Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

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10 Days From

$8205

Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

10 Days Starting and ending in Quito

Visiting: Quito, Isla Baltra - Punta Carrion, Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Devil's Crown - Punta Cormorant., Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz Highlands., Isla Santa Fe - Isla Plaza Sur, Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardner - Punta Suarez, Isla San Cristobal - Leon Dormido - Isla Lobos - Punta Pitt, Fly from San Cristobal to Quito.

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

GMQA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

12-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Expedition Cruising

From: $8205

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Experience the tranquil shores and unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands as you drift across the Pacific Ocean on this 10-day sailing adventure. The beauty of these Ecuadorian isles is something to behold from aboard the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz. Retrace the 180-year-old voyage of Charles Darwin by sea, witness the impressive giant tortoises and go birdwatching for blue-footed boobies and frigate birds on the shores. Each day, a new view will greet you out your cabin window, with a new adventure to embark on. As far as Galapagos adventures go, this trip is nothing but smooth sailing.

Highlights

  • Board your vessel, M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, and sail through the southern islands of the archipelago, encountering secluded natural beauty at its finest.

  • Explore the islands on deck, on foot and in the water, keeping your eyes wide open for your next memorable bird or water mammal sighting.

  • Encounter Galapagos’s wildlife, including giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, as well as iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and sea turtles.

  • Spend time land side on the islands, with expeditions through mangroves and misty forests, passing unique flora, such as opuntia cacti and miconia bushes, and gazing across the coastline from scenic lookouts.

  • Swim through a colourful underwater ecosystem when snorkelling in one of the many coves – a playful sea lion might get in your way!

  • 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.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

Welcome to Quito! On arrival at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.

A welcome meeting will be held in the evening at either 5 pm or 6 pm when you meet others travelling with you on your tour of the Galapagos Islands. After your welcome meeting, head out with your local leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional flavours and get to know you group as you settle into the coming adventure.

Quito sits at high altitude under the towering Pichincha volcano. It is a beautiful city, arguably one of the most beautiful in South America. The city stretches along the valley and is surrounded by the Andes. The Old Town of Quito is awash with history, with more than 30 churches to explore, and a number of fascinating museums. La Compania de Jesus is considered to be the most beautiful and ornate churches in the Americas. The city's oldest street, Calle La Ronda, is well worth exploring.

Day 2: Isla Baltra - Punta Carrion

Location: Isla Baltra - Punta Carrion

Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Please note the pick-up time could be as early as 4.30 am (a boxed breakfast will be provided), as the airport is a one-hour drive away and you must allow for delays and check-in times. (Your tour leader will confirm this time with you at the welcome meeting).

The flight to the Galapagos will make one stop in Guayaquil to pick up other passengers. (Total flight time is about 3.5 hours).

On arrival in the Galapagos you will be met in the arrivals hall and then transferred to your vessel, M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, anchored a short distance away on Isla Baltra. Once on board you’ll be assigned your cabins, meet the crew members and have a welcome briefing and safety drill, before getting to know your naturalist guide and fellow travellers over a delicious lunch.

Your first stop in the afternoon will be Punta Carrion, located on the eastern side of the Itabaca channel that separates the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz. This is a shallow and protected cove, ideal for your first snorkel and swim in the Galapagos. From the boat, wildlife is plentiful – keep your eyes peeled for occasional sightings of stunning blue-footed boobies, Galapagos herons, great blue herons and, underwater, swim among rays and white-tipped reef sharks.

Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail and crew presentation on board.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Baltra to Punta Carrion: 1.5 hours (10 nautical miles)
Punta Carrion to Isla Isabela (Puerto Villamil): 9 hours (64 nautical miles)

Included Activities:
-Isla Santa Cruz - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)

Day 3: Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre

Location: Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre

Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today, wake up on the south coast of Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos Archipelago. Isabela was formed by five giant volcanic craters, all of which are still considered active. The island is located in one of the youngest geological areas in the world, having been formed less than 1 million years ago.

This southern coast of turquoise blue waters has the largest area of beaches in the Galapagos. You will visit Las Tintoreras, where from the viewing walkway you can look down into this narrow channel to see a colony of white-tipped reef sharks swimming and sleeping, and the occasional playful sea lion among them. Blue-footed boobies and penguins, marine iguanas and crabs also make their home here. Enjoy a long walk on a path through aa (‘ah-ah’) lava flow and see plenty of marine iguanas. Locally, white sharks are known as 'tintoreras', hence the name of this spectacular site.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through one of Isabela’s coastal lagoons, where you might catch a glimpse of some flamingos. This mangrove-lined lagoon path leads to Isabela’s giant tortoise breeding centre (Arnoldo Tupiza), where you'll observe tortoises in all stages of development. Here you can see the five sub species of tortoises from Isabela Island, some of which are bred in captivity.

