Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise – In Darwin’s Footsteps
Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise – In Darwin’s Footsteps
Nine-day Galápagos Islands expedition cruise
Beautiful Quito
Quito is one of South America’s most alluring capitals and a World Heritage City. It is full of graceful Spanish-era architecture and packed with cozy restaurants and artisanal shops. During your two-night stay here, you’ll have time to taste delicious Ecuadorian specialties and stroll through colorful markets brimming with local handicrafts. On the second day here, you’ll visit Quito’s historic center on a guided tour. Then head to the ‘Middle of the World City’, where you can stand with one foot on either side of the Equator.
Awe-inspiring Galápagos Islands
After exploring Quito’s historic center and visiting the Equator, we’ll head to the Galápagos Islands for an unforgettable sea adventure. We’ll be on the lookout for iconic animals such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. With an onboard Expedition Team made up of local guides on this active cruise, you’ll get closer to the many natural wonders in our small panga boats, kayaks, and glass-bottom boat.
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Day 1Quito
Vibrant Quito
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Day 2Quito
Visit historic Quito
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Day 3Baltra Island and Mosquera Islet
Your cruise begins
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Day 4San Cristóbal Island
Tortoises of San Cristóbal
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Day 5Santa Fe and South Plaza Islands
Santa Fe and South Plaza
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Day 6Santa Cruz Island
Explore Santa Cruz
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Day 7Española Island
Dramatic Española
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Day 8Eden Islet and North Seymour
Reef life on Eden Islet
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Day 9Baltra Island to Quito
End of an expedition
Departures
2024
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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
2025
What’s included
Hotel
- Two nights at a hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and dinner on Day 2
Flights
- Economy class flights between Quito and Baltra, and Baltra and Guayaquil, all taxes included
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise
- Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra
Excursion
- Full-day excursion: Historic Quito and Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise
Extras
- Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee
- Transit control card for the Galápagos Islands
- Access to the airport lounge at the Guayaquil (or Quito) airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation
Expedition Cruise
- Stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages*
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
- Complimentary wetsuit rental
- Welcome and farewell cocktails
*House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water
†Please note that Wi-Fi and phone reception are very limited in the remote areas where we travel, and streaming is not supported.
Onboard activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Center, which features a small library and microscope
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects.
- Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs and gym
- Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small panga boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Your flight from Baltra will go to Guayaquil. If you wish to end your expedition in Quito, please advise your booking agent.
- Quito’s altitude is approximately 9,350 feet above sea level. You may experience mild altitude sickness during your stay.
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities are expected
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Baggage handling
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
MS Santa Cruz II
Year built | 2002 |
Year of refurbishment | 2021 |
Shipyard | ASENAV Shipyard (CHL) |
Passenger capacity | 90 |
Gross tonnage | 2,664 T |
Length | 236 ft |
Beam | 44 ft |
Speed | 10.5 knots |
When you are exploring the Galápagos Islands with us aboard the Santa Cruz II, you’ll enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in premium surroundings. The ship’s small size (with a maximum guest capacity of 90) offers a cozy yet sophisticated environment. It’s easy to feel at home on board.
Practical Information
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