Yacht Isabela II – Southeastern Galapagos Islands Itinerary – 7D/6N
Information
The blue-footed boobies are one of the three species of boobies that you can find in the Galapagos Islands.
Southeastern Galapagos Islands Itinerary
Our journey through Galapagos’ Southeastern Islands will be teeming with magnificent islands and endemic wildlife! During our first day, we’ll encounter giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. After that, a fascinating array of different booby species wait for us at Punta Pitt. During the third day of our Galapagos expedition, a visit to Española Island will put us face to face with magnificent wildlife, from mockingbirds to colorful marine iguanas! On the fourth day, we’ll wake up in Floreana Island, where historic Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point’s green beach await. After this, we sail all the way to the west, where we’ll get to walk across young lava formations at Punta Moreno and explore the fascinating mangroves of southern Fernandina. Our Galapagos adventure concludes with a morning visit to Eden Islet and a high note: an afternoon wander across beautiful North Seymour Island.
- Santa Cruz Island
- San Cristobal Island
- Española Island
- Floreana Island
- Isabela Island
- Fernandina Island
- North Seymour Island
- Galapagos Albatross
- Blue-footed booby
- Nazca booby
- Red-footed booby
- Flightless cormorant
- American Flamingo
- Frigatebirds: Great and Magnificent
- Galapagos Hawk
- Galapagos Land Iguana
- Galapagos Marine Iguana
- Galapagos Penguin
- Galapagos Sea Lion
- Galapagos Fur Seal
- Galapagos Giant Tortoise
Day by Day
Itinerary
Itinerary highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Baltra Airport and Santa Cruz Island
We land at Baltra Island by plane in the morning and transfer to the nearby dock to board Yacht Isabela II, where we receive a welcome introductory briefing, boat drill, and lunch.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
This beautiful visitor site is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, a glorious white beach with a couple of brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. You may enjoy swimming at this beach, too. Back on the ship, we will settle in with a welcome cocktail, a briefing on the next day’s expedition plan, and a delicious dinner.
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal)
We land on the eastern tip of the island. The trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline and is the only site in the Galapagos where the 3 species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigatebird species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions. If conditions are favorable, there is a chance to swim, kayak, or snorkel from the beach or take an inflatable dinghy ride.
Cerro Colorado (San Cristobal Island)
We disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and drive 40 minutes to the island’s southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the breeding center for highly endangered giant tortoises amid a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristobal mockingbird, as well as the endemic San Cristobal lava lizard.
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the morning, we’ll set foot on this beautiful, white coral beach and go on a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, or enjoy the beach. There is excellent snorkeling in this area. Kayaking, an inflatable dinghy-ride, or a ride on the glass-bottom boat are also offered.
Punta Suarez (Española Island)
Following lunch on board, our afternoon outing at Punta Suarez takes us on an exciting trail across lava/boulder terrain. Along the way, we can enjoy unique sea bird colonies, including the beautiful waved albatrosses, boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous “blowhole”. This island is also renowned for its colorful and sizable marine iguanas. All in all, a wonderful visit.
Cormorant Point (Floreana Island)
We disembark in the morning at the curiously green-tinged, olivine-crystal beach that makes for an easy walk to a brackish water lagoon where bird species like American flamingos can be observed. Crossing over to the other side of the island, we come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. At Champion Islet, guests can choose between snorkeling, a panga ride, or a ride in our glass-bottom boat.
Post Office Bay & Baroness Cove (Floreana Island)
After lunch, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as an informal post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Snorkeling off the beach will be offered afterward.
Punta Moreno (Isabela Island)
In the morning, following a meander through the mangroves in search of sea turtles, we disembark amid a landscape dominated by the giant volcanoes of southern Isabela Island, some still active. The rugged trail loops inland from the coast, giving us plenty of opportunity to enjoy unique lava formations, pioneer lava cactus, and exotic scalesia trees, as well as plenty of wildlife: Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, brown pelicans, herons, sea lions, marine iguanas, and dozens of Sally Lightfoot crabs. The inland lagoons are home to Bahama-pintail ducks, common stilts, Galapagos flamingos, and even Galapagos hawks and mockingbirds. Following our walk, we can take to our glass-bottom boats or deep-water snorkel.
