ISABELA II ISLANDS OF FIRE ADVENTURE - NORTHWESTERN (Thurs-Mon)
Overview
Available languages
120 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Itinerary subject to change due to weather, logistical, Galápagos Park regulations or operational reasons
Baggage important notes: Guests can bring aboard the ship a reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects without charge. Baggage is handled in accordance with the airlines’ regulations and tariffs. Baggage exceeding these limitations is subject to the charges as set forth by the individual operators. Airlines are strict with baggage limitations. The current limits are 23 kg (50.6 pounds) for checked items, 8 kg (17 pounds) for hand luggage and 1 personal item (handbag, camera bag, laptop, etc.)
All baggage must be securely packed, and properly and clearly labeled. Liquid, fragile, perishable and other articles not suitably packed are transported at guests’ own risk.
Restricted Baggage in the Galapagos: Local authorities manage the quarantine system of the Galápagos National Park in order to reduce the possibility of foreign species invading the archipelago. All cargo and luggage that arrives to Galapagos National Park or that is transferred from one island to another must be inspected. To preserve the human health and the native species of the Galapagos Islands, the following products may not be transferred to Galapagos: fresh vegetables and fruits, animal products and or their derivatives, dairy products. Other live animals, pathological samples, dry coffee beans, genetically modified organisms, forest species or their disseminative parts, grass and its disseminative parts, fresh flowers, medicinal plants and their disseminative parts, banana tree leaves, micro-organisms (fungi, bacteria, etc.) soil and sand, and animal vaccines
One of our destination experts will get in touch with our guests to make sure they have all logistical information available, specially due to entry requirements to the Galapagos Islands and schedules for domestic air tickets to Galapagos.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Baltra & Santa Cruz Islands
Accommodations
Overnight Aboard the Isabela II Yacht
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Baltra
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
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station At 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.
Bartolome & Santiago Islands
Accommodations
Overnight Aboard the Isabela II Yacht
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Bartolome
This 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!
Sullivan Bay
Following the walk, we take a panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock in search of Galapagos penguins and other wildlife.
Santa Cruz & Santiago Islands
Accommodations
Overnight Aboard the Isabela II Yacht
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon)
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, while 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.
Santiago Island
Buccanner Cove After lunch, we explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove, learning about the area’s distant and recent history. The cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as the “Elephant Rock”, “The Bishop” and an impressive natural cave. Opportunity for snorkelling, and a ride on the panga or glass-bottom boat are available.
Isabela & Fernandina Islands
Accommodations
Overnight Aboard the Isabela II Yacht
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Isabela Island
Punta Vicente Roca 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
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 an amazing 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, huge numbers of marine iguanas, and the famous flightless cormorant, with its beguiling blue eyes.
Baltra Island
Accommodations
Overnight Aboard the Isabela II Yacht
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Baltra
Our journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland
What‘s Included
Reading Room / Natural History Library.
Stargazing Program / Sea Kayaks / Snorkeling Equipment / Glass Bottom boat / Paddle boards.
Air-conditioned throughout / Safety boxes / Hairdryers.
Doctor onboard 24/7.
Bar – Lounge / Hot Tub / Boutique – Gift Shop.
Island Sightseeing with certified Naturalist Guides.
Radio / Telephone / E-mail / PA System / Fax communications.
Airport transportation to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (A destination expert will contact you).
Galapagos National Park Entrance (A destination expert will contact you).
Ingala Transit Control Card (A destination expert will contact you).
Gift Pack, tips and gratuities.
Soft & Alcoholic beverages, available at an extra cost ( Over 18 years old).
Medical insurance and travel insurance.
Wetsuits (Available on board for rent).
Fuel surcharge (A destination expert will contact you).
Options
Classic Cabins || 3 Persons
Cabins accommodation: 1 Double Cabin + 1 Single Cabin.
Classic Cabins || 4 Persons
Cabins accommodation: 2 Double Cabins.
Cabin Double || 2 Persons
Cabins accommodation: 1 Double Cabin.
Cabin Single || 1 Person
Cabins accommodation: 1 Cabin exclusive for single use.
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great trip to the Galapagos!
anniem872,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing trip to the Galapagos that Melissa planned with Metropolitan Touring. We were well taken care of and the trip was great!! Loved how well things were arranged. Highly recommend!
