Intrepid Travel
Classic Galapagos: Central Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Classic Galapagos: Central Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Set sail on a 10-day adventure cruise 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 and underwater ecosystems of colourful marine life. 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’ most naturally beautiful islands, so sit back and relax, because it’s all smooth sailing from here!
Activities
- 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 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
Highlights
- Experience the benefits of small group travel aboard your vessel, the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, as you sail through the natural landscapes and seascapes of the Galapagos.
- 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 take your place in history 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.
| 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 |
If you go to the Galapagos Islands, chances are you will fly into Baltra, the archipelago's primary airport. Also known as South Seymour, Baltra acts as an Ecuadorian military base. The airport was originally created by the U.S. military during World War II to serve as a base to protect the Panama Canal. |
| Day 3 |
Sea lions and birds populate Ecuador's North Seymour Island. |
| Day 4 |
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 5 |
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 6 |
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 7 |
Isabella Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabella is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
On Isabella's west coast lies Tagus Cove, a natural protected harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night and left their ships' signatures painted on the rocks. Near Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point is a birdwatcher's delight. Further inland, visitors will find six volcanoes, five of which are still active and two that sit directly on the Equator. At the base of Alcedo Volcano is Urbina Bay, a perfect spot for snorkeling and home to the biggest land iguanas in the Galapagos. To the north, located at the "mouth" of the island, is Punta Vicente Roca. Although it's a marine-only site (meaning it can only be accessed via dinghy or SCUBA diving), the formation nonetheless draws plenty of visitors eager to see its spectacular sea life - penguins, seahorses, sea turtles, sunfish, and more. |
| Day 8 |
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| 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/27/25 - 06/05/25 |
Starting At $7,951 |
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|
06/24/25 - 07/03/25 |
Starting At $7,406 |
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|
07/08/25 - 07/17/25 |
Starting At $7,884 |
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|
07/22/25 - 07/31/25 |
Starting At $7,884 |
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|
10/14/25 - 10/23/25 |
Starting At $7,806 |
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|
10/28/25 - 11/25/25 |
Starting At $8,026 |
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|
12/09/25 - 12/18/25 |
Starting At $7,007 |
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|
12/23/25 - 01/01/26 |
Starting At $8,810 |
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|
01/20/26 - 01/29/26 |
Starting At $8,605 |
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|
02/03/26 - 02/12/26 |
Starting At $8,605 |
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