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Immerse in the Galápagos' iconic wildlife and sublime scenery on a 7-day all-inclusive expedition cruise, with flights, hotels, and transfers arranged
- Explore the Galápagos' unique wildlife, including giant tortoises and marine iguanas
- Discover the islands' incredible natural wonders through guided excursions and activities
- Experience the vibrant city of Quito with a full-day tour before the cruise
Trip Details
- Departs
- 29 September 2026
- Returns
- 28 December 2026
- Embarks
- Ship
- MS Santa Cruz II
- Operator
- HX Expeditions
7-day all-inclusive Galápagos expedition cruise with round-trip flights from Quito
The 4-night Galapagos voyage aboard MS Santa Cruz II sails round trip from Seymour, calling at Dragon Hill, Punta Vicente Roca, Fernandina, Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz, Post Office Bay, Champion Islet and Punta Cormorant.
Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:
- Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, including all taxes
- Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast, and dinner on Day 2
- A transfer from the airport to the hotel in Quito for bookings starting 1 May 2024, and departures between 1 May and 31 Dec 2024
- Note: If you arrive up to three days before the start of the tour, a transfer from the airport in Quito to the designated hotel that is a part of your package can be arranged at an extra cost
- Note: If your flights have not been booked with us, please provide us with your flight details no later than 30 days prior to travel so we can arrange your transfer (applies to all transfers from the airport to your hotel in Quito on the tour start date)
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise
- Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra
- Full-day excursion: Historic Quito & Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise
- Experience the incredible natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands
- See the unique wildlife of Galápagos, such as giant tortoises and marine iguanas, as you visit the islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina and Floreana
- Learn about these incredible islands and Charles Darwin’s research from your expert Expedition Team, comprised of local naturalist guides
- Explore the Galápagos Islands by kayak, glass-bottom boat and stand-up paddleboard, and enjoy nature walks, hikes, snorkelling and swimming
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.
Departures & Pricing
- 29 Sep 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
from $8,979 pp twin share / $12,446 pp sole use * - 13 Oct 2026 - 19 Oct 2026
from $9,791 pp twin share / $13,664 pp sole use * - 27 Oct 2026 - 02 Nov 2026
from $9,791 pp twin share / $13,664 pp sole use * - 10 Nov 2026 - 16 Nov 2026
from $10,197 pp twin share / $14,273 pp sole use * - 24 Nov 2026 - 30 Nov 2026
from $9,791 pp twin share / $13,664 pp sole use * - 08 Dec 2026 - 14 Dec 2026
from $9,385 pp twin share / $13,055 pp sole use * - 22 Dec 2026 - 28 Dec 2026
from $11,953 pp twin share / $16,723 pp sole use *
- Explorer from $8,979 pp twin share
- Darwin Suite from $11,241 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.
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
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.
Itinerary
- 1
Vibrant Quito
Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Quito
Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, 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. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s packed with well-preserved colonial architecture as evidenced in colourful plazas, magnificent churches and handsome monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.
If you have time, why not come a few days earlier and join one of our optional Pre-Programmes.
- 2
Visit historic Quito
Straddle the Equator at the Middle of the World City
Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town – one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture – and sample some delicious chocolate made from finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.
Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line of the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, including all taxes.
- Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast, and dinner on Day 2.
- A transfer from the airport to the hotel in Quito for bookings starting 1 May 2024, and departures between 1 May and 31 Dec 2024.
- Note: If you arrive up to three days before the start of the tour, a transfer from the airport in Quito to the designated hotel that is a part of your package can be arranged at an extra cost.
- Note: If your flights have not been booked with us, please provide us with your flight details no later than 30 days prior to travel so we can arrange your transfer (applies to all transfers from the airport to your hotel in Quito on the tour start date).
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise.
Not included
- International flights
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
Accommodation
Hotels
Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast, and dinner on Day 2
- Day 1 – Jw Marriott Quito
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; 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.
- DS – Darwin Suite: large windows, double bed, optional twin, sofa bed, 30 m².
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
Are there different departure options?
Can I travel solo?
What is generally included?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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