About Deluxe Yacht Isabella II
Isabela II is the largest and most deluxe yacht cruising in the
Galapagos Islands. In fact she was custom built in the U.S. for
the sole purpose of adding style and comfort to the exciting
experience of travel in Galapagos.
The Isabela II yacht has 20 outside twin cabins, most fitted
with two lower berths, private shower and toilet. Four cabins
have double beds either for single or double occupancy. The
sleek, well-appointed boat is air-conditioned and carpeted, has
large salon/bar area, a spacious dining room and separate
reading/games room.
She carries a crew of 27, including two multilingual naturalist
guides.
Isabela II is in full compliance with the American Bureau of
Shipping’s fire codes and with SOLAS. Her length is 166 feet,
width 38 feet, tonnage 1,083 travel speed 12 knots
Yacht ISABELA II offers a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying an
unforgettable Galapagos expedition, where guests fully
experience their sense of discovery and bonding with nature.
ISABELA II Cruise offers all aspects of the Galapagos: an
intimate contact with wildlife, active volcanoes, a vast Marine
Reserve, adventure, comfort and safety.
The classic Yacht ISABELA II offers the most in-depth
itineraries 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
activities. Guests of ISABELA II have the opportunity to explore
the Ecuador Galapagos islands in small groups with fellow
enthusiasts who share their same passion for nature, curiosity
and spirit of observation.
Bar – Lounge
Boutique/Gift Shop
Reading Room & Natural History Library
Hot Tub
Radio, telephone, E-mail, and Fax communications
PA System
Air-conditioned throughout
Safety boxes
Hairdryers
Multimedia natural history lectures
Stargazing Program
Glass bottom boat
Sea Kayaks
Snorkeling Equipment
Wet suits for snorkeling (available for rent)
Internet*
* Internet connections onboard consist of 2 computer stations in the business center and wifi in the yacht’s social areas; due to the Galapagos’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth.
ITINERARIES
5D / 4N – Northern Galapagos
Monday-Friday
Monday
Baltra Airport and Santa Cruz Island
After landing at Baltra Airport, we drive to the Itabaca Channel
to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus
ride takes us up to the fascinating, more humid Highlands of the
island where we’ll learn about its unique ecosystems and
biodiversity. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
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.
You’ll go onboard Yacht Isabela II at the end of the day.
Santa Cruz Island’s Highlands and Puerto Ayora
After lunch, we drive to a nearby reserve that is one of the
best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their
natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering
around, munching on grass and leaves, and wallowing in small
pools. There are several lava tunnels to explore in the reserve,
too. A short bus ride takes us down to Puerto Ayora to board the
Isabela II.
Tuesday
Puerto Egas (Santiago Island)
Following a wet landing on the black, sandy beach, our trail
takes us to enjoy close-up encounters with recently reintroduced
land iguanas, plus land and marine birds amid a landscape of
tuff-stone layers, jagged rocks, and lava flows. At low tide,
marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds. We can also observe a
colony of fur seals, usually dozing in the shade of some rocks.
Chinese Hat Islet
This islet, formed only relatively recently, makes a wonderful
afternoon visit as we explore the wildlife along its 1,312 ft
long (400 m long) trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped,
white sandy beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and
snorkeling opportunities amid white-tipped reef sharks and
Galapagos penguins.
Wednesday
Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa Island)
The day kicks off with a panga ride along the cliffs of “Bird
Island” as Genovesa is affectionately nicknamed, followed by a
landing at a steep staircase that connects us with a flat
plateau. From here, the trail winds its way through large
colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great
frigatebirds, and storm petrels. With luck, we’ll be able to
spot the short-eared owl. Those who do not wish to disembark can
enjoy a longer panga (inflatable dinghy) ride along the cliffs,
weather conditions permitting. Snorkeling and kayaking
activities are available.
Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)
We land after lunch at the beautiful white beach of Darwin Bay.
Here we walk amid literally hundreds of birds, most of which are
frigatebirds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, as well as gulls,
herons, finches, and mockingbirds.
Thursday
Santa Fe Island
We take the dinghy over to this idyllic sandy-white beach
populated by colonies of sea lions. Galapagos hawks are often
easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The Santa Fe land
iguana may be spotted during our exploration. Following the
walk, we can snorkel and swim along a natural wave barrier or
ride the glass-bottom boat.
South Plaza Island
Following lunch and a rest, we disembark (dry landing) in this
channel, whose turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the
white sand and black lava of the shoreline. Beyond, a carpet of
scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as a groundcover for a grove
of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land
iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop.
Along the coastline we find sea lion colonies, while frigates,
swallow-tailed gulls, and shearwaters glide, playing with the
thermals.
Friday
Baltra Island
Our journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the
airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
Yacht Isabela II – Western Galapagos Islands Itinerary –
5D/4N THRUSDAY TO MONDAY
Detailed Itinerary
Thursday
Baltra Airport (Santa Cruz Island)
After landing at Baltra Airport, we drive 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 fascinating, more humid
Highlands of the island to enjoy lunch, and then continue south
down to Puerto Ayora on the coast.
