and surgeon fish.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Sombrero Chino to Isla Rabida: 1 hour (7 nautical miles)
Isla Rabida to Las Bachas: 1 hour (7 nautical miles)
Accommodation
  • M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
  • 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
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Take an early morning excursion to Las Bachas, named after the barges abandoned on the beach by the American Navy in the 1940s. Made of decomposed coral, the sand here is white and soft, which makes it the perfect nesting site for the Pacific green turtle. A saltwater lagoon near the beach is home to flamingos and whimbrels, and you may be able to make a brief detour here (time depending).

Bid farewell to the Galapagos Islands and board your return flight to Quito. The flight will stop en route in Guayaquil to drop off and pick up passengers.

Upon arrival at Quito Airport at approximately 4 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel. A local representative may stop by at your hotel this evening to get some feedback on your Galapagos experience.

Estimated travel times/distance:
Grand Queen Beatriz to Isla Baltra: 15 mins
Flight time Isla Baltra to Quito: approximately 3.5 hours (including transit in Guayaquil)
Transfer Quito Airport to hotel: 1 hour (depending on traffic)
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Flights to mainland Ecuador from the Galapagos Islands all depart mid-morning, so an early start is necessary today to make the most of your final day on the island. Depending on the time of our flight, time spent on this final excursion could be limited.

As you will be leaving the boat this morning, please remember that if you have enjoyed the services provided by your guide and crew, a tip is considered appropriate. For logistical and cultural reasons, we treat this as an optional expense and do not incorporate it into your trip price. As a guideline we recommend each passenger considers USD 15 per day for the crew (collectively) and USD 10 per day for your guide. You can leave tips in envelopes that are placed in your cabin before you disembark.

There are no activities planned for today, but if you plan on staying in Quito (and we highly recommend it) there are plenty of activities on offer in the charming city. Perhaps get a crash course in this lofty town with an Urban Adventure. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Quito-tours more.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
All travel times/distances and activity durations are approximate and subject to change.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

16 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners

Transport

Minibus, Plane, Boat, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (14 nights)

Included 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 - 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 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 & availability

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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Grand Galapagos (Grand Queen Beatriz) trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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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$5 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.

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