Yacht Isabela II is a first-class vessel in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. It provides its guests with four- and six-night Galapagos itineraries that venture into the Northern, Central, and Southern regions of the Galapagos Islands. Each route offers guests the best wildlife viewing opportunities in each distinct area of the Galapagos. On each itinerary, up to three incredibly insightful Naturalist Guides will be present to accompany and lead each Galapagos excursion group. In addition to all this, Yacht Isabela II has a Le-Cordon-Bleu gastronomic director onboard.
During your outings, scout the island sites in search of the ‘Big 15’ -most iconic Galapagos wildlife. A highlight is that the groups have on average no more than 11-14 guests per naturalist guide which surpass the National Park standard, which permits up to 16 guests per guide. Furthermore, on top of the zodiac, you can choose the glass-bottom boat, kayaks, snorkelling, or swimming.
Itineraries:
The 5-day Central Islands itinerary begins with an exciting encounter of giant tortoises in the wild. Then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Next, off to the sandy white beach and sea lion harems of Santa Fe Island for your first snorkel, kayak or glass-bottom boat ride. See South Plaza Island’s land iguanas, sea lions and sea birds en route to North Seymour Island. Afterwards, on to the glorious white beach of Santa Cruz’ Las Bachas. Finish with the iconic views of Bartolome Island and the white coral sand beach and dramatic lava fields of Sullivan Bay.
On the 5-day Southern Islands cruise, you’ll start on Santa Cruz Island. See tortoises in the lush highlands before visiting the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station. Then, sail south to Floreana, disembarking at historic Post Office Bay and Punta Cormorant. Head west to Punta Suarez on Española Island, whose rugged coastline harbours marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and even albatross (at certain times of the year). Gardner Bay provides beach-time and water activities. Then, on to San Cristobal’s Punta Pitt and Cerro Brujo following the footsteps Charles Darwin.
The 7-day journey explores the Northern Islands of Galapagos. It begins at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, then on to Cerro Colorado’s giant tortoise breeding centre and Genovesa Island’s sunken caldera. Buccaneer Cove and Puerto Egas share their history, wildlife and geology, as well as some well-deserved water time. On Fernandina and Isabela visit Punta Espinoza and their stunning volcanic features, plus evolution’s icon: the flightless cormorant. Galapagos land iguanas await at Urbina Bay, along with penguins at Punta Vicente Roca. Finally, visit Rabida Island’s unique red beach en route to the land iguanas of Dragon Hill.
About the vessel:
Yacht Isabela II offers the perfect, intimate space for exploring Darwin’s islands in comfort. With just 20 guest cabins-only 40 guests-, the yacht’s convivial atmosphere leads to a close-up experience of this unique world. Isabela II has excellent facilities, including a Jacuzzi, fitness room, bar and outside deck for al fresco meals. Not only that; onboard guests will also find delicious cuisine and faultless service.
It’s sustainable cruise technology, including a low-emission engine and a wastewater treatment plant, reduces guests’ environmental footprint.
