When you are exploring the Galápagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The small size - with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You'll easily feel at home on board.
With carbon-neutral operations, MS Santa Cruz II is environmentally-sustainable and socially conscious with the local community.
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.
Welcome aboard
An HX Expeditions trip includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks* and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.
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.
The best accommodation on our expedition ships. Spacious, private, and with wide windows to watch the world drift by, suites are comfortable and calm havens at sea.
Mouthwatering meals and creative cocktails await you aboard MS Santa Cruz II. With creativity and dedication, our cheerful staff draw inspiration from everything from the weather to the region’s flavours and local ingredients.
Your ship gives you everything you could wish for in a home away from home: places for stimulation, relaxation, and meetings with your fellow guests. With a Scandinavian-inspired décor and all modern conveniences, MS Santa Cruz II does it in comfort and style.
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.
What if you could discover the unforgettable wonders of the Galapagos Islands, Earth's natural wonderland? With HX Expeditions, you can! Exploring these idyllic islands onboard our small expedition ships will take you off the beaten track and closer to nature for a more intimate experience. Nestled in the Pacific Ocean, this remote archipelago is a living laboratory of evolution, home to unique and diverse wildlife that have been inspiring explorers and naturalists ever since Charles Darwin first stepped foot here in 1835. With our Travel Guide, we have all the essential travel tips, packing lists, and insights to get you ready for your Galapagos trip.
30m2 - Suite
17m2 - Outside
15m2 - Outside
14-15m2 - Outside
15m2 - Outside
Expect the unexpected as you explore the Galápagos Islands by sea and land, with a range of daily excursions, science projects, and talks we will ensure you uncover the magic of these iconic islands.
Our small expedition boats allow us to land on beaches and terrain away from the crowds. Exploring the various islands on foot turns an adventure into an expedition - with hikes amongst the distinct ecosystems for a more intimate experience amongst the truly unique flora and fauna.
Or what could be better than drifting over a colourful reef and seeing marine life illuminated in crystal-clear water? Where the conditions allow, you can take to the water where you could snorkel amongst sea lions or even paddleboard past penguins. With MS Santa Cruz II as your floating base camp, it is the perfect spot to return to for some relaxation and reflection on some of the lifelong memories made in the Galápagos Islands.
The Expedition Launch Pad can be found on Deck 1.
Experience the essence of a true cruise vacation with Yacht Cruise Company, where luxury and exclusivity merge into an unforgettable journey. Our custom-built yachts grant you access to the most breathtaking and unreachable destinations, turning each trip into a unique and personal adventure. We ensure a service where every detail is thoughtfully considered, making you feel not just a valued guest, but the star of your own cruise vacation story. Step aboard Yacht Cruise Company and be transported to a world where dreams become reality on the waves of luxury and comfort.
The Galápagos offers a plethora of adventures as you experience the rich nature and unique wildlife of these idyllic islands. Regardless of what time of year you visit, a pair of sturdy walking shoes is recommended for the hikes as trails vary in difficulty, but most are of volcanic nature.
For those travelling in the warm season (January - May), we recommend focusing on shorts and loosely-fitting tops. This time of year is also the wettest, so be sure to pack a light rain jacket or poncho. If you are visiting during the cooler months (June - December), we suggest packing a light jumper or windbreaker for those chilly nights onboard.
We also recommend packing the following:
Don't forget you will also receive a complimentary reusable waterproof bottle, which is yours to keep at the end of the voyage.
It may seem like getting to these remote islands is an expedition in itself however, many carriers fly to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil.
Within the cost of your voyage, we include return flights in economy class between key gateways, and entirely dependent upon the expedition you choose. Be sure to check the 'What's Included' section of the voyage to see which applies to you, flights include:
Please Note: The checked baggage allowance is up to 23kg, and a cabin bag of up to 8 kg. These limits can vary between long-haul and the included short-haul flights run by LATAM, to/from Lima (for the Machu Picchu programme) and Quito/Guayaquil (for Galápagos Islands). Additional luggage can only be booked as a paid service at the check-in counter.
With their unique wildlife and captivating natural beauty, these islands offer a memorable experience for all of the family. Exploring these islands provides numerous educational opportunities for children, from learning about evolution and diverse ecosystems to close encounters with the local stars such as the Galápagos giant tortoises and playful sea lions.
Our Family-friendly cruises and guided tours ensure safety and comfort, while activities like snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife spotting create cherished moments for families to bond and appreciate the wonders of nature together.
Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas, not in cabins or private balconies. Smoking while the ship is refuelling is prohibited.
Everything you need to know about your cruise, including your bookings, daily programme, restaurants and services on board and essential information about available excursions is at hand at any time.
What have I booked?
Take a look at My bookings to explore the excursions you have booked and prepare for your adventure accordingly with practical tips.
What's happening today?
The daily programme helps you to know what’s happening on board. It shows you all the on-board events, meals, optional excursions/activities, and important announcements so that you can relax and enjoy the expedition.
What’s available on board?
You can find all the services and facilities available on board in one place: exciting excursions and information about the state-of-the-art vessel.
