Galapagos Encounter: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Encounter: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
6 Days Starting and ending in Quito
Visiting: Quito, Isla Baltra - Punta Carrion, Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Devil's Crown - Punta Cormorant, Isla Santa Cruz
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GMQH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Tick the Galapagos off your list on this week-long sailing voyage that takes in the very best of the southern islands. Rub shoulders with the local wildlife as sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises and exotic birds of all shapes and sizes go about their daily business. Go snorkelling near mighty manta rays, turtles and tropical fish fill. Experience firsthand the natural, rugged landscapes of the Galapagos and see what Charles Darwin saw when he arrived on the isles more than 180 years ago and go hiking to discover the changing and unique landscapes of this incredible part of the world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2: Isla Baltra - Punta Carrion
Location: Isla Baltra - Punta Carrion
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 a short distance away to Isla Baltra, where you’ll board your home for the adventure – M/Y Queen Beatriz. Once on board, settle in and then have lunch with your group. After, you’ll sail to Punta Carrion – on the eastern side of the Itabaca Channel that separates the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz. This is a shallow and protected cove, ideal for your first snorkel and swim in the Galapagos! From the vantage point of your boat, wildlife is plentiful, so keep your eyes peeled for occasional sights of blue-footed boobies, Galapagos herons and great blue herons, while under the surface swim rays and white-tipped reef sharks. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome cocktail during the crew’s onboard presentation.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
Location: Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up on the south Coast of Isla Isabela – the largest island of the Galapagos archipelago. Isabela was formed by five giant volcanic craters, all still considered active. The island is located in one of the youngest geological areas in the world, having been formed less than 1 million years ago and the southern coast has the largest area of beaches in the Galapagos. You’ll visit Las Tintoreras, heading to a viewing walkway where you can see a colony of white-tipped reef sharks swimming and sleeping. Take a long walk through lava flows and see the resident blue-footed boobies, penguins, marine iguanas and crabs. In the afternoon, take another walk through a coastal lagoon, where you might see some flamingos. This mangrove-lined path leads to Isabela’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center (Arnoldo Tupiza) where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. You’ll then have the choice to go swimming at the beach or head out for some shopping in Puerto Villamil.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Devil's Crown - Punta Cormorant
Location: Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Devil's Crown - Punta Cormorant
Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Accommodation Name: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Isla Floreana is a highlight of any Galapagos cruise, rich in natural wonders and wildlife. Today you’ll take a panga ride around the bay to see marine iguanas, sea lions and crabs before taking a leisurely walk to Post Office Bay, where 18th century whalers used a barrel as an unofficial mail drop. This custom continues today with visitors to the Galapagos – post one of your own or see if there are any you could deliver back home! You’ll also have the chance to go snorkelling with sea turtles. Today you might also be lucky enough to see pink flamingos and other water birds wading in the lagoons, including pintails and stilts. Just offshore, the Devil’s Crown is an old eroded volcanic cone and a popular roosting site for seabirds like boobies, pelicans and frigates. Go snorkelling in the cone, full of sea lions and colourful fish, for maybe the best underwater experience of the adventure! Later, you’ll head to Punta Cormorant, where the sand is made up of olivine crystals (a glassy volcanic mineral), giving the beach an olive-green colour.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Isla Santa Cruz
Location: Isla Santa Cruz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. You’ll wake up in Isla Santa Cruz and heads to the small town of Puerto Ayora – 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 to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Tonight, you may like to head out with your group for a farewell dinner and toast to an excellent adventure.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Quito
Location: Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (3 nights) -
Meals
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners -
Isla Santa Cruz - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)
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Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
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Isla Isabela - Arnolda Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center including Flamingo Lagoon (2 hours) - Dry Landing
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Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
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Isla Floreana - Punta Cormorant walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
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Isla Floreana - Devil's Crown snorkelling (1 hour)
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Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay snorkelling (45 mins)
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Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry Landing
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
Isla Santa Cruz - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras visit (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Isabela - Arnolda Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center including Flamingo Lagoon (2 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Isabela - Concha y Perla beach visit or snorkelling (1.5 hours)Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet LandingIsla Floreana - Punta Cormorant walk (1.5 hours) - Wet LandingIsla Floreana - Devil's Crown snorkelling (1 hour)Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay snorkelling (45 mins)Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (3 hours) - Dry Landing
Transport
The Grand Queen Beatriz is a modern motor yacht. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, a jacuzzi as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned cabins and yet, at 41 metres, she is small enough for us to offer an individual level of service. She's just perfect for a more personal look at this great marine reserve.Cabins:4xStandard twin cabins2xJunior Suite cabins2xDeluxe Balcony cabinsAll cabins are fully air-conditioned with private facilitiesSpecifications:Built: 2017Length: 40.96 mBeam: 9 mEngines: 2Speed: 12 knotsPassengers: 16Crew: 8 + 1 English speaking naturalist guideZodiacs (locally known as pangas) are modest-sized, open, outboard-powered boats which are very common throughout Galapagos. The boats are used to get you to and from the Grand Queen Bea when you do activities. Depending on the type of activity, this could either be a wet or dry landing. The boat crew are there to assist you getting into and out of the zodiac.
Accommodation
The Queen Beatriz features large en suite cabins all with individual air conditioning and ocean views, There are 3 standard twin cabins, 2 deluxe twin cabins, 2 deluxe double cabins (couples only!) and 1 suite (double bed). The deluxe cabins have private balconies and the suite is more spacious and has a small lounge area. All cabins are equipped with a safety deposit box, hair dryers and toiletries.The stylish modern design of the Grand Queen Beatriz features large en suite cabins all with individual air conditioning and ocean views. There are 4 Standard twin cabins on the main deck and on the upper deck there are 2 Junior Suite cabins and 2 deluxe balcony cabins. The upper deck cabins all have private balconies. All cabins are equipped with a safety deposit box, hair dryers and toiletries.
Important Information
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.
Mode of Transport
The Grand Queen Beatriz is a modern motor yacht. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, a jacuzzi* as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned cabins and yet, at 41 metres, she is small enough for us to offer an individual level of service. She's just perfect for a more personal look at this great marine reserve.Cabins:2xStandard twin cabins2xstandard double cabins2xJunior Suite cabins (1 twin & 1 double)2xDeluxe Balcony cabins (1 twin & 1 double)All cabins are fully air-conditioned with private facilitiesSpecifications:Built: 2017Length: 40.96 mBeam: 9 mEngines: 2Speed: 12 knotsPassengers: 16Crew: 8 + 1 English speaking naturalist guideZodiacs (locally known as pangas) are modest-sized, open, outboard-powered boats which are very common throughout Galapagos. The boats are used to get you to and from the Grand Queen Bea when you do activities. Depending on the type of activity, this could either be a wet or dry landing. The boat crew are there to assist you getting into and out of the zodiac.*Please note the jacuzzi can only be used when the boat is stationary. This will be while you are doing an activity or excursion and pre and post some meals (if you’ve decided to sit out an activity or excursion you will also be able to use the jacuzzi). If you wish to use the jacuzzi please speak to the Guide or a crew member who will organise for it to be filled and switched on. At no time should a passenger use or fill the jacuzzi without notifying a crew member. Before the boat weighs anchor the jacuzzi will be emptied to prevent spillage once the boat is underway
Check out our Q&As
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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 it 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. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions