Comfort
Cruises
Wildlife
Galapagos Explorer: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
7 Days | Explore the fascinating wildlife and incredible terrain of the Galapagos Islands
4.9
Excellent
14 reviews
7 days
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Trip Code
GMQF
Min Age
12
Trip Size
1 - null
Physical Rating
Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (4 nights)
From £4,213(7 days)
Trip Informations
Explore the Galapagos and its native wildlife on a sailing trip around the central islands of the archipelago. Meet the green turtles that inhabit Isla Santa Cruz, watch blue-footed boobies dance the booby two-step and marvel in awe at the unfamiliar beauty that characterises these far-flung islands. Encounter the very same creatures that sparked Darwin’s imagination when he formulated his theories of evolution. There’s no spot on earth that is closer to the origins of the planet, where every step feels as though it’s through uncharted territory. Prepare to depart on the adventure of a lifetime and become a Galapagos explorer.
Why you’ll love this trip
As you board your vessel, M.Y Grand Queen Beatriz, and follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, you will encounter nature at its finest.
Explore the islands from on deck, on foot and in the water, no doubt with your eyes open for your next unique sight.
Walk through the agricultural region and into the misty forests of Santa Cruz and look out for Galapagos giant tortoises!
Take an excursion to North Seymour, which is one of the most visited islands in the Galapagos, and see what all the hype is about.
See 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 out for green turtles, golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays and Galapagos sharks.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Tuuur 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. Tuuur will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Tuuur 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.
You will be entering and exiting 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 when 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 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.
Itinerary
Inclusions
Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (4 nights)
Activities
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
Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet Landing
Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Snorkel (1 hour) - Wet Landing
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
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 (14)
5 stars
12
4 stars
2
James
Oct 11, 2024
Danny
Sep 09, 2024
Our Interpid Galapagos trip was everything we had hoped for and more. Our guide, Roberto, was extremely knowledgeable and made us feel at ease throughout. The crew were very accommodating and we could tell everyone enjoyed their work. Would not hesitate to book again!
Linda
Jun 06, 2024
Awesome itinerary. We loved this trip.
Lisa
Sep 19, 2023
The Galapagos trip has been a once in a lifetime experience. The staff were superb, as was the food and accommodation - but it was our guide, Roberto, who really made our trip so amazing. So informative and entertaining - we have learnt so much about this beautiful place and its inhabitants!
Susan
Aug 16, 2023
Loved everything about our small-boat trip. The boat is spacious and comfortable, the meals were excellent and generous, the staff were always smiling and helpful, our tour leader Wilson was a joy to be with. Even the weather and the animals co-operated.
Naomi
Jul 10, 2023
Highly recommend visiting the Galapagos on board Grand Queen Beatrix. Our tour guide Roberto was fantastic! Great mix of activities, walking the islands learning about the history and wildlife, and the snorkelling is incredible with chances to swim with penguins, turtles and reef sharks. Food on board was beyond expectations also.
Karen
Mar 19, 2023
The entire experience of the Galapagos Islands was fantastic! The Grand Queen Beatrice yacht we stayed on was top notch! The crew service was excellent. Our guide, Roberto was so knowledgeable about the islands, the animals, the history. He had a great sense of humor and made things very fun. Really made the trip very enjoyable. I've heard the Galapagos Islands is a trip of a lifetime and I do believe it's true. I love seeing all the animals in their natural environment, seems like there is great care taking to keep them thriving. There was one feedback a little while ago, from a younger person that this trip was not good for young people and catered to people over 50. This was very much a falsehood. We had two young ladies in their 20s on our trip and I asked them if they felt they were not getting a good trip because of the age group and they said absolutely not! I've been on three intrepid trips and really like them because they are very environmentally conscious, all of the organization as well done from someone picking you up at the airport, all transportation, most all food arranged, activities planned and downtime.
Marianne
Dec 27, 2022
A trip of a lifetime which will stay with me. I loved seeing the animals in their habitats and felt so humble that they allowed us to respectfully observe them with no fear.
Mary
Nov 04, 2022
This was our first time to book a tour group vacation. Intrepid was totally on top of all of the details so we could relax and enjoy the trip. Transportation, hotel, boat, and staff were all excellent. We felt completely taken care of and pampered. There's nothing like getting hot chocolate and a warm towel after snorkeling. Roberto, our guide, was fantastic. He was warm, funny, and extremely knowledgeable. It was a trip of a lifetime - the wildlife and excursions were amazing!
Susan
Oct 30, 2022
This was our first trip with intrepid and we were so happy to find it. Everything was wonderful. It exceeded our expectations. The boat, the tour, our guide Roberto and the crew. The food was wonderful! Really a wonderful experience.
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