Comfort
Cruises
Wildlife
Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
7 days • 5
5
Excellent
36 reviews
7 days
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Trip Code
GMQE
Min Age
12
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (4 nights)
From £3,979(7 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Keep an eye out for your next glimpse of Galapagos penguins, sea lions or albatross. In the air, on land and underwater, you’ll constantly be surrounded by unique wildlife!
Cruise in small-scale style on the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, following in the footsteps of past explorers and passing the best of the southern islands.
Roam Isla Plaza Sur – a small island packed full of wildlife – and get close to sea lions, walk trails past one of the Galapagos’ largest land iguana populations and visit the rugged southern cliffs that are home of old and young sea lions known as the 'Gentlemen’s Club.’
Go exotic bird watching off the coast of Isla Espanola, where you may see the unique waved albatrosses, blue-footed boobies and masked boobies.
Learn about the geography and history of the Galapagos at the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, where you’ll learn more about past explorers and expeditions and how your journey shapes up to theirs.
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.
Itinerary
Explore the wildlife and diverse terrain of the southern Galapagos Islands
Cruise the Galapagos and discover the native wildlife on this seven-day sailing adventure around the southern end of the archipelago. Meet giant tortoises that inhabit Isla San Cristobal, watch blue-footed boobies dance the booby two-step and wander the unfamiliar environment that characterises these far-flung islands. Every day you’ll wake up to a different view out the window from the comforts of the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz. Sail past the volcanic Punta Pitt, swim with sea lions at Bahia Gardner, and hike past prickly pear cacti on Isla Santa Fe. Prepare to head on the adventure of a lifetime and become a Galapagos explorer!
Inclusions
Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (4 nights)
Included activities
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 Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
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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.
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.
Reviews (36)
5 stars
35
4 stars
1
Andrea
Mar 22, 2025
Our intrepid experience to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands was fantastic. Intrepid took care of all the details and allowed us to relax and enjoy our vacation. Our Intrepid contacts were timely and informative. Our accommodations were immaculate. The food was local, full of nutrients, well prepared and delicious. Our guide, Roberto, was more than informative. He was organized, communicative and FUN. No one knows Galapagos and Ecuador better than Roberto - no one. We could not have asked for a better experience and plan to use Intrepid for all of our international travels.
Linda
Feb 16, 2025
We loved our trip on the Queen Beatriz through the southern islands of the Galapagos. Our guide, Karla was knowledgable, engaging and a great communicator. We'd also like to shout out Ana in Quito who helped us immensely when we missed a flight and she sent a driver to pick us up in the middle of the night. We only wish we had taken the longer trip. Loved it!
Amelia
Jan 15, 2025
For a seamless, adventurous trip I would totally do it through Intrepid again. I am very used to planning my own travels, but it was so nice to do it with Intrepid and just enjoy my vacation.
Charles
Dec 26, 2024
Cristina
Dec 23, 2024
Thank you Luis Roberto Lenny and all the queen Beatriz crew for the most excellent service care and humour each day. I had the most fabulous time and seeing all the creatures in their natural habitat will be with me forever.
David
Nov 10, 2024
Great way to experience the Galapagos in comfort with expert guide Carlos. Most hikes are rocky so take good walking shoes!
Samantha
Nov 10, 2024
I highly recommend this trip for anyone inspired to see the wildlife of the southern Galápagos Islands. The Queen Beatriz crew provided warm and comfortable service and excellent food. And our guide, Carlos, was exceptional, sharing in formation about the origin of the islands and the animals, and was an exceptional Steward of the animals as well. Highly recommend!
Thomas
Jul 26, 2024
kerry
Jul 25, 2024
kerry
Mar 29, 2024
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