Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

10 Days | Sail the central eastern islands of the remote and largely untouched Galapagos

5 out of 5 based on 13 reviews submitted.
Adventure Cruising
Wildlife
From
USD $7,087
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Experience the serenity of the Galapagos as you drift across the Pacific Ocean on this 10-day sail of the central eastern islands. The natural beauty and unique wildlife of these Ecuadorian isles are something to behold and, aboard your sailing vessel, you will have the best seat in the house. Retrace the voyage of Charles Darwin by sea, admiring the sandy beaches of Espumilla contrasted with the jagged rock formations and volcanic craters of Isla Santiago. Gaze at the sea, land and sky, spotting blue-footed boobies, Galapagos sea turtles and sea lions in their natural habitat. The central eastern islands of the Galapagos offer so much to explore, so sit back and relax on this spectacular sailing adventure.

Trip overview

Map of Classic Galapagos: Central 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
GMQB
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
  • Get a true taste of the Galapagos, sailing through its central and eastern islands, discovering untouched wilderness and unique wildlife.
  • Enjoy a room with a new view each day, getting to each island in the comfort of the mighty M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz.
  • 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.
  • Live on island time, with the opportunity to explore coves, craters and inlets off the beaten track – one of the many benefits of a small group sail.
  • Experience the contrasting landscapes of a selection of islands. From the sandy Espumilla beach to the volcanic formation of Pinnacle Rock, you’ll see the diversity of the Galapagos.
  • 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: Central 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 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 - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry 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 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 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 13 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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Cheryl · Traveled February 2024
The trip was fantastic. The terrain was a little rough. The wildlife was wonderful. Saw everything I came there to see . Roberto our guide was excellent and extremely knowledgeable. He compare the galapagos to other areas in the world. Pointed out things I would not of noticed on my own. As a single person I felt very comfortable and safe. Made friends with some nice people. Keep doing what you are doing.
Review submitted 01 Mar 2024

Nick · Traveled February 2024
The Galapagos is best encountered on a smaller ship. An Intrepid tour of the islands delivers a personal experience of Galapagos' diversity but with the logistical support and creature comforts typical of much larger vessels.
Review submitted 14 Feb 2024

BRIAN · Traveled July 2023
Our trip to the Galapagos with Intrepid exceeded our expectations. The balance between land and water activities was perfect. The meals and snacks on board were delicious and healthy. Our guide Roberto was incredible. His knowledge, passion, concern for safety and sense of humour won us over.
Review submitted 21 Jul 2023

Christine · Traveled May 2023
This is a fantastic way to see a lot of the Galapagos. We were amazed at how different each island was and all the wildlife we saw. A once in a lifetime experience we will never forget!
Review submitted 07 Jun 2023

Barbara · Traveled May 2023
I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. The boat was larger than we expected and the cabins very comfortable. Each day included a walk on one of the islands which were all very different and also time snorkeling which was sensational. We snorkeled with stingrays, penguins, reef sharks, sea lions and many varieties of colourful tropical fish. At times the amount and density of sardines made it almost impossible to see the sea bed. Tortoises and iguanas on land were not fazed by human presence. A truly magnificent experience. Our guide, Roberto, was someone who can paint a picture with his words, his knowledge and passion was infectious.
Review submitted 06 Jun 2023
Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
From
USD $7,087