The perfect balance between Galapagos exploration and modern comfort
THE VESSEL
DOCTOR ONBOARD
EXCLUSIVE VISITOR SITES
MULTI-GUIDED
MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES
EXPEDITION FOCUS
A LOW-IMPACT YACHT
DECKS
CABINS ABOARD THE SANTA CRUZ II
The Santa Cruz II’s Swedish-designed cabins reflect the latest in cruise trends. Comfortable spaces and large picture windows illuminate the interior areas and allow guests to take in the views, offering elegant relaxation areas after a day of active exploring. The ship has 50 cabins for 90 guests. Families and groups will benefit from the flexible design, which allows 36 of the cabins to be interconnected. Solo travelers can occupy a double room with a mere 15% surcharge, which is well below the Galapagos standard of 100%. Explorer Cabins are located on the Expedition, Horizon, and Panorama Decks.
GALAPAGOS ITINERARIES
DAY BY DAY
DAY 1
Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island
Baltra Island
You will land in Baltra Island by plane in the morning and then take a guided transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise. First, an introductory briefing onboard and then enjoy a delicious lunch.
Las Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz Island)
The lagoons at this beach serve as the feeding grounds of various wading birds. Afterward, we head back aboard for a welcome cocktail and an expedition briefing.
DAY 2
Santiago Island
Buccaneer Cove
After breakfast, we explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs. Here, we have the chance to go snorkeling or take a ride on a dinghy or glass-bottom boat.
Puerto Egas
After disembarking, you will get to enjoy a swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines. We can also observe a colony of fur seals.
DAY 3
Rabida Island & Bartolome Island
Rabida Island
The walk here will bring guests close to Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches.
Bartolome Island
Today’s afternoon activities begin with a wet landing on the beach. Guests can swim, snorkel, or ride the glass-bottom boat. After returning to the ship, we hike to the top of this island with a fantastic view.
DAY 4
Genovesa Island
Prince Philip’s Steps
The morning starts with a climb up a flight of stairs. Once there, you can walk along and spot Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and storm petrels.
Darwin Bay
In the afternoon, we land at this beautiful beach to enjoy some swimming and/or snorkeling. Following this, we will walk and observe frigatebirds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, finches, and mockingbirds.
DAY 5
Santa Cruz Island & Baltra Island
Following a dry landing and a bus ride to the Highlands, guests experience giant tortoises roaming in the wild. These include dense forests of Galapagos daisies, orchids, and several endemic land birds.
Baltra Airport
We will take a transfer vehicle to Baltra airport and say farewell to the Galapagos Islands!
DAY 1
Baltra Island & Mosquera Islet
Upon landing at Baltra Airport in the morning, we transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise and enjoy a satisfying lunch. The excursion to Mosquera Islet consists of a walk along a shallow reef, the perfect nook for young sea lions.
DAY 2
San Cristobal Island
Located on San Cristobal Island, Punta Pitt is the only site in Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together! At Cerro Colorado, we visit the Breeding Center for Galapagos giant tortoises. This forest is also home to dozens of bird species and the San Cristobal lava lizard!
DAY 3
Santa Fe Island & South Plaza Island
On the idyllic white sand beach of Santa Fe, one can spot plenty of sea lions and the endemic land iguana. Activities include snorkeling, swimming, boarding the glass-bottom boat, and kayaking. On South Plaza, the wildlife includes yellow-grey land iguanas, sea lions, frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and shearwaters.
DAY 4
Santa Cruz Island
The Charles Darwin Research Station consists of a giant tortoise breeding center. It’s home to the administration of scientific investigation and conservation efforts in the Galapagos National Park. In the afternoon, you’ll have several options to choose from before returning to Puerto Ayora to board the ship again.
DAY 5
Española Island
During our walk at Punta Suarez, we will see Galapagos albatross, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Guests will also experience the Galapagos’ famous “blowhole” geological phenomenon. In the afternoon, the beach of Gardner Bay is perfect for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches.
DAY 6
Santa Cruz Island & North Seymour Island
At Eden Islet on Santa Cruz Island, we can observe blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigatebirds. At North Seymour, we can watch as bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, two species of frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls all fly around. We also get the chance to observe sea lions and marine iguanas up close.
DAY 7
Baltra Island
Baltra Island On the last day, you’ll disembark at Baltra Island, take the transfer to the airport, and hop aboard your flight back to the continent.
DAY 1
Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island
You’ll arrive at Baltra Island and then transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise. After an introductory briefing onboard and an emergency drill, you are invited to lunch.
Dragon Hill [Santa Cruz Island]
The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish-water lagoon that ducks and American flamingos frequent. Further inland, the trail offers view of the bay and the western islands.
DAY 2
Isabela Island & Fernandina Island
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
After breakfast, we will explore the coast by dinghy. This site is also a nesting place for numerous iconic Galapagos species, such as flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Fernandina Island. You will see Galapagos iconic species including sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs, and flightless cormorants.
DAY 3
Santa Cruz Island
Puerto Ayora & the Charles Darwin Research Station
The Station consists of a giant tortoise breeding center and a giant cactus forest. Following this visit, we travel to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island where we will enjoy lunch.
Highlands
You have several options to choose from in the afternoon. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, guests return to Puerto Ayora and hop back aboard the Santa Cruz II Galapagos cruise.
DAY 4
Floreana Island
Baroness Tower + Post Office Bay
After breakfast, we experience Baroness Cove, and land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that served as a post office. Afterward, we head back aboard for lunch.
Champion Islet + Cormorant Point
An extinct shield volcano that’s regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos Islands. From here, it’s onwards to Cormorant Point, where we can spot American flamingos, pintail ducks, and other birds.
DAY 5
Baltra Island
You will disembark at Baltra Island in order to transfer to the airport to take your flight back to the mainland.