Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

10 Days | Embark on a sailing adventure through the remote southern islands of the Galapagos.

5 out of 5 based on 27 reviews submitted.
Cruises
Wildlife
From
USD $5,614
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Experience the tranquil shores and unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands as you drift across the Pacific Ocean on this 10-day sailing adventure. The beauty of these Ecuadorian isles is something to behold from aboard the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz. Retrace the 180-year-old voyage of Charles Darwin by sea, witness the impressive giant tortoises and go birdwatching for blue-footed boobies and frigate birds on the shores. Each day, a new view will greet you out your cabin window, with a new adventure to embark on. As far as Galapagos adventures go, this trip is nothing but smooth sailing.

Trip overview

Map of Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz) including Ecuador
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Theme
Cruises, 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
GMQA
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
  • Board your vessel, M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, and sail through the southern islands of the archipelago, encountering secluded natural beauty at its finest.
  • Explore the islands on deck, on foot and in the water, keeping your eyes wide open for your next memorable bird or water mammal sighting.
  • Encounter Galapagos’s wildlife, including giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, as well as iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and sea turtles.
  • Spend time land side on the islands, with expeditions through mangroves and misty forests, passing unique flora, such as opuntia cacti and miconia bushes, and gazing across the coastline from scenic lookouts.
  • Swim through a colourful underwater ecosystem when snorkelling in one of the many coves – a playful sea lion might get in your way!
  • 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. Our new boutique expedition boat came into service on the 30th June 2018. With a stylish modern design, ensuite bathrooms, outward-facing windows in all cabins (and private balconies in some), and a jacuzzi on the sundeck, the 'Grand Queen Bea’ is one of the newest boats operating in the Galapagos. If you don't find the itinerary you're after, our beloved M/Y Grand Daphne offers a fantastic choice of itineraries including visits to Genovesa and Fernandina.
Explore features

Itinerary

Map of Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz) including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Boat, Plane, Bus, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (7 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 - 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 - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry 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$200 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park. This applies to everyone aged 13 years and above. For children aged 12 the fee will be USD100.
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.

May and June departures 2024 UPDATE.
On the 11th of May 2024, the Galapagos National Park authorities advised, the landing site of Punta Surez on Espanola Island will now reopen. This landing site was temporary closed as part of the biosecurity measures activated to prevent the spread of the Avian flu. All trip departures will now revert to the original itinerary which includes a landing at Punta Suraz, Espanola Island.

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 27 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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Lacy · Traveled July 2024
Our trip through the southern islands of the Galapagos on the Grand Queen Beatriz was the most exciting, educational and fun tour I have been on in some time. Our crew and guide, Karla, made our experience unforgettable. The lengths to which they went to make our experiences as unique as possible will never be forgotten.
Review submitted 07 Aug 2024

Jan · Traveled July 2024
My trip to the Galapagos, Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands on the Grand Queen Beatriz was beyond expectations. Guide, Roberto, was incredible; his expert knowledge and enthusiasm taking the trip to the next level. The bird and wildlife better than I imagined. The food on the boat was amazing, would thoroughly recommend this trip - wish I could go again!
Review submitted 29 Aug 2024

Daniela · Traveled July 2024
My trip to the Galapagos Islands was simply brilliant. We experienced so much in the 8 days, beautiful landscapes and we saw so many animals on land and in the water. A big thank to Roberto, the entire crew of the Grand Queen Beatriz and my fellow travelers. You all made the tour something very special.
Review submitted 02 Sep 2024

Christine · Traveled July 2024
We had a fantastic and very memorable trip. The Grand Queen Beatrix was very comfortable and being a smaller boat got close to the coastline and anchored offshore where the bigger boats couldn’t . Crew were fantastic, made us feel welcome. Loved the morning teas waiting for us after snorkelling or walks. Food excellent. Our guide Roberto was so knowledgeable. The wildlife we saw was extensive, swam with Sea Lion pups, saw sharks. Blue, Red and masked Boobies. Albatross. Turtles ( heaps). Giant Tortoises. I could go on. Very highly recommend this trip.
Review submitted 03 Sep 2024

Will · Traveled June 2024
Unspoilt, exclusive, fun, fascinating and beautiful. Sailing the islands gives you a wonderful insight. From the airport pick up to the final drop off, this was hands free and an exceptional experience. Like nowhere else on earth.
Review submitted 15 Aug 2024
Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
From
USD $5,614