Isabela II

40 passengers | 4 naturalist guides | 1 medical officer | 19 crew

Expedition cruising with three naturalist guides

The Isabela II is an expedition yacht accommodating up to 40 passengers. With three naturalist guides on board, guests can be divided into several groups during excursions. An expedition leader coordinates the expedition programme, while a medical officer is also present on every cruise.

The emphasis is on actively exploring the Galapagos. Depending on the visitor site, activities may include walking, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding or exploring the coastline by panga. A glass-bottom boat also provides an opportunity to discover the underwater world without entering the water. This variety of activities makes the Isabela II particularly suitable for travellers who want to see plenty of the islands and appreciate having different ways to explore them.

On board

The Isabela II has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxing between excursions. The lounge is used for briefings and lectures, while the Natural History Library offers an opportunity to learn more about the nature and history of the archipelago.

Outside, there are several seating and observation areas, a Sky Bar, an outdoor dining area and a jacuzzi. The yacht also has a fitness room and a small onboard boutique.

Snorkelling equipment, kayaks and paddleboards are available for activities. A distinctive feature of the Isabela II is its glass-bottom boat, allowing guests who prefer not to snorkel to experience the underwater world. Wi-Fi via Starlink is available on board.

Cabins

The Isabela II has 20 cabins with private bathrooms and individually controlled air conditioning.

There are 16 Classic Cabins of approximately 12.8 m² for two passengers. There are also two Classic Family Cabins of approximately 12.8 m², accommodating two adults and one child up to the age of 12.

For solo travellers, the Isabela II has one Standard Cabin of approximately 12.05 m². This cabin is designed for single occupancy and is offered without a single supplement.

At approximately 18.9 m², the Owner’s Cabin is the most spacious accommodation on board and sleeps two passengers.

All cabins have a private bathroom with shower, air conditioning, a safe, storage space, a hairdryer, 110V power outlets and USB connections.

Technical details

• Vessel type: expedition yacht
• Year built: 1979
• Length: approximately 55.7 metres
• Beam: approximately 11.5 metres
• Speed: approximately 10 knots
• Cabins: 20
• Classic Cabins: approximately 12.8 m²
• Classic Family Cabins: approximately 12.8 m²
• Standard Cabin: approximately 12.05 m²
• Owner’s Cabin: approximately 18.9 m²
• Wi-Fi via Starlink
• Glass-bottom boat
• Kayaks and paddleboards
• Snorkelling equipment
• Jacuzzi
• Fitness room
• Medical officer and infirmary on board

Itineraries

The Isabela II operates a selection of 5, 7 and 9-day itineraries through the Galapagos.

The 5-day north-western itinerary focuses on the volcanic western part of the archipelago. From Baltra, the route visits destinations including Santa Cruz, Bartolomé, Santiago, Isabela and Fernandina. It combines volcanic landscapes with opportunities to see wildlife such as marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants.

The 5-day north-eastern itinerary includes Genovesa, one of the Galapagos’ most important islands for birdlife. Santa Cruz, Santiago, Santa Fe and South Plaza are also included.

The 7-day Natural Selection itinerary combines the south-east with the western archipelago and visits islands including Española, Floreana, Isabela and Fernandina. This brings together a variety of ecosystems and wildlife within a single cruise.

The 9-day Islands of Fire itinerary is the Isabela II’s longest itinerary. It explores the central and northern parts of the archipelago and includes Santiago, Isabela, Genovesa and Santa Fe. The longer duration allows guests to experience a wide variety of landscapes and habitats.

Throughout the different itineraries, walks are combined with activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, panga excursions and trips in the glass-bottom boat. The activities available vary according to the visitor site.

The exact sequence of visits and activities may change due to weather, local conditions and Galapagos National Park regulations.

Why choose the Isabela II?

• Three naturalist guides for a maximum of 40 passengers
• Expedition leader on board
• Medical officer and infirmary on board
• Choice of 5, 7 and 9-day itineraries
• Itineraries visiting Genovesa, Española, Isabela and Fernandina
• A variety of activities during excursions
• Kayaks and paddleboards on board
• Glass-bottom boat for exploring the underwater world
• Dedicated cabin for solo travellers without a single supplement
• Family Cabins for families with a young child
• Jacuzzi, fitness room and a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces
• Wi-Fi via Starlink

More about the Isabela II

Would you like to know more about the Isabela II, its cabins, facilities and itineraries? Contact us for more information.