6-night Galápagos Islands – Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery | Western Route

June 23, 2026

HX: MS Santa Cruz II

Roundtrip Quito

Vacation Offer ID 1625573

Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.

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Overview

Ship Info

Activities & Services

Deckplans

The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
The Signature Collection Sailings offer Exceptional Value and Exclusive Amenities.

Cruise Inclusions

Hotel

Two nights at a hotel 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

A transfer from the airport to the hotel in Quito for bookings starting 1 May 2024, and departures between 1 May and 31 Dec 2024
Note: If you arrive up to three days before the start of the tour, a transfer from the airport in Quito to the designated hotel that is a part of your package can be arranged at an extra cost
Note: If your flights have not been booked with us, please provide us with your flight details no later than 30 days prior to travel so we can arrange your transfer (applies to all transfers from the airport to your hotel in Quito on the tour start date)
Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise
Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra

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
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 gear
Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that 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

Onboard Activities

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

Landing Activities

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

Destination Guide
Suggested Shore Excursions

Destination	Arrival	Departure
Quito Quito 06/23/2026 Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of QuitoYour 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. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with well-preserved colonial architecture, including colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and stately monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.If you have time, we recommend coming a few days earlier and joining one of our optional Pre-Programs.	06/23/2026	06/23/2026
Quito Quito 06/24/2026 Straddle the Equator in the Middle of the World CityToday, 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 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 that is the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.	06/24/2026	06/24/2026
Quito Quito 06/25/2026 Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos IslandsAs your South America land adventure draws to a close, it is time to embark on the next stage of your journey. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you.We’ll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands in the afternoon by following the north shore of Santa Cruz to the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón, or Dragon Hill, where we’ll land. On the first part of our walk, we’ll pass a brackish lagoon that is 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 your first chance to encounter some land iguanas.	06/25/2026	06/25/2026
Isla Baltra Isla Baltra 06/25/2026 Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos IslandsAs your South America land adventure draws to a close, it is time to embark on the next stage of your journey. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you.We’ll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands in the afternoon by following the north shore of Santa Cruz to the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón, or Dragon Hill, where we’ll land. On the first part of our walk, we’ll pass a brackish lagoon that is 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 your first chance to encounter some land iguanas.	06/25/2026	06/25/2026
Cerro Dragon Cerro Dragon 06/25/2026 Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos IslandsAs your South America land adventure draws to a close, it is time to embark on the next stage of your journey. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you.We’ll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands in the afternoon by following the north shore of Santa Cruz to the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón, or Dragon Hill, where we’ll land. On the first part of our walk, we’ll pass a brackish lagoon that is 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 your first chance to encounter some land iguanas.	06/25/2026	06/25/2026
Punta Vicente Roca Punta Vicente Roca 06/26/2026 Scan the coastline and seas for iconic speciesYou’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast on a panga boat and your naturalist guides will teach you about the dramatic geology of the area.This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you can snorkel beside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and fur seals.In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a large population of marine iguanas. Watch the coastline for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.	06/26/2026	06/26/2026
Isla Fernandina Isla Fernandina 06/26/2026 Scan the coastline and seas for iconic speciesYou’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast on a panga boat and your naturalist guides will teach you about the dramatic geology of the area.This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you can snorkel beside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and fur seals.In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a large population of marine iguanas. Watch the coastline for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.	06/26/2026	06/26/2026
Puerto Ayora Puerto Ayora 06/26/2026 Scan the coastline and seas for iconic speciesYou’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast on a panga boat and your naturalist guides will teach you about the dramatic geology of the area.This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you can snorkel beside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and fur seals.In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a large population of marine iguanas. Watch the coastline for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.	06/26/2026	06/26/2026
Puerto Ayora Puerto Ayora 06/27/2026 Meet the famous giant tortoises of the GalápagosToday, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto?Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.At this giant tortoise breeding center, 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 is 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 also have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.	06/27/2026	06/27/2026
Post Office, Galapagos Post Office, Galapagos 06/27/2026 Meet the famous giant tortoises of the GalápagosToday, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto?Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.At this giant tortoise breeding center, 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 is 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 also have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.	06/27/2026	06/27/2026
Champion Island Champion Island 06/27/2026 Meet the famous giant tortoises of the GalápagosToday, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto?Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.At this giant tortoise breeding center, 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 is 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 also have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.	06/27/2026	06/27/2026
Cormorant Point Cormorant Point 06/28/2026 Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlifeAfter breakfast, enjoy a panga boat ride through the channels on Floreana’s north shore before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.After lunch, explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard our glass-bottom boat. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago.From there, we head to Cormorant Point, where we’ll walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, common sights include American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.	06/28/2026	06/28/2026
Isla Baltra Isla Baltra 06/29/2026 Your adventure comes to an end As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. We’ll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we 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.	06/29/2026	06/29/2026
Quito Quito 06/29/2026 Your adventure comes to an end As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. We’ll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we 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.	06/29/2026	06/29/2026

When you are exploring the Galápagos islands 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 onboard.

Ship Highlights

Social Areas located across the the ship, offers a comfortable seating area and an immaculate view of the nearby islands
Enjoy delicious food in the nice restaurant and wide variety of culinary experiences that encompass all diets and preferences
Guests can relish the Galápagos Islands landscapes at the rear terrace, which also doubles as an area
Take a tour at Science Corner, a perfect learning zone about science activities

Ship Statistics

Maiden Voyage: 2002
Last Refurbished: 2021
Gross Tonnage: 2,664 T
Beam: 44 ft (13.4 m)

Maximum Speed: 10.5 knots
Ship Length: 236 ft (71.8 m)
Passenger Capacity: 90

Dining

Bar & Lounges

Onboard Activities

Outdoor Activities

Wellness

Oceanview

Voyager Single Cabin (VH) Call for pricing

Category: VH
Deck 2

With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer a single bed and plenty of space for solo travelers. There are 2 Voyager cabins located on the Horizon deck. Bathroom. Size 12 sq.m.

Explorer Cabin (EP) Call for pricing

Category: EP
Deck 4

With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant areas to relax after a day of active exploring. There are 23 Explorer cabins located on the Horizon deck. Bathroom. Size 15 sq.m.

Explorer Cabin (EH) Call for pricing

Category: EH
Deck 2

With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant areas to relax after a day of active exploring. There are 17 Explorer cabins located on the Expedition deck. Bathroom. Size 15 sq.m.

Explorer Cabin (EE) Call for pricing

Category: EE
Deck 3

With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant areas to relax after a day of active exploring. There are 3 Explorer cabins located on the Panorama deck. Bathroom. Size 15 sq.m.

Suite

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy, valid for North American residents only and are subject to availability and change without notice and voyage only. The ship departure date determines the price of your voyage. Itinerary and port order subject to change.

Not Included

International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling

Extras

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

Notes