![](/get-image-version/verybig/uploads/trips/feature/galapagos_darweins_footsteps_santa_cruz_2_hurtigruten_picture.jpg)
We offer you unique expedition cruises to sail in the footsteps of Darwin. Our Eastern itinerary explores San Cristobal, the first of the four Galapagos island visited by Darwin in 1835, and the easternmost landmass of the archipelago. We will also call at Mosquera Islet, see the land iguanas of Santa Fe and South Plaza, the giant turtles of Santa Cruz, and the amazing bird colonies of Española, Eden Islet, and North Seymour. The landings cover a wide array of ecosystems, spectacular landscapes, and great opportunities for wildlife watching, including most of the iconic animals of Galapagos.
Begin your adventure with two nights at a hotel in Quito, one of South America’s most charming capitals. This World Heritage city of graceful Spanish-era architecture is packed with cosy restaurants and small artisanal shops. From here we’ll pay a visit to an active volcano and go on a nature walk in stunning surroundings, as well as experiencing a vibrant open-air market.
After we fly to the Galápagos, step aboard Santa Cruz II – our comfortable and stylish expedition vessel ideally suited to remote adventures. You’ll take part in an unforgettable cruise and experience the very best the UNESCO protected Galápagos has to offer. The onboard facilities are excellent, and you can look forward to mouth-watering dishes prepared by our chefs, as well as comfortable cabins to relax in after each exciting day of discovery.
When the English naturalist Charles Darwin visited here aboard H.M.S. Beagle in 1835, he discovered that several species, including tortoises and land iguanas, had evolved differently depending on their habitat. His seminal work On the Origin of Species, proved revolutionary. On this science-oriented expedition, we’ll be learning about Darwin’s discoveries, as well as making a few of our own.
You’ll get closer to the natural wonders with the use of our small expedition boats, kayaks, snorkelling gear and paddleboards. There’s a wide range of activities to choose from, and the Expedition Team will guide you on landings. Safety and sustainability are always at the core of our operations, and our aim is to leave the smallest footprint behind wherever we go.
For your safety, we always sail with a Medical Officer onboard.
- Join us on a journey of ecological discovery as we travel in Charles Darwin’s footsteps to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Darwin Suite](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/darwin_suite_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
![Explorer cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/santa-cruz/explorer_horizon_deck_santa_cruz_2.jpg)
Santa Cruz II
![](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/ships/feature/MV-Santa-Cruz-II.jpg)
Vessel Type: Motor Yacht
Length: 72m
Passenger Capacity: 90
Built/Refurbished: 2002 / 2015
From top to bottom, the Santa Cruz II features ample, indulgent spaces. Modern, generous social areas laid out with choice contemporary materials feature prominently on four of its five decks. With an intelligent layout, including wide hallways and broad stairwells, guests will immediately know their way around. From dining areas indoors and out, the gymnasium and Jacuzzis to the elegant bar and lounge, not to forget the well-stocked library, the ship is designed to please with sophisticated simplicity. Luxury ratios of crew and guides to passengers guarantee quality individual attention.
Facilities:
• Bar-Lounge• Restaurant• Al fresco dining-BBQ• Gift shop• Gym• 24h Coffee Station (freecoffee, tea, and water)• Satellite telephone• WiFi hotspot (intermittent/low bandwidth)• PA system• Snorkelling equipment• Hair dryer• Ipod/MP3 docking station• Safe deposit box (in cabin)• Hot tub (2)• Reading room and naturalhistory library• Multiple purpose room• Air conditioned throughout• Wetsuit rental• Glass bottom boat• Kayaks
Photo shows Santa Cruz which is used for 2015 Galapagos cruises - Santa Cruz II wil be used for 2016.