Tour Summary
Price: |
from $1,790 |
Days: |
6 - 10 days |
Difficulty: |
Moderate |
Departs: |
Thursdays Sundays |
Fascinating Galapagos Islands Cruise aboard the Santa Cruz
The M/V Santa Cruz is known for its wonderful service, expert naturalists, and menus featuring delicious international cuisine alongside celebrated Ecuadorian dishes. With its 90 passenger limit and spacious decks, socialize with the other guests or find a quiet spot in one of the well-appointed common areas. The main deck features a large, open-air bar and a popular, heated Jacuzzi. Free Internet access is available from a computer in the small natural history library.
- Itinerary - 10 Day A
- 10 Day B
- 7 Day
- 6 Day
- Pricing Detail
- Photos
- Deck Plans
- Specifications
Day 1 (Thu) - Quito
Welcome upon arrival in Quito and then transfer to your hotel. If time permits you may be able to arrange for a tour on your own of Quito’s neighborhoods and museums.
Day 2 (Fri) - Quito / Galapagos
Morning: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the MV Santa Cruz, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill. Afternoon: Cerro Brujo
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach followed by a wet landing. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird and Chatham Lava Lizard as both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. Back on board for a briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 3 (Sat) - Española (Hood) Island / Floreana Island
Morning: Punta Suarez
Morning outing at Punta Suarez includes a dry landing for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, such as the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its landbirds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights.
Afternoon: Punta Cormorant
Disembark at Punta Cormorant for a wet landing at an olivine-crystal beach. An easy walk takes us to a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May). Possibility of a glass bottom boat outing, snorkeling from the beach or advanced snorkeling panga if conditions permit. (B, L, D)
Day 4 (Sun) - Fernandina Island / Isabela Island
Morning: Punta Espinoza
This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. There will be a dry landing followed by a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. After lunch we will sail along the Bolívar Channel for astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes. Afternoon: Punta Vicente Roca
In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our naturalist guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. (B, L, D)
Day 5 (Mon) - South Seymour Island / Santa Cruz Island
Morning: Baltra
This morning can be a unique opportunity to grab your favorite book, write postcards, enjoy the Jacuzzi, or soak in the equatorial sun. If you prefer to get out and enjoy the island spirit, there is a beautiful coralline beach called Aeolian Beach (wet landing). This is a great place for swimming and snorkeling (plenty of sea turtles to be seen from December through March).
Afternoon: Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. (B, L, D)
Day 6 (Tue) - Bartolomé Island / Santiago (James) Island
Morning: Bartolomé Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, with time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Afternoon: Puerto Egas
Afternoon outing at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a great location to see particularly shore birds, while land birds can be observed a little more inland. The trail brings us to a colony of the endemic Galápagos fur seals. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling and swimming can be done from the beach before the walk. (B, L, D)
Day 7 (Wed) - Rabida Island / North Seymour Island
Morning: Rabida Island
Disembark at Rabida Island for a wet landing on a red-colored beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Enjoy a gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) This is also a great place to snorkel from the beach for beginners as well as experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, we will keep our eyes open for dolphins.
Afternoon: North Seymour Island
Today's afternoon starts with a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos Archipelago. The trail leads guests to explore colonies of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. Vegetation is made up of cacti, Palo Santo trees and Salt Bushes. (B, L, D)
Day 8 (Thu) - Santa Cruz Island
Morning: Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
A morning bus ride will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special opportunity to view the islands’ most famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment! Lunch at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel in Puerto Ayora.
Afternoon: Charles Darwin Research Station
In the afternoon we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Here we witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise. Take time to browse in the many handcraft shops. (B, L, D)
Day 9 (Fri) - San Cristóbal (Chatham) Island / Quito
Morning: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. You can stroll through souvenir shops before your return flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito you will be transfer back to your hotel. (B)
Day 10 (Sat) - Quito
Today you will be transfered to the airport for your flight home.
End of services. (B)
(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner
Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.
Day 1 (Sun) - Quito
Welcome upon arrival in Quito and then transfer to your hotel. If time permits you may be able to arrange for a tour on your own of Quito’s neighborhoods and museums.
Day 2 (Mon) - Quito / Galapagos
Morning: Baltra Island
Arrival by plane to Baltra Island and immediate transfer by bus (5 minutes) to the dock to board the MV Santa Cruz. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill. All activities on board will be announced via our P.A. system.
Afternoon: Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. (B, L, D)
Day 3 (Tue) - Bartolomé Island / Santiago (James) Island
Morning: Bartolomé Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galápagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Afternoon: Puerto Egas
Afternoon outing at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a great location to see particularly shore birds, while land birds can be observed a little more inland. The trail brings us to a colony of the endemic Galápagos fur seals. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling and swimming can be done from the beach before the walk. (B, L, D)
Day 4 (Wed) - Rabida Island / North Seymour Island
Morning: Rabida Island
Disembark at Rabida Island for a wet landing on a red-colored beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Enjoy a gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) This is also a great place to snorkel from the beach for beginners as well as experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, we will keep our eyes open for dolphins.
