Signature highlights
The yacht carries a glass-bottom boat, kayaks, pangas and snorkeling equipment, with naturalist-led excursions and a resident physician. Its small scale supports an intimate expedition atmosphere in the Galápagos.
Isabela Ii
Isabela Ii is a 40-guest Tauck expedition ship, in service since 1979. This page lists 12 upcoming departures across 3 itineraries, day by day and port by port. Its live AIS position is plotted on the map below and refreshed through the day.
✓ Wildlife-focused expedition travelers
✓ Guests who prefer very small ships
✓ Travelers comfortable with compact cabins
Isabela Ii at a glance
Ship size
Bigger than 3%
A small expedition-size ship at 1,025 gross tons — #544 of 565 ships we track. 26 tons of ship per guest.
Best for
- Wildlife-focused expedition travelers
- Guests who prefer very small ships
- Travelers comfortable with compact cabins
- Passengers who value naturalist-led exploration
- Couples seeking an informal Galápagos voyage
Think twice if you want
- Travelers wanting balconies or inside cabins
- Guests seeking elevators and extensive accessibility features
- Passengers expecting pools, theaters, or nightlife
- Families wanting dedicated kids facilities
- Travelers who prefer large-ship entertainment
Live Position ● 42 minutes ago
Heading to: STA FE-PLASASCurrently on: Peru and the Galapagos Islands (6 nights)
Full port route isn't linked for this sailing yet.
0.0 knots
Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.
About Isabela Ii
Isabela II is a compact expedition yacht operated by Metropolitan Touring and used exclusively for Tauck’s Galápagos programs. Built in 1979 and refurbished in 2018, the Ecuador-flagged vessel carries 40 guests with a 24-person crew. Its three passenger decks are arranged around outside staterooms, a bar-lounge, natural-history library, observation areas, Jacuzzi, solarium and expedition equipment suited to island landings and coastal exploration.
Ship at a Glance
- Operator
- Metropolitan Touring
- Builder / shipyard
- Halter Marine Calumet, Calumet, Louisiana, United States
- Registry / flag
- Ecuador (confirmed by the ship’s AIS identity)
- Call sign
- HCII
- IMO number
- 7914535
- MMSI
- 735059039
- Draft
- 3.6 m
- Previous names
- Carl B. Downs
Onboard Experience
Pools, spa & wellness
The Sun Deck includes a Jacuzzi and solarium, while the ship also provides a cardio-gym and outdoor relaxation areas.
Accessibility
The ship has no elevator. Its compact expedition layout and Zodiac or panga transfers may require guests to manage stairs, uneven landings and wet embarkations.
Deck plans
Venues Cabins only Both · Tap a deck to see what's on it
Deck 3 · Sun Deck
Bar & Lounge Natural History Library Cardio-Gym Jacuzzi Solarium Observation Deck Outdoor DiningDeck 2 · Cabin Deck
Category B Category CDeck 1 · Main Deck
Category A (Master Suite)Cabins & suites
Suite 5%
Oceanview 95%
| Category | Type | Cabins | Size | Sleeps | Decks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category A (Master Suite)The ship's master suite; no private balcony. | Suite | 1 | 170 sq ft | 2 | 1 |
| Category BTwo cabins have one double bed and a sofa bed; the remaining cabins generally have twin beds. | Oceanview | 18 | 139 sq ft | 2 | 2 |
| Category COne cabin with a large bed and a partially obstructed view. | Oceanview | 1 | 128 sq ft | 2 | 2 |
Dining, bars & venues
6 included 0 extra cost in the fare, by the line's own published policy.
Dining
Outdoor Dining
Included
An alfresco dining area used for buffet-style breakfast and lunch when conditions permit.
Bars & lounges
Bar & Lounge
Varies
A casual onboard lounge with outdoor seating and drinks.
History & sister ships
- 1979Entered service, built by Halter Marine Calumet, Calumet, Louisiana, United States.
