Itinerary / Map
Click here for a interactive map
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DAY
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AM VISITS
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ISLAND
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PM VISITS
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ISLAND
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Tuesday
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Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
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San Cristóbal
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Galapaguera Cerro Colorado
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San Cristóbal
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Wednesday
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Prince Phillip Steps
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Genovesa
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Darwin Bay, Genovesa
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Genovesa
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Thursday
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Buccaneer Cove
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Santiago
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Puerto Egas
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Santiago
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Friday
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Punta Espinoza
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Fernandina
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Tagus Cove
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Isabela
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Saturday
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Urbina Bay
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Isabela
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Punta Vicente Roca
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Isabela
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Sunday
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Red Beach
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Rábida
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Dragon Hill
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Santa Cruz
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Monday
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Baltra Airport
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Baltra
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Included
- Accommodations, all meals, island sightseeing, naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only, snorkeling gear, taxes and transfers in the islands.
- Transfer from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colon, Swissôtel, Marriott, Dann Carlton) and in Guayaquil (Hilton Colon, Oro Verde, Hampton Inn, Sheraton) to airport for flights to / from Galápagos are included in these rates. To coordinate these transfers we must have guest's hotel contact.
Not Included
- Wet Suits available for rent, NET rate $ 15 + VAT per guest for 5-day expeditions
- Wet Suits available for rent, NET rate $ 30 + VAT per guest for 7-day expeditions
- Air transportation to / from Galápagos please see rates below.
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 100 subject to change without previous notice).
- Migration Control Card (US $ 10 subject to change without previous notice).
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverage, gratuities, gifts and additional items.
- Internet / Wi-Fi
Itinerary Description
TUESDAY
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Island)
Landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno´s airport. Transfer to the dock and Isabela II. Check in, introductory briefing and lunch on board.
Galapaguera Cerro Colorado (San Cristóbal Island)
After lunch, dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and a 40-minute bus ride to the south shore of the island, passing the historical highlands of San Cristobal island. At Cerro Colorado, visit the breeding centre of the highly endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species and the endemic San Cristóbal lava lizard. Back on board late afternoon for a welcome cocktail, briefing and dinner.
WEDNESDAY
Prince Philip's Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island)
Overnight navigation northbound to the incredible bird island, Genovesa, crossing the equator on the way. The morning starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a stimulating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of Nazca boobies, red footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs. Snorkelling is possible, paddling kayaks, or riding the glass bottom boat. Lunch on board.
Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island)
In the afternoon, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing several species of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed boobies, Nazca boobies, lava gulls, swallow-tailed gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour. Expedition plan for Thursday and dinner.
THURSDAY
Buccaneer Cove (James/Santiago Island)
After breakfast, enjoy a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove. Learn about the history of Santiago Island, its relevance for the whalers, pirates and early researchers, including Darwin’s epic voyage in 1835, and the conservation projects aimed at eradicating feral species (a fence stretched along the rocky outcrop is visible to save native plants from the once existing enormous goat population). Today the island is free of feral goats, and 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. This is a great site for snorkelling too! Lunch on board.
Puerto Egas (James/Santiago Island)
Puerto Egas was only briefly inhabited in the 20th century in an attempt to commercialize salt from a deposit inside a tuff cone. Today, Puerto Egas is one of the most impressive coastal walks in Galápagos (wet landing). Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and there is also a colony of fur-sea lions which can be observed up-close. Opportunity for snorkelling and swimming from the beach after the walk. Expedition plan for Friday and dinner.
FRIDAY
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
During the night the yacht sails over to the north shore of Isabela Island, crossing the equator twice in the process. The morning brings us to the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally light-foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Snorkelling is a refreshing reward near the lava shores of Fernandina. Lunch on board.
Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)
Across the narrow Bolívar Channel, on the northwest of Isabela, lies secluded Tagus Cove. The deep cove provided a favourite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries. Old graffiti is still found carved on its walls. The vegetation in the area includes the fragrant palo santo (torchwood) trees. These white-barked trees are leafless and look dead most of the year. They leaf and spring back to life in the wet season.
An optional uphill hike takes guests to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. The view at the end of the trail is worth the climb. Darwin is one of Isabela’s six volcanoes, a remarkable contrast to the lower islands to the east of the archipelago. All guests will enjoy a panga ride along the volcanic cliffs of Tagus Cove, teeming with life (boobies, flightless cormorants, penguins, martins, terns, iguanas and sea lions) Possibilities to swim, snorkel or ride kayaks. There is no beach in the area, so pangas are employed. Expedition plan for Saturday and dinner.
