Grand Majestic

Just constructed in 2018, the American-made Grand Majestic is a 127-foot luxury motor yacht specifically designed for Galapagos cruises. For the comfort of its 16 passengers, it offers spacious sundecks for sunbathing, socializing and al fresco dining, plus a Jacuzzi, large lounge with multiple seating areas, big screen TV and modern furnishings. The vessel contains seven spacious air-conditioned double cabins and one luxurious master suite, each with private bathroom and hot shower.  ... READ MORE >>
Itinerary
Itinerary (6-Day (Sun - Fri))
Day 1: Arrive Quito or Guayaquil
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil - San Cristobal (El Junco)
Day 3: Floreana (Post Office Bay, Punta Cormorant & Devil's Crown)
Day 4: Espanola (Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez)
Day 5: Santa Cruz (Los Gemelos) - Baltra - Quito or Guayaquil
Day 6 - Quito or Guayaquil - Home

Itinerary (7-Day (Wed - Tue))
Day 1: Arrive Quito or Guayaquil
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil - Baltra - Santa Cruz (Darwin Station)
Day 3: Genovesa (Prince Philip's Steps, Darwin Bay)
Day 4: Rabida - Sombrero Chino
Day 5: San Cristobal (Cerro Brujo) - Isla Lobos
Day 6: San Cristobal (Interpretation Center) - Quito or Guayaquil
Day 7: Quito or Guayaquil - Home

Itinerary (10-Day A (Sun - Tue))
Day 1: Arrive Quito or Guayaquil
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil - San Cristobal (El Junco)
Day 3: Floreana (Post Office Bay, Punta Cormorant & Devil's Crown)
Day 4: Espanola (Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez)
Day 5: Santa Cruz (Los Gemelos, Darwin Station)
Day 6: Genovesa (Prince Philip's Steps, Darwin Bay)
Day 7: Rabida - Sombrero Chino
Day 8: San Cristobal (Cerro Brujo) - Isla Lobos
Day 9: San Cristobal (Interpretation Center) - Quito or Guayaquil
Day 10: Quito or Guayaquil - Home

Itinerary (10-Day B (Sun - Tue))
Day 1: Arrive Quito or Guayaquil
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil - San Cristobal (La Galapaguera)
Day 3: N. Seymour - Santa Cruz (Black Turtle Cove)
Day 4: Bartolome - Santiago (Puerto Egas)
Day 5: Isabela (Tagus Cove, Urbina Bay)
Day 6: Fernandina (Punta Espinoza) - Isabela (Punta Vicente Roca)
Day 7: Santiago (Buccaneer Cove, Playa Espumilla, Sullivan Bay)
Day 8: Santa Cruz (Las Bachas, Darwin Station)
Day 9: Leon Dormido - San Cristobal - Quito or Guayaquil
Day 10: Quito or Guayaquil - Home
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Itinerary (6-Day (Sun - Fri))
Day 1: Arrive Quito or Guayaquil
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil - San Cristobal (El Junco)
Day 3: Floreana (Post Office Bay, Punta Cormorant & Devil's Crown)
Day 4: Espanola (Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez)
Day 5: Santa Cruz (Los Gemelos) - Baltra - Quito or Guayaquil
Day 6 - Quito or Guayaquil - Home
Itinerary (7-Day (Wed - Tue))
Day 1: Arrive Quito or Guayaquil
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil - Baltra - Santa Cruz (Darwin Station)
Day 3: Genovesa (Prince Philip's Steps, Darwin Bay)
Day 4: Rabida - Sombrero Chino
Day 5: San Cristobal (Cerro Brujo) - Isla Lobos
Day 6: San Cristobal (Interpretation Center) - Quito or Guayaquil
Day 7: Quito or Guayaquil - Home
Itinerary (10-Day A (Sun - Tue))
Day 1: Arrive Quito or Guayaquil
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil - San Cristobal (El Junco)
Day 3: Floreana (Post Office Bay, Punta Cormorant & Devil's Crown)
Day 4: Espanola (Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez)
Day 5: Santa Cruz (Los Gemelos, Darwin Station)
Day 6: Genovesa (Prince Philip's Steps, Darwin Bay)
Day 7: Rabida - Sombrero Chino
Day 8: San Cristobal (Cerro Brujo) - Isla Lobos
Day 9: San Cristobal (Interpretation Center) - Quito or Guayaquil
Day 10: Quito or Guayaquil - Home
Itinerary (10-Day B (Sun - Tue))
Day 1: Arrive Quito or Guayaquil
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil - San Cristobal (La Galapaguera)
Day 3: N. Seymour - Santa Cruz (Black Turtle Cove)
Day 4: Bartolome - Santiago (Puerto Egas)
Day 5: Isabela (Tagus Cove, Urbina Bay)
Day 6: Fernandina (Punta Espinoza) - Isabela (Punta Vicente Roca)
Day 7: Santiago (Buccaneer Cove, Playa Espumilla, Sullivan Bay)
Day 8: Santa Cruz (Las Bachas, Darwin Station)
Day 9: Leon Dormido - San Cristobal - Quito or Guayaquil
Day 10: Quito or Guayaquil - Home

