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Yacht Isabela II Islands of Fire Adventure
5.0
11 Ratings
Seymour
Embark on a 5-day Western Galapagos Cruise aboard the Yacht Isabela II and explore the untouched beauty of Fernandina Island. Discover lush vegetation, panoramic views, white coral sand beaches, and unique wildlife in this pristine environment.
Embark on a 5-day Western Galapagos Cruise aboard the Yacht Isabela II and explore the untouched beauty of Fernandina Island. Discover lush vegetation, panoramic views, white coral sand beaches, and unique wildlife in this pristine environment.
Duration:
5 days
Cancellation:
6 days
Highlights
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.
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.
What's Included
- PA System
- Boutique/Gift Shop
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Radio, telephone, E-mail, and Fax communications
- Sea Kayaks
- Multimedia natural history lectures
- Reading Room & Natural History Library
- Stargazing Program
- Island Sightseeing with certified Naturalist Guides
- Glass Bottom boat, Kayaks, Paddle boards
- Safety…
- PA System
- Boutique/Gift Shop
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Radio, telephone, E-mail, and Fax communications
- Sea Kayaks
- Multimedia natural history lectures
- Reading Room & Natural History Library
- Stargazing Program
- Island Sightseeing with certified Naturalist Guides
- Glass Bottom boat, Kayaks, Paddle boards
- Safety boxes
- Doctor onboard 24/7
- Hot Tub
- Air-conditioned throughout
- Hairdryers
- Bar – Lounge
What's Not Included
- Airport transportation to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (A destination expert will contact you).
- Galapagos National Park Fee (US $100 per person // US $200 per person from August 01st 2024).
- Ingala Transit Control Card (US $20 per person).
- Gift Pack, tips and gratuities.
- Soft & Alcoholic beverages, available at an extra cost ( Over 18 years…
- Airport transportation to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (A destination expert will contact you).
- Galapagos National Park Fee (US $100 per person // US $200 per person from August 01st 2024).
- Ingala Transit Control Card (US $20 per person).
- 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 (US $20 per person / per day).
Additional Information
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…
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.
- 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.
Location
Galápagos Ecologic Airport
After you have processed the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee, you will see our staff holding signs with Isabela II Yacht logo. They will assist you to transfer you to the ship.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Bp20590
Nov 6, 2024
17 Spectacularly Magical Days in Ecuador - WHAT AN AMAZING 17 day TRIP!!! My husband and 2 friends landed at 9,000 feet in Quito, Ecuador…a city surrounded by 5 volcanos.(Coming from sea level, the altitude caught us off guard but we quickly adapted. Recommend you drink coca tea).
Our accommodation (Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel) was spectacular. The spiral staircase was gorgeous, breakfast over the top and location can not be beat. We had a private tour the old city. We driven 3 hours outside of the city to a Bio-reserve/Cloud Forest called Mashpi and were immersed in Nature-literally. Our accommodations had a glass wall—so we were in the trees. The reserve owns over 16,000 acres. We did a night hike, day hikes, bathed under a water fall, swam in a pond, “biked” above trees in a contraption that is sort of like a chair lift with bike pedals, but also took the "dragonfly" above the tree tops. We hung out with butterflies and humming birds as well...a lot was packed into 2 days and we wished we'd stayed longer. Staffing, food and accommodations exceeded our expectations. From there we returned to Quito for a night then flew to the Galapagos Islands, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. What a pristine and geologically amazing area. On our way to the ship, was a stop to see the giant turtles. We boarded the Isabela II in Santa Cruz. And for 8 days we were exposed to unspoiled nature. Iguanas of all colors and sizes were in abundance as were the birds. Animals were not afraid of us and we were not afraid of them so we swam with penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, schools of hundreds of angel fish etc…for us it was a warm version of Antarctica. Days started early since that is when animals were active and it was our “time slot”. (thankfully, the Government regulates the number of visitors and vessels in the area.) We were sad when we got off the ship but we then went to FINCH BAY RESORT for 2 nights for “R and R”. Metropolitan Touring owns the hotel in Quito, the Bio Reserve (Mashpi), the ship and Finch Bay. They are dedicated to being carbon neutral and protecting their national treasure. Staffing, food, transportation etc...was superb. Melissa Altamirano created the perfect itinerary for us and we highly recommend that you plan a trip for more than a week...you will not regret it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
408mariaangelicap
Jul 27, 2024
An amazing experience I would totally repeat - I would totally repeat this experience. There wasn’t a thing that didn’t stand up to my expectations. Everything was amazing, from the people to the adventure. Totally recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lizardlu
Apr 5, 2024
Amazing trip, so worth every moment! - Trip of a lifetime. This is a must do at least once. We snorkeled with Sea Turtles, Sharks, Penguins, hundreds of fish, Iguanas,Sting Rays and more! The crew on Isabella 2 took care of us well, the food, excursions, guides and staff. We were safe and entertained like no other! It was lovely.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suec602512
Apr 5, 2024
Ecuador and Galapagos - My son and I have just returned from a trip to Ecuador mainland and the Galapagos organised by Metrojourneys. I "found" the company at the Destinations show in London and was immediately impressed by what they had to offer. The support I had from Camila in organising the trip was first class she offered suggestions and was able to ensure the trip contained all that we asked for. She also assisted with advice on international flights etc.
