Cruise · HX Expeditions · 4 nights

Galápagos Islands Expedition – Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery (without Quito Pre-Program)

Sail aboard the 90-guest MS Santa Cruz II for an intimate Galápagos experience
Enjoy included amenities like water bottles, backpacks, and professional photography
Discover the islands' history and culture at sites like Post Office Bay

$7,067 pp twin share

$9,635 pp solo share

4 nights

Enquire

Your cruise begins

Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina

Darwin’s Santa Cruz

Picturesque Floreana

Back to Baltra

MS Santa Cruz II

Cruise Snapshot

4 Nights

Immerse yourself in the Galápagos' iconic wildlife and sublime scenery on a 4-night expedition cruise aboard the intimate MS Santa Cruz II

Encounter diverse wildlife like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins
Explore volcanic landscapes, lagoons, and beaches across multiple islands
Snorkel in one of the archipelago's best spots for underwater exploration

Trip Details

Departs: 17 September 2026
Returns: 27 December 2027
Embarks
Ship: MS Santa Cruz II
Operator: HX Expeditions

4-night Galapagos expedition cruise aboard MS Santa Cruz II

The 4-night Galapagos voyage aboard MS Santa Cruz II sails round trip from Seymour, calling at Dragon Hill, Punta Vicente Roca, Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island, Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz, Baroness Tower, Floreana Island and Punta Cormorant.

You sail aboard MS Santa Cruz II. When exploring the Galápagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, guests will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The relatively small size - with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You will easily feel at home onboard. On board: 50 cabins and suites and space for maximum 90 guests; Science Center; Library; Observation decks; Restaurant; Lounge & bar; Two hot tubs; Fitness room.

$7,067

pp twin share

$9,635

pp solo share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

17 September 2026

Returns

27 December 2027

Duration

4 nights

From pp twin share

$7,067 pp

From pp solo cabin

$9,635 pp

17 Sep 2026 - 21 Sep 2026
from $8,304 pp twin share / $11,552 pp sole use *
01 Oct 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
from $8,304 pp twin share / $11,552 pp sole use *
15 Oct 2026 - 19 Oct 2026
from $9,116 pp twin share / $12,770 pp sole use *
29 Oct 2026 - 02 Nov 2026
from $9,116 pp twin share / $12,770 pp sole use *
12 Nov 2026 - 16 Nov 2026
from $9,522 pp twin share / $13,379 pp sole use *
26 Nov 2026 - 30 Nov 2026
from $9,116 pp twin share / $12,770 pp sole use *
10 Dec 2026 - 14 Dec 2026
from $8,710 pp twin share / $12,161 pp sole use *
24 Dec 2026 - 28 Dec 2026
from $11,110 pp twin share / $15,606 pp sole use *
24 Jun 2027 - 28 Jun 2027
from $7,067 pp twin share / $9,635 pp sole use *
08 Jul 2027 - 12 Jul 2027
from $7,067 pp twin share / $9,635 pp sole use *
22 Jul 2027 - 26 Jul 2027
from $7,067 pp twin share / $9,635 pp sole use *
23 Dec 2027 - 27 Dec 2027
from $7,851 pp twin share / $10,811 pp sole use *

Additional Pricing Information

Explorer from $7,067 pp twin share
Darwin Suite from $8,866 pp twin share

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Life in transit

MS Santa Cruz II

Details · HX Expeditions

MS Santa Cruz II

When exploring the Galápagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, guests will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The relatively small size - with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You will easily feel at home onboard.

Guests: 90
Gross tonnage: 2,664
Speed: 10.5 knots
Length: 71.8 m
Launched: 2002
Beam: 13.4 m
Deck plans: 5

MS Santa Cruz II · Deck plans

Deck 4 — Sky Deck

Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Your cruise begins
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands
As your South America land adventure draws to a close, it’s time to embark on the next stage of your journey. 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 awaits.
In the afternoon we’ll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón – Dragon Hill – where we’ll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that’s 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 a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas.
2
Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina
Scan the coastline and seas for iconic species
You’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca, on the north-western tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast by panga boat, learning about the dramatic geology of the area from your naturalist guides.
This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you’ll get to snorkel alongside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish, and fur seals.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a big population of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks and penguins.
3
Darwin’s Santa Cruz
Meet the famous giant tortoises of Galápagos
Today, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
A giant tortoise breeding centre, here you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that’s home to many land birds.
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 another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.
4
Picturesque Floreana
Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlife
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a panga boat ride among the channels on Floreana’s north shore, before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later on, we’ll 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, you’ll explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard our glass-bottom boat. Here, you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the archipelago.
From there, it’s onwards to Cormorant Point, where we’ll take a walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon, where you can commonly see American Flamingos, Pintail Ducks and more.
5
Back to Baltra
Your adventure comes to an end
As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. We’ll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we disembark at Baltra Island.
A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito or Guayaquil to connect to your international flight.
To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programmes.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

A stay in a cabin of your choice.
From 1 October 2024 departures, wine, beer and spirits (excluding premium alcoholic drinks) available from the bar at any time (subject to Ecuadorean licensing laws).
All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home.
A backpack or another piece of HX kit.
Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

MS Santa Cruz II

On board: 50 cabins and suites and space for maximum 90 guests; Science Center; Library; Observation decks; Restaurant; Lounge & bar; Two hot tubs; Fitness room; Sun deck; Expedition boats; Stand Up Paddle boards; Snorkeling Gear; Glass bottom boat; Kayaks.

Unspesific cabin

Unspecified cabin for 2 people.

VH – Voyager cabin: large windows, one single bed and one couch, 12 m².

Explorer Cabins

With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring.
They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets.

EP – Explorer cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 15 m².
EE – Explorer cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 15 m².
EH – Explorer cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 14–15 m².
FH – Explorer family cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 17 m².
VH – Voyager cabin: large windows, one single bed and one couch, 12 m².

Darwin Suites

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Santa Cruz II and reserve one of our Darwin Suites.

With two large windows, you’ll enjoy superb views in premium comfort.
These spacious suites feature double beds that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking, as well as a sofa bed suitable for a child under the age of 12. If more space is needed, these rooms can be interconnected with an Explorer cabin.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a safe, and USA two-pin plug sockets. There’s a daily turn-down service, and you’ll also get a welcome gift in the form of a Galápagos wildlife book.