8 Days | Explore a wild world as you sail the central eastern islands of the Galapagos
Set sail on an eight-day adventure through one of the most diverse, untouched and fascinating places on earth. The central eastern islands of the Galapagos play host to an unbelievable array of wildlife, both above and below the surface, which you’ll discover during incredible guided walks and snorkelling excursions. As you cruise, walk and snorkel, look out for giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed boobies, iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and sea turtles (to name just a few!). From the sandy beaches of Espumilla to the volcanic craters of Isla Santiago, the landscapes are as mesmerising as the wildlife. Hop aboard for an adventure that surprises at every turn.
Trip overview
- Start
- Isla San Cristobal, Ecuador
- Finish
- Isla Baltra, 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
- GMQP
- Get a true taste of the Galapagos, sailing through its central and eastern islands, discovering untouched wilderness and unique wildlife.
- Enjoy a room with a new view each day, getting to each island in the comfort of the mighty M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz.
- Encounter giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed and masked boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, as well as land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and perhaps dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
- Live on island time, with the opportunity to explore coves, craters and inlets off the beaten track – one of the many benefits of a small group sail.
- Experience the contrasting landscapes of a selection of islands. From the sandy Espumilla beach to the volcanic formation of Pinnacle Rock, you’ll see the diversity of the Galapagos.
- 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.
- The Galapagos Islands are a largely untouched natural paradise. In order to experience the splendour of the diverse landscapes and waters, the included activities on this trip often require a moderate level of fitness. We ask that you read the itinerary carefully to ensure that you will be able to participate fully. 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.
- Things are never set in stone when you’re travelling on island time. 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. While the crew will do their best to follow the itinerary, variations may occur due to weather or under direction from local authorities.
Boats
Itinerary
Inclusions
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Boat, Zodiac
Overnight boat (7 nights)
- 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 - Buccaneer's Cove - Panga Ride (45 mins)
- 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
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.
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.
ALTERNATIVE TRIP:
If you wish to have flights included to and from the Galapagos Islands along with hotel accommodation in Quito, please refer to our Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands trip - GMQB.
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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