SATURDAY
Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
After breakfast (wet landing) disembark at Urbina Bay, located at the foot of volcanoes Alcedo and Darwin, western Isabela Island, the result of an uplifting of the ocean in 1954. Here you can find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. This area is also home to large and very colourful Galápagos land iguanas, giant tortoises (occasionally); a good spot to observe Darwin’s finches. Along the shoreline, after the hike, guests may encounter flightless cormorants and see penguins while snorkelling in this beautiful cove. Lunch on board.
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
Depending on the conditions of the ocean, it will be possible to schedule a snorkelling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, on the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by dinghy, while the naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only existing marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes sea lions, Galápagos fur seals, Galápagos penguins, blue-footed and Nazca boobies and noddy terns. This area boasts an impressively-rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles and oceanic sun fish (Mola mola). If conditions are good, snorkelling can be done at the cliffs of a tuff cone. Expedition plan for Sunday and dinner.
SUNDAY
Rábida Island (Jervis)
Disembark at Rábida Island (wet landing) on a red-coloured beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times greater flamingos migrate. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. Non snorkelers will enjoy the glass bottom boat, a panga ride along the coast or paddle out on a sea kayak. During navigation to our next island, dolphins and/or whales are often spotted. Lunch on board.
Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) (Santa Cruz Island)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago. This area is a natural nesting site for land iguanas, constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for bird watching, where Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galápagos flycatcher, and yellow warblers are regular sightings. Snorkelling or swimming is possible out of the beach near the landing site. Farewell cocktail and departure briefing before dinner.
MONDAY
Baltra Island
After breakfast, departure to the port and airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
Important Facts
- Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.
- Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
PACKING CHECK LIST
- 1 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
NORTHERN ISLANDS
- Genovesa
- Santiago
- Fernandina
- Isabela
- Rábida
- Santa Cruz
- Baltra
- San Cristóbal
ICON SPECIES
- Galápagos sea lion
- Galápagos fur seal
- Giant tortoises
- Galápagos land iguana
- Marine iguanas
- Blue-footed boobies
- Nazca boobies
- Red-footed boobies
- Galápagos doves
- Galápagos mockingbirds
- Chatham mockingbirds
- Darwin finches
- Greater flamingos
- Galápagos hawks
- Short-eared owls
- Brown pelicans
- Greater frigates
- Magnificent frigates
- Flightless cormorants
- Galápagos penguins
- Swallow-tailed gulls
- Lava gulls
- Lava (striated) herons
- Galápagos martins
HIGHLIGHT SITES
- Buccaneer Cove
- Darwin Lake
- Urbina´s Upheaval
- Kicker Rock
Notes:
- Please remember that the exact route and programme may vary according to weather and ocean conditions and the wildlife we encounter.
- Itineraries and programme are subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes or safety reasons.
Map
View Tour 2012 - 6 night Galapagos Expedition (Tuesday/Monday) Northern Islands in a larger map
Isabela II Yacht information
Our 40-guest vessel has the most in-depth week itinerary. Is a classic yacht cruising the Galapagos, and offers an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere for experiencing the full adventure of the Islands. The yacht is fully air-conditioned; all cabins are spacious and have private bathrooms. Its three public decks offer the amenities of a larger vessel, including bar-salon, dining room and sun deck. The library contains a large selection of reference books on Galapagos and Ecuador, as well as excellent nature and conservation videos, making this reference library the most complete source of information of any Galapagos vessel.
From dining room to stateroom, one senses the superior quality at all levels of service. ISABELA's trained chefs prepare a superb a-la-carte selection of meals. Our helpful, warm staff attends to your every need. Hotel Managers have a great taste for details.
The sun deck is comprised of a bar with ample outdoor seating, an observation area for whale and dolphin watching, a Jacuzzi and solarium. As an alternative to snorkeling, the glass-bottom boat offers another opportunity to observe the Galapagos rich marine life.
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Every day features new and exciting outings whether for hikes on nature trails; observation of fauna, flora and geological formations; dinghy rides along islets or the coastline; swimming and/or snorkeling activities
Our Expedition Team consists of three Naturalists. All will delight guests with diverse natural history explanations, superb on-deck talks, and eye-catching lectures regarding natural history issues. Their multimedia presentations and recaps will complement the day's activities. Together with the Captain, they will plan the day's program. They are masters of Galapagos' knowledge. Soon enough, our Naturalists will become the highlight of your voyage. At night, when pitch-dark starry skies are seen, stargazing is an amazing nocturnal activity. The southern skies are beautifully arranged with awesome constellations.
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
Services and Facilities
• 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
Sun Deck
Bar and relax area
Cabin Deck
- 15 standard cabins with twin beds
- 1 cabin with double bed for single or double use
- 2 classic cabins with double bed plus a single sofa-bed for double or triple use
Main Deck
1 Master Suite cabin with queen bed
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