Galapagos Islands: Yacht Isabela II & Yacht La Pinta

YACHT ISABELA II

With a capacity of just 40 guests, classic Yacht Isabela II offers a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying an unforgettable Galapagos expedition, where guests fully experience their sense of discovery and bonding with nature. Guests of Isabela II have the opportunity to explore the islands in small groups accompanied by an expert team of Naturalist Guides who will introduce guests to the unique wildlife, amazing geology and exploration of the underwater realm of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

7-Day South-Eastern Islands

Baltra, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Isabela, Fernandina, North Seymour

The journey across the archipelago promises a wonderful array of islands and wildlife encounters, from bright flamingos on the first day to preening frigatebirds on the last. We meet colossal giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado and a trio of booby species at Punta Pitt. Next, we admire the magnificent views and wildlife on Española Island, from mockingbirds to colorful marine iguanas. On the fourth day, wake up in Floreana, where historic Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point’s green beach await. Then motor all the way to the west, where you walk across young lava formations at Punta Moreno and explore the fascinating mangroves of southern Fernandina. The expedition concludes with a morning visit to Eden Islet and ends on a high note: an afternoon wander across beautiful North Seymour.

5-Day Northern Islands

Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Santiago, Genovesa, Santa Fe

Our journey begins with giants, of the tortoise kind. After landing at Baltra airport, you will soon be among these lumbering creatures in their natural, highland habitat. The next day takes us to the beautiful coast of Santiago Island, home to sleepy fur seals, where there’s a chance to snorkel alongside marine iguanas, before an afternoon visit to the sandy beach of Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat Islet). Overnight, sail up to “Bird Island”, Genovesa, where we spend the entire day observing remote colonies of nesting birds, including the rare red-footed booby, and explore the island’s awesome shoreline, cliffs, and beaches. Returning to the central islands, Santa Fe offers glimpses of the islands’ top avian predator, the Galapagos hawk, while in the afternoon, you can hope to observe sea lions and sharks in the waters off South Plaza. From tortoises to boobies, hawks to sea lions, the northern itinerary makes for five truly memorable days in the Galapagos.

5-Day Western Islands

Baltra, Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina

Our journey begins on Santa Cruz Island, where you explore the lush vegetation of the Highlands before venturing down to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station. The next day, take in the panoramic views on Bartolome Island, snorkel with penguins and swim off the shores of the white coral sand beach of Sullivan Bay, with its dramatic lava field shoreline. The next morning takes us to Dragon Hill, home of dusty-yellow land iguanas, where we visit the volcanic crater at James Bay, following in the steps of Charles Darwin. Heading west, take to our dinghies to discover the wildlife of Punta Vicente Roca, and later make our way to the youngest island in the archipelago, Fernandina, widely regarded as one of the most pristine environments anywhere on the planet. Here, life has evolved in its natural state, far from the intervention of man.

YACHT LA PINTA

The 63 metre yacht La Pinta accommodates 48 guests and has been designed for the ultimate luxurious expedition adventure in the Galapagos Islands. After intense days of wildlife exploration, yacht La Pinta provides a haven of relaxation and tranquility with tastefully appointed accommodations and all the facilities for a stylish yet informal ambiance. Guests enjoy the Galapagos Marine Reserve the second largest in the world with various snorkelling and swimming outings along with chances for whale and dolphin watching during inter-island cruising. La Pinta guests will cover all aspects of the Galapagos: discovery, adventure, environmental interpretation, aquatic activities, relaxation, superb service and great dining.

5-Day Eastern Islands

Baltra, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Espanola, Santa Cruz

Once aboard La Pinta, we venture east along the volcanic shores of North Seymour and Santa Cruz islands, until we reach South Plaza Island, where we begin our adventure with a dry landing on this island. During the next day, we will explore Santa Fe Island and San Cristobal Island, home to the provincial capital of the Galapagos province. Then, sail south to Española Island, with its remarkable visitor site (a favourite of many visitors): Punta Suarez. Here, we’ll wander along the rugged coastline, home to hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and even albatrosses (seen throughout much of the 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. End on Monday with a visit to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, the most populated in the archipelago. The entire crew aboard La Pinta will do their utmost to ensure your Galapagos tour is a truly moving and memorable experience.

5-Day Northern Islands

Baltra, Santa Cruz, Chinese Hat Islet, Bartolome, Santiago, Genovesa, Baltra

Our itinerary together begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populated island in the archipelago, where you meet Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild and then venture to the shores of Eden Islet. From there, hop over to the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the iconic sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolomé Island, with its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, along with its golden sandy beach that offers some great snorkelling opportunities offshore. Nearby Sullivan Bay will then give you a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the islands. End with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of Genovesa – one of the most isolated islands in Galapagos, located far up in the northeast region of the archipelago – a privileged place to visit that is home to hundreds of marine birds. The entire crew aboard La Pinta will do their utmost to ensure your Galapagos tour is a truly moving and memorable experience.

7-Day Western Islands

Baltra, North Seymour, Isabela, Fernandina, Rabida, Santa Cruz, Floreana

Fernandina Island is regarded as one of the most pristine island environments anywhere in the world, where life has evolved in its natural state, far from the intervention of man. After visiting the far west, you will venture back to the Central Islands, landing at the intriguing red beach of Rabida and then seeking out the land iguanas of Cerro Dragon. On Santa Cruz Island, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and get up close to giant tortoises in their natural environment. Heading south, we will learn about the Galapagos’ very own “murder mystery” while spotting flamingos and snorkeling at one of the best sites in the whole archipelago: Champion Islet. Back in the Central Islands, we head back to Baltra Island to get you on your flight back to the mainland. You will find all these corners of the Galapagos absolutely stunning, and they will delight you in different ways. Rest assured the crew aboard La Pinta will do their utmost to ensure your Galapagos tour is a truly moving and memorable one.