10 Days | Hop aboard and bask in the Galapagos’ central and southern islands
![Travellers enjoy a zodiac cruise in the Galapagos isalnds](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt53deef156550abe0/63c9849eba3c0a11eaa6423f/Intrepid_Travel-Galapagos-Grand-queen-bea-DSCF8612-zodiac_2018.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Close up of sleeping seals face in Galapagos Islands](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltb4a64c7ea6df1d2c/63c9849957984860fe7f4b8a/Intrepid_Travel-galapagos_seal-face-soft_2017.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![galapagos_sea-lion_rocks-sunning](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltd334908c1efc9c03/63c9844275a0df5fb06eea51/GMQA_galapagos_sea-lion_rocks-sunning_.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)
![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)
Set sail on a 10-day expedition around the central and southern islands of the Galapagos, observing the unique wildlife of these remote Pacific islands. Be charmed by the native bird species, amazed by an underwater ecosystem of colourful marine life and delighted by its distinct environment. Hike across lava flows, sail through mangroves and snorkel in natural aquariums abundant with fish, sea lions and turtles. This sail features some of the Galapagos’s most picturesque islands, so sit back and relax, because it’s all smooth sailing from here.
Trip overview
![Map of Classic Galapagos: Central Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz) including Ecuador](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltb6c5826eb25e76cd/65b2d5edb365f4079bed340f/GMQD_2024_conv_2.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
- GMQD
- Experience the benefits of small group travel aboard your vessel, M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, sailing through the natural beauty of the Galapagos, day and night.
- Explore the islands on deck, on foot and in the water, waking to a new view each morning, and keeping an eye out for the next bird sighting or sea turtle passing by.
- See the contrasting Galapagos landscapes between islands, from the unique formation of Sombrero Chino to the colourful sands of Isla Rabida.
- Learn a thing or two about 18th century whalers at Post Office Bay, and participate by posting a letter at the remote mail drop.
- Encounter the unique Galapagos wildlife in their natural habitat, from giant blue-footed and masked boobies, pelicans and frigate birds to iguanas, sea lions, tortoises and fur seals.
- 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
Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (7 nights)
- 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 - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)
- Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Snorkel (1 hour) - Wet Landing
- 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 - Charles Darwin Research Station (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 usor the agent 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.
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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