You will then have the choice for optional swimming at the beach or decide to do some shopping in Puerto Villamil.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Isla Isabela (Puerto Villamil) to Post Office Bay: 6 hours (40 nautical miles)


Included Activities:
-Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
-Isla Isabela - Arnolda Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center including Flamingo Lagoon (2 hours) - Dry Landing

Day 4: Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Devil's Crown - Punta Cormorant.

Location: Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Devil's Crown - Punta Cormorant.

Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Isla Floreana is a highlight of any Galapagos cruise, rich in natural wonders and a multitude of wildlife, both on land and in the waters surrounding the island. Enjoy a panga (Zodiac boat) ride to observe marine iguanas, sea lions and crabs before taking a leisurely walk to Post Office Bay, where 18th century whalers used a barrel as an unofficial mail drop. This custom continues to this day with visitors to the Galapagos – post one of your own or see if there are any you could deliver back home! You will also have the chance to go snorkelling with sea turtles.

Today is also one of your best opportunities to see pink flamingos and other water birds wading in the lagoons, including pintails and stilts. Just offshore, the Devil’s Crown is an old eroded volcanic cone and a popular roosting site for seabirds such as boobies, pelicans and frigates. Red-billed tropicbirds can also be seen nesting in the rocky crevices. The centre of the cone is an outstanding snorkelling spot, perhaps the most remarkable in the entire archipelago, full of sea lions and colourful fish. It is an experience certainly not to be missed.

You will go ashore at Punta Cormorant where the sand is made up of fine olivine crystals, a glassy volcanic mineral, giving the beach an olive-green colour. It is the best place to see Galapagos sea lions.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Post Office Bay to Punta Cormorant: 0.5 hours (3 nautical miles)
Punta Cormorant to Puerto Ayora: 4 hours (32 nautical miles)

Included Activities:
-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)

Day 5: Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz Highlands.

Location: Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz Highlands.

Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today you will visit 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 the best opportunities for close encounters with giant tortoises. You may also see baby tortoises and land iguanas.

Afterwards, head up into the highlands for a total change of scenery. Beginning at the coast you'll travel across Santa Cruz through the agricultural region and into the misty forests, with the walk taking about 45 minutes. 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 are likely to see Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat and perhaps even the bright red feathers of a vermillion flycatcher!

Estimated travel time/distance:
Puerto Ayora to the Highlands: 45 mins by bus
Puerto Ayora to Isla Santa Fe: 2 hours (16 nautical miles)

Included Activities:
-Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing

Day 6: Isla Santa Fe - Isla Plaza Sur

Location: Isla Santa Fe - Isla Plaza Sur

Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

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, and offers a dense concentration of wildlife, housing many of the stars of the Galapagos in one relatively small area. Expect to see Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, a variety of finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, sea lions, marine turtles, frigate birds, Galapagos doves and lava lizards. It’s also a naturally beautiful island, with one of the most attractive coves in the archipelago, and the surrounding waters are ideal for snorkelling. There’s a trail that follows the coast into the opuntia forest, where you see Santa Fe's trees – the largest in the Galapagos. Hiking towards the cliffs on Santa Fe will lead you to a forest of prickly pear cactus, also known as opuntia. A member of the cactus family, their name comes from the pear-shaped fruit the plant produces.

Onto Isla Plaza Sur: a small island with great beauty, where you will get close to sea lions and walk past one of the Galapagos’ largest land iguana populations. Plaza Sur is also known for cacti and volcanic landscapes coloured bright red and green by sesuvium. The island’s rugged southern cliffs are an excellent place to spot tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls, as well as the 'Gentlemen’s Club’: a gathering of male sea lions either too young or too old to be beachmasters!

Estimated travel time/distance:
Isla Santa Fe to Isla Plaza Sur: 2 hours (16 nautical miles)
Isla Plaza Sur to Isla Espanola (Punta Suarez): 7 hours (60 nautical miles)

Included Activities:
-Isla Plaza Sur - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
-Isla Santa Fe - Panga ride (45 mins)
-Isla Santa Fe - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing

Day 7: Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardner - Punta Suarez

Location: Isla Espanola - Bahia Gardner - Punta Suarez

Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

After an overnight sail you will wake up near Isla 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 of the world's 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses and also home to colonies of blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

Trails from the golden beaches, where sea lions and marine iguanas bathe, will lead you right through the middle of booby colonies, Galapagos doves and mockingbirds.

