Isabela II
Isabela II

Isabela II Galápagos Cruise

(1 customer review)

Deluxe 40-passenger boat run by one of the most well-established operators in the Galapagos.

Trip Length: 7 & 5 Days
Destination: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Lodging: 40 passenger luxury ship
Activities: Wildlife viewing, snorkeling, naturalist walks, & sea kayaking

WHY THIS TRIP
The Isabella II, a 40-guest vessel with 20 outside cabins, offers an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere for experiencing a full adventure in the Islands. The yacht is fully air-conditioned; all cabins are spacious and have private bathrooms. Its three public decks offer the amenities of a larger vessel, including bar-salon, dining room and sun deck. The library contains a large selection of reference books on Galápagos and Ecuador, as well as excellent nature and conservation videos, making this reference library the most complete source of information of any Galapagos vessel.

TRIP DESCRIPTION
The Isabella II Galápagos Cruise offers in-depth week-long itineraries allowing guests to enjoy all that Galápagos is famous for — ancient giant tortoises, penguins, sleek flamingos, bold sharks, bizarre flightless cormorants, rugged marine iguanas, whales, dolphins, dramatic island volcanoes, breathtaking scenery — plus the exploration of the Galápagos Marine Reserve (the second largest in the world) on kayaks, in a glass-bottom boat, and while swimming or snorkeling.

The expertise of three English-speaking naturalist guides matches their contagious enthusiasm, whether discussing geology or bird watching, snorkeling or stargazing, evolution or marine activities. Guests of Isabella II have the opportunity to explore the Ecuador Galapagos islands in small groups with fellow enthusiasts who share a passion for nature, curiosity and spirit of observation.

LOCAL OPERATOR: METROPOLITAN TOURING
Metropolitan Touring sees the travel business as a people business, and endeavors to create unique experiences in iconic locations for its guests. It currently operates in Peru, Argentina, Chile, Columbia, and Ecuador where it owns and operates a trio of vessels (the Santa Cruz and yachts Isabela II and La Pinta) as well as the Finch Bay Eco Hotel on Santa Cruz Island. Its staff is as committed today as it was when the company was founded more than 60 years ago to create unforgettable experiences for its guests.

The World Travel & Tourism Council selected Metropolitan Touring as one of their Case Studies worldwide, as an example of sustainability, good practices and commitment. The development of Metropolitan Touring’s existing and new products is based on sustainability principles, preservation efforts, and social welfare support. It continuously measures its environmental performance, and also communicates results to its employees and guests.

Itinerary

Click the Abbreviated Itinerary to see the Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary



Isabella Norther IslandsDAY 1 (Tuesday) Arrive San Cristóbal Island & Galapaguera Cerro Colorado

We arrive by plane at San Cristobal Island and transfer to Yacht Isabela II for cabin assignment, introductory briefing and lunch.

Cerro Colorado Breeding Centre
After lunch, we land back at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and drive 40 minutes to the island’s southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the breeding centre of the highly-endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species and the endemic San Cristobal lava lizard. (Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2 (Wednesday) Genovesa Island: Prince Philip’s Steps & Darwin Bay

Prince Philip’s Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island)
Overnight, you navigate northbound to the incredible bird island, Genovesa, crossing the equator on the way. The morning starts with a panga ride along the cliffs of this dramatic island, followed by landing with a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs to reach a flat plateau. Along our walk, you can observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions).

Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island)
In the afternoon, we land at the beach for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly frigate birds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. There’s an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else we can return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Thursday) Santiago Island: Buccaneer Cove & Puerto Egas

Buccaneer Cove (James/Santiago Island)
After breakfast, you enjoy a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer’s Cove, learning about the area’s distant and recent history. The cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as Elephant Rock, The Bishop and an impressive natural cave. This is a great site for snorkeling, too!

Puerto Egas (James/Santiago Island)
This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds amid a landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and we can also observe a colony of fur-sea lions. Back at the beach, there’s very good snorkeling and swimming here. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 (Friday) Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza & Isabela Island: Tagus Cove

Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
In the morning, we visit the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife. Highlights include hawks, penguins, flightless cormorants, and some of the densest colonies of marine iguanas. Snorkeling here usually bring unexpected marine encounters.

Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)
Across the narrow Bolívar Channel, we anchor at this cove on the northwest of Isabela. It provided a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries. An uphill hike takes guests to the rim of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water and to a dramatic viewpoint. After the walk, you take a panga ride to spot local wildlife, with the possibility of swimming or snorkeling. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5 (Saturday) Isabela Island: Urbina Bay &  Punta Vicente Roca

Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
After breakfast we disembark at Urbina Bay, the result of an uplifting of the ocean in 1954. Here you can find corals, shells and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. This area is also home to large and very colorful Galápagos land iguanas, and occasionally to giant tortoises. Along the shoreline, after the hike, guests may encounter flightless cormorants and see penguins while snorkeling.

Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by skiff, while naturalists explain the dramatic geology of the area, with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife and, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we’ll be able to snorkel along the cliffs, hopefully in the company of green sea turtles and penguins. Expedition plan for Sunday and dinner.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6 (Sunday) Rábida Island & Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill

Rábida Island (Jervis)
In the morning, we disembark at Rábida Island’s red-coloured beach. A stroll allows us to observe a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach. We can also enjoy a panga ride, kayaking or ride in our glass-bottom boat.

Cerro Dragon/Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Our walk includes circling a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including ducks, stilts and some few flamingos. Further inland, the trail brings us to the nesting area of land iguanas, and then it offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7 (Monday) Depart Baltra Airport

Baltra Island
The journey ends at Baltra Island where you are transferred to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. (Breakfast)



Isabela Central IslandsDAY 1 (Monday) Arrive Baltra Airport & Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station

Baltra Airport (Santa Cruz Island)
Arrival at Baltra Airport and transfer to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch, and then continue to Puerto Ayora.

Note: please dress with comfortable shoes and clothes, bring a small backpack with any medicine you might be taken, sunblock, insect repellent and anything you need during the excursion as you will go onboard the Santa Cruz and the end of the day.

Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
After driving down from the highlands, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and
the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like “Lonesome George” within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht Isabela II. Expedition plan, Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner. (Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2 (Tuesday) Santa Fe Island & South Plaza Island

Santa Fe Island
A stunning anchorage provides our jumping-off point for our visit to this sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Galápagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the walk. Snorkeling and swimming from the beach, kayaking or a ride in our glass-bottom boat rounds off the rewarding experience.

South Plaza Island
The turquoise waters of the channel here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by yellow-gray land iguanas. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Wednesday) North Seymour Island & Santa Cruz Island: Las Bachas

North Seymour Island
The morning starts with an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of this island, a favourite of many visitors, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. There are opportunities for snorkelling or coastal exploration. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.

Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to “bachas”. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach, with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. We can swim and/or snorkelling from the beach. Thursday’s expedition plan review and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 (Thursday) Bartolomé Island & Santiago (James) Island: Sullivan Bay

Bartolomé Island
This morning, a Galápagos icon awaits: Bartolomé Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, we take to the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkeling. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.

Sullivan Bay (James Island)
After lunch, we board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming, and with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galápagos while observing its wildlife. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5 (Friday) Depart Baltra Airport

Baltra Island
After breakfast, we leave for the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. (Breakfast)



Isabela Southern IslandsDAY 1 (Friday) Arrive Baltra Airport & Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station

Baltra Airport (Santa Cruz Island)
We arrive at Baltra airport and then we take you to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch, and then continue to Puerto Ayora. Depending on local weather conditions up in the highlands, we may include a short hike which will be a great introduction to some Galapagos wildlife. Our Expedition Team will advise accordingly.

Note: please dress with comfortable shoes and clothes, bring a small backpack with any medicine you might be taken, sunblock, insect repellent and anything you need during the excursion as you will go onboard the Santa Cruz and the end of the day.

Charles Darwin Research Station
Afternoon visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the ‘rearing in captivity’ program for the giant tortoises. Here, guests witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. An impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora allows guests to get a feel for local Galapagueño life while browsing the many handicraft and souvenir shops before embarking on Yacht Isabela II. Welcome cocktail, expedition plan for Saturday and dinner. (Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2 (Saturday) Floreana Island: Baroness Cove & Post Office Bay & Cormorant Point

Baroness Cove & Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
Wet landing at the Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Panga ride along the maze of channels on the north shore of Floreana, see the Sea Lion colonies, marine turtles in shallow waters, rays and occasionally penguins. Wet Landing at Baroness Cove and a short walk up to the observation tower to enjoy breath taking views of Floreana and its nearby islets. Snorkeling and/or kayaking is possible. Back on board for lunch.

Cormorant Point (Floreana Island)
Our visit to Punta Cormorant takes in an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like stilts and flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, we come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. Snorkeling will happen at lovely “Champion Islet” site, or ride in the panga or glass-bottom boat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Sunday) Española Island: Punta Suárez & Gardner Bay

Punta Suárez (Española (Hood) Island)
Morning outing at Punta Suárez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including waved albatrosses (April – December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, as well as a view of the Galápagos famous “blow hole.” Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, Galápagos hawks and doves, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.

Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the afternoon, we set down at this beautiful, white coral beach for a short walk to observe Galapagos sea lions, finches, maybe a hawk or just enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area, or else there’s time to kayak, or enjoy the glass-bottom boat. The turquoise color of the waters at this location will be a favorite one to photograph. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 (Monday) San Cristóbal Island: Punta Pitt & Cerro Brujo

Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal Island)
Morning disembarkation (wet landing) on the eastern tip of the island. Punta Pitt is an eroded tuff cone; the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk, if conditions are favorable, there is a chance to swim from the beach or, for more advanced snorkelers or kayakers, off the nearby islets. Lunch on board.

