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.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
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
Arrive in the city of eternal spring, get your bearings, and unwind after your journey.
Your journey of discovery begins on the equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 ft, 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.
If you have time in the evening, make sure to visit Calle La Ronda, an ancient pedestrian street with links to poets and other artists who have lived here. It’s full of shops and café and there also plenty of handicrafts for sale.
Pre-Programs
Why not experience another highlight of South America and discover the lost civilization of the Inca people? See the breathtaking mountain stronghold of Machu Picchu. This optional four-day Pre-Program in Lima before your cruise starts and ends in Quito.
Or arrive a few days earlier to Quito and join us on a four-day-tour to a Cloudforest Lodge at the Mashpi Reserve. This area is part of the Ecuadorian Choco rainforest, known as one of the world’s greatest areas for biodiversity. This optional extension is also available as Post-Program.
Get a taste for Ecuador with a visit to a traditional market and a trip to Cotopaxi Volcano.
Day 2
Get a taste for Ecuador with a visit to a traditional market and a trip to Cotopaxi Volcano.
Today, you visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of South America's most active volcanoes. Along the way, you will stop at the photogenic Sangolquí open-air market, where you can browse the colorful stalls and unique handicrafts, and sample different local specialties.
Afterwards, we walk to Limpiopungo Lagoon, tucked at 12,800 ft in a high valley within Cotopaxi National Park. Spot herds of llamas on the slopes and keep your eyes open for birds such as the Andean gull, several species of hummingbird and (with some luck) the majestic Andean Condor. Enjoy a tasty lunch prepared by some of the region’s best chefs before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Fly away from the mainland to the Galápagos Islands, where your encounter with wildlife awaits.
Day 3
Fly away from the mainland to the Galápagos Islands, where your encounter with wildlife awaits.
After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II will be waiting.
We begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands in the afternoon. We will trace the north shore of Santa Cruz toward the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (‘Dragon Hill’), where we’ll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish water 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.
Explore the coast by dinghy and set foot on the island of the marine iguanas.
Day 4
Explore the coast by dinghy and set foot on the island of the marine iguanas.
Your day starts at Punta Vicente Roca, on the north-western tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast by dinghy and our naturalist guides will teach us about the area’s dramatic geology.
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 sun fish, and even fur seals.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique environment and a high density of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.
Meet the famous giant tortoises of Galápagos at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Day 5
Meet the famous giant tortoises of Galápagos at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Today, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
The Station includes a giant tortoise breeding center and an impressive forest of prickly-pear cacti that’s home to an array of land birds. It also serves as the headquarters for the island’s scientific investigation, conservation, and the National Park administration. After the visit, we head up to the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island for lunch.
You can choose from several options in the afternoon, which you will decide with your Expedition Leader. At the end of the afternoon activities, you will return to Puerto Ayora and re-join MS Santa Cruz II.
Discover Galápagos history and look for underwater wildlife.
Day 6
Discover Galápagos history and look for underwater wildlife.
After breakfast, enjoy a dinghy ride among 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 underwater wonders around Champion Islet in a dinghy or glass-bottom boat. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago.
From there, we head to Cormorant Point, where we walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, see if you can spot American flamingos, pintail ducks, and other birds.
It’s the end of the cruise and time to fly to Guayaquil on the mainland.
Day 7
It’s the end of the cruise and time to fly to Guayaquil on the mainland.
As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the amazing wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. We’ll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and Expedition Team as we disembark at Baltra Island.
A transfer will take you to the airport, where your waiting flight will bring you to Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, a representative will assist with the international flight connection. Alternatively continue from Guayaquil to Quito to catch your international flight from there. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. Please contact us at the time of booking to continue on to Quito at the end of your tour.
Post-Programs
Explore more of Ecuador with one of our optional Post-Programs. Join us as we travel to Napo River, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Fly to Coca and spend three nights in a lodge surrounded by the beautiful rainforest, and observe and learn about the flora and fauna on selected activities.
Or travel from Quito to the Mashpi Reserve, a unique habitat and ecosystem. Enjoy a 3-night stay in luxurious Cloudforest Lodge and discover this breathtaking area (also available as a Pre-Program).
Both Post-Programs include two nights in Quito.
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
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Solo Traveler Benefit!
For a limited time, solo travelers pay no single supplement* on select expedition cruises to Alaska, Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, West Africa and the Canary Islands, and more!
Read more
offer
30 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee
Save up to 30% on select 2023-2024 Galápagos expedition cruises!
Don't miss out on these 2023-2024 Galápagos special offers!
Read more
offer
30 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee
Excursions & Activities
Learn more about what you can experience when going with us