Punta Mangle (Fernandina Island)
In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina’s coastline aboard our pangas (inflatable dinghies). The archipelago’s youngest ecosystem is home to small Galapagos penguins and green-eyed flightless cormorants that rest on the shore’s black rocks. Beneath the waves, rays and sea turtles might glide by. The nutrient-rich waters of the Bolivar Channel, which separates Fernandina and Isabela islands, attract dolphins and whales. With luck, we’ll be able to spot them. Depending on sea conditions, we end our visit with a glass-bottom boat ride or deep-water snorkel.
Eden Islet
A panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather conditions permit, to ride in the glass-bottom boat. The volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning.
North Seymour Island
We have saved one of the best visitor sites in the archipelago for last. In the afternoon, we disembark for a walk along the coast and the interior of this beautiful flat island. We’ll be able to see numerous nesting frigatebirds as well as land iguanas and sea lion colonies along the coastline. We can explore the coast by dinghy, too, seeking out fur seals, and enjoying a fun, deep-water snorkel. Evening briefing, farewell cocktail, and dinner.
Baltra Island
Our journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
Prices
| Cabin | Max. Guests Capacity | 2021 per person (USD) | 2022 pp (USD) | 2023 pp (USD) |
| Standard Cabin | 1 | $ 5,142 | $ 5,348 | $ 5,562 |
| Classic Cabin | 2 | $ 5,454 | $ 5,672 | $ 5,899 |
| Classic Family Cabin* | 3 | $ 5,454 | $ 5,672 | $ 5,899 |
| Owner’s Cabin | 2 | $ 5,712 | $ 5,940 | $ 6,178 |
*accommodates 2 adults + 1 child under 12 years old
Please note: Twin/Double Cabins for single use incur a 100% surcharge of the price per person.
Included
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Island sightseeing
- Naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only
- Snorkeling gear
- Internet / Wi-Fi *
- Luggage handling
- Medical care on board (not including the cost of medication)
- Taxes
- Transfers in the islands
- Shared transfers from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colon, Sheraton, Marriott, Dann Carlton) and in Guayaquil (Hilton Colon, Oro Verde, Sheraton) to the airport for flights to/from Galapagos are included in these rates. To coordinate these transfers, we must have guests’ hotel contact information.
Not Included
- Wet suits available for rent, NET rate US$ 30 + VAT per guest for 7-day expeditions
- Air transportation to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (subject to change without previous notice)
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 100 subject to change without previous notice)**
- Migration Control Card (US$ 20 subject to change without previous notice)**
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic **and non-alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Gifts and additional items
- Travel insurance
Special Notes * Internet connections onboard consist in computer stations and wifi in the vessel’s social areas; due to the Galapagos’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth.
** At your request, we can include the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of US$100 and migration control card fee of US$20 (subject to change). However, please note that, due to administrative and operational reasons, these fees can only be included when guests travel on the operation departure date. This service does not apply for guests who travel before a departure date (even if the departure is with us).
*** Please note, we charge guests who wish to bring bottles of wine and/or spirits aboard our vessels a corkage fee of $25+taxes.
Packing List
The Ultimate Galapagos Packing List
(As recommended by our seasoned Galapagos Experts)
Our very own Destination Experts have worked hard to prepare this Ultimate Galapagos Packing List. These folks have an intimate knowledge and understanding of the Galapagos Islands and our ships. They have combed through the advice of several travelers and come up with the only Galapagos Packing List you’ll need. Make sure you check off our Top 5 Essential and Top 5 Wearable Items and check out the Additional Recommended Items to bring. Pack light, pack smart, and don’t worry if you forget something because those items below that are marked with an asterisk (*) are available in our onboard boutique shop.
What to pack for an expedition aboard a Galapagos yacht.
