Intrepid Travel
Galapagos Encounter: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Encounter: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
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.
Activities
- Isla Santa Cruz – Punta Carrion – Snorkelling (1 hour)
- 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
- See nature at its finest as you follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, spotting some of the strangest and most beautiful creatures on Earth in their natural habitats.
- 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.
- Swim with the sea lions of the Galapagos – the puppies of the sea, these creatures are naturally friendly and inquisitive.
- Hike, snorkel, sail and enjoy plenty of free time to unwind on the deck of your motor yacht, with a beer or wine in hand as you birdwatch.
- Island-hop in the most comfortable way aboard the Grand Queen Beatriz – this is unlike other cruises, as this trip is built for small-group adventure!
| 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 |
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 3 |
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 4 |
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| Day 5 |
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 6 |
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/03/25 - 05/08/25 |
Starting At $3,946 |
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|
05/17/25 - 05/22/25 |
Starting At $4,360 |
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|
05/31/25 - 06/05/25 |
Starting At $4,315 |
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|
06/14/25 - 06/19/25 |
Starting At $4,700 |
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|
06/28/25 - 07/03/25 |
Starting At $4,360 |
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|
07/12/25 - 07/17/25 |
Starting At $4,360 |
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|
07/26/25 - 10/04/25 |
Starting At $4,360 |
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|
10/18/25 - 10/23/25 |
Starting At $4,360 |
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|
11/01/25 - 11/29/25 |
Starting At $4,360 |
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|
12/13/25 - 12/18/25 |
Starting At $4,360 |
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|
12/27/25 - 01/01/26 |
Starting At $4,360 |
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|
01/10/26 - 12/26/26 |
Starting At $4,565 |
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Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
