Galapagos Southeastern Islands 7-Day Cruise: Encounter Endemic Wildlife on Yacht Isabela II
5.0
9 Ratings
Seymour
Embark on a 7-day cruise through the Galapagos' Southeastern Islands and encounter endemic wildlife. Explore magnificent islands, encounter giant tortoises, booby species, and colorful marine iguanas.
Duration: 7 days
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights

Baltra - Baltra Airport and Santa Cruz Island
We land at Baltra Island by plane in the morning and transfer to the nearby dock to board Yacht Isabela II, where we receive a welcome introductory briefing, boat drill, and lunch.

What's Included
  • PA System

  • Boutique/Gift Shop

  • Snorkeling Equipment

  • Lunch

  • Use of snorkeling equipment

  • Dinner

  • Breakfast

  • Wet suits for snorkeling (available for rent)

  • Radio, telephone, E-mail, and Fax communications

  • Sea Kayaks

  • Multimedia natural history lectures

  • Internet

  • 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 Entrance (A Destination Expert will provide more information).
  • Ingala Transit Control Card (A destination expert will provide more information).
  • 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 through Galapagos’ Southeastern Islands will be teeming with magnificent islands and endemic wildlife! During our first day, we’ll encounter giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. After that, a fascinating array of different booby species wait for us at Punta Pitt. During the third day of our Galapagos expedition, a visit to Española Island will put us face to face with magnificent wildlife, from mockingbirds to colorful marine iguanas! On the fourth day, we’ll wake up in Floreana Island, where historic Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point’s green beach await. After this, we sail all the way to the west, where we’ll get to walk across young lava formations at Punta Moreno and explore the fascinating mangroves of southern Fernandina. Our Galapagos adventure concludes with a morning visit to Eden Islet and a high note: an afternoon wander across beautiful North Seymour Island.

