Retrace the Origin of Species
Straddle the Equator. Swim with Sea Lions. Walk Through Time.
Your expedition begins in the clouds, exploring the colonial grandeur of Quito and standing with one foot in each hemisphere at the "Middle of the World." But the true journey lies 600 miles off the coast.
You will fly to the Enchanted Isles to board your luxury yacht and enter a world that time forgot. Following the wake of the HMS Beagle, you will step onto volcanic shores where blue-footed boobies dance and marine iguanas sunbathe on black lava rocks. Here, nature has no fear of humans. You won’t just observe the wildlife; you will exist alongside it—snorkeling in crystal waters with playful sea lions and walking gently among the giant tortoises that helped unlock the mystery of evolution.
Watch our family’s full documentary of this trip experience:
Example Itinerary
Over the course of 6-16 days (depending on which route you prefer), you’ll recreate the journey and wonder of Darwin’s nearly 200-year-old voyage. After exploring Quito’s historic centre and visiting the Equator, you’ll head to the Galápagos Islands for an unforgettable sea adventure. From small panga boats, kayaks, and glass-bottom boats, you’ll be on the lookout for iconic animals such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Blue-footed Boobies. Hungry for even more adventure? Ask us about Amazon river basin and Machu Picchu add-ons.
(9-day example itinerary provided below)
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, known for its exquisite Old Town built on an ancient Inca settlement.
Deluxe Room (2 Nights)
Enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town and sample delicious Ecuadorian chocolate. Later, visit the 'Middle of the World City' to stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Fly to Baltra Island and board the M.S. Santa Cruz II. Get your first glimpse of wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago.
Visit the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve to see the iconic giant tortoises. Later, explore Punta Pitt, the only site where you might see all three species of boobies.
Scenic nature walk on Santa Fe to spot land iguanas. Swim, snorkel, or kayak in the turquoise waters. Later, head to South Plaza Island to see frigatebirds and Swallow-tailed Gulls.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora to see giant tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches. Enjoy lunch in the lush highlands.
Reach the archipelago's most southerly island. Spot the mighty Waved Albatross and the famous blowhole, El Soplador. Visit the picturesque beaches of Gardner Bay.
Spot green turtles and reef sharks at Eden Islet. After lunch, sail to North Seymour to see colonies of Blue-footed Boobies and Frigatebirds.
Disembark at Baltra Island and fly to Guayaquil to connect to your international flight or extend your stay.
What’s Included
This is an all-inclusive package.
Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast, and dinner on Day 2
Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, and Baltra and Guayaquil, including all taxes
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
Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee and 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
All meals, wines, and spirits (non-premium)
Complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
Backpack or another piece of HX kit
Basic Wi-Fi
Professional trip photos by our onboard photographer
Use of hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
Tips/Gratuities
Range of included activities
In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
Escorted and guided landings with small expedition boats
Loan of all equipment for activities
What’s not included?
Additional hotel overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings, international flights, travel insurance.
MS Santa Cruz II
When you’re exploring the Galápagos islands onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, you’ll enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The small size - with a maximum guest capacity of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You’ll easily feel at home on board.
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With carbon-neutral operations, MS Santa Cruz II is environmentally-sustainable and socially conscious with the local community.
Year built - 2002
Capacity - 90
Year of refurbishment - 2021
Ship yard - ASENAV Shipyard (CHL)
Gross tonnage - 2,664 T
Speed - 10.5 knots
Length - 71.8 m
Beam - 13.4 m
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This sleek, spacious ship has a layout that allows you to enjoy your cruise from start to finish. Enjoy delicious food in the elegant restaurant, increase your knowledge of the Galápagos Islands with your fellow travellers in the Science Center or maybe mingle out on the multiple decks.
While exploring the Galápagos, you'll have the ability to actively engage in activities and encounters. After a day in Darwin's footsteps, you will enjoy coming home to a casual atmosphere with the best service there is. MS Santa Cruz II's amenities easily appeal to all world explorers.
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An HX Hurtigruten Expeditions trip includes everything from daily excursions and activities to the onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks, and more. All designed to give guests the expedition experience of a lifetime.
Gastronomic Delights
Mouthwatering meals and creative cocktails await us aboard MS Santa Cruz II. With creativity and dedication, their cheerful staff draw inspiration from everything from the weather to the region’s flavors and local ingredients.
Beagle Restaurant
The MS Santa Cruz II has a team of trained staff members that utilize locally-sourced organic food to prepare every dish. This ship provides a Le Cordon Bleu (a trained Gastronomy Director) and a wide variety of culinary experiences that encompass all diets and preferences. Each and every meal served onboard is exquisite.
Panorama Bar & Lounge
This large and well-lit area is not only the main bar, but also the place where most ship events will take place (welcome and farewell cocktail), and doubles as an ideal place for lectures. It’s the ideal site to chill and relax with Wi-Fi hot spot and direct access to our al fresco terrace.
Cozy Living
The ship offers everything you could wish for in a home away from home: places for stimulation, relaxation, and meetings with fellow guests. With a Scandinavian-inspired décor and all modern conveniences, MS Santa Cruz II does it in comfort and style.
Interior and Cabins
Onboard the ship, there are fifty cruise cabins that provide ample space for each and every guest. Each cabin has a private bathroom. There are options available for single travelers, couples, groups and families.
Expedition Lounge & Bar with Science Corner and Library
Facing the front of the ship, the Expedition Lounge – complete with a refreshment station and library – is a fantastic place to admire the beauty of the Galápagos’ Islands from inside. The Science Corner includes a glass cabinet, a microscope and a whale vertebrae clone, a perfect learning zone about our science activities.
Sky Deck
The Sky deck offers spaces where guests can relax and enjoy their Galápagos expeditions basking in the sun at the very top of the ship. The sun deck and fitness room are located here.
Wellness and Workouts
Whenever you feel the need to get your body moving, exercise facilities are on hand to get your pulse up. And whether you’re relaxing after a day of fascinating lectures, or a long hike, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to relax your body and mind.
Fitness Room
The fitness center is equipped with yoga mats, set of weights, 2 treadmills, 2 stationary bikes, and an elliptical trainer for guests who don’t want to let their routine slide.
Hot Tubs
For a nice relaxing time, the ship offers two hot tubs with capacity for 5 guests each. Located on the Expedition deck.
Explorer Cabins
With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as you 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.
Cabin Features:
Large window
Double bed (optional twins)
Guests: 2
Size: 14-15 m2
Cabin Codes: EH / EE
Pricing:
From $5,547 per person
Significant discounts for children
Darwin Suite upgrades available
