Galápagos Islands – Nine of the Best Isles
Baltra
MS Santa Cruz II
5 January 2027
11 Nights
From £10,445
Why this cruise is a great choice
An Expedition of a Lifetime – for Solo Travellers
From Quito’s colonial streets to the wild, volcanic landscapes of the Galápagos Islands, this is one of the most extraordinary adventures on Earth.
Step aboard your expedition ship and sail to nine islands — spotting giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and playful sea lions. With expert naturalists guiding every step, daily Zodiac landings, glass-bottom boat rides, kayaking and snorkelling, this is a wildlife encounter unlike anywhere else in the world.
Brief Details
Itinerary
Days 1–2 | Quito – Explore the historic Old Town & stand at the Equator.
Day 3 | Baltra & Santa Cruz – Begin your cruise with flamingos & land iguanas at Dragon Hill.
Day 4 | Isabela & Fernandina – Spot penguins, cormorants & snorkel with turtles.
Day 5 | Santa Cruz – Visit the Darwin Station & meet giant tortoises.
Day 6 | Floreana – Post Office Bay, flamingos & top snorkelling at Champion Islet.
Day 7 | Baltra & Las Bachas – Relax onboard, then swim with sea turtles.
Day 8 | Santiago – Explore Buccaneer Cove & fur seal colonies.
Day 9 | Rábida & Bartolomé – Red-sand beaches, Pinnacle Rock & penguins.
Day 10 | Genovesa – Bird paradise: red-footed boobies & frigatebirds.
Day 11 | Santa Cruz Highlands – See giant tortoises in the wild before your flight to Guayaquil/Quito.
Day 12 | Return to the UK.
What's Included
Flights Quito to Baltra
2 nights in Quito (B&B, with guided city tour & Equator visit)
7-night Galápagos expedition cruise
All meals on board + wine, beer & spirits with meals
Zodiacs, kayaks, snorkelling gear & glass-bottom boat
Charles Darwin Research Station visit
Galápagos park fees & transit card
Onboard naturalist team & science programme
Wi-Fi, gratuities & transfers included
HX
Santa Cruz II
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions specialises in immersive small-ship exploration voyages to some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, wildlife, and expert-led discovery, HX combines expedition travel with comfortable, thoughtfully designed ships that allow guests to experience remote regions in a meaningful and enriching way.
MS Santa Cruz II is a purpose-built expedition vessel designed specifically for exploring the Galápagos Islands in comfort and style. Smaller and more intimate than traditional ocean cruise ships, she offers a relaxed, nature-focused onboard experience where the destination remains firmly at the heart of the journey. Public spaces are contemporary yet understated, creating a calm atmosphere that complements the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes visited throughout the voyage
Key Highlights
• Purpose-built for Galápagos expedition cruising
• Small ship atmosphere with a limited number of guests onboard
• Expert naturalist guides and wildlife-focused excursions
• Panoramic observation decks and lounge spaces
• Comfortable cabins and contemporary public areas
• Expedition equipment including Zodiac landings and guided walks
Ship Vibe
Adventurous & Intimate
