Yacht Isabela II

Explore the Islands with style and comfort: The Galapagos luxury Isabella II has a capacity of only 40 guests, she offers a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying an unforgettable Galapagos expedition, where guests fully experience their sense of discovery and bonding with nature. ISABELA II expeditions offers all aspects of the Galapagos: an intimate contact with wildlife, active volcanoes, a vast Marine Reserve, adventure, comfort and safety.

Our Galapagos luxury Yacht ISABELA II offers the most in-depth week itinerary (Tuesday to Tuesday) allowing guests to enjoy all that Galapagos is famous for: from ancient giant tortoises to penguins, from sleek flamingos to bold sharks, from bizarre flightless cormorants to rugged marine iguanas and from whales and dolphins to dramatic island volcanoes and breathtaking scenery, plus the exploration of the Galapagos Marine Reserve (the second largest in the world) on kayaks, the glass bottom boat, 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 actitivies. Guests of ISABELA II have the opportunity to explore the islands in small groups with fellow enthusiasts who share their same passion for nature, curiosity and spirit of observation.

Packing Check List:

  • Small backpack (waterproof), Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sneakers with rubber soles, Shorts
  • Long pants, T-shirts, Long and Short sleeved shirts
  • Wind breaker, Bathing suit -wetsuit for snorkeling in cold months
  • Socks, Underwear, Hat or cap, Toilette kit (biodegradable shampoo please)
  • Sun block, Sunglasses, Binoculars, Camera & camcorder
  • Any medicine you may be taking, Book/ Notebook

Important Information

Luggage: No more than 20 Kilos (44 pounds) of luggage (one suitcase) may be checked on flights to or from the Galapagos Islands.
Additional luggage may be stored at your hotel. These restrictions do not include small carry-on flight bags or camera cases.

Cruise attire: For travel in the Galapagos, clothing ranges from informal to very informal. Essentials include sneakers, shorts, long- and short-sleeve lightweight shirts, bathing suit, a wide-brimmed hat, long pants, and a wind breaker or light jacket for evenings. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and lots of film.

Shoes: Most walking ashore is over rocky lava terrain. Therefore tennis shoes, sneakers or walking shoes with rubber soles must be worn.

Climate: The Galapagos Islands are located on the equator. The tropical heat, however, is tempered by Pacific breezes.
There are two seasons in the islands: the rainy, hot season from December to June when humidity is high and average temperatures are in the 80s F (26°-30° C). There may be occasional showers, but the days are generally hot and sunny.
From June to November, you can expect cool winds, ocassionally bringing with them a light misty-type drizzle called "garúa." Temperatures average in the 70s F (20°-24° C) during the day and lower at night.

Passports: Passengers must travel to the Galapagos with their passports.
Passport numbers must be furnished one month prior to arrival.

Galapagos National Park admission fee
US$100 per person. It must be paid upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos (rate is subject to change without notice).

Electric current: 110/AC. Electric shavers and hair dryers can be accommodated.

Local time: GMT minus 6 hours in the Galapagos Islands. GMT minus 5 hours on mainland Ecuador.

Purchases on board: US dollars or travelers cheques may be used on board. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and American Express) are also accepted.

Safety: All safety and fire prevention measures have been implemented on all vessels. There is a resident physician aboard ISABELA II. Life jackets are mandatory for all "panga" rides (outboard motorized Zodiacs).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Wine, beer and soft drinks are extra. Bottled water is supplied in each cabin free of charge.

Baltra Airport / Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)

We arrive 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.

Charles Darwin Research Station:

After driving down from the highlands, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens 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 review, Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.

Post Office Bay & Baroness Cove/Cormorant Point (Floreana Island)

After breakfast, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Snorkeling off the beach.

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 greater 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. We can usually snorkel at “Champion Islet” site, panga ride or ride in our glass-bottom boat.

Punta Suarez/Gardner Bay (Española Island)

Our morning outing at Punta Suárez provides an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - January), boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous “blowhole”. 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 the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area, or else there is time to kayak, panga ride or ride the glass-bottom boat.

Punta Pitt/Cerro Brujo (San Cristóbal Island)

In the morning, we land on the eastern tip of the island. The trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline and 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. After the walk, if conditions are favorable, there is a chance to swim, kayak or snorkel from the beach or a panga ride.

Cerro Brujo (San Cristóbal Island):

In the afternoon following lunch on board, a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes us to Cerro Brujo's expansive, white coralline beach, great for walking, with rewarding birdwatching with good views of seabirds and shore birds. Also, look out for Galápagos sea lions. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835. After the walk, there is a chance to swim and snorkel.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal- Chatham Island)

After breakfast, we depart to pier and airport for our flight back to the mainland.

YACHT ISABELA II
SOUTHERN
FRI / TUE

5D/4N
Classic cabin
$3,691

Cabin Deck


Specifications

Construction:
  • 1979
Reconstruction:
  • Pensacola, Florida, 1988
Refurbishment:
  • Panama, March 2000
Category:
  • Deluxe
Gross Tonnage:
  • 1.025 tons
Type of Vessel:
  • Motor Yacht
Capacity:
  • 40 guests
Gross Tons:
  • 4077 tons
Length:
  • 53.72 meters (166 feet)
Beam:
  • 11.58 meters (38 feet)
Speed:
  • 10 knots
Electricity:
  • 110 Volts 60 Hz.
Engines:
  • 2 GM Detroit Diesel 900 BHP each
Navigation Equipment:
  • Gyrocompass, Automatic Pilot, radar, and GPS
Safety Certificates:
  • SOLAS 74 - ISM
Fire Detector:
  • Automatic with control from the bridge.
Life Jackets:
  • In each cabin
Lifeboats:
  • 2 units semi enclosed
Landing Craft:
  • 3 Zodiacs + glass bottom boat
Owner:
  • ETICA / Metropolitan Touring
Decks:
  • 3 (Sun deck, Cabin deck, Main deck).
Crew:
  • 24
Naturalist:
  • 3
Medical Officer:
  • Permanently on board

Rate includes:

  • Accommodation in double CLASSIC CABINS.
  • English speaking naturalist guide.
  • Transfers in Galapagos to the boat and return.
  • Full board.
  • Soft beverages (water, coffee and tea).
  • Free use of Snorkeling equipment.
  • Snacks after each excursions.
  • Briefings.
  • HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE.

Not included:

  • Internal flights from Ecuador (Guayaquil or Quito) to Galapagos and return. USD 540 per person ( subject to change).
  • Entrance fee to the islands USD 100 per person (subject to change).
  • Transit Control Card USD 20 per person (subject to change).
  • Beverages.
  • Gratuities for crew and guide.
  • Personal items not mentioned.



Notes:

  • Single supplement: 100%
  • No children discount for this departure
  • In addition to the cruise, we will be pleased to arrange additional programs in Ecuador mainland or Peru. Please contact us for a free quote!