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Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise

Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery

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Departure date
Unknown
Duration
7 days
Ship

Cruise Overview

Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise

Join us on an ecological discovery as we set out from Quito to explore the incomparable beauty and wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.

Join us on a journey of ecological discovery as we set off from Quito, Ecuador, to experience the natural wonders of the incomparable Galápagos Islands.

Beautiful Quito and volcano adventure

Your adventure begins with two nights at a hotel in Quito, one of South America’s most charming capitals. This UNESCO World Heritage City, filled with graceful Spanish-era architecture, is packed with cozy restaurants and small artisanal shops. From here, we pay a visit to an active volcano, embark on a nature walk among stunning surroundings, and stop to visit a vibrant open-air market.

Darwin’s islands of evolution

The Galápagos Islands are famously associated with the evolutionary theorist Charles Darwin. Our western itinerary calls at Isabela and Floreana, two of the four islands visited by the famous naturalist, at the volcanic island of Fernandina, and the centrally located Santa Cruz Island. The landings take in a wide variety of ecosystems and picturesque landscapes and provide great opportunities for seeing wildlife like sea lions, turtles, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, flamingos, Nazca and red-footed Boobies, and iconic Darwin’s Finches.

Your expedition ship: MS Santa Cruz II

MS Santa Cruz II’s itineraries provide the best island coverage and wildlife viewing opportunities in the Galápagos. Excursions take place at exclusive visitor sites, meaning we’ll often have entire areas to ourselves. Having multiple naturalist guides aboard Santa Cruz II also means you can choose from a wider range of activities each day.

Your ship is also one of the few vessels operating in Galápagos that comes equipped with a full range of exploration tools, including dinghies, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards. There's even a glass-bottom boat. Safety and sustainability are paramount throughout your cruise, and the onboard medical officer is available 24/7.

Searching for

Cabin 1
Adults
2
Children
(2-15 years)
0

Available Dates

2024
No available cabins

Itinerary

We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay

Arrive in the city of eternal spring, get your bearings, and unwind after your journey.

Day 1

Get a taste for Ecuador with a visit to a traditional market and a trip to Cotopaxi Volcano.

Day 2

Fly away from the mainland to the Galápagos Islands, where your encounter with wildlife awaits.

Day 3

Explore the coast by dinghy and set foot on the island of the marine iguanas.

Day 4

Meet the famous giant tortoises of Galápagos at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 5

Discover Galápagos history and look for underwater wildlife.

Day 6

It’s the end of the cruise and time to fly to Guayaquil on the mainland.

Day 7

What's included

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 requested at the time of booking. 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

Included 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
  • German- and 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

  • Baggage handling

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