Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Experience Overview
Experience the serenity of the Galapagos Islands as you drift across the Pacific Ocean on this 10-day adventure cruise through the central eastern islands. Retrace the voyage of Charles Darwin by sea, admiring the sandy beaches of Espumilla contrasted with the jagged rock formations and volcanic craters of Isla Santiago. Look out at the ocean, land and sky, spotting blue-footed boobies, sea turtles and sea lions in their natural habitat. Go hiking and snorkelling each day and learn about the geology of these lands from your handy naturalist guide, all the while spotting some pretty incredible and varied wildlife.
Highlights
- Get a true taste of the Galapagos, sailing through the central and eastern islands and discovering the largely untouched wilderness, home to unique wildlife.
- Wake up to a new view each day in the comfort of the mighty M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz – this comfortable and spacious motor yacht is your home for the adventure!
- 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 maybe even 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 unique islands – from the sandy Espumilla Beach to the volcanic formation of Pinnacle Rock, you’ll see the diversity of the Galapagos that Charles Darwin once saw.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1993
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Minibus,Boat,Plane,Zodiac
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GMQB
Starts: Quito, Ecuador
Finishes: Quito, Ecuador
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (7), Dinner (8)Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights),Overnight boat (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9,570 ($957 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure begins in Quito – Ecuador’s sprawling capital city. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 or 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and small group of fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe check out the city at your own pace – head to the Old Town and pick one (or more) of the 30 churches to explore. After your meeting, you’ll head to a small, local restaurant for dinner with your group. Take in the aromas and fresh flavours of the traditional Ecuadorian cuisine – think locroc (traditional potato soup) or quinoa, pork and vegetable dishes cooked with herbs, lemongrass and rich sauces, all sourced from local farms.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
You have a very early start this morning (maybe as early as 4 am, depending on flight times) as you head into the Galapagos. Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito Airport), with a boxed breakfast on the way. When you arrive, you’ll meet your naturalist guide in the arrival hall. Transfer to your home for the next week – the M/Y Queen Beatriz. Once on board, settle in and then have lunch with your group. After, travel to the highlands of Isla San Cristobal to the site of Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado (Red Hill). This is where the national park has established a breeding program and information centre for tortoises. Here, you can see giant tortoises and learn all about their origin, evolution and their threatened future.
Included Activities:
- Isla San Cristobal - Highlands Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Bartolome is one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the Galapagos, full of parasitic spatter cones, lava flows, Galapagos penguins and lava lizards. It’s a relatively new island in the archipelago and traces of its volcanic past can be seen everywhere across the lunar-like landscape. Visit Pinnacle Rock – one of the most photographed sites in the Galapagos, this abrupt jag of rock protrudes from the earth like a tooth, close to two golden bays that back onto each other. You can hike to the top of a once-active volcano here (360 wooden steps) for views across to Sullivan Bay, on nearby Santiago Island. If you’re in luck, you might catch a glance of the Galapagos hawk. You also have the option to go snorkelling with plenty of tropical fish, starfish, white-tipped reef sharks, rays and, hopefully, penguins. This afternoon, sail to Bahia Sullivan (also known as James Island). Walk on Pahoe-Hoe lava from an eruption that occurred in 1897 and listen as your guide explains the geological history of the islands. Look out for marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, finches, turtles, sharks and penguins.
Included Activities:
- 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)
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Espumilla Beach, on the northern coast of Isla Santiago, is an important nesting site for marine turtles. With large waves, it’s also often a favourite among beach lovers. Here, you might see Galapagos hawks up close as well as ghost crabs, blue-footed boobies (often plunging for fish) and brown pelicans. The area is also well known for its Palo Santo forest and lava formations. Visit Caleta Bucanero (Buccaneer Cove) – a natural monument of rocks caused by sea erosion. This cove was used by pirates to careen their ships and is a place of local legends and stories! It’s also where Darwin camped for nine days while making his study of the islands and their wildlife. If conditions are favourable, you can go snorkelling here. Later, sail to Puerto Egas – the black-sand beach on the west side of the bay near Sugarloaf Volcano. This site is named after Hector Egas who last attempted to mine salt here. The walk along the beach offers hundreds of marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. You’ll also see amazing tidal pools formed from ancient lava flow, home to sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish.