Maps

6-Day (Sun - Fri)

Pricing
Starting at
$3,595
Galapagos Airfare: $560
 
Entrance to Galapagos to National Park ($100 Adult / $50 Child)
Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20)
 
A single supplement applies to single travelers in a private cabin. Surcharge applies for holiday departures. 
Included in tour cost
  • 2 nights' accommodations in Quito or Guayaquil
  • All meals on Galapagos cruise
  • Galapagos cruise
  • Local Quito or Guayaquil representative
  • Naturalist guide while on cruise
  • Wetsuits
  • Snorkeling gear
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • English-speaking certified guides
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated
  • Southern Explorations pre-departure services
Excluded from tour cost
  • Domestic airfare within South America
  • International airfare to and from Central & South America
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 Adult/$50 Child)
  • Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20)
  • Bar tab on cruise

7-Day (Wed - Tue)

Pricing
Starting at
$5,095
Galapagos Airfare: $560
 
Entrance to Galapagos to National Park ($100 Adult / $50 Child)
Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20)
 
A single supplement applies to single travelers in a private cabin. Surcharge applies for holiday departures. 
Included in tour cost
  • 2 nights' accommodations in Quito or Guayaquil
  • All meals on Galapagos cruise
  • Galapagos cruise
  • Local Quito or Guayaquil representative
  • Naturalist guide while on cruise
  • Wetsuits
  • Snorkeling gear
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • English-speaking certified guides
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated
  • Southern Explorations pre-departure services
Excluded from tour cost
  • Domestic airfare within South America
  • International airfare to and from Central & South America
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 Adult/$50 Child)
  • Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20)
  • Bar tab on cruise

10-Day A (Sun - Tue)

Pricing
Starting at
$7,395
Galapagos Airfare: $560
 
Entrance to Galapagos to National Park ($100 Adult / $50 Child)
Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20)
 
A single supplement applies to single travelers in a private cabin. Surcharge applies for holiday departures. 
Included in tour cost
  • 2 nights' accommodations in Quito or Guayaquil
  • All meals on Galapagos cruise
  • Galapagos cruise
  • Local Quito or Guayaquil representative
  • Naturalist guide while on cruise
  • Wetsuits
  • Snorkeling gear
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • English-speaking certified guides
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated
  • Southern Explorations pre-departure services
Excluded from tour cost
  • Domestic airfare within South America
  • International airfare to and from Central & South America
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 Adult/$50 Child)
  • Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20)
  • Bar tab on cruise

10-Day B (Sun - Tue)

Pricing
Starting at
$7,395
Galapagos Airfare: $560
 
Entrance to Galapagos to National Park ($100 Adult / $50 Child)
Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20)
 
