Natural Selection: The Definitive Southeastern and Western Galapagos Journey aboard Isabella II

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Blue Footed Booby Española

Rabida Galapagos Experience Kayak

Sea Lion Playing Noth Seymour Galapagos Experience
7 day expedition
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    Class of Ship

    Small Expedition Yacht
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    Sustainability

    Low Impact
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    Berths

    40
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    Zodiacs

    3
/media/s4zhaf0m/ship-icon.png
Class of Ship
Small Expedition Yacht
/media/2flfscuh/leaf-icon.png
Sustainability
Low Impact
/media/dx3mvpdd/bed-icon.png
Berths
40
/media/n3mjsfr5/zodiac-icon_3867.png
Zodiacs
3

Expedition overview and highlights

  • Ultimate Expedition cruise that delivers unparalleled coverage of the breathtaking Galapagos Islands.
  • Combine two easy-to-follow itineraries to make your adventure even better. Giving you a chance to see the Big 15 endemic species.
  • Immerse yourself in a uniquely personalised journey with expert guidance.
  • Experience the luxury of our all-inclusive expedition, meticulously designed to cater to your every desire.

Natural Selection: The Definitive Southeastern and Western Galapagos Journey aboard Isabella II is an immersive expedition through the most biologically rich regions of the Galapagos Islands. This expertly curated voyage explores both the southeastern and western archipelagos, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters, pristine landscapes, and guided excursions led by knowledgeable naturalists. Aboard the elegant Isabella II, guests experience exceptional comfort while discovering iconic species, volcanic wonders, and the evolutionary marvels that inspired Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

Map & Cruise Itinerary

Arrival at Baltra Airport and Santa Cruz Island

  • Arrive at Baltra Island and transfer to the dock.
  • Visit the humid highlands of Santa Cruz Island to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Return to the Itabaca Channel to board the Yacht Isabella II for an introductory briefing and boat drill.
  • Enjoy lunch aboard the yacht after the morning’s activities.
  • Note: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes; bring a small backpack with medications, sunblock, insect repellent, and essentials.

Explore Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island

  • Visit Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island’s north shore

  • Swim at the white sandy beach and explore brackish lagoons with birds

  • Return to the ship for a welcome cocktail, expedition briefing, and dinner

Explore Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island

  • Land on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island and hike the ascending trail

  • Spot all three booby species, both frigatebird species, and bachelor sea lions

  • Weather permitting, swim, kayak, snorkel, or take a panga ride from the beach

Visit Cerro Colorado on San Cristobal Island

  • Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, following Darwin’s 1835 exploration

  • Drive 40 minutes to Cerro Colorado breeding center for endangered giant tortoises

  • Explore deciduous forest with diverse birds, San Cristobal mockingbird, and lava lizard

Discover Gardner Bay on Española Island

  • Morning walk on Gardner Bay’s white coral beach, spotting sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches

  • Enjoy excellent snorkelling opportunities

  • Optional kayaking, inflatable dinghy ride, or glass-bottom boat excursion

Explore Punta Suarez on Española Island

  • Afternoon trek at Punta Suarez through lava and boulder fields

  • Observe seabirds like waved albatrosses, boobies, and swallow-tail gulls

  • Visit the iconic blowhole and spot large marine iguanas

Explore Cormorant Point on Floreana Island

  • Morning walk on the green olivine-crystal beach at Cormorant Point

  • Visit brackish lagoon to watch American flamingos

  • Explore white-sand beach with sea turtle nesting sites

  • At Champion Islet, enjoy snorkelling, panga ride, or glass-bottom boat tour

Visit Post Office Bay & Baroness Cove on Floreana Island

  • Afternoon visit to Post Office Bay and its historic barrel post

  • Learn about Darwin’s stop and its role in evolutionary studies

  • Finish with snorkelling off the beach

Experience Punta Moreno on Isabela Island

  • Morning mangrove stroll searching for sea turtles and exploring volcanic landscapes

  • Spot diverse wildlife including penguins, cormorants, sea lions, and colorful birds

  • Optional glass-bottom boat ride or deep-water snorkelling to end the day

Discover Punta Mangle on Fernandina Island

  • Afternoon panga exploration of Fernandina Island’s pristine coastline, bays, mangroves, and coves
  • Snorkel or observe rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales in the Bolivar Channel
  • End with a glass-bottom boat ride or deep-water snorkelling, weather permitting

Explore Eden Islet

  • Take a scenic panga ride to Eden Islet, just off Santa Cruz’s coast

  • Observe blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigates in their natural habitat

  • Snorkel among vibrant marine life

  • Weather permitting, enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride to explore the stunning volcanic underwater scenery

Discover North Seymour Island

  • Explore North Seymour Island’s diverse habitats and iconic Big 15 species

  • Afternoon walk to see nesting frigatebirds, land iguanas, sea lions, plus dinghy ride and snorkelling

