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Cruise · HX Expeditions · 8 nights

Galápagos Islands: In Darwin's Footsteps (Eastern Route)

  • Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin
  • Visit the UNESCO-protected Galápagos Islands, discovering their unique wildlife, flora, and fauna.
  • Explore the islands of San Cristóbal and spend two enchanting nights in Quito
From
$10,357 pp twin share
Was $14,720 pp
$10,646 pp solo share
8 nights
Enquire
Cruise Snapshot
8 Nights

Exclusive Discounts

  • Tick the Galapagos Islands off your bucket list.
  • Follow Charles Darwin's footsteps on a journey of ecological discovery.
  • Discover the Galápagos Islands, home to rare wildlife, pristine landscapes, and unforgettable adventures.

Trip Details

Departs
26 August 2026
Returns
30 March 2028
Embarks
Operator
HX Expeditions

Visit the UNESCO-protected Galápagos Islands and discover their extraordinary wildlife, unique flora, and fascinating fauna.

Embark on a journey of ecological discovery, following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and witnessing the natural wonders that inspired his groundbreaking work.

Explore the islands of San Cristóbal, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and Española, and enjoy two nights in Quito, one of South America’s most charming and vibrant 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, head to the Galápagos Islands for an unforgettable sea adventure. 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 small panga boats, kayaks and glass-bottom boats.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
26 August 2026
Returns 30 March 2028
Returns
30 March 2028
Duration
8 nights
From pp twin share
$10,357 pp
Was $14,720 pp
From pp solo cabin
$10,646 pp

Multiple departures between August 2026 and March 2028 on MS Santa Cruz II

The pricing is based on the selected departure: 4 Nov 2026

  • Explorer Cabin from $14,720 $10,357 pp twin share* / $15,009 $10,646 pp sole use*
  • Darwin Suites from $19,838 $13,556 pp twin share* / $11,103 pp sole use*

* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Vibrant Quito

    Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Quito 

    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 and enjoy an overnight stay.

  2. 2

    Visit historic Quito

    Straddle the Equator at the Middle of the World City 

    Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town. It’s 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 the 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.

  3. 3

    Your cruise begins

    Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands 

    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 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.

  4. 4

    San Cristóbal's tortoises

    Meet the famous giant 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 Cristóbal 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.  

    Up to August 2024, we’ll call at Cerro Brujo, on the island’s west coast. With its white coral beaches, you’ll literally be walking in Darwin’s footsteps as the naturalist visited here in 1835. There are plenty of sea and shore birds to look out for here, as well as sea lions.

    After August 2024* instead likely explore Punta Pitt in our small panga boats. This is the only site in the Galápagos Islands where you might see three species of boobies. Enjoy a nature walk, explore the coastline by boat, or snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water.  *Note – this is dependent on local authority restrictions.

  5. 5

    Santa Fe and South Plaza

    Spot wildlife against idyllic backdrops 

    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 small panga boats, take a kayak for a paddle around the island, or join a trip in a 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.

  6. 6

    Explore Santa Cruz

    Learn about local conservation on Santa Cruz Island

    Today, let's 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.

  7. 7

    Dramatic Española

    Lava lizards and incredible birdlife 

    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, 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.

  8. 8

    Reef life on Eden Islet

    Green turtles, sharks and rare bird colonies 

    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.

  9. 9

    End of the expedition

    From the Galápagos Islands back to Quito 

    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.

    * Please note that cruise itineraries are subject to change at any time by the cruise company and are not guaranteed

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

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, including all taxes

Transfers

  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise
  • Note: If your flights have not been booked with us, please provide us with your full flight details no later than 30 days prior to travel (applies to all transfers from the airport to your booked hotel via HX in Quito on the tour start date)
  • 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
  • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • House wine and beer served with lunch and dinner. From 1 October 2024 departures, wine, beer and spirits (excluding premium alcoholic drinks) available from the bar at any time (subject to Ecuadorian 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
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
  • Use of hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more 
  • Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
  • Range of included activities

Landing Activities

  • Escorted and guided landings with small expedition boats
  • Loan of all equipment for activities
  • Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Onboard Activities

  • In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
  • Full access to the ship’s Science Corner
  • Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
  • A professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
  • Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Not included

  • International flights 
  • Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings 
  • Travel insurance 
  • Luggage handling
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

MS Santa Cruz II

This sleek, spacious ship has a layout that allows you to enjoy your cruise from start to finish. The small size - with a guest capacity of a maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. Enjoy delicious food in the nice restaurant, learn with fellow travellers in the Science Centre, or maybe mingle out on the many decks. On board, fifty cruise cabins provide ample space for every guest.

Beagle Restaurant

The MS Santa Cruz II has a team of trained staff members that utilize locally-sourced organic food to prepare every dish. This ship provides a Le Cordon Bleu (a trained Gastronomy Director) and a wide variety of culinary experiences that encompass all diets and preferences. Every meal served onboard is exquisite.

Panorama Bar & Lounge

This large and well-lit area is not only the main bar, but also the place where most ship events will take place (welcome and farewell cocktail), and doubles as an ideal place for lectures. It’s the ideal site to chill and relax with Wi-Fi hot spot and direct access to the al fresco terrace.

Expedition Deck

Facing the front of the ship, the Expedition Lounge – complete with a refreshment station and library – is a fantastic place to admire the beauty of the Galápagos Islands from inside. The Science Corner includes a glass cabinet, a microscope, and a whale vertebra clone, a perfect learning zone about our science activities. Also located on this deck are two hot tubs with capacity for five guests each.

Sky Deck

The Sky Deck offers spaces where guests can relax and enjoy their Galápagos expeditions basking in the sun at the very top of the ship. The fitness room is equipped with yoga mats, a set of weights, two treadmills, two stationary bikes, and an elliptical trainer for those guests who do not want to let their routine slide.

Cabins

Explorer Cabin: 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. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets.

Darwin Suite: with two large windows, you’ll enjoy superb views in premium comfort. These spacious suites feature double or twin beds. 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.  

Voyager Cruise, Santa Cruz II
Voyager Cruise, Santa Cruz II
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

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 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
  • Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
Ready to lock in?

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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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The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions

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