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Discover wildlife at its finest in the Central Galapagos Islands
From Quito, discover the wonders of the Galapagos Islands, located in the equatorial water of the Pacific Ocean. As you board your vessel – the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz – and follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, begin to encounter nature at its finest. Sea lions and iguanas await at Plaza Sur and Santa Fe, whilst in San Cristobal, meet the father of the Galapagos – the giant tortoise. A hike on Bartolome offers panoramic views across some of the other islands, showcasing the dramatic volcanic landscape.
- Start
- Quito, Ecuador
- Finish
- Quito, Ecuador
- Destination
- Ecuador
- Style
- Peregrine
- Theme
- Adventure Cruising, Wildlife
- Code
- PSGQI
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 16
Why you'll love this trip
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As you board your vessel – the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz – and follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, you will encounter nature at its finest.
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Explore the islands from on deck, on foot and in the water, no doubt with your eyes open for your next unique sight.
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Sea lions and iguanas await you at Plaza Sur and Santa Fe, whilst in San Cristobal you meet the grand-daddy of the Galapagos – the giant tortoise.
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A hike on Bartolome offers panoramic views across some of the other islands, showcasing the dramatic volcanic landscape. This is indeed the Galapagos journey with something for everyone.
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With included return flights from the country's highland capital, Quito, why not consider extending your stay and seeing the best to offer in Ecuador?
Is this trip right for you?
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Please read the itinerary carefully to ensure that you are comfortable with the level of physical activity on this trip, including moving about the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over four decks, and the steps between the decks are steep.
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You will be entering and exiting 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.
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A typical yacht/boat for sixteen travellers is equipped with eight cabins each with ensuites. They are designed to maximise living area space, so sleeping quarters can be a bit cramped. That being said, the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic Galapagos trip more than makes up for any discomfort.
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While at sea and when 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.
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Please note that while there is an itinerary in place, some changes may occur due to the weather or because of direction 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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All of our Galapagos tours begin and end in Quito which is located approximately 2850 metres above sea level so you may experience some altitude sickness.
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Boats

Grand Queen Beatriz
Experience the ‘Enchanted Islands’ in our new custom-built yacht, the Grand Queen Beatriz.
Itinerary
Accommodation
- Hotel Le Parc, Quito (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
Please check with hotel reception or check the reception notice boards for the time and place of the meeting for your trip. As today is an arrival day, you can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).Quito is located at 2850 metres above sea level. At this altitude you may experience some of the milder effects of altitude sickness, such as dizziness, insomnia and a shortness of breath. If so, we recommend you avoid any strenuous activity. Please see the 'Medical and Health Information' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Accommodation
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
- Isla San Cristobal - Highlands Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Today is predominately a long travel day with an early morning start. Your first activity on the islands will not commence until after lunch.The airline we use to and from the Galapagos islands will provide a small snack but because it is such a long travel day we recommend that you carry your own snacks as well. The snacks they do provide are not gluten free. Please also keep in mind that the Galapagos has strict quarantine regulations for bringing food onto the islands with many fruits and vegetables being on the restricted list. There will be time after check-in and before departure to buy snacks.
A USD 20 per person transit card is payable on departure at Quito Airport and a USD 100 per person national park entry fee is payable on arrival on the islands. Please have cash on hand for these transactions as credit cards are not accepted.
Estimated travel time/distance:
Puerto Baquerizo (Isla San Cristobal) to Bartolome: 8 hours (70 nautical miles)
Accommodation
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
- 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)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Estimated travel time/distance:Bartolome to Isla Santiago (Bahia Sullivan): 0.5 hours (1 nautical mile)
Isla Santiago (Bahia Sullivan) to Espumilla Beach: 3 hours (25 nautical miles)
Accommodation
- M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)
Included Activities
- Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Walk (1.45 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Santiago - Puerto Egas - Snorkelling (1 hour)
- Isla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Snorkelling (45 mins)
- Isla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Estimated travel time/distance:Espumilla Beach to Bucaneer Cove: 0.5 hours (1 nautical mile)
Bucaneer Cove to Puerto Egas: 0.5 hours (1 nautical mile)
Puerto Egas to Puerto Ayora: 7 hours (60 nautical miles)
Accommodation
- Hotel Le Parc, Quito (1 night)
Included Activities
- Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (3 hours) - Dry Landing
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Today is predominately a long travel day with an early morning start. There will be a short morning activity before our mid-morning flight back to the mainland. The flight back to Quito is not due to arrive until late afternoon getting back to the hotel in time for an optional final group dinner.As you will be leaving the boat this morning, please remember that if you have enjoyed the services provided by your guide and crew, a tip would be very much appreciated by them. As a guideline we recommend each passenger consider USD 15 per day for the crew and USD 10 per day for your guide. You can leave tips in envelopes that are placed in your cabin on the last day of your journey.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
All travel times/distances and activity durations are approximate only and subject to change.Meals
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinnersTransport
Minibus, Boat, Plane, ZodiacAccommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (3 nights)Included Activities
- 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 - Snorkelling (45 mins)
- Isla Sanitago - Espumilla Beach - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (3 hours) - Dry Landing
Dates & availability - 2021 season
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz) trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
Jump to a departure month
Important notes
COVID-19 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Ecuador has implemented COVID-19 testing requirements for entry to the country, including special conditions for Galapagos. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advice for the most up to date information.
FELLOW TRAVELLERS
Your group will be a mixture of Peregrine booked passengers and other international like-minded travellers from our sister company Intrepid Travel.
GALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARD & ISLA ISABELA PORT FEES:
Before checking in for the flight from Quito to the Galapagos, there is a USD 20 transit fee that needs to be paid. On arrival in the islands you must pay the USD 100 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park. If your voyage visits Isla Isabela, there is also a USD 10 fee to be paid on arrival at the island.
PASSPORT DETAILS
When booking, please make sure that your name is spelt correctly, and that you book using the name in your passport (particularly if you are recently married). If you are issued a new passport with a different number between the time that you book and the time you travel, please take both the old and new passports with you.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Should you have a special diet requirement (for example vegetarian, coeliac, vegan, severe food allergies) it's essential that you inform us or your agent of the specific details at least 10 days prior to departure, in order to make sure the chef on board the boat or on the island can request the necessary food supplies.
MINIMUM AGE
The minimum age on this trip is 15. Please note that triple cabins are not available. If travelling with a child, the child will need to share with one of the adults, and the other adult will share with another adult passenger, or pay a single supplement.
SEA SICKNESS IN THE GALAPAGOS
Please note that from June to August the water is rougher than usual. Consequently travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.
DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS
We do not offer diving as a part of our Galapagos program and due to our internal safety policy our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity.

Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information