Cruise · HX Expeditions · 8 nights

In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)

All-inclusive Galapagos expedition cruise with flights, hotels and transfers
Guided tour of Quito and visit to the 'Middle of the World' site
Explore the Galapagos Islands aboard a small, comfortable expedition ship

$9,877 pp twin share

$10,096 pp solo share

8 nights

Enquire

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In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)

In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route) – route map

Quito – city of eternal spring

Visit historic Quito

Your cruise begins

One last adventure

Galápagos Islands - Nine of the Best Isles Plus Machu Picchu

Darwin’s Santa Cruz

Dramatic Española

Reef life on Eden Islet

End of your expedition

MS Santa Cruz II

Cruise Snapshot

8 Nights

Explore the Galapagos Islands on an all-inclusive expedition cruise, with pre-cruise sightseeing in Quito and transfers included

Discover the unique wildlife, flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands
Sail aboard the MS Santa Cruz II, a small expedition ship with cozy atmosphere
Enjoy two nights in Quito, including a guided tour of the historic city

Trip Details

Departs: 23 September 2026
Returns: 29 March 2029
Embarks
Ship: MS Santa Cruz II
Operator: HX Expeditions

9-day all-inclusive Galápagos expedition cruise from Quito to Guayaquil

The 6-night Galapagos voyage aboard MS Santa Cruz II sails round trip from Seymour, calling at Mosquera, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Punta Pitt, San Cristobal Island, Santa Fe, South Plaza Island, Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz Island, Punta Suarez, Espanola Island, Gardner Bay, Espanola Island, Eden Islet, San Cristobal Island and Seymour Norte.

Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:

Flight in economy class from Quito to Baltra, and Baltra to Guayaquil, including all taxes
Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast, and dinner on Day 2
Transfers between the airport and the hotel 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
Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee
Transit control card for the Galápagos Islands
Access to the airport lounge at the Guayaquil (or Quito) airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation

Visit the UNESCO-protected Galápagos Islands, discovering their unique 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 Cristóbal Sante Fe, Santa Cruz and Española, and spend two nights in Quito, one of South America's most charming cities.

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.

$9,877

pp twin share

$10,096

pp solo share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

23 September 2026

Returns

29 March 2029

Duration

8 nights

From pp twin share

$9,877 pp

From pp solo cabin

$10,096 pp

23 Sep 2026 - 01 Oct 2026
from $10,218 pp twin share / $14,305 pp sole use *
07 Oct 2026 - 15 Oct 2026
from $10,218 pp twin share / $14,305 pp sole use *
21 Oct 2026 - 29 Oct 2026
from $10,218 pp twin share / $14,305 pp sole use *
04 Nov 2026 - 12 Nov 2026
from $10,218 pp twin share / $10,437 pp sole use *
18 Nov 2026 - 26 Nov 2026
from $10,218 pp twin share / $10,437 pp sole use *
02 Dec 2026 - 10 Dec 2026
from $11,876 pp twin share / $12,095 pp sole use *
16 Dec 2026 - 24 Dec 2026
from $9,877 pp twin share / $10,096 pp sole use *
30 Dec 2026 - 07 Jan 2027
from $12,202 pp twin share / $12,421 pp sole use *
13 Jan 2027 - 21 Jan 2027
from $10,771 pp twin share / $10,990 pp sole use *
27 Jan 2027 - 04 Feb 2027
from $10,218 pp twin share / $10,437 pp sole use *
10 Feb 2027 - 18 Feb 2027
from $11,323 pp twin share / $15,962 pp sole use *
24 Feb 2027 - 04 Mar 2027
from $10,771 pp twin share / $15,134 pp sole use *
10 Mar 2027 - 18 Mar 2027
from $11,323 pp twin share / $11,542 pp sole use *
24 Mar 2027 - 01 Apr 2027
from $11,876 pp twin share / $16,791 pp sole use *
07 Apr 2027 - 15 Apr 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
21 Apr 2027 - 29 Apr 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
05 May 2027 - 13 May 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
19 May 2027 - 27 May 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
02 Jun 2027 - 10 Jun 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $12,348 pp sole use *
16 Jun 2027 - 24 Jun 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
30 Jun 2027 - 08 Jul 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
14 Jul 2027 - 22 Jul 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $12,348 pp sole use *
28 Jul 2027 - 05 Aug 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
11 Aug 2027 - 19 Aug 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
25 Aug 2027 - 02 Sep 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
08 Sep 2027 - 16 Sep 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
22 Sep 2027 - 30 Sep 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
03 Nov 2027 - 11 Nov 2027
from $13,499 pp twin share / $19,118 pp sole use *
17 Nov 2027 - 25 Nov 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *
01 Dec 2027 - 09 Dec 2027
from $12,086 pp twin share / $17,019 pp sole use *

* 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
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 and enjoy an overnight stay.
If you have time, why not come a few days earlier and join one of our pre-voyage option.
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; it’s 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
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.
You'll get your first glimpse of the islands' incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We'll take our 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 naturalist guides.
4
San Cristóbal's tortoises
Meet the famous giant tortoises
First our small expedition boats will 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.
Then we’ll head to the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve – a breeding centre 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.
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 a kayak 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.
Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Galapagos 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.
6
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.
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 Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls, and the mighty waved albatross on cruises April through December.
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 feet 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 snorkelling or kayaking.
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 Galapagos 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.
9
End of your expedition
From the Galápagos Islands to Guayaquil
Your expedition cruise draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Guayaquil (or if you prefer, to Quito) to connect to your international flight.
To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our post-voyage options.
As you leave this fascinating region, you'll take with you incredible memories of amazing wildlife and wonderful experiences few have the privilege of seeing.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Flight in economy class from Quito to Baltra, and Baltra to Guayaquil, including all taxes.
Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast, and dinner on Day 2.
Transfers between the airport and the hotel 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.
Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee.

Not included

Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Hotels

Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast, and dinner on Day 2

Days 1-2 – Jw Marriott Quito

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.

DS – Darwin Suite: large windows, double bed, optional twin, sofa bed, 30 m².

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 9 days and 8 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 23 Sep 2026 and 29 Mar 2029, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

Ready to lock in?

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.

Enquire about this cruise

Galápagos Islands: In Darwin's Footsteps (Eastern Route)

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin
Visit the UNESCO-protected Galápagos Islands, discovering their unique wildlife, flora, and fauna.
Explore the islands of San Cristóbal and spend two enchanting nights in Quito

Departs 26 August, 2026 + More Dates

From $10,357 pp twin Was $14,720 pp

From $10,646 pp solo

Discover more

Cruise · HX Expeditions · 8 nights