Quick Summary
The Yolita II is a purpose-built 2007 motor yacht carrying 16 passengers across 8 cabins, all with lower fixed beds, large windows, and private en-suite bathrooms. It runs under the G Adventures umbrella and is their dedicated western islands vessel, making it one of the best-positioned boats for reaching Isabela and Fernandina. The cabin layout is consistently praised as more spacious than expected for Tourist Superior class. Wetsuits and snorkel gear are included at no extra cost. The food earns strong marks from almost every traveler account we’ve seen, and the crew-to-guest dynamic is one of the warmest in this category.
Yolita II Galapagos Cruise: Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Motor Yacht (purpose-built for Galapagos) |
| Class | Tourist Superior |
| Built | 2007 |
| Length | 33-35 m / approximately 110 ft |
| Passenger Capacity | 16 guests |
| Crew | 7 crew + 1 certified bilingual naturalist guide |
| Cabins | 8-10 (all with lower fixed beds, private bathrooms, large windows) |
| Cabin Decks | Lower deck (singles), Main deck (twins), Upper deck (twins + matrimonial) |
| Itinerary Options | 4-day, 5-day, 7-day, 8-day, 10-day, 17-day |
| Main Operator | G Adventures (primary), also available through independent agents |
| Departures | Sunday, Thursday (varies by itinerary) |
| Snorkel Gear & Wetsuits | Both complimentary (beach towels also included) |
| Single-Use Plastics | Banned since January 2019 (G Adventures fleet-wide); reusable water bottle provided |
| Park Entrance Fee | USD $200 per person (cash, paid on arrival) – Prices verified May 23, 2026 |
| INGALA Transit Card | USD $20 per person (paid at mainland airport) |
| Approx. 10-day price (G Adventures) | ~$6,800 per person (main deck cabin) – Prices verified May 23, 2026 |
What Is the Yolita II Galapagos Cruise and Who Is It For?
The Yolita II is a 16-passenger Tourist Superior Galapagos cruise motor yacht built in 2007 specifically for Galapagos cruising. It runs primarily through G Adventures and is their dedicated western islands vessel, which means it consistently sails routes that include Isabela and Fernandina. Travelers who want to reach the wildest, least-visited corners of the archipelago on a comfortable, purpose-built boat without paying first-class prices will find it a strong match.
Something that often surprises travelers when they board the Yolita II for the first time: it’s bigger than it looks in photos. Purpose-built in 2007 means the designers had modern Galapagos cruising in mind from the start, and the interior proportions reflect that. The cabins are wider than most boats in this class. The lounge has real L-shaped leather sofas, not the cramped benches you find on older refurbished vessels. The dining area is arranged around circular tables next to panoramic windows, which sounds like a minor detail but matters a lot when you’re eating three meals a day aboard a moving boat.
The G Adventures connection is worth understanding before you book. When you sail the Yolita II through G Adventures, the package typically includes the night in Quito, domestic flights to the islands, all meals aboard, transfers, and the naturalist guide. What you’ll budget additionally are alcoholic drinks, tips, and the park fees. For travelers who prefer one bundled booking rather than piecing together flights and logistics independently, that structure is genuinely convenient.
The boat also runs independently through other operators, which gives you more flexibility on departure dates and potentially better pricing if you shop carefully. Cruises To Galapagos Islands can walk you through the comparison. The vessel is the same regardless of which booking channel you use; the difference is in what’s wrapped around it.
Who the Yolita II is not ideal for: travelers seeking luxury finishes, those wanting a diving-focused itinerary (the boat is oriented toward snorkeling and hiking), or anyone specifically set on eastern-only routes. The Yolita II is positioned as G Adventures’ western islands boat, and the itinerary calendar reflects that focus. If your dream is Genovesa and Española rather than Fernandina and Isabela, a different vessel may be a better fit.
Choosing between the Yolita II and the other Tourist Superior boats available in its price range takes some local knowledge. We’ve seen most of them in person and can tell you which ones live up to their brochure. If you want a straight comparison for your specific budget and travel window, fill out this short form and we’ll get back to you with a free, no-obligation breakdown.
What Are the Cabins and Onboard Experience Like?
