Intrepid Travel
Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
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.
Activities
- Isla San Cristobal – Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) – Dry Landing
- 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 – 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)
- Isla Santa Cruz – Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) – Dry Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz – Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) – 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
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.
| Day 1 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Day 2 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Day 3 |
Though Santiago Island is uninhabited and has comparatively little vegetation, it draws a good number of visitors on cruises through the Galapagos Islands. The island consists of two overlapping volcanoes, and the resulting rock formations provide some fascinating landscapes. It's also a great location for bird watching and scuba diving. |
| Day 4 |
Flanked by the Chilean Coast Range and the snowy Andes, Chile's largest metropolis offers a dazzling array of sights and attractions for visitors to pursue. Mirrored skyscrapers, 16th-century churches, hip cafes, dance clubs... and did we mention the delicious Chilean cuisine? Must-sees in scenic Santiago include the famous city center Plaza de Armas, Parque Tupahue with its zoo and cable cars, and San Cristóbal Hill, with its hikes and widescreen city views. |
| Day 5 |
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| Day 6 |
Sea lions and birds populate Ecuador's North Seymour Island. |
| Day 7 |
Isla Santa Cruz, or Santa Cruz Island, is one of the Galápagos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador. This tropical and volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean is the typical starting place for excursions throughout the Galápagos Islands and is famous for its spectacular biodiversity, especially the iconic Galápagos tortoises. Highlights of Santa Cruz Island include the Charles Darwin Research Station, the town of Puerto Ayora, Carrion Point lagoon, and Tortuga Bay. |
| Day 8 |
Rabida Island, part of the Galápagos archipelago in Ecuador, offers an extraordinary glimpse into the natural beauty and biodiversity that make these islands famous. Known for its striking reddish-brown volcanic soil, Rabida Island stands out with its dramatic landscape and rich array of wildlife. The island’s distinctive color is due to its high iron content, creating a vivid contrast with the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can explore its unique terrain through guided hikes and scenic walks along its rugged coastline. For a deeper understanding of the island’s geological formation, the nearby cliffs and volcanic features provide excellent educational opportunities. Wildlife enthusiasts will be enchanted by the diverse species that inhabit Rabida. The island is renowned for its large population of sea lions, which can be observed lounging on the beaches or playfully interacting with snorkelers. Birdwatchers will also find Rabida to be a treasure trove, with opportunities to spot red-footed boobies, finches, and the Galápagos hawk. The island’s mangroves and saltwater lagoons further enhance its appeal, attracting a variety of bird species and providing stunning photographic opportunities. A highlight of visiting Rabida is the opportunity to snorkel in its clear waters, which teem with colorful fish, sea turtles, and occasionally even sharks. The island’s coral reefs are home to an array of marine life, making snorkeling and diving experiences both exhilarating and memorable. The shallow waters near the shore are perfect for beginners, while more experienced divers can explore the deeper, more challenging spots. Fun fact: Rabida Island is one of the few places in the Galápagos where you can see the rare and endangered Galápagos fur seal. This seal, smaller and darker than its counterparts, is a true testament to the islands' unique ecosystem. |
| Day 9 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Day 10 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/07/25 - 06/16/25 |
Starting At $8,810 |
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|
06/21/25 - 06/30/25 |
Starting At $8,735 |
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|
07/05/25 - 12/06/25 |
Starting At $8,205 |
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|
01/03/26 - 12/19/26 |
Starting At $8,605 |
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Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
