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Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Trip Type: Adventure Cruising|Wildlife|
Ecuador | 6 Days | 1 - 16 People
Starts From:

NZD 5,728.00 /Person

* Sale Price Available

See the natural beauty of the Galapagos on a sailing voyage that takes in the very best of the central islands. Discover heaps of local wildlife li...

Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

See the natural beauty of the Galapagos on a sailing voyage that takes in the very best of the central islands. Discover heaps of local wildlife like sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises and exotic birds of all shapes and sizes. Go snorkelling in the presence of mighty manta rays, turtles and tropical fish. Experience the natural, rugged landscapes of the Galapagos firsthand and see what Charles Darwin saw when he arrived on the isles more than 180 years ago and began formulating the theory of evolution. With each day spent hiking, swimming and snorkelling, this active sailing adventure is one for the nature-lover!

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure begins in Quito – Ecuador’s sprawling capital city. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 or 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and small group of fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe check out the city at your own pace – head to the Old Town and pick one (or more) of the 30 churches to explore. After your meeting, you’ll head to a small, local restaurant for dinner with your group. Take in the aromas and fresh flavours of the traditional Ecuadorian cuisine – think locroc (traditional potato soup) or quinoa, pork and vegetable dishes cooked with herbs, lemongrass and rich sauces, all sourced from local farms.

You have a very early start this morning (maybe as early as 4 am, depending on flight times) as you head into the Galapagos. Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito Airport), with a boxed breakfast on the way. When you arrive, you’ll meet your naturalist guide in the arrival hall. Transfer to your home for the next week – the M/Y Queen Beatriz. Once on board, settle in and then have lunch with your group. After, travel to the highlands of Isla San Cristobal to the site of Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado (Red Hill). This is where the national park has established a breeding program and information centre for tortoises. Here, you can see giant tortoises and learn all about their origin, evolution and their threatened future.

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’s a relatively new island in the archipelago and traces of its volcanic past can be seen everywhere across the lunar-like landscape. Visit Pinnacle Rock – one of the most photographed sites in the Galapagos, this abrupt jag of rock protrudes from the earth like a tooth, close to two golden bays that back onto each other. You can hike to the top of a once-active volcano here (360 wooden steps) for views across to Sullivan Bay, on nearby Santiago Island. If you’re in luck, you might catch a glance of the Galapagos hawk. You also have the option to go snorkelling with plenty of tropical fish, starfish, white-tipped reef sharks, rays and, hopefully, penguins. This afternoon, sail to Bahia Sullivan (also known as James Island). Walk on Pahoe-Hoe lava from an eruption that occurred in 1897 and listen as your guide explains the geological history of the islands. Look out for marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, finches, turtles, sharks and penguins.

Espumilla Beach, on the northern coast of Isla Santiago, is an important nesting site for marine turtles. With large waves, it’s also often a favourite among beach lovers. Here, you might see Galapagos hawks up close as well as ghost crabs, blue-footed boobies (often plunging for fish) and brown pelicans. The area is also well known for its Palo Santo forest and lava formations. Visit Caleta Bucanero (Buccaneer Cove) – a natural monument of rocks caused by sea erosion. This cove was used by pirates to careen their ships and is a place of local legends and stories! It’s also where Darwin camped for nine days while making his study of the islands and their wildlife. If conditions are favourable, you can go snorkelling here. Later, sail to Puerto Egas – the black-sand beach on the west side of the bay near Sugarloaf Volcano. This site is named after Hector Egas who last attempted to mine salt here. The walk along the beach offers hundreds of marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. You’ll also see amazing tidal pools formed from ancient lava flow, home to sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish.

Flights to the mainland depart mid-morning, so an early start is necessary today to make the most of your last day on the islands. You’ll wake up in Isla Santa Cruz and heads to the small town of Puerto Ayora – the economic centre of the archipelago and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. As well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station also makes for interesting exploration and offers an opportunity to see giant tortoises. You may also be able to observe the baby tortoises and land iguanas! After your visit, head to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Tonight, you may like to head out with your group for a farewell dinner and toast to an excellent adventure.

There are no activities planned for today, and your adventure finishes after breakfast this morning. Of course, that doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! Why not stay on in Quito for a few days and discover the charms of the city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Meals
5 Breakfast(s), 3 Lunch(s), 4 Dinner(s)

Transport
Minibus , Plane , Boat , Zodiac

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (3 nights)

Included 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 - Buccaneer's Cove - Panga Ride (45 mins)
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry Landing
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Hike on Bartolome for panoramic views across the island, so you can see the dramatic volcanic landscape from a bird’s eye view.
  • See sea lions and iguanas at Plaza Sur and Santa Fe, then in San Cristobal, meet the grand-daddy of the Galapagos – the giant tortoise.
  • This trip involves lots of active adventure, and we ask that you read through the itinerary carefully to ensure that it is right for you. You’ll need to feel comfortable with the included activities and with moving about the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over three decks, and the steps between the decks are steep. You will enter and exit a Zodiac boat (panga) during wet and dry landings and when returning from snorkelling. Although the waters we sail are usually calm, there are times when the sea can get rough and choppy. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) are needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you. While at sea and exploring the islands, you may be exposed to the sun for large parts of the day. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Please note that while there is an itinerary in place, some changes may occur due to the weather or because of directions from the local authorities. This can happen with little notice, so please be prepared for potential modifications to the route or activities. A sense of humour and flexibility will ensure you have a fun, relaxing trip through this beautiful part of the world, no matter what happens.

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Price: NZD 6,635.00
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Price: NZD 7,280.00
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Price: NZD 7,280.00
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Price: NZD 7,170.00
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NZD 6,030.00 NZD 5,728.00
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Price: NZD 6,620.00

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Price: NZD 6,520.00

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Price: NZD 6,030.00

Price: NZD 6,620.00

Price: NZD 6,620.00

Price: NZD 6,520.00

Price: NZD 6,520.00

Price: NZD 6,030.00

Price: NZD 6,030.00

Price: NZD 6,030.00
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Price: NZD 6,620.00

Price: NZD 6,635.00
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Price: NZD 6,635.00
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Price: NZD 7,170.00

Price: NZD 6,635.00
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Price: NZD 7,280.00

Price: NZD 7,280.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
GMQI
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Quito, Ecuador
Trip Finishes:
Quito, Ecuador
Countries Visited:
Ecuador
map

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Destination Details
Ecuador | 6 Days | 1 - 16 People

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