Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

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Carbon neutral

10 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Quito, Ecuador

Ends

Quito, Ecuador

Highlights

Get a true taste of the Galapagos, sailing through the central and eastern islands and discovering the largely untouched wilderness, home to unique wildlife.

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!

Live on island time, with the opportunity to explore coves, craters and inlets off the beaten track – one of the many benefits of a small group sail.

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.

Itinerary

Trace the footsteps of Charles Darwin on the "Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)," a 10-day sailing trip that reveals the serene and wild heart of the Pacific. Departing from Quito, you’ll explore destinations like Sombrero Chino, North Seymour Island, and more, each offering its own natural wonders.

Enjoy daily adventures that include hiking across sandy beaches and volcanic landscapes, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and observing iconic Galapagos wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and turtles. Guided by a knowledgeable naturalist, you’ll gain insight into the region’s geology and diverse species, all while enjoying the moderate activity level perfect for active travelers seeking both learning and leisure.

The unique selling point of this tour package is its educational focus: you’ll not only witness spectacular wildlife but also understand the forces that shape their world, making it an enriching journey for those who crave both discovery and understanding.

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.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Dinner

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.

included:Isla San Cristobal - Highlands Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing

accommodation:M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

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.

included: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)

accommodation:M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

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.

included: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)

accommodation:M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 5 - Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz Highlands

Wake up in Isla 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 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 up into the highlands for a change of scenery. Beginning at the coast, you'll travel across Santa Cruz through the agricultural region and into the misty forests. This is a lush, humid zone containing miconia bushes, scalesia and inactive volcanic cones. Santa Cruz has more endemic plants than any of the other islands and you’re likely to see Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and maybe even the bright red feathers of a vermillion flycatcher!

included:Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing, Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry Landing

accommodation:M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 6 - North Seymour - Isla Mosquera

Visit North Seymour – one of the most visited islands in the Galapagos. Hike past colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds – sharing the same nesting area on North Seymour, blue-footed boobies nest on the ground making their nests from the twigs of Palo Santos trees, while the frigate birds nest just above them in the saltbushes. After your walk, go snorkelling and see how many colourful fish you can spot, maybe with a few white-tipped reef sharks, rays and sea lions, too. Have lunch, then sail to the small Isla Mosquera. Along the rocks and in the tide pools, Sally Lightfoot crabs (red lava crabs) scamper back and forth, skipping across small pools of water in search of food. The island also has a very large colony of sea lions, as well as a sizeable resident brown pelican population. Depending on the tides and visibility, you may have a chance to go snorkelling in the surrounding turquoise waters.

included:Isla North Seymour - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing, Isla North Seymour - Snorkelling (1 hours), Isla Mosquera - Snorkelling (1 hour), Isla Mosquera - Beach Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing

accommodation:M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 7 - Black Turtle Cove - Cerro Dragon.

Take a panga (Zodiac boat) to Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) – a red mangrove wetland on the north shore of Isla Santa Cruz. Jump in the cove’s peaceful waters to see green turtles – this cove is also a nursery for golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays and Galapagos sharks! There’s also abundant birdlife here, like the yellow warbler and lava heron. This is also a breeding area for turtles, so it’s not uncommon to see them mating. In the afternoon, cruise over for a walk on Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) – one of the best places to see land iguanas. Walk to a brackish lagoon, spotting lagoon birds like stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings and flamingos along the way. Further inland, the trail offers a view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago, which is a nesting site for land iguanas, constantly monitored by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation makes for an ideal place to see Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galapagos flycatcher and yellow warblers.

included:Isla Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - Panga ride (1.5 hours), Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing, Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Snorkelling or swimming (1 hour)

accommodation:M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 8 - Isla Rabida - Sombrero Chino.

Wake up in Sombrero Chino – a small islet near the southeast coast of Santiago, shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from afar. The crescent-shaped sandy beach here is home to sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. On the rocky shoreline of nearby Santiago, you might see some Galapagos penguins, too. When you’re on land, follow a trail that circles the cove and passes through colonies of sea lions and marine iguanas. The cove also offers some great snorkelling opportunities, hopefully with penguins and sharks. Next, sail to the tiny Isla Rabida. Introduced species were eradicated in 1971, meaning that the native wildlife has now been returned to a state of isolation. Additionally, volcanic activity here has produced vivid colours, not least the red sand beaches and scarlet cliffs. Walk along a trail that leads through one of the finest lagoons in the Galapagos for flamingo spotting. Look out for nesting pelicans, pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions as well. There may be the opportunity to go snorkelling in a cove full of sea stars, damsels, gobies and surgeon fish.

included:Isla Santiago - Sombrero Chino - Snorkelling (1 hour), Sombrero Chino - Walk and Panga ride (2 hours) - Wet Landing, Isla Rabida - Snorkelling (1 hour), Isla Rabida - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing

accommodation:M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 9 - Las Bachas - Isla Baltra - 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. Take an early morning excursion to Las Bachas, named after the barges abandoned by the American Navy here in the 1940s. The sandy beaches of Las Bachas on the north shore of Santa Cruz are a nesting site for the Pacific green turtle and home to marine iguanas. The sand here is particularly white and soft as it’s made of decomposed coral. The rocks provide great snorkelling and are the perfect habitat for the Sally Lightfoot crabs, which are plentiful on the island. A saltwater lagoon near the beach is home to flamingos, whimbrels and great blue herons, so keep a look out. You’ll then head to the airport in Baltra for your flight back to Quito. When you arrive, maybe head out for a farewell dinner with the other members of your group.

included:Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet Landing, Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Snorkel (1 hour) - Wet Landing

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 10 - 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.

meals:1 Breakfast

Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (7 nights)

Meals

9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners

Transport

Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Isla San Cristobal - Highlands Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Santiago - Sullivan Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Bartolome - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Bartolome - Snorkelling (1.5 hours)Isla Bartolome - Panga ride (30 mins)Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Walk (1.45 hours) - Wet LandingIsla 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 - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry LandingIsla North Seymour - Walk (2 hours) - Dry LandingIsla North Seymour - Snorkelling (1 hours)Isla Mosquera - Snorkelling (1 hour)Isla Mosquera - Beach Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet LandingIsla Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - Panga ride (1.5 hours)Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry LandingIsla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Snorkelling or swimming (1 hour)Isla Santiago - Sombrero Chino - Snorkelling (1 hour)Sombrero Chino - Walk and Panga ride (2 hours) - Wet LandingIsla Rabida - Snorkelling (1 hour)Isla Rabida - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet LandingIsla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet LandingIsla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Snorkel (1 hour) - Wet Landing

What's Excluded

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