A single supplement applies to single travelers in a private cabin. Surcharge applies for holiday departures. 
Included in tour cost
  • 2 nights' accommodations in Quito or Guayaquil
  • All meals on Galapagos cruise
  • Galapagos cruise
  • Local Quito or Guayaquil representative
  • Naturalist guide while on cruise
  • Wetsuits
  • Snorkeling gear
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • English-speaking certified guides
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated
  • Southern Explorations pre-departure services
Excluded from tour cost
  • Domestic airfare within South America
  • International airfare to and from Central & South America
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 Adult/$50 Child)
  • Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20)
  • Bar tab on cruise

6-Day (Sun - Fri)

Trip Dates
Departs every other week. Please contact us for departure dates.
Available

7-Day (Wed - Tue)

Trip Dates
Departs every other week. Please contact us for departure dates.
Available

10-Day A (Sun - Tue)

Trip Dates
Departs every other week. Please contact us for departure dates.
Available

10-Day B (Sun - Tue)

Trip Dates
Departs every other week. Please contact us for departure dates.
Available
Guayaquil
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Quito
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.

One Day

Multi-Day

Cabins
Grand Majestic Cabin Details:
Main Deck:  
Cabin 7: Convertible; picture windows. Size: 167 sq ft.
Master Suite: Matrimonial and sofa bed; picture windows; his & her bathrooms Size: 398 sq ft.
Lower Deck
Cabins 1 & 2: Convertible; portholes. Size: 164 sq ft.
Cabin 3: Convertible; portholes. Size: 198 sq. ft.
Cabin 4: Convertible; portholes. Size: 176 sq. ft.
Cabins 5 & 6: Convertible; portholes. Size: 155 sq ft.

Boat Details
  • Year of construction: 2018
  • Type: Motor Yacht
  • Length: 127 feet (39 m)
  • Beam: 27 feet (7.30 m)
  • Gross tonnage: 200 Tons
  • Draft: 5' 11" (1.8 m)
  • Capacity: 16 passengers / 12 crew
  • Main engines MTU Series 2000
  • Max speed: 25 knots
  • Water maker: 7756 Gallons / day
  • Safety & Navigation: 1-MC MURDO 406 CAT.1 EPIRB, 1-MC MURDO S4 SART, 2-ACR 2727 Survival Radio
Sun Deck (click for enlargement)
Main Deck (click for enlargement)
Lower Deck (click for enlargement)
galapagos tourOur group planned this trip 18 months in advance. We are a disparate set of personalities, many of us are well-traveled and research our planned activities. Speaking for our group, and I feel comfortable doing so because everyone has written me stating that our Galapagos Trip was the best of their lives. We cannot say enough about the Grace. Every aspect of the trip was well planned and executed. The food and services were excellent. Our rooms were very well maintained at least twice a day. The facilities served our group of 18 perfectly. We especially liked the daily briefings so that we were aware of what was coming, but the map on the wall in the lounge that was updated twice a day made our experience extremely pleasant. The chef and Michelle could not have been nicer. Both in food and drink served, personality and service. The Captain and crew, especially the Panga crew, were so kind and made our trips easy. And they watched out for us when we were in the water. But best of all were our Naturalists. They made the daily experience a real treat. Both Raffa and Sam were also fun to be with. And to top it off, Raffa gave us a copy of all 500 photos he had taken on his own camera so that his photo dates and the daily drawings on the map made it easy for us to reconstruct the trip. Please express our gratitude to the entire staff of the Grace. - Team Binder (Galapagos onboard the Grace)