Included Activities:
- 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)
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up in Isla Santa Cruz – the second-largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station – as well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station also makes for interesting exploration and offers an opportunity to see giant tortoises. You may also be able to observe the baby tortoises and land iguanas! After your visit, head up into the highlands for a change of scenery. Beginning at the coast, you'll travel across Santa Cruz through the agricultural region and into the misty forests. This is a lush, humid zone containing miconia bushes, scalesia and inactive volcanic cones. Santa Cruz has more endemic plants than any of the other islands and you’re likely to see Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and maybe even the bright red feathers of a vermillion flycatcher!
Included Activities:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Visit North Seymour – one of the most visited islands in the Galapagos. Hike past colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds – sharing the same nesting area on North Seymour, blue-footed boobies nest on the ground making their nests from the twigs of Palo Santos trees, while the frigate birds nest just above them in the saltbushes. After your walk, go snorkelling and see how many colourful fish you can spot, maybe with a few white-tipped reef sharks, rays and sea lions, too. Have lunch, then sail to the small Isla Mosquera. Along the rocks and in the tide pools, Sally Lightfoot crabs (red lava crabs) scamper back and forth, skipping across small pools of water in search of food. The island also has a very large colony of sea lions, as well as a sizeable resident brown pelican population. Depending on the tides and visibility, you may have a chance to go snorkelling in the surrounding turquoise waters.
Included Activities:
- 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
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a panga (Zodiac boat) to Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) – a red mangrove wetland on the north shore of Isla Santa Cruz. Jump in the cove’s peaceful waters to see green turtles – this cove is also a nursery for golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays and Galapagos sharks! There’s also abundant birdlife here, like the yellow warbler and lava heron. This is also a breeding area for turtles, so it’s not uncommon to see them mating. In the afternoon, cruise over for a walk on Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) – one of the best places to see land iguanas. Walk to a brackish lagoon, spotting lagoon birds like stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings and flamingos along the way. Further inland, the trail offers a view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago, which is a nesting site for land iguanas, constantly monitored by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation makes for an ideal place to see Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galapagos flycatcher and yellow warblers.
Included Activities:
- 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)
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up in Sombrero Chino – a small islet near the southeast coast of Santiago, shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from afar. The crescent-shaped sandy beach here is home to sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. On the rocky shoreline of nearby Santiago, you might see some Galapagos penguins, too. When you’re on land, follow a trail that circles the cove and passes through colonies of sea lions and marine iguanas. The cove also offers some great snorkelling opportunities, hopefully with penguins and sharks. Next, sail to the tiny Isla Rabida. Introduced species were eradicated in 1971, meaning that the native wildlife has now been returned to a state of isolation. Additionally, volcanic activity here has produced vivid colours, not least the red sand beaches and scarlet cliffs. Walk along a trail that leads through one of the finest lagoons in the Galapagos for flamingo spotting. Look out for nesting pelicans, pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions as well. There may be the opportunity to go snorkelling in a cove full of sea stars, damsels, gobies and surgeon fish.
Included Activities:
- 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
Accommodation:
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (Number of Nights: 1)
Flights to the mainland depart mid-morning, so an early start is necessary today to make the most of your last day on the islands. Take an early morning excursion to Las Bachas, named after the barges abandoned by the American Navy here in the 1940s. The sandy beaches of Las Bachas on the north shore of Santa Cruz are a nesting site for the Pacific green turtle and home to marine iguanas. The sand here is particularly white and soft as it’s made of decomposed coral. The rocks provide great snorkelling and are the perfect habitat for the Sally Lightfoot crabs, which are plentiful on the island. A saltwater lagoon near the beach is home to flamingos, whimbrels and great blue herons, so keep a look out. You’ll then head to the airport in Baltra for your flight back to Quito. When you arrive, maybe head out for a farewell dinner with the other members of your group.
