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Overview

Our itinerary together begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous in the archipelago.

Here, we first explore the highlands of the islands with their lush vegetation before venturing down to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station to meet giant tortoises face to face.

After embarking at the end of the day, we sail south to the island of Floreana, where we disembark at Post Office Bay in the morning and Punta Cormorant in the afternoon. Both are full of life and history.

Next, we head west to Española Island, with its remarkable visitor site: Punta Suarez. Here, we’ll wander along the rugged coastline, home to hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and even albatross (at certain times of year).

In the afternoon, Gardner Bay provides a wonderful setting for a combination of beach-time, swimming, snorkelling or exploring aboard the glass-bottom boat. San Cristobal Island is next, the capital of the Galapagos Province. We explore the northern shores of the island, visiting the fascinating sites of Punta Pitt and Cerro Brujo, taking us back to the young Charles Darwin’s visit of 1835. We end our journey at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Amenities & Facilities

  • Jacuzzi

  • Fitness room

  • Cozy bar

  • Outside deck for meals, drinks and sunbathing

Isabella II Yacht Details

Highlights

  • Santa Cruz

  • Charles Darwin Research Station

  • Floreana

  • Española

Tour Itinerary – Central Galapagos – Monday to Friday

Click in each day to see detailed itinerary

Baltra Island Airport & Santa Cruz Island

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.

Note: Please dress with comfortable shoes and clothes, bring a small backpack with any medicine you might be taking, sunblock, insect repellent and anything you need during the excursion as you will go on board Yacht Isabela II and the end of the day.

Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
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.

Post Office Bay & Baroness Cove (Floreana Island)

After breakfast, 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. Snorkelling off the beach.

Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)

Our visit to Punta Cormorant takes in an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like stilts and flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, we come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. Snorkeling will happen at lovely “Champion Islet” site, or ride in the panga or glass-bottom boat.

Punta Suarez (Española Island)

Our morning outing at Punta Suarez provides an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April – January), boobies, swallow-tail gulls, mockingbirds, and the famous “blowhole”. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.

Gardner Bay (Española Island)

In the afternoon, we set down at this beautiful, white coral beach for a short walk to observe Galapagos sea lions, finches, maybe a hawk or just enjoy the beach. There is great snorkelling in this area, or else there’s time to kayak, or enjoy the glass-bottom boat. The turquoise colour of the waters at this location will be a favourite one to photograph.

Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)

In the morning, 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, joined by the two frigatebird species plus a colony of bachelor sea lions. After the walk, if conditions are favourable, there is a chance to swim, kayak or snorkel from the beach or hop onto the panga for a ride along the coast.

Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)

In the afternoon, following lunch on board, we set out on a panga ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers which take us to Cerro Brujo’s expansive, white coraline beach, great for walking, with rewarding birdwatching including good views of both sea and shore birds. Also, keep your eyes open for Galapagos sea lions. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835. After the walk, there is a chance to swim and snorkel.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal- Chatham Island)

After breakfast, we depart to the pier and airport for our flight back to the mainland.

Notes:

Please remember that the exact route and programme may vary according to weather and ocean conditions and the wildlife we encounter. Our Expedition Team is in charge of planning the daily activities and logistics involved. It’s also subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations.

For accessing the different visitor sites, our skiffs will bring us ashore where two types of landing are expected:

  • Dry landing: Guests step from the panga (dinghy/skiff) onto rocks or a small man-made jetty.
  • Wet landing: As the skiff edges onto a sandy beach, guests gently step into small breakers and wade ashore

Itinerary Map

Click to see full size map

Isabella II Southern Galapagos Cruise Tour 5 Days
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Rates

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Includes

All meals, island sightseeing, naturalists and lecture services, Wi-Fi internet access*, snorkelling gear and transfers.

Not Included

Air tickets to/from Galapagos, Galapagos National Park admission fee (US $100 subject to change without notice), transit Control Card for Galapagos (US$ 20 per person), wet suits, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage, tips, gifts, and additional items of personal nature.

Packing Check List

  • 1 Small backpack

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sneakers with rubber soles

  • Shorts

  • Long pants

  • T-shirts

  • Long and short sleeved shirts

  • Wind breaker

  • Bathing suit – wetsuit for snorkelling in cold months (also available for on board rental)

  • Hat or cap

  • Toilette kit (biodegradable shampoo please)

  • Sun block SPF30 or higher

  • Sunglasses (polarized glasses recommended)

  • Binoculars (8 x 42 recommended)

  • Photo & video equipment

  • Any medicine you may be taking

  • Book / notebook

* Due to the Galapagos’ remote location, internet signal follows a low-bandwidth satellite service and may be intermittent at certain locations.

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