Yacht Isabela II Natural Selection Journey (Fri - Thurs)
What your day looks like
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.
Why travelers choose this experience
- Galapagos expedition vessel that offers the ideal intimate space for you & Guests
- Receive a welcome introductory briefing, boat drill & lunch
- Only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together
- Chance to swim, kayak, or snorkel from the beach, or take an inflatable dinghy ride
- Meet the beautiful waved albatrosses, boobies, swallowtail gulls & famous “blowhole”
- Enjoy a glassbottom boat ride or deepwater snorkel at Punta Moreno (Isabela Island)
Your day, step by step
Baltra
Boating. Welcome to the Galapagos! 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
Baltra
Leisure at Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos). 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.
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Baltra
Eco Tour at San Cristobal Island (Galapagos). 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 three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two species of frigatebirds, 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 (panga) ride.
Baltra
Eco Tour at San Cristobal Island (Galapagos). 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 in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristobal mockingbird. Here, we also find the endemic San Cristobal lava lizard.
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Baltra
Leisure at Espanola Island. Gardner Bay (Española Island) In the morning, we’ll set foot on a beautiful, white coral sand beach. We can go on a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches, or simply enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area. Kayaking, panga, or glass-bottom boat rides are also offered.
Baltra
Eco Tour at Espanola Island. Punta Suarez (Española Island) Our afternoon outing at Punta Suarez takes us on an exciting trail across lava/boulder terrain. Along the way, we can observe unique sea bird colonies, including the beautiful waved albatrosses, boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous “blowhole”. This island is also famous for its colorful and sizable marine iguanas. All in all, an exciting visit!
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Baltra
Sightseeing. 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 to snorkel or take a panga or glass-bottom boat ride.
Baltra
Sightseeing at Post Office Bay. Post Office Bay & Baroness Cove (Floreana Island) 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.
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Baltra
Eco Tour at Isabela Island (Galapagos). Punta Moreno (Isabela Island) In the morning, we meander through the mangroves in search of sea turtles and eventually 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 impressive 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 enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride or deep-water snorkel.
Baltra
Sightseeing. Punta Mangle (Fernandina Island) Venturing across to Fernandina Island, in the afternoon we board our pangas (inflatable dinghies) and explore the coastline of the archipelago’s youngest ecosystem, a virgin, pristine world of tiny bays, tall mangroves (mangle is Spanish for mangrove) and tranquil coves, home to diminutive Galapagos penguins and green-eyed flightless cormorants preening on the shore’s black rocks. Beneath the waves, rays and sea turtles might can often be seen gliding along just beneath the surface. The nutrient-rich waters of the Bolivar Channel, which separates Fernandina and Isabela islands, attract dolphins and whales. With any luck, we’ll spot some. Depending on sea conditions, we end our visit with a glass-bottom boat ride or deep-water snorkel.
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Baltra
Boating. 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 frigatebirds. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather permits, or we can explore via glass-bottom boat. The volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning.
North Seymour Island
Eco Tour at North Seymour (Island). 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, ambling between numerous nesting frigatebirds, where many male frigatebirds display their balloon-like red gular sacs. Additionally, we view plenty of land iguanas and sea lions just doing their thing along the coastline. We explore the coast by dinghy, keeping an eye out for fur seals, and enjoy a fun, deep-water snorkel.
Baltra
Later, we attend an evening briefing, farewell cocktail, and dinner.
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Baltra
Thank you for visiting! Our journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. We are happy you came and hope to see you again soon!
Before you go
Included
Use of Snorkelling equipment Glass Bottom boat, Kayaks, Paddle boards Doctor onboard 24/7 Island Sightseeing with certified Naturalist Guides Landing and facility fees Bar – Lounge Boutique/Gift Shop Reading Room & Natural History Library Hot Tub Radio, telephone, E-mail, and Fax communications PA System Air-conditioned throughout Safety boxes Hairdryers Multimedia natural history lectures Stargazing Program Sea Kayaks Snorkeling Equipment Wet suits for snorkeling (available for rent)
Not Included
Tips and Gratuities Alcoholic beverages, available at an extra cost (Over 18 years old) Airport transportation to/from Galapagos and aiport taxes Fuel surcharge Medical insurance Travel insurance Ingala Transit Control Card Galapagos National Park Fee
What to Bring
Baggage important notes: Guests can bring aboard the ship a reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects without charge. Baggage is handled in accordance with the airlines’ regulations and tariffs. Baggage exceeding these limitations is subject to the charges as set forth by the individual operators. Airlines are strict with baggage limitations. The current limits are 23 kg (50.6 pounds) for checked items, 8 kg (17 pounds) for hand luggage and 1 personal item (handbag, camera bag, laptop, etc.) All baggage must be securely packed, and properly and clearly labeled. Liquid, fragile, perishable and other articles not suitably packed are transported at guests’ own risk.
Meeting & Pickup
Galápagos Ecologic Airport - Santa Cruz Seymour, Islas Galápagos.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 6 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business