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
At the eastern end of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the
archipelago, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and
the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, the islands’ headquarters
for scientific research and conservation. Later in the
afternoon, we stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora
before embarking. Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.
Friday
Bartolome Island
This morning, a Galapagos icon awaits Bartolome Island. A great
way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase:
the panoramic view from the top is well worth the effort!
Following the walk, we take a panga ride around colossal
Pinnacle Rock in search of Galapagos penguins and other
wildlife.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
After lunch, we board the pangas (inflatable dinghies) and land
at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral
sand beach that is ideal for swimming. A trail runs along a lava
field that flowed here around 100 years ago. This is the perfect
place to see and understand the volcanic origin of the
Galapagos.
Saturday
Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)
The north coast of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes
of Dragon Hill. After disembarking, the first part of our walk
passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks,
and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a
beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the
archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas
(for which the visitor site is named, following a concerted
effort to conserve them by the Galapagos National Park). After
our walk, we can snorkel from the shore, hoping to spot rays,
green turtles, and sharks.
Buccaneer Cove (Santiago Island)
After lunch, we explore the coastline along the impressive
cliffs of Buccaneer 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 the “Elephant Rock”, “The Bishop” and
an impressive natural cave. Opportunities for snorkeling and a
ride on the panga or glass-bottom boat are available.
Sunday
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
Since there is no landing site at this location, we explore the
captivating coast by dinghy, seeking out abundant wildlife
including colonies of Galapagos fur seals, the nesting sites of
Nazca boobies, not to mention flightless cormorants, penguins,
and marine iguanas. Depending on the conditions of the ocean,
we’ll be able to snorkel along the cliffs, hopefully in the
company of green sea turtles. Back on board, we navigate along
the Bolivar Channel, where nutrient-rich upwellings provide
fertile fishing grounds for cetaceans.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
We end our journey on a high note by visiting the island of
Fernandina, the youngest island of the archipelago, and arguably
one of the most pristine ecosystems on the planet. Our visitor
site of Punta Espinoza boasts a fantastic combination of
apparently barren landscapes and abundant wildlife, all
dominated by the lofty volcano at the heart of the island.
Highlights to spot include hawks, penguins, vast numbers of
marine iguanas, and the famous flightless cormorant, with its
beguiling blue eyes.
Monday
Baltra Island
Our journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the
airport to take the flight back to the mainland
7 days / 6 nights – Southeastern Galapagos
Detailed Itinerary Friday to Thursday
Friday
Baltra Airport and Santa Cruz Island
We land at Baltra Island by plane in the morning and transfer to
the nearby dock to board Yacht Isabela II, where we receive a
welcome introductory briefing, boat drill, and lunch.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
This beautiful visitor site is located on the north shore of
Santa Cruz Island, a glorious white beach with a couple of
brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These
lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from
stilts to flamingos. You may enjoy swimming at this beach, too.
Back on the ship, we will settle in with a welcome cocktail, a
briefing on the next day’s expedition plan, and a delicious
dinner.
Saturday
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal)
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 Galapagos where the 3 species of boobies
can be found together, as well as the two frigatebird species,
plus a colony of bachelor sea lions. If conditions are
favorable, there is a chance to swim, kayak, or snorkel from the
beach or take an inflatable dinghy ride.
Cerro Colorado (San Cristobal Island)
We disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and drive 40 minutes to
the island’s southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the
breeding center for highly endangered giant tortoises amid a
fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species,
including the San Cristobal mockingbird, as well as the endemic
San Cristobal lava lizard.
Sunday
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the morning, we’ll set foot on this beautiful, white coral
beach and go on a short walk to observe the sea lions,
mockingbirds, finches, or enjoy the beach. There is excellent
snorkeling in this area. Kayaking, an inflatable dinghy-ride, or
a ride on the glass-bottom boat are also offered.
Punta Suarez (Española Island)
Following lunch on board, our afternoon outing at Punta Suarez
takes us on an exciting trail across lava/boulder terrain. Along
the way, we can enjoy unique sea bird colonies, including the
beautiful waved albatrosses, boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and
the famous “blowhole”. This island is also renowned for its
colorful and sizable marine iguanas. All in all, a wonderful
visit.
Monday
Cormorant Point (Floreana Island)
We disembark in the morning at the curiously green-tinged,
olivine-crystal beach that makes for an easy walk to a brackish
water lagoon where bird species like American flamingos can be
observed. Crossing over to the other side of the island, we come
to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to
nest. At Champion Islet, guests can choose between snorkeling, a
panga ride, or a ride in our glass-bottom boat.
Post Office Bay & Baroness Cove (Floreana Island)
After lunch, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic
barrel that has served as an informal post office in the
archipelago for over two centuries. Snorkeling off the beach
will be offered afterward.