machu picchu travelWe just returned from our Galapagos/Machu Picchu trip and I wanted to send you a note to thank you for planning such a phenomenal trip for us! Juan, our guide, and Boris, our driver, were FANTASTIC! The bus we traveled on was much larger than we anticipated and a great way to travel around!  We cannot say enough nice things about Juan and Boris! They were flexible with our schedule, providing extra time to us when we wanted it at the market in Pisac, able to provide other options for us when a planned activity had to be cancelled due to a mudslide, and even stopped on the side of the road for us to grab some cuy (guinea pig being roasted on a stick in this tiny town we were passing through). There is so much more I could say. Trip of a lifetime! I will definitely recommend you to everyone! - Debbie Cohen (Ocean Spray & Machu Picchu)

galapagos islandsWe had a great trip - very impressed with Southern Explorations. Jorge, your representative in Quito was super. He was always on time, friendly and informative as well as a great ambassador for his country. All the connections were on time and well planned- would consider another trip with Southern Explorations. - Roger & Pricilla Beaver, Indiana (Galapagos Island Cruise & Amazon Lodge)

galapagos islandsI researched both local and website travel agents and Southern Explorations was the only one I found that was both knowledgeable and easy to use. Their rates were also at or below the other websites for quotes on the very same vessels. The ability to use the website and also call to speak to actual people who had been on this trip gave us so much more confidence. We would use Southern Explorations again! Galapagos Islands is the trip of a lifetime! - Susan Mehall, Virginia (Galapagos Island Cruise)

galapagos islands culture

Best trip so far and I have been around the world...I cried when I got off the boat. Jorge was a great guid in Ecuador and one that was perfect for us, not pushy, did anything we wanted. We felt like all were our friends after the trip and really would love to continue to be in touch with them all, as they were super people.  -Kathy Harvey, Massachusetts (Galapagos Island Cruise)

The overall holiday was excellent. The Southern Explorations element was fantastic and the Eclipse could not be faulted, except I ate far too much!  - Natasha Rowlands, UK (Galapagos Island Cruise)


galapagos sea lionA phenomenal experience that exceeded our expectations. Superb customer service from start to finish. The itinerary allowed us to experience a variety of islands, species and geography. The guides were engaging and informative, we learned a tremendous amount without feeling 'taught'. The ship's crew were friendly and fun while insuring top-notch cleanliness and delicious meals and snacks. It is great to come home and think ‘I wouldn't change a thing- it was perfect'.  - Carol Majewski, New Hampshire (Galapagos Island Cruise)


galapagos islandsIt’s been about two weeks now since we returned from our wonderful Galapagos adventure. Now that we’ve had time to really reflect upon that wonderful experience we are beginning to realize how truly spectacular and inspirational it was and how much it has enriched our lives and our appreciation thereof. Thus, I am compelled to tell you how much we appreciate your efforts and those of the other fine folks at Southern Explorations including, but not limited to Eric, Justin and Jorge (Quito Rep.). You and your colleagues at Southern Explorations demonstrated your commitment to insuring your customer’s having a well-organized, informative and most enjoyable adventure. I especially appreciate your and your colleagues’ rapid response to our group’s questions and requests during the planning stages of our trip. During that time we made several inquiries about the itinerary, craft, clothing, and onshore accommodations. Without exception, you folks responded, in detail, within 24 hours of each inquiry.I know that you receive evaluations from all your clients and cannot imagine that the vast majority of them are of a most positive nature. Likewise, we returned our original evaluation which reflected our enjoyment of the Galapagos adventure and the excellent service you and Southern Explorations provided to make it happen. However, now that we had more time to truly reflect upon our experience and compare notes with many of our friends about similar experiences, we just want to extend our special thanks to you for an outstanding experience that will make each sunrise a little brighter and each sunset something more to contemplate. Gracias!  - Charlie and Joyce Ault, New Mexico (Galapagos Island Cruise)


galapagos islands travelOur experience with Southern Explorations has been nothing short of fantastic. My husband and I believe this to be the BEST vacation we have ever taken. The crew of the Athalla II was phenomenal. We were not sure what to expect since this was our first small boat cruise. We are thrilled with all that we saw and accomplished. Our vacation was amazing thanks to you, our Quito guide, the Athala II, her wonderful crew and our Galapagos guide/naturalist.  - Cindy Miller, Maryland (Galapagos Island Cruise)


