Isabela II, exclusive to 40 Tauck guests, is considered one of the most luxurious expeditionary-style yachts cruising the Galapagos as well as one of the largest. Refurbished in 2000, she boasts an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere that enhances island exploration.

Her sun deck includes an observation area for whale and dolphin watching, as wildlife observation lasts from sunrise to sunset, well beyond your actual island landings – it is one of the most important parts of a cruise through the Galapagos Islands, with three naturalist guides on board.

On daily island expeditions, Isabela anchors close to shore for swimming, snorkeling and hiking. Modern Zodiac-style rafts transport guests ashore for informative hikes with your naturalist guides and your Tauck Director. Isabela’s glass-bottom boat aboard offers comfortable observation of diverse marine life – and those who wish can get close-up to this extraordinary marine life by snorkeling!

Specializing in cruising the Galapagos archipelago for over thirty years, Isabela’s well-trained 27-member team consists of Ecuadorian officers, naturalists and crew who provide warm and friendly service.

Isabela II is an expeditionary-style yacht that cruises the Galapagos Islands with only 40 Tauck guests aboard. Refurbished in 2000, she is one of the most luxurious ships in the Galapagos, boasting an atmosphere both relaxed and elegant. Sleek in style, Isabela is fully air-conditioned, offering many of the amenities of a larger vessel including bar-salon, dining room, lounge, reading room, boutique, and a library containing a variety of books on the Galapagos as well as nature and conservation-themed videos. Isabela has three decks, Main, Cabin and Sun; the Sun Deck features a bar with deck chairs for outdoor seating, an observation deck for watching wildlife, a Jacuzzi, and a solarium. Her bar and lounge provide a great location for gathering at the end of shore excursions, discussing the day with guests sharing like-minded interests; a combination of Continental and Ecuadorian cuisine provides unique dining experiences. Shore excursions are by Zodiac and are available to everyone; Isabela carries her own glass-bottom boat aboard for close-up observation of marine life.