Cruise Overview
Darwin's footsteps expedition cruise to the Galápagos Islands
9-day expedition cruise from Ecuador to the UNESCO-protected Galápagos Islands, discovering unique and diverse wildlife, flora and fauna.
Join us on a journey of ecological discovery as we travel in Charles Darwin's footsteps, seeing the natural wonders that so inspired him.
Explore the islands of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz, and spend two nights in Quito, one of South America's most charming cities.
Wondrous wildlife
Climb an active volcano and spot animals like giant tortoises, land iguanas and Darwin's finches, that are rarely seen in the wild. On this science-oriented cruise, you'll learn about Darwin's discoveries and how the Galápagos has helped shape our understanding of evolution.
Eco-friendly exploration
Tour the Galápagos aboard MS Santa Cruz II—our small, stylish, carbon neutral expedition ship. The onboard facilities are excellent and we sail with a Medical Officer on board. You'll get closer to natural wonders in our small panga boats, kayaks, snorkeling gear and paddle boards.
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 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending 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-Program and tour the lost civilization of the Incas at 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 specialties 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 also 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 the spectacular Galápagos Islands
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 panga 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 famous giant tortoises
Your first stop today is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve—a breeding center for the 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 panga boats will then take you to Punta Pitt, 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.
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 small panga boats, take our kayaks for a paddle around the island, or join a trip in our glass-bottomed boat to observe the marine life below. After a delicious 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
We'll pay a visit to 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.
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 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 Islands 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 snorkeling 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. 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.
Back to Guayaquil
Day 9
Back to Guayaquil
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.
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.
What's included
Take a look at what you can look forward to on this 8-day expedition cruise.
Flights
- Roundtrip flights in economy class (from Quito to Baltra, and Baltra to Guayaquil. Or, you can continue from Guayaquil to Quito. Flight to Quito must be pre-booked. Please contact us to continue on to Quito at the end of your tour.)
Hotel
- Two nights of hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and dinner on day 2.
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel in Quito to the Quito Airport before the expedition cruise, and transfers between the Baltra Airport and the ship
Excursion
- Full-day nature tour to Cotopaxi National Park, including lunch
Extras
- Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee
- Transit control card for Galápagos Islands
- Access to the airport lounge at the Guayaquil or Quito airport upon return from Galápagos Islands
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Aune restaurant, 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 fill at onboard water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team to 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
- The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs and gym
Landing Activities
- Landings, hikes, coastal exploration, and activities that include kayaking, snorkeling, and our glass-bottom boat
- Complimentary wetsuit rental
What's not included
International flights
Travel protection
Luggage handling
Ships on this expedition
Take a closer look at our ships typically used on this expedition