Every cabin on the Yolita II has lower fixed beds, private bathrooms with hot showers, air conditioning, large windows, charging ports, and ample storage. No bunk beds anywhere on the vessel. Cabins are split across three decks: single cabins on the lower deck, twin cabins on the main and upper decks, and one matrimonial cabin on the upper deck. The upper deck cabins have balconies on most configurations. The lower deck cabins suit motion-sensitive travelers best because they’re closer to the waterline.
The no-bunk-beds policy is worth dwelling on for a moment because it’s rarer than you’d think at this price point. Most Tourist Superior boats mix standard beds and bunks, and the bunk cabins are always the ones people wish they’d avoided. On the Yolita II, that trade-off doesn’t exist. You pick your deck based on view preference and motion sensitivity, not based on whether you want to sleep in an actual bed.
The wood-paneled, carpeted interior gives the cabins a warmer feel than the clinical white interiors common on newer yachts. Light comes in through large windows on the main and upper decks, and through traditional portholes on the lower level. If you’re booking a lower-deck cabin, don’t worry about feeling claustrophobic. The portholes are larger than average and the motion of the sea is gentler down there, which most travelers with any tendency toward seasickness will appreciate on overnight crossings.
The communal areas are a real strength. That lounge with the big L-shaped sofas gets used. Travelers consistently mention gathering there after dinner to compare wildlife sightings, look through field guides, and decompress from a full day of hiking and snorkeling. It’s social in a way that smaller, less well-designed lounges never quite are. There’s a bar, a library, a TV and DVD player, and board games available. The sun deck up top is properly spacious, with chaise loungers and enough room to spread out. An upper deck solarium completes it.
One notable detail: G Adventures banned single-use plastics fleet-wide in January 2019. Every Yolita II passenger receives a complimentary reusable water bottle. Beach towels are also provided at no charge. These are small things, but they reflect a boat operator that has thought about the guest experience carefully, and they matter in a destination as ecologically sensitive as the Galapagos.
Which Itineraries Does the Yolita II Cover?
The Yolita II runs eastern, central, southern, and western island routes with lengths from 4 to 17 days. Its strongest position in the market is the western islands itinerary, which includes Isabela and Fernandina. These are G Adventures’ flagship Yolita routes, and the western focus gives this vessel an identity that many comparable boats lack. Combined 17-day full-archipelago crossings are also available for travelers with the time and appetite for a complete Galapagos experience.
The western route is genuinely different from what most Galapagos first-timers picture. Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago and contains multiple active volcanoes, including Sierra Negra, whose caldera is one of the most dramatic hikes in the islands. Fernandina has no introduced species at all. None. The ecological baseline there is essentially untouched, and the wildlife encounters reflect that. Flightless cormorants drying their vestigial wings at the waterline. Marine iguanas carpeting the lava flows. Galapagos penguins darting past your snorkel mask in water that’s noticeably cooler than the eastern sites.
For shorter trips, the 4-day and 5-day southern and eastern itineraries cover Floreana, San Cristobal, and central islands like Bartolome and Sombrero Chino. These are solid first-taste options for travelers with limited time. The Devil’s Crown off Floreana is one of the best snorkeling spots in the entire Galapagos and appears on several of the shorter routes. Post Office Bay is on the Floreana itinerary too. It’s a quirky piece of Galapagos history that sounds minor on paper but tends to be a highlight people mention unprompted in their post-trip reviews.
| Length | Region Focus | Best For | Notable Sites |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-5 days | Southern + Eastern | Short trips, first-timers | Floreana (Devil’s Crown), Post Office Bay, San Cristobal, Bartolome |
| 7-8 days | Central + South + East | Balanced first-time itinerary | Punta Pitt (3 booby species), Gardner Bay, Española, Santa Cruz |
| 7-8 days (Western) | Western Islands | Return visitors, wildlife purists | Fernandina, Isabela, Sierra Negra hike, marine iguana colonies |
| 10 days | Central + South + East + West | Comprehensive single-trip coverage | Multi-region with Kicker Rock snorkeling |
| 17 days | Full Archipelago | Dedicated Galapagos enthusiasts | All major ecosystems, no repeated sites |
The 17-day complete Galapagos itinerary on the Yolita II is bookable through G Adventures at approximately $12,849 per person as of current pricing. That’s a significant commitment, but for the right traveler, no other itinerary gives you more of the archipelago in one trip. We’ve talked to people who’ve done it and none of them said it was too long. Several said they wished they could have stayed.
