Galapagos Islands: All-inclusive Expedition Cruise
- 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.
Setting out from 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, you’ll visit Quito´s historic centre on a guided tour.
Awe inspiring Galápagos Islands
After exploring Quito´s historic centre 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. On this active cruise, and 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.
- Return flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra
- Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and dinner on day 2.
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise
- Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra
- Full-day excursion: Historic Quito & Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise
- Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee
- Transit Control Card for Galápagos Islands
- Access to airport lounge at Guayaquil or Quito airport upon return from Galápagos Islands
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water)
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking Expedition Team who guide activities and provide educational information on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
- Complimentary wetsuit rental
- Welcome and farewell cocktails
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Corner with library and microscope
- Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
- Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscapes and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
- Use of ship's hot tubs and gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
- Escorted landings with small panga boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Your fare excludes:
- International flights
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Day 1 - Arrive Quito, Ecuador
Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s packed with well-preserved colonial architecture as evidenced in colourful plazas, magnificent churches and handsome monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.
Day 2 - Visit historic Quito
Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town – one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture – and sample some delicious chocolate made from finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.
Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line of the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Day 3 - Galapagos, Ecuador, Your cruise begins
After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits.
You'll get your first glimpse of the islands' incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We'll take our small panga boats ashore to get a closer look.
As you stroll across flat and sandy dunes, look out for Blue-footed Boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems from your naturalist guides.
Day 4 - San Cristóbal's tortoises
Your first stop today is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve – a breeding centre for the endangered giant tortoise. It's also home to other endemic species, including the San Cristobal Mockingbird and lava lizard.
The giant tortoise is probably the most iconic of all Galápagos wildlife, with a lifespan of over 100 years. Here, they thrive, ambling around forests similar to their natural habitat.
Day 5 - Santa Fe and South Plaza
We start the day with a scenic nature walk on the blissful beaches of Santa Fe, home to the endemic Barrington land iguana and a colony of sea lions.
You can swim or snorkel from our small panga boats, take a kayak for a paddle around the island, or join a trip in our glass-bottomed boat to observe the marine life below. After a delicious lunch, prepared by our onboard chefs, we head to South Plaza Island.
Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Galapagos Shearwaters gliding on the breeze. Here, among a dazzling array of flora, land iguanas laze by the shore while marine iguanas slip in and out of the water.
Day 6 - Explore Santa Cruz
Today we pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. A giant tortoise breeding centre, here you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that’s home to many land birds.
Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools. You'll have time for another activity, such as mountain biking or visiting sugar plantation.
Day 7 - Dramatic Española
Your Galápagos Islands cruise reaches Española, the archipelago's most southerly island. Birdlife here is truly extraordinary – look out for Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls, and the mighty Waved Albatross on cruises April through December.
It’s also a chance to spot red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, as well as see the famous blowhole, El Soplador, blasting water 75 feet into the air.
After lunch on board the ship, we'll head to the picturesque coral beach of Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet, to seek out sea lions, mockingbirds and finches. If you're feeling active, you can go snorkelling or kayaking.
Day 8 - Reef life on Eden Islet
The wealth of wildlife watching opportunities continues at Eden Islet, where we hope to see Galapagos green turtles, rays and friendly reef sharks. On the shore, look out for distinctive frigatebirds with their rubbery, red throats.
You can swim or snorkel to explore the reefs. Alternatively, see the reefs from our glass-bottomed boat or by kayak. After lunch, we'll sail to North Seymour. The island is a great site for spotting colonies of Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Sea lions and marine iguanas also congregate here, attracted by the bountiful sea life in its waters.
Day 9 - End of the expedition
Your expedition cruise draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure.
To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programmes. As you leave this fascinating region, you'll take with you incredible memories of amazing wildlife and wonderful experiences few have the privilege of seeing.
Various departures between September 2024 and March 2025
- October, November, December 2024 & January, February & March 2025
- from
$12,185$9,748 pp twin share* or$17,365$10,054 pp sole use*
Call and speak with our experienced travel advisors on 1300 414 198
Please note pricing is subject to change without notice
When exploring the Galapagos Island onboard the MS Santa Cruz II - enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings.
This sleek, spacious ship has a layout that allows you to enjoy your sailing in all aspects. Enjoy delicious food in the nice restaurant, learn with fellow travellers in the Science Centre or maybe mingle out on the many decks?
While exploring the Galápagos, you´ll have the ability to actively engage in activities and encounters. After a day in Darwin´s footsteps, you will enjoy coming home to a casual atmosphere with the best service there is. The MS Santa Cruz II´s amenities easily appeal to all world explorers.
The Cabins: On board the ship, there are fifty cruise cabins that provide ample space for each and every guest. Each cabin has a private bathroom. There are options available for single travellers, couples, groups and families.
Darwin suite, Panorama deck
Our three Darwin suites on the Panorama deck, featuring double picture windows, will provide superb comfort and deluxe amenities for more discerning guests. Available in twin or double bed and if more space is desired, they can be interconnected with an Explorer cabin.
Explorer cabin, Panorama deck
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant relaxation areas after a day of active exploring. There are 3 Explorer cabins located as on the Panorama deck.
Explorer cabin, Expedition deck
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant relaxation areas after a day of active exploring. There are 17 Explorer cabins located as on the Expedition deck.
Explorer cabin, Horizon deck
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant relaxation areas after a day of active exploring. There are 23 Explorer cabins located as on the Horizon deck.
Voyager single cabin, Horizon deck
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer single bed, and plenty of space for solo travellers. There are 2 Voyager cabins located on the Horizon deck.