Best of Galapagos on board of the Isabela II

Day 1 Quito

Transfer from the airport to your centrally located deluxe hotel.

Day 2 Quito – City Tour & Equator Monument

Explore Quito’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Equator Monument. At the interactive Intiñan Museum, enjoy fascinating experiments, including: Does the direction of water flow change depending on which side of the equator you stand? In the evening, enjoy a delightful welcome dinner. (BD)

Day 3 Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island

Transfer to Quito Airport and fly (approx. 3.5 hrs) to Baltra. There you’ll meet your naturalist guide and the crew of the Isabela II. Board the ship and settle into your cabin. Sail to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station with its land iguana breeding program and giant tortoises, where the famous Lonesome George once lived.

Day 4 Bartolomé Island and Santiago Island

Bartolomé features a photogenic double beach and Pinnacle Rock. After hiking, snorkel in underwater caves and, with some luck, see sharks, rays, and penguins. In Sullivan Bay on Santiago, admire lava fields and volcanic landscapes.

Day 5 Santiago Island

At the foot of Dragon Hill, you’ll pass two saltwater lagoons where you might see flamingos, Darwin finches, and mockingbirds. The Buccaneer Cove, once used by pirates in the 16th century, is now a nesting site for various bird species. Relax on the red beach with sea lions and fur seals.

Day 6 Isabela Island and Fernandina Island

Snorkel in a sheltered bay and spot whales, dolphins, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. On Fernandina, one of the world’s most pristine islands, observe flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins.

Day 7 Santa Cruz Island

The only island that offers access to all vegetation zones. Visit the highlands with your guide, including the giant tortoise reserve and lava tunnels.

Day 8 Santiago Island and Sombrero Chino

On Santiago, hike to Sugarloaf Volcano or the fur seal grotto. Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat) is named for its shape. At its shores, sea lions and penguins bask or rest in the shade. With luck, you’ll spot Galápagos hawks. It’s also a fantastic snorkeling site with sharks, rays, and colorful fish.

Day 9 Genovesa Island

Known as a bird paradise, Genovesa hosts blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies, plus Galápagos owls. Also seen are sea lions, marine iguanas, fur seals, crabs, and possibly hammerhead sharks.

Day 10 Santa Fé Island and South Plaza Island

Santa Fé enchants with a turquoise bay, sea turtles, and sea lions. On both islands, encounter large land iguanas.

Day 11 Baltra Island – Departure

Arrive at the port of Baltra to begin your return journey via Guayaquil, or start your personal extension program. (B)

(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner

Experience the wonders of the Galapagos Archipelago aboard the expedition ship Isabela II, which accommodates a maximum of 40 guests. Enjoy excellent service, exquisite cuisine, and amenities such as a whirlpool, gym, bar, and sundeck. Explore the fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos Islands – from marine iguanas and frigatebirds to giant tortoises. Discover the coast by glass-bottom boat or kayak and dive into the colorful underwater world while snorkeling. Accompanied by experienced naturalist guides, every expedition becomes an unforgettable experience. A comfortable adventure not to be missed!

Rates Include

• Domestic flights Quito – Baltra (Galápagos Islands) – Guayaquil in Economy Class
• Exclusive charter Galápagos cruise aboard the expedition comfort ship Isabela II with 8 nights onboard
• 2 nights in a deluxe hotel in Quito
• Rental of snorkeling gear, wetsuits, kayaks
• Glass-bottom boat excursions
• Local English-speaking tour guide in Quito and on the Galápagos Islands
• Transfers and excursions (Quito) in comfortable, local-style coaches
• Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner), plus water, coffee, and tea during the Galápagos cruise
• Onboard physician
• Entrance fees for tours as described in the itinerary

Not Included

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Entry Requirements

• Passport and visa required. Please consult your local embassy.
• Health, entry & vaccination regulations as prescribed by the visited countries. Please check with your local embassy and national guidelines for travel.

Important Notes

• We regret that due to the intricate logistics of this tour, itinerary changes are sometimes unavoidable
• This journey is generally not for guests with limited mobility or who depend on CPAP machines. Please contact us for more information about your specific requirements before booking
• Minimum number of tour participants: 28
• Maximum number of tour participants: 40
• Please make sure to check anticipated flight details with us prior to booking.