Galapagos Cruise
Availability
Plan Your Trip
With its three public decks, the first-class Isabela II is capable of offering the amenities of a larger ship, including a bar-lounge, a fitness room, a dining room, a stateroom, a sun deck and a library. The 40-passenger vessel boasts 20 outside cabins plus an owner's suite – all spacious and having their own private bathrooms and air-conditioning. This 7-days/6-night Galapagos cruise is onboard a special yacht for exploring the “living laboratory of evolution.” The glass-bottomed Isabela II motor vessel promises complete immersion in this unique world as it takes you to the northern islands of the amazing Galapagos archipelago. Led by three class III naturalist guides, on your very first day of this Galapagos vacation, you will visit the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Breeding Center, where you will see emblematic Galapagos giant tortoises, that unique species of wildlife that were the inspiration for Darwin’s startling theory and contributed to science’s understanding of life.
“My husband, daughter and I want to thank you again for making our trip to the Galapagos extremely awesome!”
You will land at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno’s airport and be transferred to the dock and then to Isabella II, where you will check in, receive an introductory briefing and have lunch on board.
PM: After lunch, we will land back in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and drive 40 minutes to the island’s southern shore. At the Tortoise Breeding Center, you will see highly-endangered Galapagos giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species and the endemic San Cristobal lava lizard.
AM: Overnight, we will sail northbound to the incredible “Bird Island,” as Genovesa is dubbed, crossing the equator on the way. The morning starts with a panga boat ride along the cliffs of this dramatic island, followed by landing and a steep climb (90 feet) up Prince Philip’s Steps to reach a flat plateau. Along the hike, you can observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, Red-footed boobies, Great frigatebirds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). You can also enjoy snorkeling and kayaking.
PM: In the afternoon, we land at the beach on Genovesa Island's Darwin Bay for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly frigatebirds, Red-footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. There’s an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views; alternatively, we can return to the beach to enjoy snorkeling in this stunning natural harbor.
AM: After breakfast, we enjoy a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer’s 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. This is a great site for snorkeling too! Or, you can check out the views in the ship’s glass-bottom boat.
PM: Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) - This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds amid a landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. At low tide, marine iguanas graze on the algae beds and you can also observe a colony of fur sea lions. Back at the beach where we’ll land, there’s great snorkeling and swimming.
AM: In the morning, we will visit the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina. Here, you will find Espinoza Point, which has an amazing combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife. Highlights include Galapagos hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Plus, this is another chance for some snorkeling.
PM: Tagus Cove (Isabela Island) - Across narrow Bolivar Channel, we will anchor at this cove on the northwest of Isabela, which provided a favorite anchorage site for pirates and whalers over the centuries. An uphill hike takes guests to the rim of saltwater- filled Darwin Crater and to a dramatic viewpoint. After our walk, we will take a panga boat ride to spot local wildlife, with the possibility of swimming, kayaking or snorkeling.
AM: After breakfast, we will disembark at Urbina Bay, 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 colorful Galapagos land iguanas, and occasionally giant tortoises. After the hike, along the shoreline guests may encounter Flightless cormorants and spot Galapagos penguins while snorkeling.
PM: Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) - Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by dinghy. Your naturalist guide will explain the dramatic geology of the area, consisting of remnants of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife and – depending on the conditions of the ocean – you should be able to snorkel along the cliffs – hopefully in the company of green sea turtles. Later we will go over the Galapagos expedition plan for Sunday before dinner.
AM: In the morning, we will disembark onto Rabida Island’s red-colored beach. A stroll will allow you to observe a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. This is a great place for snorkeling from the beach. You can also enjoy a panga ride, kayaking or ride in the ship’s glass-bottom boat.
PM: Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island) - The north shore of Santa Cruz is the site of Dragon Hill. Our walk here will also include circling a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, while further inland the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the Galapagos archipelago.
AM: Your Galapagos journey ends on Baltra Island, where we transfer to the airport for your flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland.
| Room | Classic Cabin | Classic Family Cabin | Owner´s Cabin | Standard Cabin |
| 7 Days | US$ 5,318 PP | US$ 5,318 PP | US$ 5,564 PP | US$ 5,012 PP |
Interested in more information about any particular South American destination or trip?
Simply let us know your interests or question, and one of our travel experts will be more than happy to assist you -- at no charge, of course!
“I was very happy in every way with your booking and Cuyabeno Lodge. It surpassed my expectations in every way. No hitches with flights and transportation. The lodge was beautiful. The staff was professional and friendly.”