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Choose your departure
Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
7 departures
- Mon 16 Nov 2026 → Fri 20 Nov 2026 Outside $10,062 from $10,062 pp twin share Select
- Mon 30 Nov 2026 → Fri 4 Dec 2026 Outside $9,116 from $9,116 pp twin share Enquire
- Mon 14 Dec 2026 → Fri 18 Dec 2026 Outside $8,710 from $8,710 pp twin share Select
- Mon 28 Jun 2027 → Fri 2 Jul 2027 Outside $7,172 Suite $8,965 from $7,172 pp twin share Select
- Mon 12 Jul 2027 → Fri 16 Jul 2027 Outside $7,172 from $7,172 pp twin share Select
A 4-night expedition cruise through the Galapagos Islands aboard the small, comfortable MS Santa Cruz II, visiting wildlife-rich islands by land, sea and kayak
- Walks among land iguanas and flamingos on Cerro Dragon
- Giant tortoises seen in the wild on Santa Cruz Island
- Snorkelling and swimming with marine turtles at Puerto Egas
Trip Details
- Departs
- Mon 30 Nov 2026
- Returns
- Fri 4 Dec 2026
- Embarks
- Seymour
- Ship
- MS Santa Cruz II
- Operator
- HX Expeditions
4-night Galapagos expedition cruise aboard MS Santa Cruz II
The 4-night Galapagos voyage aboard MS Santa Cruz II sails round trip from Seymour, calling at Las Bachas, Santa Cruz Island, Buccaneer Cove, Puerto Egas, Rabida Island, Bartolome Island, Prince Philip Steps, Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island and Itabaca Channel.
You sail aboard MS Santa Cruz II. When exploring the Galápagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, guests will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The relatively small size - with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You will easily feel at home onboard. On board: 50 cabins and suites and space for maximum 90 guests; Science Center; Library; Observation decks; Restaurant; Lounge & bar; Two hot tubs; Fitness room.
Your transports MS Santa Cruz II
When exploring the Galápagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, guests will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The relatively small size - with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You will easily feel at home onboard.
- Guests
- 90
- Gross tonnage
- 2,664
- Speed
- 10.5 knots
- Length
- 71.8 m
- Launched
- 2002
- Beam
- 13.4 m
- Deck plans
- 5
Deck 4 — Sky Deck
Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary
- 1
Your cruise begins
Mon 30 NovGet ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands As your South America land adventure draws to a close, it’s time to embark on the next stage of your journey. 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. In the afternoon we’ll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón – Dragon Hill – where we’ll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that’s frequented by shorebirds and American Flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas. - 2
Pristine Santiago Island
Tue 1 DecSee iconic wildlife and spectacular landscapes Today you’ll explore Santiago Island’s pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes. Take in the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove on the northwest coast, home to a large number of marine birds and sea lions. Immerse yourself in the scenery through a range of water activities and marvel at fantastic rock formations such as ‘Elephant Rock’ and ‘The Bishop.’ In the afternoon, we’ll head to Puerto Egas, one of the best visitor sites on the island. You’ll have the opportunity to see a colony of Galápagos fur seals and exotic birdlife on an excursion. Or you could just swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, typically, in the company of marine turtles. - 3
Stunning Rábida & Bartolomé
Wed 2 DecSoak up the sights and sounds of the Galápagos Your day starts on tiny Rábida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago. You can go for a thrilling panga ride along the coast explore the island’s mesmerising, red-coloured beach. Soak up the sights and sounds made by a colony of sea lions, and watch for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers and several species of Darwin’s Finches. In the afternoon, we’ll sail to the golden sands of Bartolomé Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. You can swim or snorkel off the beach here, discover colourful marine life from our glass-bottom boat, or watch for Galápagos Penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views. - 4
Genovesa, a bird paradise
Thu 3 DecDiscover a birdlife haven and take a refreshing dip Today you’ll explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb – only 90 feet – up Prince Philip’s Steps – El Barranco – to reach flat and rocky plateau. Once there, you can walk along comfortably and look out for large colonies of Nazca Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds and Storm Petrels. Afterwards or instead, hop into a kayak for some aquatic adventuring. In the afternoon, we’ll land and swim at the beautiful beach that fringes Darwin Bay for a swim. Following this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of island birds, or alternatively just take it easy on the beach, swimming, snorkelling or kayaking. - 5
One last adventure
Fri 4 DecSee giant tortoises in the wild We start our last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. A dry landing at a passenger wharf and a bus ride to the loftier region of the island will provide a final highlight of your expedition cruise: giant tortoises in the wild. The windward slopes of the island are set aside as a reserve that’s home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands also feature dense forests of Galápagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads. After this visit we’ll transfer directly 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.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- A stay in a cabin of your choice.
- From 1 October 2024 departures, wine, beer and spirits (excluding premium alcoholic drinks) available from the bar at any time (subject to Ecuadorean licensing laws).
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home.
- A backpack or another piece of HX kit.
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.
Accommodation
MS Santa Cruz II
When exploring the Galápagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, guests will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The relatively small size - with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You will easily feel at home onboard.
On board: 50 cabins and suites and space for maximum 90 guests; Science Center; Library; Observation decks; Restaurant; Lounge & bar; Two hot tubs; Fitness room; Sun deck; Expedition boats; Stand Up Paddle boards; Snorkeling Gear; Glass bottom boat; Kayaks.
Unspesific cabin
Unspecified cabin for 2 people.
- VH – Voyager cabin: large windows, one single bed and one couch, 12 m².
Explorer Cabins
With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring.
They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets.
- EP – Explorer cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 15 m².
- EE – Explorer cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 15 m².
- EH – Explorer cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 14–15 m².
- FH – Explorer family cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 17 m².
- VH – Voyager cabin: large windows, one single bed and one couch, 12 m².
Darwin Suites
Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Santa Cruz II and reserve one of our Darwin Suites.
With two large windows, you’ll enjoy superb views in premium comfort.
These spacious suites feature double beds that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking, as well as a sofa bed suitable for a child under the age of 12. If more space is needed, these rooms can be interconnected with an Explorer cabin.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a safe, and USA two-pin plug sockets. There’s a daily turn-down service, and you’ll also get a welcome gift in the form of a Galápagos wildlife book.
- DS – Darwin Suite: large windows, double bed, optional twin, sofa bed, 30 m².
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
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Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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- Complimentary water bottle, backpack and onboard professional photos from your trip
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- Cabin of your choice for the full voyage
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- Economy flights between Quito, Baltra and Guayaquil, including all taxes
- Two hotel nights in Quito with breakfast and a Day 2 dinner
- Airport lounge access on return flights for guests flying internationally