Isabella II : Discover the Galapagos Islands

A luxury yacht style cruise for up to 40 passengers. Excellent itineraries and some of the best naturalist guides.

Isabela II

Comfortable double cabin with lots of storage space

Isabela II's elegant dining room

Sea kayaking off the Isabela II

Isabela II's spacious lounge to relax and meet fellow travellers

Eating al fresco is one of the joys of a Galapagos cruise on Isabela II

Get up close to blue footed boobies

Amazing sunsets await

Spacious sun decks to soak up the sunshine

Up close and personal on Genovesa

Specialist Knowledge

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Isabela II is a medium size luxury cruise ship offering a high-class experience of the Galapagos Islands. The ship has a glass bottomed section enabling those who do not wish to snorkel to still discover the thrill of the underwater world of the Galapagos. Another highlight is the wonderful al fresco dining.

She is fully air-conditioned and has accommodation for up to 40 passengers. Isabela II has 27 crew members, and 3 Galapagos naturalist guides who are qualified to the highest standards by the Galapagos National Park. There is a bar, restaurant, sun deck with observation area and jacuzzi, library and 20 spacious twin cabins, all with private facilities and outside view.

Route
Boat description
Deck plan & cabins

Natural Selection Journey - 6 nights

The Definitive South-Eastern and Western Galapagos Journey.

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Natural Selection Journey

Departing on Friday

Arrival at Baltra Airport and Santa Cruz Island
We arrive at Baltra Island in the morning and board the Isabela II at the nearby dock. Then, we have a briefing, a boat drill, and a delicious lunch on board.

Explore Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island
At Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island, enjoy the stunning white beach, birdwatching, and a refreshing swim before returning to the ship. End the day with a cocktail, expedition briefing, and a delicious dinner.

Explore Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island
Start your day at the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. It’s the only place in the Galapagos where all three species of boobies coexist with both frigatebird species and a colony of bachelor sea lions. If the weather is good, you can swim, kayak, snorkel, or take a panga ride from the beach.

Visit Cerro Colorado on San Cristobal Island
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and visit the breeding center for critically endangered giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. Watch for diverse bird species and the endemic San Cristobal lava lizard in this enchanting setting.

Discover Gardner Bay on Española Island
In the morning, we’ll walk on the pristine white coral beach of Gardner Bay. You can observe playful sea lions, charming Española mockingbirds, and finches. Enjoy fantastic snorkeling opportunities and optional kayaking, a dinghy ride, or a glass-bottom boat excursion.

Explore Punta Suarez on Española Island
After a satisfying lunch, the afternoon expedition at Punta Suarez leads along an exhilarating trail through lava and boulder fields. Marvel at unique seabird colonies and vibrant marine iguanas, adding to the wonder of your visit. It’s sure to be memorable.

Explore Cormorant Point on Floreana Island
Explore the uniquely green-tinged olivine-crystal beach of Cormorant Point in the morning and spot American flamingos at a brackish water lagoon. On the opposite side of the island, visit a white-sand beach famous for sea turtle nesting at night. At Champion Islet, enjoy snorkeling, a panga ride, or a glass-bottom boat trip and see the rare Charles mockingbird.

Visit Post Office Bay & Baroness Cove on Floreana Island
After lunch, we’ll visit Post Office Bay to see the historic barrel that has served as a post office for over two centuries in the archipelago. This site is significant as it’s where Darwin’s voyage aboard the Beagle made a stop and where he gathered observations that influenced his evolutionary theories. We’ll end the visit with a snorkeling session off the beach

Experience Punta Moreno on Isabela Island
Today, you’ll see an incredible array of fifteen unique species. Start by strolling through the mangroves to spot sea turtles. Then, explore the landscape dominated by the majestic volcanoes of southern Isabela Island. The rugged trail leads inland, offering views of lava formations and wildlife, including Galapagos penguins, cormorants, pelicans, herons, sea lions, marine iguanas, and crabs. Take advantage of the inland lagoons, home to ducks, stilts, flamingos, hawks, and mockingbirds. Finish with a glass-bottom boat ride or snorkeling.

Discover Punta Mangle on Fernandina Island
In the afternoon, we will journey to Fernandina Island and explore the coastline on pangas. We will see Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales in the nutrient-rich waters. Conclude with a glass-bottom boat ride or deep-water snorkeling, depending on sea conditions

Explore Eden Islet
Embark on a scenic panga ride to Eden Islet off the coast of Santa Cruz—Marvel at blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigates in their natural habitat. Snorkel and, weather permitting, enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride to witness the stunning volcanic surroundings.

Discover North Seymour Island
North Seymour Island is one of the most remarkable visitor sites in the archipelago, boasting diverse habitats, ecosystems, and iconic species. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the coast and witness nesting frigatebirds, land iguanas, and colonies of sea lions. Explore the coastal wonders by dinghy, spot fur seals, and partake in deep-water snorkeling. Conclude the day with an evening briefing, cocktail, and dinner

Arriving at Baltra Island, we’ll head to the airport for our return flight to the mainland. Thanks for joining us on this remarkable expedition through the Galapagos Islands!

Seabird Sanctuary Expedition - 4 nights

Traversing the Jewels of Central and North-Eastern Galapagos.

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Seabird Sanctuary Expedition

Visit Santa Cruz Island from Baltra Airport
After arriving at Baltra Airport, we’ll take a scenic drive to the Itabaca Channel for a ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Following a 30-minute bus ride, we’ll explore the island’s lush highlands to appreciate its unique ecosystems and enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant.

Exploring the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
After lunch, we will visit a nearby reserve known for observing giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The reserve also has lava tunnels to explore. Then, we will transfer to Puerto Ayora to board the Isabela II for more adventures.