  • 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 7 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 3 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
(9 Ratings)
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1 star
Grahamzim
Mar 31, 2024
All that we could wish for and more - This company met our expectations in every respect. The booking process was easy with constant support. We were able to talk to an agent before the cruise to ensure we chose the right options. We first visited Quito and a representative met us at the airport. She had tried to contact us while we were waiting at immigration to ensure we had arrived OK. We were taken to the Gangotena Hotel in the centre of the old city. This was absolutely superb with wonderful service and food. The morning city tour was excellent and we were given a choice of timing to start. Our guide told us the stay apparently included one dinner which I was not expecting so I was not surprised when we were charged for it. We were then informed that this had been a mistake and the cost was refunded. We were so glad we did the dinner as the meal was memorable with a table that had superb views of the old square. Before every course the waiter described the food and ingredients which made us feel very cosseted. The naturalist guides were superbly knowledgeable and it was always made very clear what we were about to do and whether there would be any reasons why we would not want to do any particular activity. They were most concerned about our safety and on the day of any snorkelling activity they would make it very clear what the conditions were and what level of expertise would be needed. Our experience was that your visit would be enhanced if you took up all the snorkelling options but never having snorkelled before we didn't do so. The experience was really full on and the only time you felt you could relax was when the weather made activities impossible. They appreciate that your time is precious and not a moment is to be wasted.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Journey30587734709
Mar 11, 2024
Excellent Visit! - Metropolitan’s agent, Camila Vela, was very responsive to all our questions and gave us good advice in planning the itinerary and the trip as a whole. The Metropolitan representative who met us at check-in at Quito airport was helpful in handing out our boarding passes and Galapagos travel documents and guiding us through the formalities. The trip was fabulous! The itinerary was perfect. The program on the first day before we got to the ship was fairly heavy after a very early start, though we can understand why it was useful to do the trip to the highlands before settling into the ship. We also would have preferred nonstop flights to and from Baltra if available, though maybe they're more expensive or don't fit the rest of the itinerary. For the trip as a whole, everything went smoothly, just as planned. Isabella II was lovely. Our "owner's " cabin was extremely comfortable with plenty of storage (we thought it was just beginning to show its age but it was spotlessly clean and still very comfortable). The crew and guides were superb! Our guides, Alex, Humberto, and Johan, were highly trained naturalists who clearly care a great deal about preserving the fragile environment, they were always good humored, helpful and considerate, and shared their expert knowledge abundantly and clearly, and gave well prepared, interesting, and well delivered lectures every night. With their help we got to see an amazing array of wildlife. Whenever we had a problem snorkeling or on any other issue they were always there to help cheerfully. Francesco was a wonderful hospitality manager, always looking to help and full of good cheer and good humor. Eduardo, our main server, learned our names instantly and was tremendously efficient and helpful at every meal. The food was bountiful and delicious - our only complaint is that we ate too much! All the crew from the captain on down were efficient and tremendously courteous and helpful. All the equipment we needed to enjoy the trip was freely available on board, from the snorkeling equipment to the kayaks. It was useful to have a nice doctor on board to deal with whatever minor health issues cropped up. After the trip Metropolitan provided free of charge a photo gallery and videos that the guides took during the trip. Visiting Galapagos was a marvelous, once in a lifetime experience! We have no hesitation in recommending Metropolitan without qualification - we felt we could not have been in better hands! Date of experience: February 22, 2024
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deb04033
Mar 4, 2024
Best Galapagos Expedition - Excellent company to work with. Outstanding experience! Fabulous crew, knowledgeable guides, fantastic service, food, excursions. Cannot say enough good about this experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glicona1964
Feb 1, 2024
Great experience - We had an amazing experience on the Isabela II in Dec. 2023. The crew was very informed and helpful. The cabins were well equipped and the food choices were diverse and tasty. There were many activities each day that kept us entertained. Each evening we were giving an informative meeting about the animals we would see the next day. We felt very safe on our expeditions. This cruise is definitely a trip of a life time. We did have one mishap but it was taken care of. We left a Mont Blanc pen in the safe and a pair of shoes in the cabin. We realized it 2 days after leaving the vessel. We were told before we left the ship to make sure we took all our items but we think the pen must have gotten stuck in the edge of the safe and the shoes were left under a bed and the room could use more lighting. We contacted Diego Zapata as soon as we noticed and they were able to locate the items. Even though because of the remoteness of the Galapagos Islands they were able to ship our items to us and we received them a little over a month after we left the ship. Metropolitan Tours is a top notch company and we would recommend this company to someone that wants to go to the Galapagos Islands.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightseer51291668713
Dec 1, 2023
The Galápagos Islands As They Should Be Experienced. - The experience aboard Isabella II was amazing from start to finish. The crew was wonderful, the service was wonderful, the food was delicious, and accommodations were first class. All of that was overshadowed, however, by the experiences on each of the islands and kodiak trips from Isabella II and each of the islands. The naturalists were so knowledgeable, professional, warm, and friendly. They are really what made the experience as incredible as it was. I would recommend this tour 100%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Prussell163
Nov 3, 2023
Wonderful Galapagos Islands experience on Isabella II - A Galapagos Islands experience on Isabella II exceeds all expectations. The tour arrangements by Metropolitan Touring Melissa Altamirano worked perfectly with Melissa always responding to emails promptly. My Galapagos islands experience was proceeded by two days in Quito and four days in Mashpi Lodge. My Quito guide Monica bought Quito to life with her knowledge of art, archaeology and plants with Casa del Alabado the highlight. The Mashpi Lodge experience was beyond expectation with great rainforest walks guided by Lizardo through forests, creeks and night encountering wildlife from Toucans to Glass Frogs. The Mashpi Lodge food was inspiring with waiter Byron providing detailed explanations of each meal including its cultural significance. The Galapagos Islands cruise provided unexpected access to wildlife including the Big 15 with guests being able to closely (2m) observe always under the guidance of knowledgeable guides Alexis and Gustavo. Swimming with turtles and watching birds managing new offspring will never be forgotten. Again the food was excellent with waiter Eduardo anticipating every desire. Well done Metropolitan Touring!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
15retiree
Jun 26, 2023
Wonderful, unforgettable, extended family tour in Galapagos on Isabela II - Our family of 11 (my husband and I in our late 70s, 2 daughters & sons-in-law, and 5 grandchildren ages 6-12) had an absolutely wonderful, unforgettable, week in the Galapagos, all 11 of us!! The Isabela II, her crew, the very knowledgable, experienced and enthusiastic professional naturalists — everything was fantastic, and it was so exciting to see all the wildlife and sea birds close up, unafraid of humans! Our waiter in the dining room was extremely good with the children, as were the rest of the crew and the naturalists, and since my husband and I aren't as agile as we used to be, they took extra care to be sure we were able to participate in all the activities and had assistance if we needed it. We were with our family group for all excursions -- each small group of 11-12 people on the ship had a naturalist plus 1 or more crew members for every excursion off the ship. For people not comfortable with deep-water snorkeling and climbing a ladder in and out of a zodiac, the glass-bottom boat is a great alternative for seeing the underwater environment. Note that Galapagos tours are fairly strenuous, but are planned well during the day, with all meals on the ship -- breakfast, then an early morning excursion and mid-morning return followed by snacks and juice on the sundeck and 45 min to 1 hour of relaxation, and then a 2nd morning excursion followed by lunch; a 60-90 min early afternoon rest on board, and 1 or 2 afternoon excursions, usually with a brief rest before dinner. The meals were delicious, with just the right amount of food: buffet breakfast with many choices, sometimes a buffet lunch on the sundeck, and for dinners and "set" lunches, pre-ordered choices of 2-3 appetizers, about 3 main courses (always including 1-2 vegetarian options and a seafood course, generally locally caught), and a choice of 3 desserts. The Galapagos National Park is extremely well regulated and is kept awesomely clean and pristine. I VERY highly recommend Metropolitan Touring, the Isabela II and her crew and naturalists, and our MetroTours trip arranger/"destination expert" Melissa Altamirano.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y3024ucelisabethc
Apr 19, 2023
Best holiday we've ever had - Superb trip with a helpful and friendly crew, great food and everything aboard very comfortable. We had opportunities every day to see unique wild life right up close in a small group. We also snorkelled most days and went on small boat trips too. The naturalists were well informed, entertaining and caring and took a marvellous set of photos which they sent on to us for free. The best way to see Galapagos.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bvchef2016
Mar 7, 2023
The Team Makes the Difference. More Than Just Great Views and Animals. - This trip was beyond my expectations. I booked the trip almost a year ago, so had plenty of time to be excited for it and read up on the Islands. I was walked through every step of the process from booking with Diego Z, walking into the Quito airport for my flight and up until going through security at the Baltra airport. I did not have to worry about what to do or where to go. Onboard the yacht, I was pleased with the friendly, professional service given by each and every member of the team. I was called by name, the servers remembered how I liked my coffee, and I was treated in a warm and friendly manner by everyone. The group of travelers was diverse and well seasoned in traveling, which made for interesting conversations over dinner. The guides Eduardo, Gustavo and Sebastian were as knowledgeable as they were friendly. Most touring companies can show you great views and animals, but this tour and these guides had the stories, and backgrounds of the islands and animals. Safety was a priority, as was preserving the natural surroundings. It was more than I had anticipated and I would highly recommend this tour, and this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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