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Peregrine Travel Centre

Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

From $ 5,839 AUD

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Description

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!

Trip Name
Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
6
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • 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.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. The maritime component of this trip is operated by a fully licensed Ecuadorian shipping operator. The Captain of the vessel will do all that is possible to adhere to the outlined itinerary however it may be changed without notice due inclement weather or changes to the Galapagos National Park's regulations. We ask you for your patience and understanding with any changes outside our control. Any changes to the itinerary will be undertaken with your safety and comfort in mind. There may be some early starts to the day for the scheduled activities to be conducted as per the itinerary due to specific visiting hours for some sites. All travel distances/times and durations for the activities listed in the trip notes are a guide only and are subject to change. FAMILIES TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN Families can travel with children who are 12 years and above on our Galapagos islands cruising trips. There are multiple snorkelling activities on this trip, so we recommend everyone has a good level of swimming ability if they wish to participate in the snorkelling activities. The snorkelling can start at the beach or straight from the zodiacs in deep open water. Life jackets are always available if you prefer to wear one while snorkelling. Children must be accompanied, by their guardian throughout the trip, both on and off the boat which includes during the snorkelling activities. Please discuss cabin options with your sales consultant at time of booking if you are travelling with children. We do not have interconnecting rooms available onboard so if your family requires multiple cabins, please note these may not be available next to each other. Your sales consultant will be able to provide you with the available cabin options and where they are located on the boat at time of booking. We can provide twin and double bed cabins – there are no triple share cabins on this boat. If your family consists of 2 adults and one child, the child must share with one of the adults and the other adult has the option to be paired up with another solo adult of the same gender or pay a single supplement to have their own cabin.

Day 1 - Quito
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.
Day 2 - Quito - Isla San Cristobal
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.
Day 3 - 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’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.
Day 4 - Isla Santiago - Espumilla Beach - Buccaneer Cove - Puerto Egas
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.
Day 5 - Isla Santa Cruz - Quito.
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.
Day 6 - Quito
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 5,839-
19-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 6,379-
19-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 6,379-
19-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 6,289-
19-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 6,289-
19-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 5,839-
11-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 6,289-
11-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 5,839-
11-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 5,839-
11-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 6,379-
11-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 6,379-
11-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 6,289-
25-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 5,839-
25-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 6,379-
25-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 6,379-
25-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 6,289-
25-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 6,289-
25-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 5,839-
08-11-202513-11-2025AUD $ 5,839-
08-11-202513-11-2025AUD $ 6,379-
08-11-202513-11-2025AUD $ 6,379-
08-11-202513-11-2025AUD $ 6,289-
08-11-202513-11-2025AUD $ 6,289-
08-11-202513-11-2025AUD $ 5,839-
22-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 5,839-
22-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 6,379-
22-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 6,379-
22-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 6,289-
22-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 6,289-
22-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 5,839-
06-12-202511-12-2025AUD $ 5,839-
06-12-202511-12-2025AUD $ 6,379-
06-12-202511-12-2025AUD $ 6,379-
06-12-202511-12-2025AUD $ 6,289-
06-12-202511-12-2025AUD $ 6,289-
06-12-202511-12-2025AUD $ 5,839-
20-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 5,839-
20-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 6,379-
20-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 6,379-
20-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 6,289-
20-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 6,289-
20-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 5,839-
28-03-202602-04-2026AUD $ 6,378-

Accommodation

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

Transport

Minibus,Plane,Boat,Zodiac

Map

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