- 2018The ship was renovated, with the current passenger accommodation and public areas presented by Tauck after the renovation.
Other Expedition yacht ships
Where Isabela Ii sails, month by month
| Oct 26 |
Nov 26 |
Dec 26 |
Jan 27 |
Feb 27 |
Mar 27 |
Apr 27 |
May 27 |
Jun 27 |
Jul 27 |
Aug 27 |
Sep 27 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other / multi-region | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Explore This Ship
Jump from Isabela Ii sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.
Itineraries & Sailings
6 Nights
Cruising the Galapagos Islands
Next: Nov 27, 2026
1 upcoming departure
6 Nights
Peru and the Galapagos Islands
Next: Apr 2, 2027
10 upcoming departures
6 Nights
Peru and the Galapagos Islands
Next: Oct 16, 2026
1 upcoming departure
All 3 itineraries and their departure dates
- Cruising the Galapagos Islands 27 Nov 2026
- Peru and the Galapagos Islands 2 Apr 2027, 16 Apr 2027, 30 Apr 2027, 14 May 2027, 28 May 2027, 25 Jun 2027, 17 Sep 2027, 1 Oct 2027, 15 Oct 2027, 29 Oct 2027
- Peru and the Galapagos Islands 16 Oct 2026
All Upcoming Departures
| Departure | Return | Itinerary | Nights | Region | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 16, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 | Peru and the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → | |
| Nov 27, 2026 | Dec 3, 2026 | Cruising the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → | |
| Apr 2, 2027 | Apr 8, 2027 | Peru and the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → | |
| Apr 16, 2027 | Apr 22, 2027 | Peru and the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → | |
| Apr 30, 2027 | May 6, 2027 | Peru and the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → | |
| May 14, 2027 | May 20, 2027 | Peru and the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → | |
| May 28, 2027 | Jun 3, 2027 | Peru and the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → | |
| Jun 25, 2027 | Jul 1, 2027 | Peru and the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → | |
| Sep 17, 2027 | Sep 23, 2027 | Peru and the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → | |
| Oct 1, 2027 | Oct 7, 2027 | Peru and the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → | |
| Oct 15, 2027 | Oct 21, 2027 | Peru and the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → | |
| Oct 29, 2027 | Nov 4, 2027 | Peru and the Galapagos Islands | 6 | Book → |
Isabela Ii FAQ
What flag does Isabela Ii sail under?
Isabela Ii is registered in Ecuador.
How many passengers does Isabela Ii hold?
Isabela Ii carries about 40 guests with roughly 24 crew.
How old is Isabela Ii?
Isabela Ii entered service in 1979 and was last refurbished in 2018.
How big is Isabela Ii?
At 1,025 gross tons and 51 m long, Isabela Ii is a small expedition-size ship — larger than 3% of the 565 cruise ships cruises.to tracks.
What is the dress code on Isabela II?
The onboard atmosphere is casual, and the operator describes the ship as having a casual setting. Expedition clothing and practical footwear are appropriate for daily activities.
Are meals included aboard Isabela II?
Meals are included as specified in the Tauck itinerary. Breakfast and lunch may be served buffet-style, including outdoors when weather permits, while dinner is served onboard in the ship's dining setting.
Are gratuities included?
Tauck includes customary gratuities for the ship staff, naturalists, guides, and Tauck personnel on its Galápagos journeys.
Is Wi-Fi available on Isabela II?
Internet service is available where provided, but Tauck states that service levels may vary.
Is Isabela II accessible to passengers with limited mobility?
The ship has no elevator, and Galápagos activities commonly involve boarding Zodiacs or other small boats. Passengers should confirm their mobility needs with Tauck before booking.
Does Isabela II have facilities for children?
The ship does not have a dedicated kids club or children's play facility named in the operator's ship information. Children may be accepted on some Tauck family itineraries, subject to the itinerary's age requirements.