Treasures of Galapagos: Western & Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

13 days
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Small Group Tour
Embark on an immersive 13-day Adventure Cruise through the Galapagos Islands and experience the natural world in all its glory. Encounter diverse wildlife, from lumbering giant tortoises and sunbathing sea lions to scuttling crabs and blue-footed boobies. Wander through lava flow on Las Tintoreras, snorkel in the waters of protected cove Punta Carrion, and st...
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$9,141
From$7,432
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Encounter 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.
    • Watch ponderous Galapagos tortoises at all stages of life and development in breeding centres, then search for these ancient creatures in the wild highlands of Isla Santa Cruz.
    • The sea lions of the Galapagos are famously inquisitive creatures. Don’t be surprised if they swim over to check you out while you’re in the water!
    • This tour combines active adventure with pure relaxation, including plenty of free time to unwind on the deck with a beer in hand in between hikes and snorkelling sessions.
    • Island-hopping has never been easier (or more environmentally friendly) than in our compact, custom-built ship the Grand Queen Beatriz.
    • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, The Galapagos Conservancy. Donations support their Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, providing capital for sustainability initiatives and empowering female entrepreneurs in the Galapagos. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

What's this trip about?

    Embark on an immersive 13-day Adventure Cruise through the Galapagos Islands and experience the natural world in all its glory. Encounter diverse wildlife, from lumbering giant tortoises and sunbathing sea lions to scuttling crabs and blue-footed boobies. Wander through lava flow on Las Tintoreras, snorkel in the waters of protected cove Punta Carrion, and stick your toes in the olivine-crystal sands of Punta Cormorant. This itinerary allows plenty of time to absorb the spoils of this unique, wildlife-rich archipelago. Cruise into another world for the trip of a lifetime.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityQuito
End CityQuito

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Darwin
  • Galapagos
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Isla Santa Fe
  • Isla Santiago
  • Puerto Villamil
  • Quito
  • San Cristobal
  • Santa Cruz
  • Santiago

Trip includes

    • 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 - 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
    • 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 - Buccaneer's Cove - Panga Ride (45 mins)
    • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry Landing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Quito

Welcome to Quito! On arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure until a welcome meeting this evening. The meeting will be held at either 5 pm or 6 pm, please check wi...

Day 2 Isla Baltra/Punta Carrion

Rise and shine for a very early airport transfer. The pick-up time can be as early as 4.30 am, which is necessary in order to guarantee timely arrival at the airport and make the most of your precious time in the Galapagos. Your leader will confirm the exact time of d...

Day 3 Isla Isabela/Las Tintoreras/Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre

Today you will 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 of which are still considered active. The island is in one of the youngest geological areas in the world,...

Day 4 Isla Floreana/Post Office Bay/Devil's Crown/Punta Cormorant

The island of Floreana is a highlight of any Galapagos cruise, rich in natural wonders and wildlife even by the high standards set by the archipelago. Enjoy a panga ride around the loberia to observe marine iguanas, sea lions and crabs before taking a leisurely walk t...

Day 5 Isla Santa Cruz/Charles Darwin Station/Santa Cruz Highlands

Today you will visit Santa Cruz, the second-largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. As well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station also mak...

Day 6 Isla Santa Fe/Isla Plaza Sur

Isla Santa Fe is home to many sea lions and these ones are very eager for swimming partners! It’s a lovely place to take a dip, offers a dense concentration of wildlife, and is a fantastic place to see many of the stars of the Galapagos in one relatively small area. E...

Day 7 Isla Espanola/Bahia Gardner/Punta Suarez

After an overnight sail, you will wake up on the island of Espanola – the southernmost island of the Galapagos and one of the most spectacular. Because of its remote location, this island has a large population of endemic fauna. It is the breeding site for nearly all ...

Day 8 Isla San Cristobal/Leon Dormido/Isla Lobos/Punta Pitt

Make a morning visit to Punta Pitt on the eastern end of Isla San Cristobal. Walk to the top of the volcanic hill for expansive views of the sparsely vegetated area. A variety of seabirds nest here, including blue-footed boobies and frigates. You will then navigate c...

Day 9 Isla San Cristobal

Visit San Cristobal Interpretation Center in the morning. This information hub brings the history and geography of the archipelago to life, from its volcanic origins to the present day. The human history exhibit offers an insight into the discovery and colonisation of...

Day 10 Bartolome/Bahia Sullivan

Bartolome is one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the Galapagos, full of parasitic spatter cones, lava flows, Galapagos penguins and lava lizards. It is a relatively new island in the archipelago and traces of its volcanic past can be seen everywhere ac...

Day 11 Isla Santiago/Espumilla Beach/Buccaneer Cove/Puerto Egas

Today you will visit some wonderful places. Espumilla Beach, on the northern coast of Isla Santiago in James Bay, is one of the most idyllic locations in the Galapagos Islands and an important nesting site for marine turtles. With large waves, it is also often a favou...

Day 12 Isla Santa Cruz/Puerto Ayora

Flights to mainland Ecuador from the Galapagos Islands depart mid-morning, so an early start is necessary to make the most of today’s visit to the small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. As...

Day 13 Quito

There are no activities planned for today. If you plan on staying in Quito, why not book yourself an Urban Adventure tour that shows you a different side of Ecuador – a bustling city! A Legends and Culture tour will show you the secrets of the Old Town and stories of ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,432
Price per day$572
Last Updated: 10/11/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
16 Nov 2024
28 Nov 2024
$11,165
16 Nov 2024
28 Nov 2024
$11,165
16 Nov 2024
28 Nov 2024
$11,015
16 Nov 2024
28 Nov 2024
$11,015
16 Nov 2024
28 Nov 2024
$10,665
16 Nov 2024
28 Nov 2024
$10,665
30 Nov 2024
12 Dec 2024
$10,665
30 Nov 2024
12 Dec 2024
$10,665
30 Nov 2024
12 Dec 2024
$11,165
30 Nov 2024
12 Dec 2024
$11,165

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Aug 2024

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Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights),Overnight boat (10 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Minibus,Boat,Plane,Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

Minibus,Boat,Plane,Zodiac
Guides
On our Galapagos trips you will be meet on arrival by our experienced local representatives. They will conduct the group briefing on the evening of day 1 of the trip and also transfer with you to the airport on day 2 for your flight to the Galapagos. On arrival in the Galapagos you will be met your Guide. Our Guides are registered and trained in conservation and natural sciences by the Charles Darwin Foundation and licensed by the Galapagos National Park Service. The Guide will be on board with you for the duration of the trip and will accompany you on all excursions. Our boats are also staffed by highly experienced shipboard staff and crew.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: The Ecuadorian government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers entering Ecuador. Proof of insurance may be requested at upon entering the country by immigration officials.
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hotel Le Parc
  • República de El Salvador N34-349 & Irlanda
  • Quito
  • ECUADOR
  • Phone: +593 22276800
Trip ID
intrepid-GMQJ

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