galapagos islands travelOur trip to Quito and the Galapagos Islands was the trip of a lifetime and it did not disappoint. Booking through Southern Explorations made it very easy and worry free. It was nice to have someone to pick us up at the airport and drive us to our hotel (I fear we never would have found it!) and to be there for all of our transfers to and from tours and flights. The Galapagos Islands adventure is worth every penny that you have to save to make it happen and if you are a nature lover, you simply must go. - Darcy and Daniel Keep, USA (Galapagos Island Cruise)


galapagos sea lionI don't believe I've ever felt so taken care of...every step of the way. It was an incredible experience. I highly recommend Southern Explorations and plan to use them for my next excursion...wherever that may be!  -Jan McArdle, California (Galapagos Island Cruise)


galapagos islands travelMy husband and I would like to say how much we enjoyed our family holiday to the Galapagos , and thank you for making all the arrangements for 18 of us. We had an unforgettable experience thanks to Southern Explorations!  - Mary and Tim Stoneman (Galapagos Island Cruise)


galapagos tortoisesOur trip to the Galapagos was more amazing than I could have imagined. The boat, Nemo II, was the perfect size for our family -- and much better than one of the larger ships. My daughter (age 10) loved being on a catamaran - and the crew was very friendly and welcoming to her. The rooms were comfortable and clean with nice bathrooms. We went walking and snorkeling every day - usually two hikes and one snorkel. Our guide was excellent - very knowledgeable and well-spoken. She showed a great deal of pride in the islands and in conservation efforts. My daughter learned more in 1-day than she would have from all 6 days of school that she missed. It was a great trip!  - Molly Stevens and Family (Galapagos Island Cruise)


 


galapagos tortoiseThank-you for the trip of a life time and I have already recommended you to everyone who asks!  - Wendy Williams, Alberta, Canada (Galapagos Island Cruise & Machu Picchu)


galapagos islands travelSouthern Explorations was great to work with. Customer service and follow up were outstanding.  - Amy Fisher & Deborah Boardman, Virginia (Galapagos Island Cruise)


galapagos islands tourIt's one thing to have a great experience planning and booking the trip - Carrie Beck answered every question gently, helpfully and thoroughly, even providing website links and additional helpful advice beyond my original question. It's another to receive such warm and inspiring follow up - we received a welcome packet with 2 Southern Exploration caps, advice on packing and restaurants in the areas we would visit, as well as websites for the sites during our trip. We were totally prepared for each aspect of the trip. Each person we encountered on the trip surpassed our expectations of service, knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility. Not a single person said "That's not my job." - every single person from the driver who picked us up at the airport to the captain of the Anahi boat pitched in where needed. Each hotel experience was a higher level than we had expected, every restaurant referral was fabulous, even the weather during our stay was wonderful!!! Now THAT'S a great travel company!!!  - Pamela Chaves, New Mexico (Galapagos Island Cruise)


What an incredible experience! From Quito, Ecuador to the cloud forest of Bellavista and on to the Galapagos Islands: Southern Explorations pulled together an amazing package that included a top-notch boat, excellent guides, and delicious food! And of course, we'll never forget the fantastic wildlife.  All in all, it was the best - the trip of a lifetime! For our next trip to Central or South America, we would definitely work with Southern Explorations again! - Aimee and Michael Cossen (Galapagos Eclipse and Bellavista Cloud Forest)

I was very impressed with the organization of our trip.  Everything Southern Explorations was responsible for went smoothly and everything was on schedule.  The Manatee on the Amazon had some initial trouble but it could not have been known or anticipated by SE.  Once again I would like to compliment Jorge on his work.  He made our comings and goings to and from Quito very easy.  If I go to South America again my first call will be to Southern Explorations. Thank you. - Peter Tuck, CA (Corals & Manatee)