Tuesday
Punta Moreno (Isabela Island)
In the morning, following a meander through the mangroves in
search of sea turtles, we disembark amid a landscape dominated
by the giant volcanoes of southern Isabela Island, some still
active. The rugged trail loops inland from the coast, giving us
plenty of opportunity to enjoy unique lava formations, pioneer
lava cactus, and exotic scalesia trees, as well as plenty of
wildlife: Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, brown
pelicans, herons, sea lions, marine iguanas, and dozens of Sally
Lightfoot crabs. The inland lagoons are home to Bahama-pintail
ducks, common stilts, Galapagos flamingos, and even Galapagos
hawks and mockingbirds. Following our walk, we can take to our
glass-bottom boats or deep-water snorkel.
Punta Mangle (Fernandina Island)
In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina’s coastline aboard
our pangas (inflatable dinghies). The archipelago’s youngest
ecosystem is home to small Galapagos penguins and green-eyed
flightless cormorants that rest on the shore’s black rocks.
Beneath the waves, rays and sea turtles might glide by. The
nutrient-rich waters of the Bolivar Channel, which separates
Fernandina and Isabela islands, attract dolphins and whales.
With luck, we’ll be able to spot them. Depending on sea
conditions, we end our visit with a glass-bottom boat ride or
deep-water snorkel.
Wednesday
Eden Islet
A panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, located off the coast of
Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue-footed boobies, reef
sharks, and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if
weather conditions permit, to ride in the glass-bottom boat. The
volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning.
North Seymour Island
We have saved one of the best visitor sites in the archipelago
for last. In the afternoon, we disembark for a walk along the
coast and the interior of this beautiful flat island. We’ll be
able to see numerous nesting frigatebirds as well as land
iguanas and sea lion colonies along the coastline. We can
explore the coast by dinghy, too, seeking out fur seals, and
enjoying a fun, deep-water snorkel. Evening briefing, farewell
cocktail, and dinner.
Thursday
Baltra Island
Our journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the
airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
CRUISE INCLUSIONS
-Accommodation
-All meals
-Island sightseeing
-Naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only
-Snorkelling gear
-Internet / Wi-Fi *
-Luggage handling
-Medical care on board (not including the cost of medication)
-Taxes
-Transfers in the islands
-Shared transfers from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena,
Hilton Colon, Sheraton, Marriott, Dann Carlton) and in Guayaquil
(Hilton Colon, Oro Verde, Hampton Inn, Sheraton) to airport for
flights to/from Galapagos are included in these rates. To
coordinate these transfers, we must have guests’ hotel contact
information.
Not Included
Wet suits available for rent, NET rate US$ 30 + VAT per guest
for 7-day expeditions
Air transportation to / from Galapagos and airport taxes
(subject to change without previous notice)
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 100 subject to change
without previous notice)**
Migration Control Card (US$ 20 subject to change without
previous notice)**
Fuel surcharge
Alcoholic **and non alcoholic beverages
Gratuities
Gifts and additional items
Travel insurance
Technical 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
•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
Other services
•Bar - Lounge, Boutique
•Gift Shop
•Radio, telephone, E-mail, and Fax communications
•PA System
•Snorkeling Equipment
•Multimedia natural history lectures
•Stargazing Program
•Digital camera and underwater housing
•Glass bottom boat
•Jacuzzi
•Reading Room & Natural History Library
•Air conditioned throughout
•Safety boxes
•Hair dryers
•Wet suits for snorkeling in cooler waters
•Sea Kayaks
DEPARTURE DATES:
2024:
07-22 | 5/4N |
07-26 | 7/6SE |
08-15 | 5/4W |
08-19 | 5/4N |
08-23 | 7/6SE |
08-29 | 5/4W |
09-02 | 5/4N |
09-06 | 7/6SE |
09-12 | 5/4W |
09-16 | 5/4N |
09-26 | 5/4W |
09-30 | 5/4N |
10-10 | 5/4W |
10-14 | 5/4N |
12-09 | 5/4N |
12-13 | 7/6SE |
12-19 | 5/4W |
2025:
01-02 | 5/4W |
01-06 | 5/4N |
03-31 | 5/4N |
-04-24 | 5/4W |
05-08 | 5/4W |
05-30 | 7/6SE |
06-05 | 5/4W |
06-13 | 7/6SE |
07-03 | 5/4W |
07-31 | 5/4W |
08-04 | 5/4N |
08-08 | 7/6SE |
08-18 | 5/4N |
-08-22 | 7/6SE |
08-28 | 5/4W |
09-01 | 5/4N |
09-05 | 7/6SE |
09-11 | 5/4W |
I09-15 | 5/4N |
09-25 | 5/4W |
09-29 | 5/4N |
10-23 | 5/4W |
10-27 | 5/4N |
10-31 | 7/6SE |
11-06 | 5/4W |
11-14 | 7/6SE |
11-20 | 5/4W |
11-24 | 5/4N |
11-28 | 7/6SE |
12-04 | 5/4W |
12-08 | 5/4N |
12-18 | 5/4W |
12-22 | 5/4N |
12-26 | 7/6SE |
Have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours at 1-800-327-0080 or
e-mail us tara@taratours.com