Comfort
Cruises
Wildlife
Treasures of Galapagos: Western & Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
13 days • 4.9
5
Excellent
14 reviews
13 days
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Trip Code
GMQJ
Min Age
12
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners
Transport
Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (10 nights)
From £8,457(13 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Encounter nature at its finest as you follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, spotting some of the strangest and most beautiful creatures on Earth in their natural habitats.
Watch Galapagos tortoises at all stages of life and development in breeding centres, then search for these ancient creatures in the wild highlands of Isla Santa Cruz.
Swim with the sea lions of the Galapagos – the puppies of the sea, these creatures are naturally friendly and inquisitive.
Hike, snorkel, sail and enjoy plenty of free time to unwind on the deck of your motor yacht, with a beer or wine in hand as you birdwatch.
Island-hop in the most comfortable way aboard the Grand Queen Beatriz – this is unlike other cruises, as this trip is built for small-group adventure!
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.
A Zodiac boat (panga) is sometimes necessary to reach small islets, coves, and prime snorkelling spots. You must 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 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
Immerse yourself in the wildlife-rich archipelago of the Galapagos Islands
Embark on an immersive 13-day adventure cruise through the Galapagos Islands and experience the natural world, both on land and sea. Encounter diverse wildlife, from lumbering giant tortoises and sunbathing sea lions to scuttling crabs and blue-footed boobies. Wander through lava flow on Las Tintoreras, snorkel in the waters of protected cove Punta Carrion and stick your toes in the olivine-crystal sands of Punta Cormorant. This trip allows plenty of time to absorb the spoils of these unique, wildlife-rich islands, so you can cruise into another world while your naturalist guide sorts out the rest.
Inclusions
Meals
12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners
Transport
Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (10 nights)
Included 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 - 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 - Espumilla Beach - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
Isla Sanitago - Buccaneer's Cove - Snorkelling (1 hour)
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
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.
Reviews (14)
5 stars
13
4 stars
1
Michael
Jan 09, 2025
Our guide Richard was both enthusiastic and knowledgeable about all things Galapagos. In many ways he made the trip.
Ellyce
Dec 25, 2024
Excellent trip in an amazing environment. Roberto, our guide, exceeded expectations. Highly recommend this trip.
Andrew
Dec 10, 2024
The passion for conservation and depth of knowledge of the guide, Carlos, set the tone for the trip. Galapagos is truly a wonderful place and we experienced a wonderful range of ‘David Attenborough’ moments under his leadership. The ship was an excellent base to launch these outings from and be welcomed back to.
Anneke
Oct 03, 2024
Epic! Amazing destination! I had high expectations and they were exceeded! The crew of Grand Queen Beatriz is so friendly and helpful and the GQB is spacious and the food is amazing! Roberto is a walking encyclopedia and his enthusiasim and excitement is contagious. It is wonderful to see and experience this place and witness the effort that is put into conservation. Trip of a lifetime!
Rick
Aug 18, 2024
Great location, incredible sights to see, with a great staff and ship to go with it. AWESOME TRIP!
Julie
Aug 02, 2024
Our 11-day trip was fantastic, with a new experience every day. The wildlife was spectacular and incredibly tame. Daily snorkeling had us swimming with sea lions, penguins, white-tipped sharks and a huge variety of colourful fish. The unique land and marine iguanas were impressive and birdlife was prolific. Every island was somewhat different, but beautiful in its own way.
Oliver
May 30, 2024
Sara
Jan 03, 2024
Brilliant itinerary, you get to see the best of the islands and appreciate the variety of wildlife. Roberto was an excellent guide, so knowledgeable- you really get to learn at lot of this trip. Maybe cliche, but it really is the trip of a lifetime.
Elizabeth
Dec 04, 2023
These trips might be extremely expensive but it was well and truly worth every cent. Don't make the mistake of going for only a few days - having done a longer trip and stayed as people came and went on shorter trips we watched as they all missed out on so many things
Michael
May 22, 2023
Intrepid plan, organise and manage an outstanding Galapagos experience. The Queen Beatrix crew provide a fantastic on-board experience.
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