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Galapagos aboard Isabela II Yacht 5 Days " Central Itinerary "

Luxury - Cruise
Includes:
  • Transport
  • Sight Seeing
  • Food

The yacht Isabela was designed and built specifically for the longer 7-night Galapagos cruise expeditions and she will help you make the most of your Galapagos vacation. During the 7-night cruise itinerary no islands are visited twice.

Isabela II has 21 cabins, 20 in the Cabin Deck and one in the main deck, all with private bathroom. 16 cabins in Isabela II have twin beds, 2 cabins have double beds for either single or double occupancy, 2 cabins have double beds plus a single bed for double or triple use, and 1 owner cabin with double bed.

The vessel's bar and lounge is a popular gathering place; drinks are set out there for passengers as they return from excursions in the islands. The cuisine is a delicious combination of Ecuadorian and continental specialties.

DAY  ISLAND PLACES
MON       

Santa Cruz      

AM: Baltra  Airport              

PM: Charles Darwin Station 

TUE

Santa Fe

South Plaza

AM: Santa Fe Island

PM: South Plaza Island

WED 

North Seymour 

Santa Cruz

AM: North Seymour

PM: Bachas Beach

THU

Bartolome

Santiago

AM: Bartolome Island

PM: Sullivan Bay

FRI Baltra

AM: Airport 

 

ITINERARY DAY BY DAY:

Day 1 

SANTA CRUZ: CHARLES DARWIN STATION
We arrive at Baltra airport and then we take you to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch, and then continue to Puerto Ayora. Depending on local weather conditions up in the highlands, we may include a short hike which will be a great introduction to some Galapagos wildlife. Our Expedition Team will advise accordingly.

After driving down from the highlands, we visit the " Charles Darwin Research Station " and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Late afternoon we stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht Isabela II. We review the expeditions plan for next day, and enjoy the Captain's welcome cocktail and dinner. 

Day 2 

SANTA FE ISLAND AND SOUTH PLAZA 
" Santa Fe "
A stunning anchorage provides our jumping-off point for our visit to this sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Galapagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the walk. Snorkelling from our skiffs, kayaking or a ride in our glass-bottom boat rounds off the rewarding experience.

"South Plaza " The turquoise waters here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by Galapagos land iguanas. Keep an eye open for the remarkable beaks of cactus finches. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island. 

Day 3 

NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND AND THE BACHAS BEACH
" North Seymour " 
The morning starts with an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of this island, a favourite of many visitors, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. There are opportunities for snorkelling and coastal exploration with chances of spotting fur seals along the rocky coastline. This uplifted island is also home to a nesting colony of frigatebirds, and provides great views of the surrounding islands due to its central location in the archipelago.

" The Bachas Beach " After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the “barges” beach, a name that morphed to “bachas”. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach, with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. We can swim and/or snorkel from the beach. In the evening, Thursday's expedition plan briefing and dinner. 

Day 4 

BARTOLOME ISLAND AND SULLIVAN BAY
This morning, a Galapagos icon awaits for us: " Bartolome Island ". A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, we take the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and do some snorkelling. Explore the shores and look for Galapagos penguins too. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.

After lunch, we get on board the pangas to land at " Sullivan Bay " on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming with a trail over a lava field that flowed here a little over 120 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife. Many label this location as an open textbook of geologic wonders. 

Day 5 

SANTA CRUZ: AIRPORT
After breakfast, we leave for the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. 
 
Important: Itineraries and activities subject to change without prior notice. Depending on weather conditions and water currents, some wildlife described above may not be visible.

Category         Luxury Class
Capacity 40 passengers
Lenght 53.72 meters (166 ft.)
Beam 11.58 meters (38 feet)
Speed 10 knots
Electricity 10 V. 60 Hz
Engines 2 GM Detroit Diesel 900 BHP each
Navegación Gyrocompass, auto pilot, radar, echo-sounders
Equipment Gyrocompass, Automatic Pilot, radar, eco-sound, GPS
Safety SOLAS 74- ISM
Crew 24 and 3 Naturalist Guides

Details

Cost Includes:
  • All transfers in Galapagos: Airport-Yacht-Airport
  • Accommodation in double cabins
  • Three meals a day, drinking water, tea or coffe
  • Excursions in the islands with English Speaking Nature Guide
  • Snorkelling Equipment
Cost Excludes:
  • Galapagos National Park Tax: USD 100.00 to be paid in cash in Galapagos
  • Galapagos Transit Card: USD 20.00 per person
  • Soft drinks and alcoholics beverages
  • Tips