You will also pay a visit to Punta Suarez, home to a large and varied wildlife population. A walk along its trails will take you to a cliff top viewpoint, where you'll gain a scenic view of the island. Boobies line the rocky shoreline beneath you, while frigate birds may be seen overhead, and nearby male sea lions can be seen lounging around. Albatross use the cliffs as their ‘runway’, helping become airborne by the southeast winds that blow across this part of the island. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the elaborate courtship rituals performed by albatross before the female chooses her lifelong mate.

Stop at Bahia Gardner (Gardner Bay), considered by many as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos Islands, full of sea lions and hood mockingbirds. Walk along the pristine white sands or take another opportunity to swim with sea lion pups and lots of fish. The rocks off the coast provide an excellent spot to snorkel, with their abundance of reef sharks, turtles and many species of tropical fish, including surgeon and angelfish. The small white-tipped reef sharks are also often spotted resting under the rocks.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Punta Suarez to Bahia Gardner: 1 hour (7 nautical miles)
Bahia Gardner to Isla San Cristobal (Punta Pitt): 7 hours (50 nautical miles)

Included Activities:
-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

Day 8: Isla San Cristobal - Leon Dormido - Isla Lobos - Punta Pitt

Location: Isla San Cristobal - Leon Dormido - Isla Lobos - Punta Pitt

Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

This morning you will visit Punta Pitt on the eastern end of Isla San Cristobal. Walk to the top of the volcanic hill for views of the sparsely vegetated island. A variety of seabirds nest here, including blue-footed boobies and frigates.

You will then navigate close by Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) the basalt remains of a crater in the middle of the sea, with the shape resembling a sleeping lion. The rock rises 150 meters above the surface and is divided into two parts by a narrow channel. Although there are no landing areas, you will circumnavigation the Rock where you will see tropic birds, marine iguanas in the water and many sea lions.

You will also visit Isla Lobos, a tiny island almost touching San Cristobal. This is the perfect time to see the always friendly sea lions as they play in the calm shallow waters here. There are also blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and marine iguanas around the island.

Estimated travel time/distance:
Punta Pitt to Kicker Rock (San Cristobal): 2.5 hours (27 nautical miles)
Kicker Rock to Isla Lobos: 1 hour (7 nautical miles)
Isla Lobos to Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristobal): 1 hour (5 nautical miles)


Included Activities:
-Isla San Cristobal - Punta Pitt - Walk (2 hours) - Wet Landing
-Isla San Cristobal - Isla Lobos - Walk (1 hour) - Dry Landing

Day 9: Fly From San Cristobal To Quito.

Location: Fly from San Cristobal to Quito.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

As flights to the mainland from Galapagos depart mid-morning, it is an early start for the last morning on the islands. Depending on the time of the flight, time spent on this final excursion could be limited.

Visit San Cristobal Interpretation Center in the morning. This centre 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 the Galapagos, and the reality of the problems the islands face today.

This is a great way to complete your time in the Galapagos. This will be your final excursion before you head to the airport in San Cristobal for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito Airport you are transferred back to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Included Activities:
-Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing

Day 10: Quito

Location: Quito

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, there are no activities planned, so you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. There are many fascinating things to do in and around Quito, and perhaps an Urban Adventures tour may take your fancy. Explore Ecuadorian food culture and taste traditional ingredients on the Quito Market Discovery Tour, where you’ll visit an authentic market and ride a cable car to the top of Pichincha to view the expansive city (see urbanadventures.com/destination/Quito-tours).

What's Included

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

  • 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 Plaza Sur - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing

  • Isla Santa Fe - Panga ride (45 mins)

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

The Grand Queen Beatriz is a modern motor yacht. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, a jacuzzi as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned cabins and yet, at 41 metres, she is small enough for us to offer an individual level of service. She's just perfect for a more personal look at this great marine reserve.Cabins:4xStandard twin cabins2xJunior Suite cabins2xDeluxe Balcony cabinsAll cabins are fully air-conditioned with private facilitiesSpecifications:Built: 2017Length: 40.96 mBeam: 9 mEngines: 2Speed: 12 knotsPassengers: 16Crew: 8 + 1 English speaking naturalist guideZodiacs (locally known as pangas) are modest-sized, open, outboard-powered boats which are very common throughout Galapagos. The boats are used to get you to and from the Grand Queen Bea when you do activities. Depending on the type of activity, this could either be a wet or dry landing. The boat crew are there to assist you getting into and out of the zodiac.