Top 5 Essential Items
| 1 | Small backpack/daypack | We recommend you bring one that is waterproof. |
| 2 | Water bottle * | By the way, you’ll receive a reusable water bottle when you arrive on board any one of our ships or when you get to the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel. |
| 3 | Ziploc-style baggie with your medication | Even though our Galapagos cruises feature an onboard medical officer, available 24/7, please remember to pack any specific and essential prescription medication. |
| 4 | Drybag | This item keeps your valuables dry at all times as you hop on and off the dinghy, or panga, on your way to and from aquatic and land activities.) |
| 5 | Waterproof, see-through phone pouch | This item is useful for taking photos underwater or aboard a panga, as it keeps your phone dry and protected, guaranteeing that you’ll be able to share your memories with friends, family, and followers. (P.S. Feel free to tag us on your social media! |
Top 5 Wearable Items
| 1 | Wide-brimmed hat or cap with strap * | A strap keeps your hat from flying off as you travel along in the dinghy. |
| 2 | Short-sleeve cotton T-shirts | These keep you fresh during activities. By the way, we have a dryer on board! |
| 3 | Long-sleeve expedition-style shirts * | Long sleeves will protect you from the strong and direct sunlight along the equator. As an extra layer, being able to roll your sleeves up or down gives you the ability to adjust to the elements and remain comfortable. |
| 4 | Convertible cargo pants * | Similar to long-sleeve expedition-style shirts, these lightweight pants with removable lower legs allow you to remain comfortable and cool or warm and dry, whether hiking along the coast or hanging out on one of the ship’s outdoor decks. |
| 5 | Water-resistant, closed-toe sport sandals with non-slippery soles | Hop on and hop off without changing shoes! Don’t worry about getting wet, or slipping. Use these on expeditions and aboard the ship. |
Additional Recommended Items
Head to Toe: We also recommend bringing the following:
| 1 | Sunglasses | It’s a good idea to use these with a neck strap so you won’t misplace them. |
| 2 | Bandana * | This is a great item for protecting your neck when it gets too sunny or while traveling aboard the dinghy. |
| 3 | Windbreaker jacket | It can get a little windy out at sea, particularly during the Galapagos dry season. |
| 4 | Warm sweater or fleece | It can get a little chilly at night; an extra layer can provide you with just the right amount of comfort and warmth. |
| 5 | Casual pants, shorts, dress, or skirt | Back on board the ship, you may want to change into something a little more comfortable. |
| 6 | Bathing suits | It’s a good idea to bring two (2), in case you want to change suits between aquatic activities |
| 7 | Socks | You’ll be using your feet quite a bit so we recommend treating them right. Bring comfortable socks: some for hiking and some for lounging. |
| 8 | Anti-slip sandals and/or comfortable shoes | When your sandals are still drying, you’ll be glad you brought some extra footwear. |
Portables and Gear
| 1 | Toiletry kit | Keep in mind that we provide eco-friendly amenities in every cabin. |
| 2 | Waterproof sunblock * and lip balm (SPF 50+) | If you’re planning to take part in aquatic activities, make sure your sunblock and lip balm are eco-friendly and not harmful to ocean life. |
| 3 | Insect repellent * | You won’t encounter many mosquitos in the Galapagos, but it never hurts to have some on hand. |
| 4 | Binoculars | Our Naturalist Guides will be happy to lend you theirs, but you’re welcome to bring you own if you’d like. |
| 5 | Camera, plus extra memory cards and batteries | If you have a nice camera you want to use on this trip, bring it! |
| 6 | Device chargers and adaptors if necessary | Electrical outlets in Ecuador are 110-120V, 60Hz, types A & B. |
| 7 | Prescription snorkeling mask or specialized snorkel equipment | All regular snorkeling equipment is available aboard each of our ships, as well as at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel. Some charges may apply. Consult your Destination Expert. |
If you want to make sure you don’t leave anything behind, print our downloadable packing checklist (better if you do so on a recycled paper, we designed it in such a way so that you use the less amount of ink possible.)
Our Onboard Boutique
Visit our onboard boutique and find items ranging from handicrafts to everyday necessities. Find the perfect gift for your friends and family, and purchase any of the items suggested in our packing list. Item availability and prices are subject to change.
