Intrepid Travel
Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Cruise the Galapagos and discover the native wildlife on this seven-day sailing adventure around the southern end of the archipelago. Meet giant tortoises that inhabit Isla San Cristobal, watch blue-footed boobies dance the booby two-step and wander the unfamiliar environment that characterises these far-flung islands. Every day you’ll wake up to a different view out the window from the comforts of the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz. Sail past the volcanic Punta Pitt, swim with sea lions at Bahia Gardner, and hike past prickly pear cacti on Isla Santa Fe. Prepare to head on the adventure of a lifetime and become a Galapagos explorer!
Activities
- Isla Santa Cruz – Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) – Dry Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz – Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) – Dry Landing
- Isla Plaza Sur – Walk (2 hours) – Dry Landing
- Isla Santa Fe – Panga ride (45 mins)
- Isla Santa Fe – Walk (1.5 hours) – Wet Landing
- Isla Espanola – Punta Suarez – Walk (3 hours) – Dry Landing
- Isla Espanola – Bahia Gardener – Snorkel (1 hour)
- Isla Espanola – Bahia Gardener – Walk (1 hours) – Wet Landing
- Isla San Cristobal – Punta Pitt – Walk (2 hours) – Wet Landing
- Isla San Cristobal – Isla Lobos – Walk (1 hour) – Dry Landing
- San Cristobal – Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock)
- Isla Isabela – Interpretation Center Visit
Highlights
- Keep an eye out for your next glimpse of Galapagos penguins, sea lions or albatross. In the air, on land and underwater, you’ll constantly be surrounded by unique wildlife!
- Cruise in small-scale style on the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, following in the footsteps of past explorers and passing the best of the southern islands.
- Roam Isla Plaza Sur – a small island packed full of wildlife – and get close to sea lions, walk trails past one of the Galapagos’ largest land iguana populations and visit the rugged southern cliffs that are home of old and young sea lions known as the ‘Gentlemen’s Club.’
- Go exotic bird watching off the coast of Isla Espanola, where you may see the unique waved albatrosses, blue-footed boobies and masked boobies.
- Learn about the geography and history of the Galapagos at the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, where you’ll learn more about past explorers and expeditions and how your journey shapes up to theirs.
| 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 |
On South Plaza Island, sea lions breed all along the low lying northern coast. These sheer cliffs are home for swallow-tail gulls and the beautiful red billed tropic birds. The landscape is dominated by optunia cactus trees. A look under each tree reveals a land iguana patiently waiting for a succulent cactus pad to fall. |
| Day 4 |
Española Island lies in the southeastern part of the Galápagos archipelago. Highlights of this tropical paradise include Punta Suarez, a popular scenic point for bird watching, and the beaches of Bahía Gardner on the island's north coast. |
| Day 5 |
At the northeastern tip of San Cristobal Island, Punta Pitt is known as the only place where one can spot all three species of boobies: blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies and Nazca Boobies. Along with bird-watching, the area offers opportunities for snorkeling and beautiful views of this remote part of the Galapagos National Park. |
| 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! |
| Day 7 |
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/06/25 - 05/12/25 |
Starting At $5,202 |
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|
05/20/25 - 05/26/25 |
Starting At $5,051 |
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|
06/03/25 - 10/07/25 |
Starting At $5,305 |
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|
10/21/25 - 10/27/25 |
Starting At $5,755 |
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|
11/04/25 - 12/02/25 |
Starting At $5,305 |
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|
12/16/25 - 12/22/25 |
Starting At $5,305 |
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|
12/30/25 - 01/05/26 |
Starting At $5,305 |
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|
01/13/26 - 12/29/26 |
Starting At $5,560 |
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Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