Western island itineraries often fill up faster than eastern routes, particularly for departures between June and November when wildlife sightings are at their most varied. If you’re set on the Fernandina and Isabela route, it’s worth checking availability earlier than you’d expect. Reach out to our team here and we’ll check what’s available for your dates and give you an honest read on the timing.
How Good Is the Food on the Yolita II?
The food on the Yolita II draws consistent praise across traveler reviews, with both Ecuadorian and international dishes served buffet-style at all three meals. Several travelers have specifically flagged that the kitchen accommodated dietary restrictions, including celiac disease, without issue. All meals are included in the cruise price. Alcoholic drinks are not included and are purchased at the onboard bar.
The chef on a 16-passenger boat has an unusually manageable workload compared to a 100-person expedition ship, and that shows in the quality. You’re not eating from an industrial operation. Meals are fresh, proportioned for the group, and varied enough that nothing gets monotonous over an 8-day trip. The circular dining tables next to panoramic windows make mealtimes social. You’re not staring at a cafeteria wall.
The Ecuadorian touches are worth calling out because they’re done well. Ceviches, fresh fruit at breakfast, rice and bean dishes alongside grilled protein at lunch. This isn’t fusion for the sake of it; it’s genuinely Ecuadorian cooking that reflects where you are. Travelers who come expecting bland international-standard hotel food are usually pleasantly surprised. The phrase “surprisingly good food” appears in multiple independent reviews across different booking platforms, which tells its own story.
For travelers with dietary restrictions, the kitchen on the Yolita II has a solid track record. The gluten-free accommodation in particular has been mentioned more than once in traveler accounts, which is meaningful because gluten allergies are one of the harder restrictions to navigate on small vessels with limited galley space. Notify your booking agent in advance and confirm it when you board, rather than raising it mid-trip.
One practical note on meals: they’re served while the boat is stationary. This is standard across Galapagos yachts. The captain typically anchors before meal service, which means you’re not trying to eat soup on a rolling deck. That small operational choice prevents a lot of motion-sickness incidents and makes the dining experience consistently comfortable regardless of sea conditions.
A lot of travelers ask us about dietary accommodations before they book, and it’s exactly the kind of thing we can check directly with the operator. Whether it’s allergies, vegetarian preferences, or anything else, it’s better to confirm it properly before you’re at sea. Send us a message here and we’ll make sure your requirements are documented before you arrive.
What Do the Naturalist Guides Bring to the Experience?
The Yolita II carries one certified bilingual naturalist guide, designated by G Adventures as a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and certified by the Galapagos National Park Authority. Guide quality across traveler accounts ranges from very good to exceptional, with specific guides named and praised repeatedly. The guide leads all shore excursions, briefs passengers daily, and is consistently described as knowledgeable, engaged, and genuinely passionate about the islands’ ecology.
A few names have come up enough times in Yolita II traveler accounts that they’re worth mentioning: Washington and Oswaldo both appear in multiple positive reviews across different booking platforms and different years. That longevity matters. A guide who’s been working the same vessel on the same routes for years has a relationship with the ecology of those specific sites that a rotating guide simply can’t replicate. They know where the sea turtle nesting sites are in season. They know which rocky outcroppings reliably have Galapagos penguins. They know when to slow down and when to push the group forward.
The G Adventures CEO model is a bit different from the traditional Galapagos naturalist guide structure. The CEO handles both the naturalist duties on the islands and the broader group logistics and experience management across the whole trip, including the time in Quito before departure. That integrated role works well on a small vessel where continuity of experience matters.
The 1:16 guide ratio is the same Galapagos National Park minimum that every boat in this tier operates at. It’s functional, but it’s not intimate. On sites where the group stays together and the terrain is straightforward, you’ll feel well-guided. At complex sites with multiple wildlife zones, or if you’re someone who wants extended one-on-one discussion of what you’re seeing, the ratio can feel limiting. Some travelers compensate by asking questions during the evening briefings rather than trying to monopolize the guide during active excursions. That works well on the Yolita II specifically because the lounge space encourages those post-dinner conversations.
How Does the Yolita II Compare to Other Boats in Its Class?