Afternoon: North Seymour Island
Today's afternoon starts with a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos Archipelago. The trail leads guests to explore colonies of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. Vegetation is made up of cacti, Palo Santo trees and Salt Bushes. (B, L, D)
Day 5 (Thu) - Santa Cruz Island
Morning: Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
A morning bus ride will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special opportunity to view the islands’ most famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment! Lunch at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel in Puerto Ayora.
Afternoon: Charles Darwin Research Station
In the afternoon we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Here we witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise. Take time to browse in the many handcraft shops. (B, L, D)
Day 6 (Fri) - San Cristóbal (Chatham) Island
Morning: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
This morning we visit the breeding center for tortoises (La Galapaguera) at Cerro Colorado, including a 45-minute bus ride. Seeing the semi-saddle back shape of the tortoises can be a great way to understand adaptation to dry-tropical environments.
Afternoon: Cerro Brujo
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach. Wet landing. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird and Chatham Lava Lizard as both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. Back on board for a briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain. (B, L, D)
Day 7 (Sat) - Española (Hood) Island / Floreana Island
Morning: Punta Suarez
Morning outing at Punta Suarez includes a dry landing for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, such as the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its landbirds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights.
Afternoon: Punta Cormorant
Disembark at Punta Cormorant for a wet landing at an olivine-crystal beach. An easy walk takes us to a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May). Possibility of a glass bottom boat outing, snorkeling from the beach or advanced snorkeling panga if conditions permit. (B, L, D)
Day 8 (Sun) - Fernandina Island / Isabela Island
Morning: Punta Espinoza
This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. There will be a dry landing followed by a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. After lunch we will sail along the Bolívar Channel for astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes.
Afternoon: Punta Vicente Roca
In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our naturalist guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. (B, L, D)
Day 9 (Mon) - Baltra Island / Quito
Morning: Baltra Island
Disembark directly at Baltra Island and transfer by bus to the airport for your return to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be transferred to your hotel. (B)
Day 10 (Sunday)
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
End of services. (B)
(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner
Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.
Day 1 (Sun) - Quito
Welcome upon arrival in Quito and then transfer to your hotel. If time permits you may be able to arrange for a tour on your own of Quito’s neighborhoods and museums.
Day 2 (Mon) - Quito / Galapagos
Morning: Baltra Island
Arrival by plane to Baltra Island and immediate transfer by bus (5 minutes) to the dock to board the MV Santa Cruz. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill. All activities on board will be announced via our P.A. system.
Afternoon: Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. (B, L, D)
Day 3 (Tues) - Bartolomé Island / Santiago (James) Island
Morning: Bartolomé Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galápagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Afternoon: Puerto Egas
Afternoon outing at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a great location to see particularly shore birds, while land birds can be observed a little more inland. The trail brings us to a colony of the endemic Galápagos fur seals. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling and swimming can be done from the beach before the walk. (B, L, D)
Day 4 (Wed) - Rabida Island / North Seymour Island
Morning: Rabida Island
Disembark at Rabida Island for a wet landing on a red-colored beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Enjoy a gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) This is also a great place to snorkel from the beach for beginners as well as experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, we will keep our eyes open for dolphins.
Afternoon: North Seymour Island
Today's afternoon starts with a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos Archipelago. The trail leads guests to explore colonies of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. Vegetation is made up of cacti, Palo Santo trees and Salt Bushes. (B, L, D)
Day 5 (Thu) - Santa Cruz Island
Morning: Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
A morning bus ride will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special opportunity to view the islands’ most famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment! Lunch at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel in Puerto Ayora.
Afternoon: Charles Darwin Research Station
In the afternoon we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Here we witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise. Take time to browse in the many handcraft shops. (B, L, D)
Day 6 (Fri) - San Cristóbal (Chatham) Island / Quito
Morning: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. You can stroll through souvenir shops before your return flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito you will be transferred back to your hotel. (B)
Day 7 (Sat) - Quito
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
End of services. (B)
(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner
Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.
Day 1 (Thu) - Quito
Welcome upon arrival in Quito and then transfer to your hotel. If time permits you may be able to arrange for a tour on your own of Quito’s neighborhoods and museums.
Day 2 (Fri) - Quito / Galapagos
Morning: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the MV Santa Cruz, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill.
