Trip Code: GAMTISS5
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Finish: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
SHIP: Yacht Isabela II
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Select Mondays
All meals, water, tea & coffee while onboard your Galapagos cruise
Group transfers in the Galapagos to & from your vessel
Cabin on board ship
Daily excursions, panga rides, shore landings and expert briefings while onboard
* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations
The enormous tortoises are where your journey begins. We will soon be able to witness one of the big 15 emblematic species in their native highland habitat as we touch down at Baltra airport. The next day, we'll go to Santiago Island's stunning coast, where we may snorkel alongside marine iguanas and see slumbering fur seals. In the afternoon, we will visit Chinese Hat's sandy beach, which is a popular hangout for Galapagos penguins. We will explore the cliffs, shoreline, and beaches of "Bird Island," Genovesa, for the entire day while observing seabird colonies that are nesting, including the uncommon red-footed booby. As we head back to the central islands, we'll visit Santa Fe to witness the Galapagos hawk, stroll through a grove of sesuvium, and view land iguanas on South Plaza. This tour promises a very unforgettable five days in the seabird sanctuary of the Galapagos, with opportunities to see everything from boobies, shearwaters, and lava gulls to pelicans, petrels, and penguins.
* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.
PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.
Today, we will arrive at Baltra Airport on Santa Cruz Island. From there,we’ll take a scenic drive to the Itabaca Channel for a ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Following a 30-minute bus ride, we’ll explore the island’s lush highlands to appreciate its unique ecosystems and enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we will visit a nearby reserve known for observing giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The reserve also has lava tunnels to explore. Then, we will transfer to Puerto Ayora to board the Isabela II for more adventures.
Puerto Egas (Santiago Island)
After landing on the black sandy beach, we marvel at encounters with land iguanas and birds near tuff-stone layers, rugged rocks, and lava formations. Marine iguanas eat algae during low tide, while fur seals rest in the shade.
Chinese Hat Islet
This young islet features a 1,312 ft (400 m) trail starting at a crescent-shaped, white sandy beach. It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling and offers encounters with white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.
In the evening, we'll return to our yacht and enjoy a delicious dinner while taking in the beautiful sunset over the Galapagos.
Prince Phillip’s Steps (Genovesa Island)
Start your day with a scenic panga ride along the cliffs of “Bird Island,” also known as Genovesa. Then descend a wooden staircase to a plateau and observe colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and storm petrels. Keep an eye out for the short-eared owl. You can also take a longer panga ride along the cliffs or enjoy snorkeling and kayaking, weather permitting.
Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)
After a satisfying lunch, we reach the pristine white sands of Darwin Bay. Here, you can observe many bird species, including frigatebirds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches, and mockingbirds.
Santa Fe Island
Embark on a dinghy ride to the sandy-white shores of Santa Fe Island, home to sea lions. Look for Galapagos hawks and Santa Fe land iguanas. Conclude with snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat ride.
South Plaza Island
After lunch, dry land in a channel with turquoise waters and a coastline of white sands and black lava. Experience a vibrant landscape with scarlet sesuvium succulents and green prickly-pear cacti, home to yellow-grey land iguanas and lively sea lion colonies. Watch frigates, swallow-tailed gulls, and shearwaters gracefully soaring overhead.
Our voyage culminates at Baltra Island, where we proceed to the airport for our return flight to the mainland.
The Yacht Isabela II can accommodate up to 40 guests and promises an intimate experience in the beautiful Galapagos Islands.
The islands' marine life can be appreciated on your expedition cruise with activities such as snorkelling, kayaking or aboard our glass-bottom boat.
On board you will find delicious cuisine, faultless service and excellent facilities, including a Jacuzzi, fitness room, bar and outside deck for al fresco meals, drinks and sunbathing. The ships crew has remained virtually unchanged for years, Their dedication, attention to detail and passion for service will impress even the most discerning of guests.
Ice Class:
Length: 55.94 meters (183 feet)
Breadth: 11.58 meters (38 feet)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 10 knots
Electricity: 110 Volts 60 Hz. / 220 Volts 60 Hz Passenger
Capacity:40
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Seabird Sanctuary Expedition 5-Day | Isabela II from £ 3,541 | ||
Select Mondays |
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Please note kayak activities are subject to weather conditions.
Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated)
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time
* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.
Accommodation in double cabin
Transfers in the Galapagos and airport assistance
All meals during the cruise
Water coffee and tea & soft drink
All excursions as per the itinerary*
English-Speaking Naturalist guide
Snorkelling equipment
Wet suit rental
Kayak & Paddle board equipment
Return airfares from mainland Ecuador
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US$200 per person from Aug 2024 - Subject to change)
Galapagos Transit Control Card (US$20 per person - Subject to change)
Fuel Surcharges
Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses
Gratuities for crew/guides
Services not specified
A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.
Seasonality, fuel surcharges, currency fluctuations and availability at time of booking.