Galapagos Islands 5-Day Western Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

Our journey begins on Santa Cruz Island as we explore the lush vegetation of its highlands before venturing down to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station. The next day, we’ll enjoy the panoramic views from Bartolome Island before exploring the white coral sand beach of Sullivan Bay, venturing through its dramatic lava field. The next morning takes us to Dragon Hill, home of dusty-yellow land iguanas! After this adventure, we head out to discover Punta Vicente Roca’s wildlife. Later, we’ll make our way to the youngest island in the archipelago, Fernandina, widely regarded as one of the most pristine environments on the planet.

Itinerary

Day 1: Baltra & Santa Cruz Islands

Stop At: Baltra, Baltra, Galapagos Islands
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.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Puerto Ayora, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
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.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight Aboard the Isabela II Yacht

Day 2: Bartolome & Santiago Islands

Stop At: Bartolome, Bartolome, Galapagos Islands
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!
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Sullivan Bay, Ecuador
Following the walk, we take a panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock in search of Galapagos penguins and other wildlife.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight Aboard the Isabela II Yacht

Day 3: Santa Cruz & Santiago Islands

Stop At: Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon), Ecuador
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, while 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.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Santiago Island, East of Isabela Island Ecuador
Buccanner Cove

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. Opportunity for snorkelling, and a ride on the panga or glass-bottom boat are available.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight Aboard the Isabela II Yacht

Day 4: Isabela & Fernandina Islands

Stop At: Isabela Island, Galapagos, 010850 Ecuador
Punta Vicente Roca

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.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Punta Espinoza, Ecuador
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 an amazing 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, huge numbers of marine iguanas, and the famous flightless cormorant, with its beguiling blue eyes.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight Aboard the Isabela II Yacht

Day 5: Baltra Island

Stop At: Baltra, Baltra, Galapagos Islands
Our journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight Aboard the Isabela II Yacht

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.