Isabela II – Northern Galapagos Islands

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Please Note: Our website packages are here to provide you with a guide on what we can offer. If this package does not suit your requirements we can easily cutomise your trip to suit your needs and preferences.

OVERVIEW:

Our itinerary begins at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Province. On our first afternoon, we visit Cerro Colorado, a breeding center for the islands’ famous giant tortoises that is located amid a fantastic deciduous forest. We sail north overnight and awaken at the sunken caldera of Genovesa Island – a privileged place to visit with thousands of marine birds. 

On Thursday, we had back to the central islands to learn about both the distant and recent history of Buccaneer Cove aboard our inflatable dinghies. Following that, we’ll explore its underwater realm by going snorkeling or traveling aboard the glass-bottom boat.

After that, we disembark at the popular site of Puerto Egas, a great place to see land and marine birds that are surrounded by a landscape made up of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. Sailing through the night, the next morning we will find ourselves at one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos and then disembark at Punta Espinoza, with its amazing combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife. Highlights here include hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant.

Later, at Tagus Cove, an uphill hike takes us to the rim of Darwin Crater along with some lovely views, followed by an inflatable dinghy ride to spot local wildlife, go for a swim, kayaking or snorkeling. We continue our exploration of Isabela Island the following day, at Urbina Bay, which is the intriguing result of an oceanic uplift, home to large and very colorful Galapagos land iguanas. Afterwards, Punta Vicente Roca will dazzle with its abundant wildlife and, hopefully, sightings of green sea turtles. Sunday sees us anchor to visit the red beach of Rabida Island and its large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches. In the afternoon, we visit the north shore of Santa Cruz over at Dragon Hill, which itself is home to land iguanas and a trail that offers a beautiful view of the bay, rounding out the end of our Northern Galapagos itinerary.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF:

Day 1: San Cristobal Island
Day 2: Genovesa Island
Day 3: Santiago Island
Day 4: Isabela Island
Day 5: Isabela Island
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island
Day 7: Depart Baltra airport

NOTE: Long itineraries are the combination of short ones; please let us know if you would like to book a long cruise.

  • San Cristobal island

    AM: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
    You’ll land at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno’s airport and will then be transferred over to the nearby dock. Shortly after that, you’ll board Yacht Isabela II, check in, receive an introductory briefing and have lunch onboard.

    PM: Cerro Colorado & Tortoise Breeding Center
    At Cerro Colorado, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the local breeding center for the highly-endangered giant tortoises. The Center is situated in the middle of a fantastic deciduous forest, which itself is home to dozens of bird species and the endemic San Cristobal lava lizard. (L. D.) (Private Transfer) (Shared Guide)

  • Genovesa Island

    AM: Prince Philip’s Steps
    The morning starts off with a pleasant dinghy ride along the cliffs of Genovesa Island before we disembark at Prince Philip’s Steps, which itself is the start of a steep but short climb up a wooden staircase. Once at the top, the terrain is pretty flat, which allows for a mesmerizing, mile-long walk to the other side of this small island. Along the way, you’ll get to check out large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and storm petrels as well as the elusive short-eared owl. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer dinghy ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). Snorkeling and kayaking activities are available here.

    PM: Darwin Bay
    In the afternoon, we’ll land at the beach for an easy stroll that involves observing hundreds of birds, mainly frigatebirds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds.(B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

  • Santiago Island

    AM: Buccaneer Cove
    After breakfast, you’ll get the chance to explore the coastline and impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove, all while learning about the area’s history. This cove is home to a large number of seabirds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. We’ll also get to marvel at the fantastic geological formations such as “Elephant Rock” and “The Bishop,” as well as an impressive natural cave. Here, you will have the chance to go snorkeling, take a ride on the dinghy or the glass-bottom boat.

    PM: Puerto Egas
    This visitor site offers a wonderful opportunity to see land and seabirds amid a landscape full of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. At low tide, marine iguanas can be spotted grazing upon the algae beds and we can also observe a colony of fur seals. You’ll also have the chance to go snorkeling and swimming here. (B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

  • Fernandina Island - Isabela Island

    AM: Punta Espinoza
    In the morning, we will visit the youngest and most pristine island of the archipelago – Fernandina. This island is ranked among one of the top islands to visit in Galapagos, by guests and guides alike. It is here that you will discover an amazing interplay between barren terrain and abundant wildlife. Highlights here include: hawks, marine iguanas, penguins, flightless cormorants and astounding views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

    PM: Tagus Cove
    Over on the northwest side of Isabela is secluded Tagus Cove – an anchorage spot that once served as a pit stop for pirates and whalers a long time ago. Nowadays, Tagus Cove is a superb visitor site. Upon disembarking, you will get to partake in an uphill hike that takes you around the rear side of Darwin Crater, which is a small lake that consists entirely of salt water. Afterwards, you can choose to either snorkel or ride a kayak along the dramatic coastal landscape. (B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

  • Isabela Island

    AM: Urbina Bay
    After breakfast, you will disembark at Urbina Bay over on the western side of Isabela Island. This visitor site happens to be the result of tectonic uplift of the actual ocean floor! As a result, you’ll get to see plenty of dried-out corals and shells alongside large and very colorful Galapagos land iguanas. After the hike, you are more than welcome to snorkel and possibly even encounter flightless cormorants and penguins while in the water!