Included Activities:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for today, and your adventure finishes after breakfast this morning. Of course, that doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! Why not stay on in Quito for a few days and discover the charms of the city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Louise - Traveled, March 2024
My husband and I had the best holiday ever! Our guide Roberto was funny, entertaining and very knowledgeable and the program and accommodation brilliant.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Cheryl - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was fantastic. The terrain was a little rough. The wildlife was wonderful. Saw everything I came there to see . Roberto our guide was excellent and extremely knowledgeable. He compare the galapagos to other areas in the world. Pointed out things I would not of noticed on my own. As a single person I felt very comfortable and safe. Made friends with some nice people. Keep doing what you are doing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Nick - Traveled, February 2024
The Galapagos is best encountered on a smaller ship. An Intrepid tour of the islands delivers a personal experience of Galapagos' diversity but with the logistical support and creature comforts typical of much larger vessels.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Brian - Traveled, February 2023
Our trip to the Galapagos with Intrepid exceeded our expectations. The balance between land and water activities was perfect. The meals and snacks on board were delicious and healthy. Our guide Roberto was incredible. His knowledge, passion, concern for safety and sense of humour won us over.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Robyn - Traveled, May 2023
The Intrepid Galápagos Island trip aboard the Grand Queen Beatrix was amazing. Our naturalist guide Roberto was so knowledgeable and had a really fun way of imparting knowledge. The snorkelling was fantastic; clear waters, felt safe, good equipment and playing with a juvenile sea lion was a highlight. Not having to pack up each day and transfer was also terrific. Thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Barbara - Traveled, May 2023
I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. The boat was larger than we expected and the cabins very comfortable. Each day included a walk on one of the islands which were all very different and also time snorkeling which was sensational. We snorkeled with stingrays, penguins, reef sharks, sea lions and many varieties of colourful tropical fish. At times the amount and density of sardines made it almost impossible to see the sea bed. Tortoises and iguanas on land were not fazed by human presence. A truly magnificent experience. Our guide, Roberto, was someone who can paint a picture with his words, his knowledge and passion was
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2023
Jonathan - Traveled, October 2022
Exploring the Galapagos by boat is the best way to go! There is so much to see while at sea and you will definitely see lots of marine and wildlife on this trip! We saw and swam with sea lions, penguins, turtles, rays and even sharks! Everyday is a new surprising day and you don’t know what you might see! We even got the rare chance of seeing Orcas close up! Johan our Naturalist guide took really good care of the group and really knew his stuff! He really took the trip to the next level with his expertise
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2022
Paul - Traveled, October 2022
A wonderful way to experience the Galapagos. The ship and crew were first-rate. Special mention to our guide, Roberto Quintana King, an immense storehouse of knowledge, a passion for the Galapagos and the environment, and great fun to be around. Don't know how it could have been any better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2022
Theresa - Traveled, August 2022
This Galapagos trip exceeded our expectations (high praise considering we arrived with great expectations)! We travel extensively, and now this trip ranks among the top few. Our extensive itinerary was beautifully executed by guide Fernando Gil and the crew of the Queen Beatriz. We saw and learned more that we thought possible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2022
Robert - Traveled, April 2022
The absolute best snorkeling in the world
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2022
Howard - Traveled, May 2024
Our Intrepid trip to the Galápagos Islands was a remarkable experience. The accommodations, crew and guide exceeded all expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2024
Kathy - Traveled, May 2024
I'd encourage anyone considering a Galapagos trip to do the Classic Galapagos on Grand Queen Beatriz. Every detail was well organized, ship was meticulously clean, food was excellent and healthy, all our expectations were met or exceeded.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024
Hannah - Traveled, May 2024
This was an incredible tour! Roberto is a fantastic guide, clearly passionate and so excited to share the wonderful Galapagos Islands with everyone. Travelling on the boat was brilliant, definitely maximised our activity time, and no seasickness. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2024
Louise - Traveled, March 2024
My husband and I had the best holiday ever! Our guide Roberto was funny, entertaining and very knowledgeable and the program and accommodation brilliant.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Cheryl - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was fantastic. The terrain was a little rough. The wildlife was wonderful. Saw everything I came there to see . Roberto our guide was excellent and extremely knowledgeable. He compare the galapagos to other areas in the world. Pointed out things I would not of noticed on my own. As a single person I felt very comfortable and safe. Made friends with some nice people. Keep doing what you are doing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Christine - Traveled, May 2024
This is a fantastic way to see a lot of the Galapagos. We were amazed at how different each island was and all the wildlife we saw. A once in a lifetime experience we will never forget!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2024
Larry - Traveled, February 2023
I have always dreamed of visiting The Galapagos since I was a kid watching Jacques Cousteau. In my 50s I finally got there with incredibly high expectations of its wonders and Intrepids tour. Both exceeded expectations beyond belief and I cannot wait to go back for the southern part. Intrepid. Thank You!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2023
Olivia - Traveled, February 2023
This trip was excellent from start to finish. I had high expectations for my once in a lifetime trip to the Galápagos Islands and these were exceeded. Every day just got better and better. A lot of this was thanks to our excellent guide, Roberto, who had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the islands coupled with being a thoroughly lovely person to be around.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2023
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