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Western Galápagos (Isabella II)

Western Galápagos (Isabella II)

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Description

Our journey begins on Santa Cruz Island as we explore the lush vegetation of its highlands before venturing down to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station. The next day, we’ll enjoy the panoramic views from Bartolome Island before exploring the white coral sand beach of Sullivan Bay, venturing through its dramatic lava field. The next morning takes us to Dragon Hill, home of dusty-yellow land iguanas! After this adventure, we head out to discover Punta Vicente Roca’s wildlife. Later, we’ll make our way to the youngest island in the archipelago, Fernandina, widely regarded as one of the most pristine environments on the planet.

Trip Name
Western Galápagos (Isabella II)
Days
5
Overview
Vessel Type: Yacht Length: 55.9 meters Passenger Capacity: 40 guests Built: 1979 / 2000 / 2014 / 2018 Yacht Isabela II offers the perfect, intimate space for exploring Darwin’s islands in comfort. Traditionalists will enjoy feeling at home with a crew that has remained almost unchanged for years, leading to seamless attention to detail that will make your stay extra special. With just 20 guest cabins, the yacht’s convivial atmosphere leads to a close-up experience of this unique world. On board, guests find delicious cuisine, faultless service and excellent facilities, including a Hut Tub, fitness room, bar and outside deck for al fresco meals, drinks, and sunbathing. Your groups can expect top facilities and equipment, delicious meals, and safe and stimulating expert-planned expeditions on the islands. Scout the island sites for Big 15 wildlife in groups that average no more than 11-14 guests per naturalist guide which surpass the National Park standard, which permits up to 16 guests per guide. Explore the coast with your guides on our pangas, glass-bottom boat or kayaks, or get wet and snorkel. In 2018 Isabela II has undergone a 360-degree renovation. Our social areas have had some major changes. In our guest hallways, windows have been replaced and an aesthetic makeover will have our guests making their way about in a warm and modern atmosphere. Our library, which has also been beautified, has been enriched with new literature on natural history. Cabins have received an extreme makeover to provide greater comfort for our guests. In addition, we have listened to our explorers and acquired new expedition gadgets to make their trip a more enriching adventure. Ship’s features and services: * 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 * Hair dryers * Multimedia natural history lectures * Stargazing Programme * Glass bottom boat * Sea Kayaks * Snorkelling Equipment & wet suits * Digital camera and underwater housing for expedition documenting

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Baltra Airport (Santa Cruz Island) & Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
Baltra Airport (Santa Cruz Island)After landing at Baltra Airport, we drive 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 fascinating, more humid Highlands of the island to enjoy lunch, and then continue south down to Puerto Ayora on the coast.Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research StationAt the eastern end of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the archipelago, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, the islands’ headquarters for scientific research and conservation. Later in the afternoon, we stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking. Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.
Day 2 - Day 2 Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
Bartolome IslandThis morning, a Galapagos icon awaits Bartolome Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the panoramic view from the top is well worth the effort! Following the walk, we take a panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock in search of Galapagos penguins and other wildlife.Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island) After lunch, we board the pangas (inflatable dinghies) and land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach that is ideal for swimming. A trail runs along a lava field that flowed here around 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and understand the volcanic origin of the Galapagos.
Day 3 - Day 3 Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island) & Salt Mine (James Bay, Santiago Island)
Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)The north coast of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Dragon Hill. After disembarking, the first part of our walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas (for which the visitor site is named, following a concerted effort to conserve them by the Galapagos National Park). After our walk, we can snorkel from the shore, hoping to spot rays, green turtles, and sharks.Salt Mine (James Bay, Santiago Island)Our wet landing on James Bay follows in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. The young naturalist spent about six days exploring this island in 1835, enthralled not only by the species he encountered — finches, mockingbirds, lava lizards, and yellow warblers, as well as Galapagos doves, hawks, and flamingos — but also by the vegetation and the fascinating geological formations. Our hike takes us uphill to one of these for panoramic views: a crater filled with brackish water. The salt from this lagoon was mined in the 20th century, but the businesses didn’t prosper. More active explorers can hike all the way around the cone.
Day 4 - Day 4 Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) & Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)Since there is no landing site at this location, we explore the captivating coast by dinghy, seeking out abundant wildlife including colonies of Galapagos fur seals, the nesting sites of Nazca boobies, not to mention flightless cormorants, penguins, and marine iguanas. Depending on the conditions of the ocean, we’ll be able to snorkel along the cliffs, hopefully in the company of green sea turtles. Back on board, we navigate along the Bolivar Channel, where nutrient-rich upwellings provide fertile fishing grounds for cetaceans.Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)We end our journey on a high note by visiting the island of Fernandina, the youngest island of the archipelago, and arguably one of the most pristine ecosystems on the planet. Our visitor site of Punta Espinoza boasts a fantastic combination of apparently barren landscapes and abundant wildlife, all dominated by the lofty volcano at the heart of the island. Highlights to spot include hawks, penguins, vast numbers of marine iguanas, and the famous flightless cormorant, with its beguiling blue eyes.
Day 5 - Day 5 Baltra Island
Baltra IslandOur journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
Day 6 - Please Note:
Galápagos Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, logistical or operational reasons.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Santa Cruz Island
    • Bartolome Island
    • Santiago Island
    • Isabela Island
    • Fernandina Island

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