We spent time in Quito, then Mashpi Lodge, back to Quito and then on to Galapagos where we had 5 nights on Isabela 2 followed by 4 nights at Finches on Santa Cruz so that my son had time to scuba dive. Much of the time my son and I were the only 2 guests following the itinerary so we had our own private driver / guide (on the trip to and from Mashpi, from Quito hotel to the airport for Galapagos departure). Many of the journeys involved multiple means of transport and we were cared for professionally at all times.
All accommodation provided was first class, rooms, food, facilities were all excellent.
All of the guides provided by Metrojourneys were extremely knowledgeable. We were able to see so much of the wildlife both in the Cloud Forest and on the islands plus experience some of the history of Quito.
The only thing I would suggest possibly reviewing would be the flight back to Quito from Galapagos. We stayed an extra night in Quito as the departure of our flight back to Madrid / London was early evening (the only option) ; an earlier or direct flight from Galapagos would have allowed us to fly home 24 hours earlier.
Certainly the trip of a lifetime. I would certainly recommend Metrojourneys and use them again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q2305gwsuer
Apr 2, 2024
Galapagos Paradise - Wonderful trip in all ways. I especially loved the nature but everything was wonderful- food, atmosphere, Staff, scenery. Galapagos is magical and I highly recommend MetroJourneys and the Isabella II.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
482kathyh
Dec 21, 2023
Boobies - Packing a lifetime dream in 6 days seems impossible but you can do it here. Our guides Gustavo, Enrique, luis made it possible. The food was fabulous the staff so professional
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scholzhamburg
Oct 20, 2023
An experienced and reliable tour operator - I had read about MetropolitanTouring in a travel report in our local newspaper. Since I was interested in a trip to the Galapagos Islands, I contacted Metropolitan Touring online. I was looked after by Carolina Escobar from start to finish.
Carolina was very reliable and always responded immediately.
At first I had a bad feeling about making the deposit and later the remaining payment to a company I didn't know online. Fortunately, these fears were unfounded.
My cruise on board the yacht Isabela II was a very nice but also expensive experience. On day no. 5 we had to leave the ship at 8:00 a.m. and then sit at the airport for a good 3 hours. This day is considered and charged as cruise day no. 5.
I felt safe on the ship, the crew was very nice, my cabin was comfortable and well equipped. Unfortunately, the cabins could only be locked from the inside. There were no keys for the cabins. Fortunately, nothing went missing. The food on board was tasty and good but not luxurious.
The guides had a wealth of knowledge. They photographed and filmed the guests and the animals during the tour.
I was recently sent a link with the photos and the video.
I was very happy about that.
Before the cruise, I toured Ecuador with my husband and had asked Metropolitan Touring for a city tour of Cuenca.
I could have booked a full-day excursion for two people for 600 USD. I politely declined the offer and booked a 4-hour city tour on my own for 75 USD. I cannot understand how Metropolitan Touring comes up with such fantasy prices. There are probably too many tourists who are willing to pay any price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E9704ffandrear
Jun 23, 2023
A memorable trip to the Galápagos Islands nature, beauty the crew at Isabela ll were the best to accommodate us - The Galápagos the enchanted islands where Mother Nature is telling us to care, preserve and enjoy it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jmlbruin
Jan 28, 2023
Great 5 day Experience on Isabela II Galapagos - Loved this experience! I can't say enough positive regarding our experience via Quito to Galapagos with Metropolitan Touring. The initial booking customer service is excellent. Isabella II is one of their smaller vessels with 21 cabins. This makes it an easy on and off boarding. Our days consisted of 1 snorkeling + 2 other adventures a hike/boat ride or hike and another activity. We got a lot done in our 5-day tour!! I feel that I am a seasoned traveler and I have never experienced feeling accepted by the animals like I did on Galapagos. We swam with sea turtles, penguins, cormorants, baby sea lions and the school of fish Incredible! We saw an Orca on the hunt. We got very lucky with weather and wildlife. We feel very fortunate.
I also want to mention that I am NOT a seasoned snorkeler or swimmer, but I always felt secure; guidance was given as needed.
We traveled with our 2 young adult kids -- all were smiling the whole time.
The food is table service for most meals -- you are welcome to table hop so you really get to know all the guests. We found our fellow passengers to be fun and interesting. Food was wonderful and the service well organized. The accommodations and common areas on Isabela II are well appointed and a good size. Service on board is excellent!
We had 3 Naturalist Guides all extremely educated and passionate about sharing their love of The Galapagos with their guests. Dennis, Nancy and Luis Thank You! We will never forget this magical trip. Francisco (Hotel Mgr.) & staff Gracias !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Spklosky
Dec 15, 2022
Darwin's Paradise. - Trip Highlights:
* Most Unique: Being able to walk right up to the animals and birds of the Galapagos - they don't seem to mind people at all. Photos galore.
* Biggest surprise: Expected the land animals to be a treat, did not know that the fish and coral seen while snorkeling was so exceptional.
* Amenities: food was great, along with the cabins on the boat. Excellent staff made the cruise even better.
* Biggest thanks: The Naturalist Guides - helping us on and off the Isabela II, and then providing and entertaining and thorough description of all the wildlife we saw - including underwater!
Many thanks all.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
