MV Isabela II Galapagos

The luxury yacht Isabela II Galapagos is owned by Metropolitan Touring, which also operates Galapagos small-ship cruises with the mv Santa Cruz and the luxury yacht La Pinta. Isabela II is a small expedition yacht with a year-round sailing schedule. Originally built in 1979 as a supply vessel, she was refitted by Metropolitan Touring in 1988 (Pensacola, Florida). MV Isabela II was most recently refurbished in September 2020.

History – construction and ownership

The 42-passenger mv Isabela II offers modern luxury amenities that elevate her Galapagos expedition experience. Key features include an outdoor lounge and spacious observation deck, a top-deck whirlpool, a fully equipped fitness room, glass-bottom boat, kayaks, zodiacs, satellite connectivity, and full air-conditioning.

Isabela II yacht

The luxury yacht Isabela II is owned by Metropolitan Touring, which also operates the luxury yacht La Pinta and the mv Santa Cruz cruise ship. Isabela II is a small Galapagos expedition vessel with a year-round program. Originally built in 1979 as a supply ship, she was refitted for Metropolitan Touring in 1988 (Pensacola, Florida). The company invests regularly in yacht upgrades; MV Isabela II previously underwent dry-dock refurbishment in September 2012.

Isabela II Galapagos itineraries offer an accessible way to explore the region’s unique marine life. The yacht has an elegant design and a dedicated team of expert Naturalists and friendly crew who share a deep commitment to nature exploration and conservation. Modern luxury features include a top-deck whirlpool, fully outfitted fitness room, outdoor lounge and observation areas, kayaks, zodiacs, glass-bottom boat, satellite phone/Internet, and full air-conditioning.

These expedition-style cruises emphasize relaxed ambiance, expert-guided island tours, and high-quality service. The onboard program includes multilingual Naturalists, themed dining featuring Ecuadorian and international cuisine, and an inviting atmosphere throughout the voyage.

Isabela II Galapagos cruise itineraries

• Itinerary 1 – 10-DAY “ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS” cruise from Quito. Begins with a flight to Quito (2-day/1-night hotel stay) and guided sightseeing tours. Isabela II operates exclusively 4-night Galapagos cruises from Baltra, combined with land-based touring.
• Highlights include guided Quito sightseeing (Legislative Palace, San Francisco Monastery, La Compañia Church, Oswaldo Guayasamín Museum) and a welcome dinner.
• Day 3: Charter flight Quito–Baltra, followed by a 3-day/2-night stay at Finch Bay Hotel and a visit to the Giant Tortoise Reserve.
• Day 5: Santa Cruz Island touring, embarkation, welcome cocktail, Charles Darwin Research Station visit, lectures. Followed by a 4-night cruise through the Galapagos National Park.
• Day 6: Visits to Santa Fe Island and South Plaza Island (guided walks, snorkelling, kayaking, lecture).
• Day 7: Visits to North Seymour Island and Santa Cruz Island (guided activities).
• Day 8: Visits to Bartolomé and Santiago Islands (walks, panga rides, snorkelling), farewell cocktail. Disembarkation and charter flight Baltra–Quito with 1-night hotel stay.
• Itinerary 2 – 15-DAY “DISCOVER GALAPAGOS AND PERU” cruise from Lima. Begins with a flight to Peru, welcome dinner, and sightseeing (Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery, Larco Museum).
• Includes Lima–Cusco–Sacred Valley–Machu Picchu–Cusco excursions (Awanakancha, Kenko, Puca Pucara, Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, dome-train to/from Machu Picchu, Santo Domingo Monastery).
• Continues with a charter flight Cusco–Quito, sightseeing, and on day 10, flight to Baltra for embarkation.
• The Galapagos portion covers visits to Floreana (day 11), Espanola (day 12), and San Cristobal (day 13), followed by a farewell cocktail. Final day includes a flight San Cristobal–Quito and farewell dinner before return flight home.

Isabela II Galapagos cruise deals

Avalon Isabela II Galapagos cruise deals include:

• Door-to-door pickup within 75 miles/120 km of your airport, flights from Heathrow (London), all internal flights, transfers, local port charges, and airport taxes.
• All hotel stays. Itinerary 1 includes Swissotel (Quito) and Finch Bay Eco Hotel (Galapagos). Itinerary 2 includes Casa Andina Private Collection hotels (Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco), Sumaq Hotel (Machu Picchu), and Swissotel (Quito).
• All meals. Daily American breakfast. Itinerary 1 includes six lunches and seven 3-course dinners (including welcome and farewell dinners). Itinerary 2 includes eight lunches and ten 3-course dinners. International cuisine features Ecuadorian dishes and complimentary regional wines with dinners. Coffee, tea, and bottled water onboard are complimentary.
• Daily multimedia lectures by multilingual professional guides, including 3 Naturalist Guides and an Expedition Director. Evening entertainment includes performances by local artists, enrichment programming, and a stargazing program. The “Young Pirates” kids program (ages 7–12) offers themed activities, tours, and special meals.
• All guided tours and excursions (island walks, kayaking, snorkelling). Internet access is complimentary (30 minutes per person per session, satellite-based).
• Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits (1/8") in all sizes are complimentary.

Cabins

All Isabela II staterooms are outside, air-conditioned, and have private bathrooms and safes. The ship features one Master Suite (170 ft2), 16 Classic Staterooms, 2 Standard Rooms (129 ft2), and one Standard Room of 139 ft2.

Stateroom categories and sizes:

• 1x Master Suite (MS) – 170 ft2 / 16 m2
• 16x Classic Staterooms (category CC, twin beds)
• 2x Standard Rooms (double beds) – 129 ft2 / 12 m2
• 1x Standard Room – 139 ft2 / 13 m2
• Additional cabins with porthole windows (categories B, U, M) – 124 ft2 / 11.5 m2
• All cabins accommodate 2 guests, are fully air-conditioned, and have private bathrooms (shower, hairdryer).

Shipboard dining options – Food and Drinks

All meals are included. Daily American breakfast and a nightly 3-course dinner are served. International cuisine features traditional Ecuadorian dishes and complimentary regional wines. Tea, coffee, and bottled water are also included.

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

Isabela II offers an expedition-style cruising experience focused on wildlife encounters and exploration. She features an exercise room, Jacuzzi, outdoor lounge, and a top-deck observation platform ideal for whale and dolphin watching. The bar and lounge are elegantly appointed, and the reading room is well stocked.

• Boat Deck (3) – Observation lounge (whale/dolphin watching), Sun Deck Bar (premium spirits), loungers, Jacuzzi, 2 lifeboats, Bridge, 24-hr gym.
• Cabin Deck (2) – Staterooms (category CC classic): 16 twins, 2 doubles, 1 Standard double.
• Main Deck (1) – Dining Room (open-seating buffet), Bar Salon (video presentations), Gift Shop, Reading Room (2 Internet PCs, Natural History Library), Master Suite.
• Ship amenities – Cruise Tours Director, English-speaking crew (including 3 Naturalists and 1 resident physician), top-deck lounge with bar, complimentary coffee and bottled water, 3 zodiacs, glass-bottom boat, satellite phone, sea kayaks, automatic pilot system, hydrophone.

Time-charter operator Avalon Waterways