Comfort
Cruises
Wildlife
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
6 days • 5
5
Excellent
12 reviews
6 days
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Trip Code
GMQI
Min Age
12
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
Transport
Minibus, Plane, Boat, Zodiac
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (3 nights)
From £2,939(6 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Wake up to a new view each day in the comfort of the mighty M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz – this comfortable and spacious motor yacht is your home for the adventure!
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 maybe even dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
Experience the contrasting landscapes of unique islands – from the sandy Espumilla Beach to the volcanic formation of Pinnacle Rock, you’ll see the diversity of the Galapagos that Charles Darwin once saw.
Hike on Bartolome for panoramic views across the island, so you can see the dramatic volcanic landscape from a bird’s eye view.
See sea lions and iguanas at Plaza Sur and Santa Fe, then in San Cristobal, meet the grand-daddy of the Galapagos – the giant tortoise.
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 it 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.
You will enter and exit a Zodiac boat (panga) during wet and dry landings and when returning from snorkelling. Although the waters we sail are usually calm, there are times when the sea can get rough and choppy. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) are needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.
While at sea and exploring the islands, you may be exposed to the sun for large parts of the day. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water.
Please note that while there is an itinerary in place, some changes may occur due to the weather or because of directions 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.
Itinerary
Encounter the central Galapagos Islands on this diverse adventure cruise
See the natural beauty of the Galapagos on a sailing voyage that takes in the very best of the central islands. Discover heaps of local wildlife like sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises and exotic birds of all shapes and sizes. Go snorkelling in the presence of mighty manta rays, turtles and tropical fish. Experience the natural, rugged landscapes of the Galapagos firsthand and see what Charles Darwin saw when he arrived on the isles more than 180 years ago and began formulating the theory of evolution. With each day spent hiking, swimming and snorkelling, this active sailing adventure is one for the nature-lover!
Inclusions
Meals
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
Transport
Minibus, Plane, Boat, Zodiac
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (3 nights)
Included activities
Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (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 - Panga ride or Snorkelling (45 mins)
Isla Sanitago - Buccaneer's Cove - Panga Ride (45 mins)
Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (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$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.
Reviews (12)
5 stars
12
Deliris
Apr 30, 2025
I highly recommend this trip and company. Our guide and the crew and staff were all great and made this trip a memorable one. Thank you!!
Jan
Mar 28, 2025
Exploring the Galapagos by boat with Intrepid has to be the most efficient and enjoyable. Loved the small cruise where long lasting friendships were formed. So Loved the excursions and swimming with sea lions is an unforgettable experience.
Christine
Nov 13, 2024
Trip of a lifetime!! Highly recommend the Grand Queen Beatriz boat as well! I have never done an Intrepid trip before and this definitely exceeded my expectations! Everything was perfectly planned and coordinated. I will be back to do a longer trip.
Gilli
Sep 26, 2024
Absolutely brilliant trip- well planned; great interesting places and sites; wonderful interesting guide. The cruise itself was fabulous- great board; great crew. The staff and hotel before the cruise were brilliant. I cant think of an improvement.
Mick
Aug 21, 2024
Brent
May 20, 2024
Truly an incomparable travel destination-there are so many unique animals that you can’t find other places. Three days was perfect for me since I’m not into snorkeling. Additional days would have just started to feel repetitive for my tastes (and also bad for my pale skin complexion-the sun is ferocious!). I highly recommend this trip and destination.
Melissa
Apr 16, 2024
Roberto is a top-notch guide! You'll leave with an once-in-a-lifetime experience truly understanding the Galapagos, their animals, ecological challenges, and their rock formations. I cannot recommend enough. Bring sun protection clothes!
Matt
Apr 16, 2024
Roberto is a world class tour guide and brought every island we visited to life. 10/10.
Meghan
Apr 10, 2023
This is a great trip to get acquainted with the Galapagos. If you have more time, I’d recommend a longer tour because you will want more! If you, like me, have only limited time though, I still felt I got all of the “essentials” on this trip! The Galapagos should be on everyone’s bucket list and this was a great way to experience it!
Sushil
Dec 12, 2022
This was an amazing adventure, expertly guided by Roberto with a wonderful crew on board.
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