Accommodation

The stylish modern design of the Grand Queen Beatriz features large en suite cabins all with individual air conditioning and ocean views. There are 4 Standard twin cabins on the main deck and on the upper deck there are 2 Junior Suite cabins  and 2 deluxe balcony cabins. The upper deck cabins all have private balconies. All cabins are equipped with a safety deposit box, hair dryers and toiletries.

Important Information

FELLOW TRAVELLERS:This trip is a package tour and is therefore made up of a combination of shorter trips. This may mean you will travel with a different guide and passengers on each section.GALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARD & ISABELA ISLANDS PORT FEES:Before checking in for the flight from Quito to the Galapagos, there is a US$20 transit fee that needs to be paid. On arrival in the islands you must pay the US$200 national park fee to enter Galapagos National Park. This applies to everyone aged 13 years and above. For children aged 12 the fee will be USD100.If your voyage visits Isabela Island, there is also a US$10 fee to be paid on arrival at the island.ARRIVAL TRANSFER:This tour includes a complimentary arrival transfer in Quito. Please advise flight details 30 days prior to travel so that the transfer can be organised.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, celiac, 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.May and June departures 2024 UPDATE.On the 11th of May 2024, the Galapagos National Park authorities advised, the landing site of Punta Surez on Espanola Island will now reopen. This landing site was temporary closed as part of the biosecurity measures activated to prevent the spread of the Avian flu. All trip departures will now revert to the original itinerary which includes a landing at Punta Suraz, Espanola Island.

Mode of Transport

The Grand Queen Beatriz is a modern motor yacht. She has a comfortable lounge and dining area, a jacuzzi as well as a sun deck where you can view the wildlife or just kick back and relax. She has eight well-appointed, air-conditioned cabins and yet, at 41 metres, she is small enough for us to offer an individual level of service. She's just perfect for a more personal look at this great marine reserve.Cabins:4xStandard twin cabins2xJunior Suite cabins2xDeluxe Balcony cabinsAll cabins are fully air-conditioned with private facilitiesSpecifications:Built: 2017Length: 40.96 mBeam: 9 mEngines: 2Speed: 12 knotsPassengers: 16Crew: 8 + 1 English speaking naturalist guideZodiacs (locally known as pangas) are modest-sized, open, outboard-powered boats which are very common throughout Galapagos. The boats are used to get you to and from the Grand Queen Bea when you do activities. Depending on the type of activity, this could either be a wet or dry landing. The boat crew are there to assist you getting into and out of the zodiac.

Accommodation

We don't ask travellers to complete a physical participation form for this trip however we do ask you read through the trip notes carefully to ensure that this trip is the right trip for you. This applies to the included activities and moving around the boat. You will also need to enter and exit a zodiac during wet and dry landings and and while on snorkelling - crew members will be on hand to assist you.The cabins and communal areas of the Queen Beatriz are spread over 4 decks.From the zodiac to the main deck there are 4 stepsFrom the main deck to the first level there are 10 stepsFrom the first level to the second there are 10 stepsFrom the second level to the sundeck there are 10 stepsThe stylish modern design of the Grand Queen Beatriz features large en suite cabins all with individual air conditioning and ocean views. There are 4 Standard twin cabins on the main deck and on the upper deck there are 2 Junior Suite cabins  and 2 deluxe balcony cabins. The upper deck cabins all have private balconies. All cabins are equipped with a safety deposit box, hair dryers and toiletries.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    This trip involves lots of active adventure and we ask that you read through the itinerary carefully to ensure that this trip 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.

    For getting to small islets, coves and prime snorkelling spots, it is sometimes necessary to use a Zodiac boat (panga). You will need to be comfortable climbing in and out of one during wet and dry landings.

    The waters of the Galapagos are generally calm and serene. However, there is always the possibility of choppy water at sea. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) will be needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.

    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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

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I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

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I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025
$8205

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$8810

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Saturday - Monday

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$8605

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Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 02, 2026
$8605

Saturday - Monday

Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 16, 2026
$8605

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Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 02, 2026
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Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 16, 2026
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$8605

Saturday - Monday

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$8605

Saturday - Monday

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Saturday - Monday

Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 06, 2026
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Saturday - Monday

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Saturday - Monday

Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 03, 2026
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Saturday - Monday

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$8605

Saturday - Monday

Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
$8605

Saturday - Monday

Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026
$8605

Saturday - Monday

Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026
$8605

Saturday - Monday

Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026
$8605

Saturday - Monday

Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 26, 2026
$8605

Saturday - Monday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 09, 2026
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Saturday - Monday

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 23, 2026
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Saturday - Monday

Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 07, 2026
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Prices last published on 24-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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