Cruise Overview
Discover the ecological wonders of the Galápagos
10-day expedition cruise starting in Ecuador before joining our small ship MS Santa Cruz II to explore the UNESCO-protected Galápagos Islands.
Join this science-oriented journey of ecological discovery to see unique animal species, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas and rare seabirds.
Kayak, paddleboard or snorkel, and go on small boat landings, learning about these incredible islands and Darwin's research from your Expedition Team.
Enchanting Ecuador
Your expedition starts in Quito – a beautiful UNESCO-listed city packed with remnants from a lost Inca civilisation. We'll visit its surroundings, including an active volcano, before sailing to the Galápagos Islands.
Eco-friendly exploration
The small, stylish expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II is used exclusively to sail around these islands, taking you closer to their nature and wildlife. Your carbon neutral ship will leave the smallest footprint wherever we go, while our team puts safety and sustainability first.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Related cruises
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Explore Ecuador's capital
Day 1
Explore Ecuador's capital
Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Quito
Welcome to Quito, high up in the foothills of the Ecuadorian Andes and straddling the Equator.
Built on the foundations of an ancient Inca settlement, today you'll find a bustling, modern capital. Its well-preserved historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends Spanish colonial architecture, with Moorish and indigenous influences. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.
If you have time, come a few days early and join our four-day Pre-Programme and tour the lost civilisation of the Incas at the breathtaking Machu Picchu.
Climb Cotopaxi Volcano
Day 2
Climb Cotopaxi Volcano
Visit one of Ecuador's natural wonders
Your first stop is the bustling Sangolqui open-air market, where you can sample Andean specialities and buy handicrafts from friendly stallholders.
Spot wild llamas, Andean Gulls, and maybe the majestic condor on your drive through Andean moorlands to Cotopaxi National Park. We’ll take a walk to the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon.
The day's main highlight is Cotopaxi Volcano. You'll walk to a height of almost 12,800 ft up this stunning active volcano. Almost perfectly conical, it features one of the world's only equatorial glaciers. For lunch, you'll enjoy some fantastic regional cooking before returning to the hotel.
Your cruise begins
Day 3
Your cruise begins
Get ready to explore spectacular Galápagos
This morning we'll fly to Baltra Island, where you'll board MS Santa Cruz II, meet your Expedition Team, and settle in for your Galápagos Islands cruise. From the airport to your ship and tour, every effort is made to protect the delicate environment.
You'll get your first glimpse of the islands' incredible diversity on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We'll take small expedition 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 guides.
San Cristobal's tortoises
Day 4
San Cristobal's tortoises
Meet the Galápagos' giant tortoises
Your first stop today is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve – a breeding centre for the highly 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.
Our small expedition boats will then take you to Punta Pitt, the only site in the Galápagos 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.
Santa Fe and South Plaza
Day 5
Santa Fe and South Plaza
Spot wildlife against idyllic backdrops
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 expedition boats, take our kayaks for a paddle around the island, or join a trip in our glass-bottomed boat and observe the marine life below. After lunch, prepared by our onboard chefs, we head to South Plaza Island.
Spot frigatebirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Galápagos 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.
Explore Santa Cruz
Day 6
Explore Santa Cruz
Learn about local conservation on Santa Cruz Island
Today you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, where a team of 200 work to conserve the local wildlife. Here you can see baby tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches - the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution.
Experience a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises roam, munching on grass and wallowing in pools.
Then there's time for an optional activity, including mountain biking or kayaking in beautiful Tortuga Bay. Or hike to the snow-white beach of Playa Brava and the secluded mangrove cove at Playa Mansa.
Dramatic Española
Day 7
Dramatic Española
Lava lizards and incredible birdlife
Your Galápagos cruise reaches Española, the archipelago's most southerly island. Birdlife here is truly extraordinary. Look out for Waved Albatrosses, Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls.
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 ft 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 join an optional kayaking excursion.
Reef life on Eden Islet
Day 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 Galápagos 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. Or you may also have a chance to 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.
Back to Baltra Island
Day 9
Back to Baltra Island
The end of an incredible wildlife adventure
Your expedition cruise around the Galápagos Islands draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. From here, you'll fly to Guayaquil, where a friendly representative will help you connect to your international flight. From here it's on to Quito.
As you leave this fascinating region, you'll take with you incredible memories of amazing wildlife and wonderful experiences in this unique part of the world that few have the privilege of seeing.
Back in the charming city of Quito, you'll have time to explore and see some of the sights you may have missed at the start of your trip.
Heading home
Day 10
Heading home
Say goodbye to South America
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, before preparing for your journey home.
We hope you're left with some amazing memories of the incredible scenery and wildlife of the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador, as well as thoughts of your newfound friends and the wonderful adventure you shared together.
What's included
Take a look at what you can look forward to on this 9-day expedition cruise.
Flights
- Return flights in economy class between Quito andBaltra
Hotel
- Two nights in Quitobefore the expedition cruise, including breakfastand dinner on day 2.
- One night in Quito after the expedition cruise, including breakfast and dinner.
Transfers
- TransfersbetweenQuito hotel and airport on the day of embarkation and disembarkation, transfers between Baltra airport and ship
Excursion
- Full day Nature Tour to Cotopaxi National Park, including lunch
Extras
- GalapagosIslands National Park admission fee
- Transit Control Card for GalapagosIslands
Expedition Cruise
- 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
- Welcome and farewell cocktails
Onboard Activities
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has a library, microscopes and samples
- Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs and gym
Landing Activities
- Landings, hikes, coastal exploration, and activities including kayaking, snorkeling, and our glass-bottom boat
- Complimentary wetsuit rental
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Included Programmes
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages
Ships on this expedition
Take a closer look at our ships typically used on this expedition