Amazing trip with a First Class Company
Candyaltman,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Metropolitan touring is an incredible company- and the Galapagos an amazing destination. Metropolitan is on top of every detail. From our interactions making the reservation and getting the details with Melissa Altamarino, to the actual cruise on the Isabella II, everything exceeded our already high expectations. This is a magical place and the naturalists are so knowledgeable and wonderful. You see so much incredible wildlife. You feel like a guest in a sacred space. Such a privilege. The staff, the crew is just wonderful. The boat, the perfect size. The people on the boat with us, just lovely to get to know. This is a truly special trip and Metropolitan touring made it one we will always remember with memories we will cherish.
Trip of a Lifetime
ahatcher1185,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip aboard the Isabella II could not have been more perfect! It goes without saying that a visit to the Galapagos Islands is a truly unforgettable opportunity, but the exceptional service we received from Metropolitan Touring made it even more incredible. Our Destination Expert, Carolina Escobar, made the entire booking process very simple – she was always available to answer all of our many questions along the way and help us plan the best possible itinerary. From the moment we arrived in Quito, the Metropolitan team was with us every step of the way, ensuring that each step along our journey went smoothly. The crew aboard the Isabella II, from the extremely knowledgeable naturalist guides who shared so much of their great wealth of knowledge about the singular flora and fauna of the islands, to the dinghy pilots who expertly navigated us in, out and around the rocky shorelines to ensure we got as close to the action as safely possible, to the excellent restaurant staff that served up three meals per day that wildly exceeded our every expectation, to the housekeeping team who kept our room and all of the common areas of the ship spotless, to the bar staff who greeted us with a smile and delicious drink each day’s adventures – every single aspect was flawless in quality and execution. All of those components were seamlessly blended to acheive the overall goal – to experience the natural wonders of the islands to the greatest extent possible. And it was a resounding success in every way. Our only regret is that we did not book a longer cruise. As I’ve been doing since the moment we returned home, I highly recommend a visit to the Galapagos Islands led by Metropolitan Touring – it was one of the best trips of my entire life!
Incredible experience combining Galapagos, rain forest and city
U6638KPeduardot,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had an amazing experience combining this Galapagos cruise with a few nights at the Gangotena Hotel in Quito and another few at Mashpi Lodge in the Cloud Forest (all part of Metropolitan Touring). Carolina Escobar had put this package together for me and my extended family last December but when I broke my knee the day of the trip, she managed to get me a full credit to do the trip this year. I was exceptionally impressed by how well every detail was organized. Staff is all very well trained, friendly and very attentive. Nature guides on the cruise and Mashpi are amazing! Food could not be better. And of course the nature and experiences are incredible.
Don't miss the chance to take this trip!
T6868YHhelenm,,Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Metropolitan Touring came highly recommended by friends in Ecuador, and they sure did not disappoint! First, my customer service rep, Anddy Males, spent a lot of time with me to ensure we picked the right trip. He quickly and patiently fielded all my questions, ensuring that the three generations in our group would be happy -- they were ecstatic! On board, the crew of the Isabelle II was fantastic and attentive. The small size of our group meant that we got to know so many people. All meals were great. Finally, the naturalists who accompanied us each day as we explored were top notch -- they clearly loved their jobs! Our family--from grandparents to grandkids and in between--were very happy!
Amazing family adventure
LMPip,,Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful trip made special by the great crew from Isabella II yacht and Melissa from Metropolitan Touring. The pristine environment of the Galapagos is a must see.
Loved the cruise!!
Charlotte S,,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip, exceeded my expectations! Anddy was easy to work with and made sure all the arrangements were made. We had several conversations and zoom calls. He was always ready to meet when I had questions. Highly recommend this tour company! Galapagos is my favorite destination of all time!!
Beautiful personalized expedition
lilysouthcarolina,,Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip from the booking with Anddy to the Naturalists Nancy, Alexis, Fabo to Pancho hotel mgr. along with crew. Food was outstanding. Well organized activities.
Boat Tour, Hotel Stay,
RWPW42,,Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would like to commend the amazing efforts of Carolina Escobar who went the extra mile in arranging not only my delegation's stay but also our tours. If one is to visit Galapagos, you must talk with Carolina first. The boat was wonderful, replete with good food and tea. we swam with sea lions, turtles and sharks. It is a must when on Galapagos.
The Ship, Crew, Food, Activities, Lectures and Guides were ALL wonderful. Loved Guides Luis and Carlos!
Paradise28458026344,,Dec 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Dining experience was excellent with many choices, all of which were delicious. We very much enjoyed the educational opportunities particularly info in our rooms, Library, the onboard Lectures, and our Guides. Our cabin was well kept and we delighted in the towels folded in animal shapes. The snorkeling was one of our favorite activities and we were happy to have multiple opportunities to do so.
From US$4,604.00
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