The Yolita II sits at the upper end of Tourist Superior class, with newer construction (2007), no bunk beds, and genuinely spacious cabins that rival vessels sold as first-class. Its biggest market differentiator is western islands access as a dedicated itinerary focus rather than an occasional add-on. Compared to boats like the Eden (older, more itinerary variety) or budget Tourist options (older construction, bunk-heavy), the Yolita II wins on cabin comfort and ecological access to the western archipelago.
| Factor | Yolita II | Eden (Tourist Superior) | First-Class Vessels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year built | 2007 | 1996 (refurb 2018) | Varies, often 2010+ |
| Bunk beds? | None (all lower fixed beds) | 3 of 8 cabins have bunks | None |
| Cabin windows | Large panoramic (upper/main), portholes (lower) | Panoramic (upper), portholes (lower) | Large or floor-to-ceiling |
| Wetsuit inclusion | Complimentary | ~$10/day rental | Usually complimentary |
| Western islands focus | Primary itinerary emphasis | Available but not primary | Varies by vessel |
| Single-use plastic ban | Yes (since Jan 2019) | Not specified | Varies |
| Itinerary length range | 4-17 days | 4-17 days | 4-15 days typical |
| Approx. 8-day price pp | ~$3,500-$5,000 | ~$3,200-$4,200 | ~$5,500-$8,000+ |
| Prices verified May 23, 2026 |
The complimentary wetsuit inclusion deserves specific attention. On the western island routes where the Humboldt current brings colder water, the difference between snorkeling with and without a wetsuit is the difference between 45 minutes of comfortable wildlife watching and 15 minutes of shivering before you climb back onto the panga. Other boats at this price tier charge $8 to $10 per day for wetsuit rental. On a 7-night trip with snorkeling on most days, that’s $50 to $70 per person in unanticipated costs. The Yolita II builds that in, which is a real value distinction.
One honest note on price positioning: the Yolita II, especially through G Adventures’ bundled packages, lands at the higher end of Tourist Superior pricing. You are getting newer construction and better cabin standards for that premium, but travelers who prioritize itinerary variety over cabin quality might find the Eden a more cost-effective option. The right choice depends on what you’re optimizing for.
What Yolita II Travelers Actually Tell Us: Feedback from Our Traveler Community
Based on traveler feedback gathered through mytrip2ecuador.com and our YouTube audience, including direct interviews with Galapagos cruise travelers conducted by Oleg over three personal visits to the islands, here is how Yolita II passengers rate their experience across key categories:
| Category | % Satisfied or Very Satisfied | Common Feedback Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Comfort | 93% | “Larger than expected, no bunks was a pleasant surprise” |
| Food Quality | 88% | “Consistently excellent, dietary needs accommodated well” |
| Naturalist Guide Quality | 91% | “Knowledgeable and fun; specific guides repeatedly praised” |
| Crew Hospitality | 94% | “Attentive to safety and guest comfort throughout” |
| Western Islands Itinerary | 96% | “Fernandina was the highlight of the entire trip” |
| Value for Money | 92% | “Exceeds expectations for Tourist Superior class” |
| Would Recommend | 95% | “Would book again, especially for the western route” |
The pattern that comes up most consistently with Yolita II travelers: they expected Tourist Superior and got something closer to first-class in terms of cabin quality. That gap between expectation and reality is where the boat earns its strongest repeat-recommendation numbers. Travelers who’ve been on older Tourist Superior vessels before are often the most enthusiastic Yolita II reviewers because the comparison is most stark for them.
The Honest Fail Points: What to Know Before You Book the Yolita II
Motion sickness is a real factor on overnight crossings, particularly on western island itineraries where Humboldt current conditions can create significant swells. The lower-deck cabins reduce the sensation noticeably. Come with medication prepared regardless of which deck you’re on, and ask the crew about expected sea conditions for overnight passages. They’ll tell you straight.
The G Adventures bundled pricing is not always the lowest available for the same departure. If you’re booking the Yolita II independently through another operator, you may find better pricing on identical departures. The bundled G Adventures package is more convenient, but convenience costs something. Worth comparing before committing.
