10 Days | Embark on a sailing adventure through the remote southern islands of the Galapagos.
![galapagos_couple-volcanic-rocks](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt3219a75849bcebf1/63c980c881ccfa1cf0e05f11/GMQA_galapagos_couple-volcanic-rocks.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Back deck of the Grand Queen Beatriz with a hot tub and drinks ready, Galapagos Island visible on horizon](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt0dcf05c50080a001/6584c88e71f3659038fe166f/GQB-19.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Close up of a Galapagos Giant Tortoise on Isla Santa Cruz](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt89819fa47b5f3844/6584c89294f38d1a5763570c/Intrepid_Travel-Galapagos-Isla-Santa-Cruz-highlands-ITLL0090-tortoise.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Close-up of volcanic rock texture on Galapagos Islands](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltf049ecd1d7310a4a/6584c895c2219ac29b808a4c/Intrepid_Travel-galapagos_volcanic-pattern-rocks.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![galapagos_land-iguana_closeup](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt7c647ff7bc816027/63c98477bf0eab074cf00c3c/GMQA_galapagos_land-iguana_closeup.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
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](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltf2042525e725ebc9/65b032a703ca3941a9839dc4/gmqa_2024.gif?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
- 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
- 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.
- 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
Itinerary
Inclusions
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
Boat, Plane, Bus, Zodiac
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (7 nights)
- 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
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$100 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park. If your voyage visits Isabela Island, there is also a US$10 fee to be paid on arrival at the island.
From the 1st of August 2024 the Galapagos Islands National Park fee will be increasing from USD100 to USD200. This applies to everyone aged 13 years and above. For children aged 12 the fee will be USD100.
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.
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.
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