Afternoon: Cerro Brujo
A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach. Wet landing. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird and Chatham Lava Lizard as both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. Back on board for a briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain. (B, L, D)
Day 3 (Sat) - Española (Hood) Island
Morning: Punta Suarez
Morning outing at Punta Suarez includes a dry landing for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, such as the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its landbirds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights.
Afternoon: Punta Cormorant
Disembark at Punta Cormorant for a wet landing at an olivine-crystal beach. An easy walk takes us to a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May). Possibility of a glass bottom boat outing, snorkeling from the beach or advanced snorkeling panga if conditions permit. (B, L, D)
Day 4 (Sun) - Fernandina Island / Isabela Island
Morning: Punta Espinoza
This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. There will be a dry landing followed by a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. After lunch we will sail along the Bolívar Channel for astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes.
Afternoon: Punta Vicente Roca
In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our naturalist guides will commit to explaining the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. (B, L, D)
Day 5 (Mon) Santa Cruz Island / Quito
Morning: Santa Cruz and Baltra
Visiting the famous Charles Darwin Research Station will be certainly a rewarding adventure for this morning's program. However, in order to accomplish all our travel plans, this outing is an optional program and an early one. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution.
After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport to board returning flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito you will be transferred back to your hotel. (B) Note: Guests not taking this optional excursion may stay on board for a later wake up call, and then disembark directly at Baltra Island for a transfer to the airport.
Day 6 (Tue) - Quito
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
End of services. (B)
(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner
Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.
Price (per person based on double occupancy)
- 6 - 10 days from $1,790
- Child rate from $1,340 (restrictions apply)
- Price based on check payment (please add 3% if paying via credit card)
What is Included
- All hotel accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary - B: breakfast, L: lunch and D: dinner
- All sightseeing as shown as part of an open group (private tours available)
- Services of bilingual professional guides
- Airport transfers
- All gratuities except to guides
- Naturalists and lecture services
- Island sightseeing
- Snorkeling equipment
Additional Budget Considerations
- Domestic flights: from $420
- Airport taxes
- Peak Season (Mar 30-Apr 5 or Dec 21-Jan 3) surcharge of 10%
Items NOT included in the price
- International or Domestic flights unless stated in 'What is Included' section above. We will be happy to help you with your flight arrangements at your request.
- Personal expenses such as beverages; lunch or dinner (unless in the itinerary)
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended - see our Travel Tips section for details)
- Excess baggage fees
- Communication charges
- Airport departure or arrival taxes
- Cost of obtaining passports or visas
- Gratuities to guides
- Any other expense not mentioned on what is included
- Galapagos National Park admission fee (US $100 subject to change without notice)
- Transit Control Card for Galapagos (US$ 10 per person)
- Bar consumption on board
Please do not hesitate to call 1-800-667-6134 for additional information.
M/V Santa Cruz Pictures
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| Master Suite Balcony | Santa Cruz at anchor | Lounge |
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| Bar | Natural History Library | Relax in Galapagos Tranquility |
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| Standard Twin Cabin | Junior Suite | Master Suite |
Technical specifications
- Construction : Bilbao, Spain, 1979
- Reconstruction : Talcahuano, Chile, 1998
- Last Dry Dock on: Ecuador, September 7th to October 2nd 2009
- Category : First Class
- Gross Tonnage : 1675
- Capacity : 90 guests
- Length : 72.35 meters (237.3 feet)
- Beam : 11.85 meters (38.86 feet)
- Speed : 13 knots
- Electricity : 110 Volts in the cabins with 220 Volt sockets available in Reception and Dining area.
- Engines : 2 Sulzer engines, 1620 BHP each
- Navigation : Gyrocompass, auto pilot, radar, echo-sounders,
- Equipment : GPS and Radio Director Finder
- Safety Classification : ABS classification +A1E + AMS #7907 853 SOLAS (safety of life at sea) ISM certificate Complying with the IMO resolution A.788(19) Automatic fire controls
- Life Jackets : In each cabin
- Lifeboats : Two 66-man, two 25-man,
- Life Rafts : Two 16-man, two 10-man
- Zodiacs : 5 for ship to shore transportation
- Boston Whaler : 1 with glass-bottom with for underwater observation
- Owner : ETICA / Metropolitan Touring
- Decks : 4 (Sun deck, Boat deck, Upper deck, Main deck)
- Crew : 52
- Naturalist : 6 multilingual (includes Chief Naturalist)
- Medical Officer : Permanently on board
Other services
- Bar - Lounge, Boutique
- Gift Shop
- Email, radio, telephone, and Fax communications.
- PA system.
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Multimedia natural history lectures
- Stargazing Program
- Glass bottom boat
- Jacuzzi
- Reading Room and Natural History Library
- Air conditioned throughout
- Safety boxes
- Hair dryers
*Restrictions apply, call for details