Yacht Isabela

Galapagos Northwest Islands of Fire Cruise

5 Days

Thursday to Monday

12 of 15

Galapagos Iconic Species

From

USD 4650
per guest

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Discover the Wonders of the Galapagos on Yacht Isabela II

Five days. Six islands. A volcanic archipelago is still writing its own story. Aboard Yacht Isabela II, your naturalist guide leads you to places most travelers never reach — from the tortoise-filled Highlands of Santa Cruz to Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine environments on Earth, where marine iguanas and flightless cormorants live exactly as they always have.

You’ll stand at the summit of Bartolome as Galapagos penguins dart beneath your snorkel. You’ll hike the hardened lava of Sullivan Bay, following Darwin’s own footsteps. And you’ll drift by dinghy along the towering cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca, scanning for fur seals, Nazca boobies, and sea turtles rising through glassy water. This is the Galapagos expedition that goes to the edge of the world — and brings you back changed.

Galapagos Penguin On Lava Rock Beside Snorkelers At Bartolomé Island, Galapagos Northwest

Day by Day

Day 1: Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island

Arrival at Baltra Airport, Santa Cruz Island

  • Land at Baltra Airport and cross to Santa Cruz Island via the Itabaca Channel
  • Ride through the misty Highlands — tortoise country — on a scenic 30-minute bus journey to lunch.
  • Continue south to Puerto Ayora, your gateway to the Galapagos.

Explore Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station

  • Come face-to-face with giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station and Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.
  • Walk the lively main street of Puerto Ayora.
  • Board Yacht Isabela II for the Captain’s welcome cocktail and your first dinner at sea

Wildlife: Giant tortoises · Galapagos land iguanas · Marine iguanas · Darwin’s finches · Galapagos mockingbirds

Bartolome Island Adventure

  • Climb the wooden staircase through Bartolome’s volcanic moonscape to the summit.
  • Take in panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock, lava fields, and the turquoise coves below.
  • Ride a panga around Pinnacle Rock — Galapagos penguins dart past you just below the surface.

Explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island

  • Transfer by panga to Sullivan Bay on Santiago’s east coast
  • Swim at the pristine white coral sand beach, edged by dramatic hardened lava
  • Hike a trail through a well-preserved lava field — the volcanic origins of the Galapagos under your feet

Wildlife: Sea lions · Marine iguanas · Sally Lightfoot crabs · Galapagos hawks · Oystercatchers · Galapagos penguins · Reef sharks · Green sea turtles

Discover Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island

  • Explore Dragon Hill’s brackish lagoon — flamingos wade at the edge while shorebirds work the shoreline.
  • Dusty-yellow land iguanas patrol the terrain above — look up, and you’ll find them everywhere.
  • Snorkel from the shore through rays, green turtles, and the occasional reef shark.

Explore Buccaneer Cove on Santiago Island

  • Navigate Buccaneer Cove’s towering cliffs by panga — a hiding place for pirates, now a stronghold for wildlife.
  • Spot sea lion colonies and nesting marine birds on the ledges above
  • Choose your angle: snorkeling, panga ride, or glass-bottom boat to explore the life below

Wildlife: Galapagos fur seals · Sea lions · Brown pelicans · Blue-footed boobies · Intertidal marine life · Land iguanas · Flamingos · Green sea turtles · Spotted eagle rays · Reef sharks · Shorebirds · Marine iguanas

Experience Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island

  • Drift by dinghy along the volcanic cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca — one of the most wildlife-dense coasts in the Galapagos (no landing)
  • Fur seals lounge on ledges overhead; flightless cormorants dive below; Nazca boobies nest at eye level
  • Snorkel the cliffs and find green sea turtles rising through cold, clear water (weather permitting)
  • Cross the Bolivar Channel and watch for dolphins and whales feeding on the nutrient-rich surface.

Discover Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island

  • Arrive at Fernandina, the youngest island in the archipelago and one of the most pristine environments on Earth.
  • Your naturalist guide leads you through a landscape where Galapagos hawks hunt overhead, and marine iguanas cover every rock.
  • Kayak, join a glass-bottom boat ride, or snorkel — life surrounds you in every direction.

Wildlife: Marine iguanas (largest colony in the Galapagos) · Flightless cormorants · Galapagos penguins · Galapagos hawks · Sea lions · Galapagos fur seals · Nazca boobies · Flightless cormorants · Marine iguanas · Green sea turtles · Dolphins · Orcas & whales (seasonal)

Concluding Stop at Baltra Island

  • Farewell breakfast aboard Yacht Isabela II
  • Transfer to Seymour Airport for your flight back to the mainland
  • Carry five days of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on Earth — the islands stay with you long after you leave

Itinerary Map

Day 1

Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island

Day 2

Bartolomé Island & Santiago Island

Day 3

Santa Cruz Island & Santiago Island

Day 4

Isabela Island & Fernandina Island

Day 5

Baltra Island

Prices

Prices in 2026

Starting at USD 4650 per guest

Prices in 2027

Starting at USD 4700 per guest

Sailing Dates

The Big 15 Iconic Species of the Galapagos

Because the Galapagos Islands are so extensive, deciding where to go and what to see can be challenging. In crafting our itineraries to ensure our guests experience the optimum array of Galapagos species, we spoke with experts, Naturalist Guides, and island enthusiasts to identify the archipelago’s most unique and fascinating animals. Their choices influenced our creation of the Galapagos BIG15, which showcases the most iconic Galapagos wildlife.

Why Book With Us

Unmatched Experiences & Expert Care

Choose expedition vessels for an authentic and intimate experience.

Consider the comfort level with the ideal space-to-guest ratio during your journey.

All our itineraries allow you to discover 11 to 12 of the Big 15 iconic species and the top 4 islands in just 5 to 7 days.

Take part in the multi-guided itineraries for a unique experience of the Galapagos Islands.

Our carefully designed itineraries guarantee exclusivity and optimal wildlife viewing opportunities during island visits.

Enjoy multiple activities around the islands at no extra cost during your Galapagos expedition.

Rest assured, our Galapagos cruise ships have onboard medical professionals to attend to any medical needs.

Ensure the Galapagos National Park authorizes your cruise for activities and island visits.

Included

Reminder: We can assist with tickets and fees for entry to Galapagos.

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Galapagos National Park fee (USD 200)
  • INGALA migration card (USD 20)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses, gratuities & taxes
  • Fuel surcharges*
  • Non-alcoholic beverages are included on board only.
  • Fees and surcharges are subject to change without prior notice.

Tours you can Combine this Itinerary with

Talk to an expert that´s
Sailed aboard!

Melissa Altamirano

“Melissa has been fantastic! She answers all my questions, gets back to me quickly, and has mapped out a wonderful trip for us. I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received.”

– Mary Kabat

See what people are
saying about us!

NPS 9.5
Customer Satisfaction
Four Galapagos Penguins Standing On Black Lava Rocks Near A Sandy Beach Shoreline
Are you a Travel Agent?*
At Metropolitan Touring we process the information you provide us with in order to respond to the request made by you in relation to the services we provide and the products we supply. You can exercise the rights of access, rectification and updating of inaccurate data or, where appropriate, request the deletion or elimination, limitation or suspension of the processing of your data or oppose the processing of your data. Contact us at dpdecuador@metropolitan-touring.com