Yacht Isabela
Northeastern Galapagos
Islands of Fire Adventure
5 Days
Monday to Friday
13 of 15
Galapagos Iconic Species
From
USD 4,604 pp
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Overview
Our journey begins with giants of the tortoise kind. After landing at Baltra airport, we 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 we sail up to Genovesa, otherwise known as “Bird Island,” where we spend the entire day observing remote colonies of nesting birds, including the rare red-footed booby, and explore the island’s gorgeous shorelines, 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, we can hope to observe sea lions and sharks in the waters off South Plaza. From tortoises to boobies, hawks to sea lions, our northern itinerary makes for five truly memorable days in the Galapagos.
- Santa Cruz
- Santiago
- Chinese Hat
- Genovesa
- Santa Fe
Day by Day
Day 1: Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island
Visit Santa Cruz Island from Baltra Airport
Arrive at Baltra Airport and transfer to Santa Cruz Island via ferry
Travel to the lush Highlands to explore unique ecosystems and biodiversity
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
Exploring the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Visit a reserve to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat
Explore lava tunnels surrounded by lush scenery
Transfer to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht Isabela II
Day 2: Santiago Island & Chinese Hat Islet
Discover Puerto Egas on Santiago Island
Wet landing on a black sand beach
Spot land iguanas and diverse bird species
Observe marine iguanas feeding and fur seals resting among lava rocks
Explore Chinese Hat Islet
Walk a scenic 400 m trail from a white sand beach
Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in a tranquil cove
Spot white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos penguins
Day 3: Genovesa Island
Experience Prince Phillip's Steps on Genovesa Island
Start with a scenic panga ride along Genovesa’s cliffs (“Bird Island”)
Hike through colonies of boobies, frigatebirds, and storm petrels
Look for the short-eared owl; snorkeling or kayaking may be available
Explore Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island
Arrive at Darwin Bay’s white sand beach after lunch
Spot a variety of birds, including frigatebirds and boobies
Enjoy close encounters with gulls, herons, finches, and mockingbirds
Day 4: Santa Fe Island & South Plaza Island
Explore Santa Fe Island
Take a dinghy ride to Santa Fe Island’s white sand beach
See sea lions, Galapagos hawks, and Santa Fe land iguanas
End with snorkeling, swimming, or a glass-bottom boat ride
Discover South Plaza Island
Dry landing in a channel with turquoise waters and contrasting white sands and black lava
Explore vibrant scarlet sesuvium and green prickly-pear cacti
Spot yellow-grey land iguanas, sea lions, and soaring frigates, gulls, and shearwaters
Itinerary Map
Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island
Santiago Island & Chinese Hat Islet
Genovesa Island
Santa Fe Island & South Plaza Island
Baltra Airport
Prices
Prices in 2026
Starting at 4,604 pp
Prices in 2027
Starting at USD 4,696 pp
The BIG15: Must-see Wildlife of the Galapagos
Why Book With Us
Unmatched Experiences & Expert Care
Choose expedition vessels for an authentic and intimate experience.
Consider the comfort level with the ideal space-to-guest ratio during your journey.
All our itineraries allow you to discover 11 to 12 of the Big 15 iconic species and the top 4 islands in just 5 to 7 days.
Take part in the multi-guided itineraries for a unique experience of the Galapagos Islands.
Our carefully designed itineraries guarantee exclusivity and optimal wildlife viewing opportunities during island visits.
Enjoy multiple activities around the islands at no extra cost during your Galapagos expedition.
Rest assured, our Galapagos cruise ships have onboard medical professionals to attend to any medical needs.
Ensure the Galapagos National Park authorizes your cruise for activities and island visits.
Gallery
Included
- Shared transfers between select Quito hotels and the airport for Galapagos flights
- 24/7 On-board Medical Officer
- Accomodation and all meals on board
- Informative lectures
- Snorkeling equipment: wetsuits, masks, fins, vests
- Luggage assistance
- Starlink Wi-Fi
- Kayaks, paddleboards, and a glass-bottom boat
- Island expeditions with Park-certified Naturalist Guides
- Soft drinks
Reminder: We can assist with tickets and fees for entry to Galapagos.
Talk to an expert that´s
Sailed aboard!
“Carolina is wonderful! So professional, caring, kind, patient with questions, and very knowledgeable. We are so grateful for her help with planning our trip. She represents Metropolitan very well. Definitely a wonderful asset to your company!”
—Dan Wilson