    PM: Punta Vicente Roca
    Because there is no disembarking site at this location, this bit of coastal exploration is done aboard our dinghies. Naturalist guides will explain the dramatic geology of the area, which primarily consists of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife present here and, depending on weather conditions, you will be able to snorkel along the cliffs, most likely in the company of green sea turtles! (B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

  • Rabida Island - Santa Cruz Island

    AM: Rabida Island
    In the morning, you will disembark at Rabida Island’s red-colored beach. A stroll along the beach allows guests to observe marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, too. Non-snorkelers are invited to ride Yacht Isabela II’s glass-bottom boat for an exploration of life underneath the waves.

    PM: Dragon Hill
    The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). The walk here involves casually circling a brackish-water lagoon that’s often frequented by lagoon birds. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay as well as the western islands of the archipelago. You might even be lucky enough to observe land iguanas here, too! (B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

  • Baltra Island

    AM: Baltra Island
    The journey ends at Baltra Island, where you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight back to the mainland. Safe travels! (B.) (Shared Guide)

SPECIFICATION

  • Construction: 1979
  • Renovation: 2014
  • Category: Deluxe
  • Gross Tonnage: 1,025 tons.
  • Type of Vessel: Expedition Yacht
  • Capacity: 40 guests / 20 cabins
  • Length: 55.94 m (183 ft)
  • Beam: 11.58 m (38 ft)
  • Speed: 10 knots
  • Electricity: 110 – 220 V / 60 Hz
  • Engines: 2 CUMMINS, KTA-38-M1, 1000 HP
  • Navigation Equipment: Radar ARPA, Radar, Satellite Compass, Magnetic Compass, Automatic Pilot, Echo-sonar, 2 GPS, AIS
  • Fire Detector: Installed throughout the ship
  • Life Jackets: In each cabin
  • Lifeboats: 2 semi-enclosed units / capacity for 27 persons each
  • Life Rafts: Two 25-man, one 20-man
  • Owner: ETICA / Metropolitan Touring
  • Decks: 3 (Boat deck, Cabin deck, Main deck)
  • Naturalist Guides: 3 (includes Expedition Leader)
  • Crew: 26
  • Passenger/Crew Ratio: 3:2
  • Medical Officer: Permanently on board
  • Safety Certificates: SOLAS 74, ISM, ISPS, MARPOL

CABINS DETAILS:

Standard Cabin

128 sqft / 12.05sqm, located on cabin deck, one bed, private en-suite, desk and view window.

Classic Cabin

139sqft / 12.8sqm, located on cabin deck, two beds, private en-suite, small sofa bed, desk and view window.

Classic Family Cabin

139sqft / 12.8sqm, located on cabin deck, private en-suite, desk and view window. Recommended for two adults and one child under 12 years of age.

Owners Cabin

170sqft / 18.9sqm, located on main deck, one bed, private en-suite, television, seating area, desk and view window.

Layout: 2 Decks / 20 Cabins
Cabin deck: Classic cabin 1 to 10 / 16 to 21 – Twins
Cabin deck: Classic family cabin 11,12 – Double/Triple
Cabin deck: Standard cabin 14, 15 – Singles
Main deck: Owner’s cabin = Double
Beds layout: Twins, doubles & triples
Rooming: Private cabins only
Sharing: Not allowed

DECKPLAN

 

 

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Activities
  • Bilingual naturalist guides
  • Conferences and lectures
  • Visits to the islands mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transportation to/from the airport in Galapagos on cruise arrival and departure dates
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Internet (via Computer Station, low-bandwidth)
  • Onboard Medical Assistance
  • Luggage handling

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • Airline tickets to/from Galapagos
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$100 USD per person)
  • Transit Control Card for Galapagos (US$20 USD per person)
  • Wetsuits (available for rent)
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages*** (you can also ask your destination expert to include a drinks package in your quote. Ask us about all the available options we have for you!)
  • Tips
  • Gifts and additional items
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Laundry
  • Wi-Fi internet (Intermittent and low-bandwidth. Available for an additional fee)

NOTE: Long itineraries are the combination of short ones; please let us know if you would like to book a long cruise.

  • LATIN AMERICA EXPERTISE
  • YOUR OWN TRAVEL SPECIALIST
  • EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR HOLIDAY COVERED
  • A LOVELY PERSONALIZED ITINERARY
  • A 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT
  • WE RESEARCH EVERY OPTION