Discover Puerto Egas on Santiago Island
After landing on the black sandy beach, we marvel at encounters with land iguanas and birds near tuff-stone layers, rugged rocks, and lava formations. Marine iguanas eat algae during low tide, while fur seals rest in the shade.

Explore Chinese Hat Islet
This young islet features a 1,312 ft (400 m) trail starting at a crescent-shaped, white sandy beach. It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling and offers encounters with white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.

Experience Prince Phillip’s Steps on Genovesa Island
Start your day with a scenic panga ride along the cliffs of “Bird Island,” also known as Genovesa. Then descend a wooden staircase to a plateau and observe colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and storm petrels. Keep an eye out for the short-eared owl. You can also take a longer panga ride along the cliffs or enjoy snorkeling and kayaking, weather permitting.

Explore Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island
After a satisfying lunch, we reach the pristine white sands of Darwin Bay. Here, you can observe many bird species, including frigatebirds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches, and mockingbirds.

Explore Santa Fe Island
Embark on a dinghy ride to the sandy-white shores of Santa Fe Island, home to sea lions. Look for Galapagos hawks and Santa Fe land iguanas. Conclude with snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat ride.

Discover South Plaza Island
After lunch, dry land in a channel with turquoise waters and a coastline of white sands and black lava. Experience a vibrant landscape with scarlet sesuvium succulents and green prickly-pear cacti, home to yellow-grey land iguanas and lively sea lion colonies. Watch frigates, swallow-tailed gulls, and shearwaters gracefully soaring overhead.

Baltra Airport

Our voyage culminates at Baltra Island, where we proceed to the airport for our return flight to the mainland.

Islands of Fire Adventure - 4 nights

Discovering the Untamed Beauty of North-Western Galapagos.

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Islands of Fire Adventure

Departing on Thursdays:

Arrival at Baltra Airport, Santa Cruz Island
After landing at Baltra Airport, we’ll take a ferry to Santa Cruz Island, have lunch in the highlands, and then head to Puerto Ayora. Wear comfortable clothing, bring medications, and pack essentials like sunblock and insect repellent.

Explore Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
Our itinerary includes visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, a stroll in Puerto Ayora, and a welcome cocktail and dinner on the vessel

Bartolome Island Adventure
Embark on a morning adventure to Bartolome Island. Start with a climb up a wooden staircase for immersive volcanic insights. Enjoy panoramic views from the summit and take a panga ride to spot Galapagos penguins and diverse wildlife.

Explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island
After lunch, we transfer to the pangas and head to Sullivan Bay on the eastern coast of Santiago. There’s a beautiful white coral sand beach calling for a swim, and a trail winds through a century-old lava field, showcasing the volcanic origins of the Galapagos

Discover Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island
Explore the stunning Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. Walk past a lagoon with shorebirds and flamingos, enjoy panoramic views of the bay and the western islands, spot iconic land iguanas, and finish with a snorkeling session to see rays, turtles, and sharks.

Explore Buccaneer Cove on Santiago Island
Explore Buccaneer Cove post-lunch to discover its coastal wonders along the dramatic cliffs of Santiago Island. Learn about the area’s historical narratives, see marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal creatures, and marvel at natural formations like “Elephant Rock” and “The Bishop.” Enjoy snorkeling or take a boat ride to appreciate the marine splendors of the area

Experience Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island
Explore the captivating coast of Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island by dinghy. Look out for abundant wildlife, such as Galapagos fur seals, Nazca boobies, flightless cormorants, penguins, and marine iguanas. You may be able to snorkel alongside the cliffs and encounter green sea turtles. As we sail along the Bolivar Channel, be ready to witness nutrient-rich upwellings that attract many cetaceans for prime fishing opportunities.

Discover Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island
Explore Fernandina Island, the youngest in the Galapagos archipelago. Join a panga ride to see the volcanic cone and wildlife. Spot hawks, marine iguanas, penguins, and the flightless cormorant. Enjoy kayaking, a glass-bottom boat ride, and snorkeling to discover the aquatic wonders

Baltra Airport

Our adventure draws to a close on Baltra Island, where we proceed to the airport for our return flight to the mainland.

Boat description

The Isabela is a luxury boat offering an unforgettable cruise experience. The 40 passenger yacht includes all a guest might want or need for the best possible cruise of the Galapagos. One of the joys of a cruise on the Isabela II is al fresco dining on the outside deck.

Choose from 6 or 4 night itineraries that can be combined for longer explorations.

Social areas are designed to perfection with a jacuzzi, gym, bar, boutique and library with books and videos on the nature and history of the Galapagos. Furthermore, guests can enjoy the observation and sun deck for prime whale watching or enjoy the lounge area outside to sunbathe.

The Isabela II also has a special glass bottom boat, offering a perfect view the ocean life below the surface. Snorkelling and snorkel equipment is provided on the yacht as well as kayaks in order to venture out on the water on your own or with a partner.

Other facilities include

Al fresco dining.
Shore excursions, natural history lectures and transfers in the Galapagos.
Multi media natural history lectures.
A star gazing programme.
FREE WiFi and Internet access in public areas.
A business lounge.
FREE consultations with the on board Medical Officer, available 24/7.

What's included

All meals and snacks
Water, tea and coffee
All shore excursions led by expert naturalist guides
Transfers to/from airport in Galapagos
Evening briefings and lectures
Use of jacuzzi and other on board facilities
Use of kayaks, snorkelling equipment and pangas rides

Deck plan & cabins

The Isabela II has 2 standard cabins, 16 classic cabins and 2 class family cabins. All are elegantly designed, have plush beds, window, lots of storage space, air-conditioned, private bathroom with luxury amenities, safe, hair dryer and FREE Wi-Fi.

Standard Cabin (128 sq ft)