Highlight
The Santa Cruz II was conceived for operations in remote areas (as it was originally commissioned for expedition cruises in Patagonia/Chile). This vessel offers the perfect mix of comfort, style and safety for a remote area like the Galapagos Islands. As one of the newest vessels in Galapagos, the Santa Cruz II is capable of welcoming up to 90 guests with the optimal means for exploring the islands in contemporary style. Flexible cabin arrangements are available for any type of group –including solo travelers – and its intelligent and ample social areas give guests room to find their own space on their Galapagos journey. Guests will also get to enjoy all Park-approved aquatic activities, including a proper glass-bottom boat! Dine inside or grab a quick BBQ snack on the outdoor terrace. The crew aboard the Santa Cruz II loves to indulge guests with exceptional onboard service!
Technical Specifications
| Refurbishment | 2015 |
| Construction | 2002 |
| Gross Tonnage | 2664 tonnes |
| Passenger Space Ratio | 29.6 |
| Type of Vessel | Expedition Vessel |
| Capacity | 90 guests / 50 cabins |
| Lengh | 71.8 m / 235 ft |
| Beam | 13.4 ms / 43 ft |
| Speed | 10.5 knots |
| Electricity | 440V – 220V – 110V throughout ship |
| Engines | 2 Cummins engines KTA 38 – MO of 850 HP each |
| Fire Detector | Fire detectors throughout |
| Life Jackets | In each cabin |
| Life Rafts | 14 (For 27 passengers each) |
| Landing Boats | 6 |
| Owner | ETICA (METROPOLITAN TOURING) |
| Decks | 5 |
| Crew | 60 |
| Naturalist Guides | 8 (Includes Expedition Leader) |
| Guest-Crew Ratio | 3:2 (3 guests per 2 crew members) |
| Medial Officer | Permanently on board |
| Certifications | ABS, SOLAS 74, ISM, ISPS, MARPOL |
| Panorama Deck | 3 Darwin Suites, 3 Explorer Cabins |
| Expedition Deck | 17 Explorer Cabins |
| Horizon Deck | 2 Voyager Cabins, 2 Explorer Family Cabins, 23 Explorer Cabins, infirmary. |
NORTHERN
- 5 days 4 nights
- Baltra Island
You will land in Baltra Island by plane in the morning and then take a guided transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise. First, an introductory briefing onboard and then enjoy a delicious lunch. - Las Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz Island)
The lagoons at this beach serve as the feeding grounds of various wading birds. Afterward, we head back aboard for a welcome cocktail and an expedition briefing.
- Buccaneer Cove
After breakfast, we explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs. Here, we have the chance to go snorkeling or take a ride on a dinghy or glass-bottom boat. - Puerto Egas
After disembarking, you will get to enjoy a swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines. We can also observe a colony of fur seals.
- Rabida Island
The walk here will bring guests close to Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches. - Bartolome Island
Today’s afternoon activities begin with a wet landing on the beach. Guests can swim, snorkel, or ride the glass-bottom boat. After returning to the ship, we hike to the top of this island with a fantastic view.
- Prince Philip’s Steps
The morning starts with a climb up a flight of stairs. Once there, you can walk along and spot Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and storm petrels. - Darwin Bay
In the afternoon, we land at this beautiful beach to enjoy some swimming and/or snorkeling. Following this, we will walk and observe frigatebirds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, finches, and mockingbirds.
- Following a dry landing and a bus ride to the Highlands, guests experience giant tortoises roaming in the wild. These include dense forests of Galapagos daisies, orchids, and several endemic land birds.
- Baltra Airport
We will take a transfer vehicle to Baltra airport and say farewell to the Galapagos Islands!
- Itineraries can be modified due to weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations.
WESTERN
- 5 days 4 nights
- You’ll arrive at Baltra Island and then transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise. After an introductory briefing onboard and an emergency drill, you are invited to lunch.
- Dragon Hill [Santa Cruz Island]
The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish-water lagoon that ducks and American flamingos frequent. Further inland, the trail offers view of the bay and the western islands.
- Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
After breakfast, we will explore the coast by dinghy. This site is also a nesting place for numerous iconic Galapagos species, such as flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins. - Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Fernandina Island. You will see Galapagos iconic species including sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs, and flightless cormorants.
- Puerto Ayora & the Charles Darwin Research Station
The Station consists of a giant tortoise breeding center and a giant cactus forest. Following this visit, we travel to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island where we will enjoy lunch. - Highlands
You have several options to choose from in the afternoon. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, guests return to Puerto Ayora and hop back aboard the Santa Cruz II Galapagos cruise.
- Baroness Tower + Post Office Bay
After breakfast, we experience Baroness Cove, and land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that served as a post office. Afterward, we head back aboard for lunch. - Champion Islet + Cormorant Point
An extinct shield volcano that’s regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos Islands. From here, it’s onwards to Cormorant Point, where we can spot American flamingos, pintail ducks, and other birds.
- You will disembark at Baltra Island in order to transfer to the airport to take your flight back to the mainland.
- Itineraries can be modified due to weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations.
EASTERN
- 7 days 6 nights
- Itineraries can be modified due to weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations.
- Upon landing at Baltra Airport in the morning, we transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise and enjoy a satisfying lunch. The excursion to Mosquera Islet consists of a walk along a shallow reef, the perfect nook for young sea lions.
- Located on San Cristobal Island, Punta Pitt is the only site in Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together! At Cerro Colorado, we visit the Breeding Center for Galapagos giant tortoises. This forest is also home to dozens of bird species and the San Cristobal lava lizard!
- On the idyllic white sand beach of Santa Fe, one can spot plenty of sea lions and the endemic land iguana. Activities include snorkeling, swimming, boarding the glass-bottom boat, and kayaking. On South Plaza, the wildlife includes yellow-grey land iguanas, sea lions, frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and shearwaters.
- The Charles Darwin Research Station consists of a giant tortoise breeding center. It’s home to the administration of scientific investigation and conservation efforts in the Galapagos National Park. In the afternoon, you’ll have several options to choose from before returning to Puerto Ayora to board the ship again.
- During our walk at Punta Suarez, we will see Galapagos albatross, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Guests will also experience the Galapagos’ famous “blowhole” geological phenomenon. In the afternoon, the beach of Gardner Bay is perfect for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches.
- At Eden Islet on Santa Cruz Island, we can observe blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigatebirds. At North Seymour, we can watch as bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, two species of frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls all fly around. We also get the chance to observe sea lions and marine iguanas up close.
- Baltra Island On the last day, you’ll disembark at Baltra Island, take the transfer to the airport, and hop aboard your flight back to the continent.
- Itineraries can be modified due to weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations.
Cruise includes
- Accommodations
- All meals
- Soft drinks
- Island sightseeing
- Naturalist guides
- Lecture services in English/Spanish only
- Wet suit rental
- Snorkeling gear
- Internet
- Luggage handling
- Medical care on board (but not the cost of medication)
- Taxes
- Transfers in the Islands
Cruise does not include
- Air transportation to / from Galapagos
- Airport taxes
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 200 subject to change without previous notice)
- Migration Control Card (US$ 20 subject to change without previous notice)
- Fuel surcharges
- Alcoholic beverages**, gratuities, gifts, laundry or valet services and additional items.
- Please note: soft drinks are considered juices and carbonated drinks, not “virgin” cocktails; internet connections onboard consist of 2 computer stations in the library and Wi-Fi in the yacht’s social areas; due to the Galapagos’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth.
- Please note, we charge guests who wish to bring bottles of wine and/or spirits aboard our vessels a corkage fee of $27+taxes.
Would you like to start a experience with us?
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