  • Evening briefing, cocktail, and dinner to end the day

Departure from Baltra Island

  • Arrive at Baltra Island to conclude the journey

  • Transfer to the airport for return flight to the mainland

  • Thank you for joining this remarkable Galapagos expedition

Fares & Departure Dates

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 Owner's Cabin 

Yacht Isabela II Owners Cabin 2
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STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$6,137

An excellent cabin for guests traveling solo or in pairs.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Queen size
Rooms 0 room
Footage 170 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony No
View Ocean
Location Cabin Deck
Suitable for Couples, solo
Accessibility None
Amenities In-room safe. Hair dryer. Cabin chair and desk. Spacious closet with hangers. Reusable water bottles. Biodegradable soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
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 Standard Cabin 

Yacht Isabela II Standard Cabin 3
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STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$6,137

Isabella II features 1 Standard Cabin.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Double bed
Rooms 0 room
Footage 128 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony No
View Ocean
Location Cabin Deck
Suitable for Couples, solo travellers
Accessibility None
Amenities In-room safe. Hair dryer. Cabin chair and desk. Spacious closet with hangers. Reusable water bottles. Biodegradable soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
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 Classic Family Cabin 

Yacht Isabela II Classic Family Cabin 5
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STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$6,137

Isabella II features 2 Classic Family Cabins which can accommodate. 2 adults and 1 child under 12 years of age.

Capacity Up to 3
Beds 1 double and 1 single
Rooms 0 room
Footage 139 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony No
View Ocean
Location Cabin Deck
Suitable for Couples and families
Accessibility None
Amenities In-room safe. Hair dryer. Cabin chair and desk. Spacious closet with hangers. Reusable water bottles. Biodegradable soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
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 Classic Cabin 

Yacht Isabela II Classic Cabin 4 Op1
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STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$6,137

There are 16 Classic Cabins available onboard Isabella II.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds 2 lower beds
Rooms 0 room
Footage 139 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony No
View Ocean
Location Cabin Deck
Suitable for Couples and friends
Accessibility None
Amenities In-room safe. Hair dryer. Cabin chair and desk. Spacious closet with hangers. Reusable water bottles. Biodegradable soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
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Your Ship

Isabella II
Yacht Isabela II Bucanero Santiago

About the Ship

Las Bachas Santa Cruz Isabela Flamingos

Offering the perfect and intimate space for you and your companion, Yacht Isabella II invites you to step aboard and experience the Galapagos in absolute comfort. With a crew that has remained almost unchanged for years, you can expect seamless attention to detail that will make your stay onboard extra special. Naturalist Guides will also form an important part of the journey aboard Isabella II, accompanying you on a fantastic and exciting selection of land and aquatic activities in the Galapagos. Several indoor and outdoor communal spaces give guests the opportunity to revel in the mesmerising views of the Galapagos Islands, and the latest in sustainable technology also gives Yacht Isabella II the added advantage of protecting the delicate Galapagos ecosystem that it navigates around.

Yacht Isabela II Sun Deck 1

Room for reflection

The beauty of a Galapagos expedition vessel this size shines when guests realise they have different communal spaces to relax. The best part? They'll often have said areas all to themselves .

Yacht Isabela II Salon Bar 2 (1)

Social areas

Spaces abound in the form of a library, a bar, observation decks, and a plush dining room. Finding a space to chitchat or swap stories about the adventures in the Galapagos won't be an issue here.

Yacht Isabela II Classic Cabin 4 Op1

Cabin options

A total of 20 spacious and spotless cabins (all of which have their own private bathroom) offer room for up to 40 guests. A wide variety of cabin options are available and nearly all of them are arrayed around the outer-facing corridors of the Yacht.

Yacht Isabela II Restaurant 8

Dining aboard the Yacht Isabella II combines Ecuadorian and Continental flavours in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. Guests enjoy buffet-style breakfasts and lunches prepared with fresh local ingredients, along with seated, set-menu dinners crafted for a more formal experience. Complimentary coffee, tea, and water are available throughout the day, while specialty cocktails can be purchased. Menus are designed by a Cordon Bleu–trained culinary director and highlight gourmet cuisine, with special dietary needs accommodated upon advance request.

Yacht Isabela II Sun Deck 5

Al-fresco

When weather allows, meals may be served al fresco on the sundeck.

IS20014 Isabela II Galapagos Sea Lion

Our itineraries are designed to expose you to as much of the Galapagos, its landscapes and unique wildlife as possible. Prepare for multiple top-sites visits and encounters with BIG 15 endemic fauna.

Punta Espinoza Fernandina Fauna

Multiple activities

Each site visit includes a variety of activities for guests to choose from, so everyone can enjoy their activity of choice simultaneously. 

Yacht Isabela II Mirador De La Baronesa Floreana

Exclusive visitor sites

Isabella II has the privilege of having numerous visitor sites in the Galapagos Islands all to itself. No other boats will be in sight when you set foot on many of the islands in the Galapagos. 

Isabella II Sun Deck

Sun Deck

Isabella II Cabin Deck

Cabin Deck

Isabella II Main Deck

Main Deck

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STARTING AT:
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$6,137
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