Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Isabela II

Few places on Earth evoke the wonder of the Galápagos Islands—a volcanic archipelago isolated in the Pacific and bursting with life found nowhere else. Aboard the beautifully appointed Isabela II, this immersive journey brings you face-to-face with the wildlife that inspired Darwin himself. Here, animals live without fear: sea lions nap beside landing sites, iguanas bask on black lava, and seabirds nest only steps from quiet trails. Sailing between nine islands, we’ll experience a remarkable cross-section of the archipelago’s ecosystems, from arid lowlands thick with giant cacti to lush highland forests shrouded in mist.

Our days unfold in the company of expert Ecuadorian naturalists and VENT leaders, whose knowledge deepens every encounter. We’ll pursue the majority of the Galápagos’ celebrated endemics—Darwin’s finches, Galápagos Mockingbirds, Flightless Cormorants, Red-footed and Blue-footed Boobies, Galápagos Penguins, and the magnificent Waved Albatross. Reptiles dominate the terrestrial world: Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, lava lizards, and neon-bright Sally Lightfoot Crabs animate every shoreline. Between island walks, we’ll explore by Zodiac, slipping into quiet coves or landing on isolated beaches alive with wildlife.

The Isabela II enhances every moment at sea. Designed for comfort and intimacy, she offers spacious decks, inviting lounges, and the maneuverability needed to reach secluded bays and remote landings. Snorkeling excursions reveal another dimension of the islands—sea turtles gliding through turquoise water, playful sea lions circling curiously, and schools of brilliantly colored fish among sculpted lava reefs.

An optional Tandayapa cloud forest extension provides an entirely different experience, with glowing tanagers, barbets, toucans, and some of the most extraordinary hummingbird diversity on the planet. Whether at sea or in the Andes, this journey promises the perfect union of natural history, beauty, and discovery.

The Galápagos Islands are a living laboratory where evolution is visible at every turn. Volcanic slopes give rise to stark lava fields, arid coastal plains dotted with towering cacti, and lush highlands nourished by mist. Marine currents enrich the surrounding seas, attracting penguins, albatrosses, boobies, sea lions, and sharks. Six seabird species breed only here, and Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, and the Galápagos Hawk shape the terrestrial story. Reptiles dominate the land—Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, and lava lizards thrive in landscapes that feel primordial. These isolated ecosystems showcase one of the world’s highest levels of endemism and a remarkable harmony between wildlife and wild places.