Galápagos Islands - Nature and Wildlife Expedition Cruise
Galápagos Islands - Nature and Wildlife Expedition Cruise
7-day Galápagos Islands expedition cruise
Beautiful Quito
Quito is one of South America’s most alluring capitals and a World Heritage City of graceful Spanish-era architecture, packed with cosy restaurants and artisanal shops. With two overnights here, you’ll have time to taste delicious Ecuadorian specialities and stroll through colourful markets brimming with local handicrafts. On the second day here you’ll visit Quito´s historic centre on a guided tour and go to the ‘Middle of the World City’ where you can stand with one foot on either side of the Equator.
Awe-inspiring Galápagos Islands
Next, you’ll journey to the uniquely inspiring isles of Galápagos and visit the islands of Santiago, Rábida and Bartolomé, Genovesa and Santa Cruz. Here you’ll experience an array of beautiful landscapes harbouring a variety of ecosystems and see iconic wildlife such as marine iguanas, giant tortoises, Nazca Boobies and Darwin’s Finches, and on this active cruise, with an onboard Expedition Team of local guides, you'll get closer to the many natural wonders in our small panga boats, kayaks and glass-bottom boat.
-
Day 1Quito
Vibrant Quito
-
Day 2Quito
Visit historic Quito
-
Day 3Galápagos
Your cruise begins
-
Day 4Santiago Island
Pristine Santiago Island
-
Day 5Rábida and Bartolomé Island
Stunning Rábida & Bartolomé
-
Day 6Genovesa Island
Genovesa, a bird paradise
-
Day 7Santa Cruz and Baltra Island to Quito
One last adventure
Departures
2024
-
January
-
February
-
March
-
April
-
May
-
June
-
July
-
August
-
September
-
October
-
November
-
December
2025
What’s included
Hotel
- Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast, and dinner on day 2
Flights
- Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, and Baltra and Quito, including all taxes
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 & 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 Quito (or Guayaquil) airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation
Expedition Cruise
- A 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 organise and accompany activities 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 there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to, and streaming is not supported.
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Corner with small library and microscope
- Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
- Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
- Use of ship's hot tubs and gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small panga boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Your flight from Baltra will be to Quito. If you wish to end your expedition in Guayaquil, please advise your booking agent
- Quito’s altitude is at approximately 9,350 feet above sea level and during your stay, you might experience mild altitude sickness
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities expected
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage 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 | 2664 T |
Length | 71,8 m |
Beam | 13,4 m |
Speed | 10.5 knots |
When you are exploring the Galápagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The small size - with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You´ll easily feel at home on board.
Practical information
Related cruises
-
MS Santa Cruz II7 days May - Mar
Galápagos Islands - Nature and Wildlife Expedition Cruise
- Experience the natural wonders of the incomparable Galápagos Islands
- See the unique wildlife of Galápagos, from giant tortoises and marine iguanas to Nazca Boobies and Darwin’s Finches
- Learn about these incredible islands and Charles Darwin’s research from your expert Expedition Team, comprised of local naturalist guides
-
MS Santa Cruz II9 days May - Mar
Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise – In Darwin’s Footsteps
- Visit the UNESCO-protected Galápagos Islands, discovering their unique wildlife, flora and fauna
- Join us on a journey of ecological discovery as we travel in Charles Darwin's footsteps, seeing the natural wonders that so inspired him
- Explore the islands of San Cristóbal Sante Fe, Santa Cruz and Española, and spend two nights in Quito, one of South America's most charming cities
-
MS Santa Cruz II11 days May - Mar
Galápagos Islands – Nine of the Best Isles
- Visit nine of the most alluring Galápagos Islands
- See the unique wildlife of Galápagos, from giant tortoises to marine iguanas as you visit the islands of Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, Santiago, Rábida, Bartolomé and Genovesa
- Learn about these incredible islands and Charles Darwin’s research from your expert Expedition Team, comprised of local naturalist guides