Cerro Brujo (San Cristóbal Island)
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes guests to Cerro Brujo’s white coralline beach (wet landing). The beach is a large expanse, great for walking, with rewarding bird watching with good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, herons, frigate birds, and more shore birds. Also, look out for Galápagos sea lions. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristóbal) mockingbird, Chatham lava lizard; both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in the Galápagos. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristóbal was the first island where he set foot in the Galápagos. Farewell cocktail, departure briefing and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5 (Tuesday) Depart San Cristobal Airport

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal (Chatham) Island)
After breakfast, departure to the port and airport to take the flight back to the mainland. (Breakfast)


travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip: 

The trip begins with the flight to the Galapagos from either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador on the first morning of the trip, and ends with the return flight from the Galapagos to either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, on the last day of the trip, arriving in the late afternoon. These flights are not included in the trip price, but they will be arranged for you and the cost added to your bill.

You need to overnight in your choice of departure city, either Quito or Guayaquil, at least one night before the trip begins as you will fly to the Galapagos early in the morning of Day 1 of your trip. At the end of the trip we recommend overnighting in Ecuador one night before moving on to your next adventure or flying home, although it is possible to catch a late night flight out on this day.

We do not sell international airfare but partner with a flight specialty company, Exito Travel, who can arrange all of your flights for you, simplifying the process of this part of your trip.

Trip Start: The trip begins on the day of your flight from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, to the Galapagos (flights arranged for you). You will need to overnight in either Quito or Guayaquil the night before this flight (see our Quito and Guayaquil packages here).

Trip End: Trip Ends with the flight from the Galapagos to either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, arriving late afternoon on the last day of the trip. You may want to overnight there that night (see our Quito and Guayaquil packages here) before continuing with your adventure.

Complete Your Trip

This trip is sold a la carte, meaning it is just the cruise trip and does not include hotels or services before or after the trip. We sell the trip this way so you can choose whatever hotels or services you want, rather than us forcing you into something particular. You will need to overnight at least one night in Quito or Guayaquil before the cruise, and one night after the cruise. That said, to make it simple for you to complete the package, we offer Quito Hotels and Tours.

In addition to the Galápagos cruise, we suggest you visit the Amazon jungle, the highlands of Ecuador, or Machu Picchu in Peru.

 

Prices & Dates

2023 PRICES:

Prices are per person

5 Day / 4 Night Itineraries

7 Day / 6 Night Itineraries

Notes

  • We reserve the right to prioritize preservations taking into account factors such as payment and confirmation dates.
  • Double cabins for single use incur a 100% surcharge of the price per person.
  • During Peak Season there will be a surcharge per adult and per child, no discounts will apply, and the child policy does not apply.
  • Child Policy: Children age 11 or younger sharing a cabin with their parents or guardians will receive 25% off the adult cruise prices. This applies only to one child per one adult paying full fare.
  • The minimum age for children is 6 years old.
  • Child policy does not apply on specific dates.

 

2024 PRICES:

For pricing, please inquire using the “I am Interested” button above or by calling 1-866-386-4168.

 

 

 

 

What's Included / Not Included

INCLUDED: 
  • Shore excursions led by Expedition Team
  • Fleet of zodiacs for adventures ashore
  • Accommodation in cabin of your choice
  • All meals
  • Bilingual naturalist guides
  • Conferences and lectures
  • Visits to the islands mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transportation to / from the airport in Galápagos
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Water
  • Internet and WiFi*

* Note: internet connections onboard consist of two computer stations in the business center and wifi in the yacht’s social areas;  due to the Galápagos’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth.

View Terms and Conditions:
http://detourdestinations.com/terms-and-conditions/metropolitan-touring

NOT INCLUDED: 
  • 2 mm “shorty” wet suits (available for rent on board): $17 per person on 5 Day cruises; $33 per person on 7 Day cruises
  • Flights to/from the Galapagos (will be added on to your total trip cost)
  • Galápagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 100 subject to change without previous notice)
  • Migration Control Card (US$20 subject to change without previous notice)
  • Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverage
  • Gratuities
  • Laundry
  • Gifts and personal items
  • Health & travel insurance (highly recommended)

Accommodations

Rooming Options

ROOMING OPTIONS: Double, Single, Single Supplement

 

1 review for Isabela II Galápagos Cruise

  1. Nancy Geshke –

    So much more than what I could have dreamed of. Thank you to the captain and crew of Isabella II. Everything was perfect from the friends we made, food and more food, comfort and amenities of the boat, amazing excursions and snorkeling and the breathtaking wildlife. I was so impressed by the knowledge and personalities of the naturalists. Thanks to Detour for setting this up and being patient with all my needs. My only complaint, it was over before I knew it.

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