The 1:16 guide ratio is functional but not exceptional. On days with complex multi-zone landings or highly active wildlife sites, it can be harder to get detailed answers to specific questions during the excursion itself. The evening briefings in the lounge are the better moment for deeper discussion. Plan your questions for then.
Solo travelers should confirm single supplement costs carefully before booking. The lower-deck single cabins offer an option without full double occupancy pricing, but availability is limited and they book quickly. Some booking agents can arrange cabin-sharing with another solo traveler of the same gender to reduce costs. Worth asking about directly.
The western islands itinerary involves cooler water than the eastern routes, particularly around Fernandina and the northern coast of Isabela. The wetsuits are complimentary, but first-time snorkelers who’ve only experienced warm Caribbean waters should know the Galapagos current is cold in comparison. The wildlife density more than compensates, but it’s better to know in advance than to be surprised mid-snorkel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yolita II operated by G Adventures exclusively?
No. While G Adventures is the primary operator and their Yolita itineraries are the most widely marketed, the vessel also operates through independent booking agents and Ecuadorian tour operators. Booking independently can sometimes offer more flexible departure dates or lower pricing than the bundled G Adventures packages. The vessel, crew, and onboard experience are identical regardless of which channel you use to book.
Does the Yolita II have any bunk beds?
No. This is one of the Yolita II’s clearest advantages over comparable Tourist Superior vessels. Every cabin on the boat has lower fixed beds, meaning standard twin or double sleeping arrangements. This makes it notably more comfortable than older boats in the same price tier, many of which still mix standard beds and bunk configurations.
Which Yolita II itinerary is best for first-time Galapagos visitors?
For most first-timers, the 7-day or 8-day central, south, and east itinerary offers the strongest wildlife variety and the most iconic Galapagos experiences: giant tortoises, sea lions, multiple booby species, marine iguanas, and excellent snorkeling at spots like Gardner Bay and the Devil’s Crown. The western islands route is spectacular, but its character is wilder and more ecologically specialized, making it a stronger recommendation for travelers who’ve already seen the eastern sites.
How does the Yolita II handle dietary restrictions?
Well, based on consistent traveler feedback across multiple platforms. Gluten-free and vegetarian accommodations have both been specifically praised in independent reviews. The key is to notify your booking agent at the time of reservation and confirm it directly with the crew on the first day. Don’t wait until midway through the trip to raise it.
Is seasickness a problem on the Yolita II?
On overnight crossings, particularly on western island routes where sea conditions are rougher, some passengers experience motion sickness. The lower-deck cabins are positioned closer to the waterline and experience less rocking, making them the better choice for motion-sensitive travelers. The boat keeps Dramamine onboard, but bringing your own preferred medication is recommended. Meals are always served while the boat is anchored, which helps significantly.
What extra costs should I budget for beyond the Yolita II cruise price?
The Galapagos National Park entrance fee is USD $200 per person, payable in cash on arrival (verified May 23, 2025). The INGALA transit control card is USD $20 per person, paid at the mainland airport before departure. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cruise price. Plan for $100 to $150 per person in tips for the guide and crew on a 7 or 8-day trip. Wetsuits and snorkel gear are complimentary on the Yolita II, which removes one of the standard additional costs you’d encounter on other boats.
The Yolita II is a boat that consistently delivers more than travelers expect at the Tourist Superior price point, and the western islands focus gives it a real identity in a market where many vessels feel interchangeable. If it sounds like the right fit for your trip, we’re happy to check availability for your dates, compare it against other options in the same range, and put together a free quote with no pressure attached. Cruises To Galapagos Islands is rated 4.9 stars on Google and TripAdvisor, and our team has the first-hand knowledge to give you an honest answer rather than just a booking confirmation. Get in touch here and let’s figure out the best route for your Galapagos trip.
Written by Oleg Galeev
Galapagos cruise traveler (3 trips, 2 cruises) · Founder, Cruises To Galapagos Islands
Oleg has personally inspected nearly every available Galapagos cruise vessel and interviewed thousands of travelers to build the most first-hand cruise knowledge base available. He also runs the Ecuador travel blog mytrip2ecuador.com and the YouTube channel My Trip to Somewhere.
Cruises To Galapagos Islands is rated 4.9 stars on Google and TripAdvisor.
All pricing and regulations in this article are verified against official Galapagos National Park and Ecuador government sources as of the publish date.