Best Galapagos cruises - expedition ship sailing through the volcanic islands

Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise

From $4276 per person

★ /5 · reviews

Galapagos Cruise Santa Cruz II – Where Luxury Meets Exploration

The Galapagos cruise Santa Cruz II is an expedition ship designed to explore remote gems like the Galapagos Islands. Originally designed for the stunning landscapes of Patagonia and Chile, this ship perfectly combines comfort and safety, making it an excellent choice for exploration.

The Santa Cruz II accommodates up to 90 guests, ensuring a spacious and enjoyable experience for everyone on board. The variety of cabins, including those for solo adventurers, allows for ample social spaces throughout the decks while you enjoy the cruise.

One of the most notable features of the Santa Cruz II is its exceptional onboard service, with a dedicated crew committed to ensuring guest comfort at all times.

Guests will experience a truly unique experience in the Galapagos Islands, with exclusive sites and observing endemic animals such as Galapagos tortoises and Galapagos marine iguanas.

Guests are divided into groups of approximately 12 people per guide, allowing for more personalized and engaging excursions.

If, for any reason, you’re unable to do the Santa Cruz II cruise or it’s unavailable, we can offer you the Galapagos Island Hopping Tour, a great alternative to explore the enchanted islands.

Ship at a Glance

Guests

90

Crew

90

Cabins

Built

Guide ratio

Specifications

Type

Small Yacht

Year built / refurbished

-

Length

71.8 mts (235 ft)

Beam

13.4 mts (44 ft)

Decks

Cruising speed

13 knots

Guests

90

Cabins

Crew

90

Hull

Electricity

Highlights

Enjoy an intimate experience with just 16 guests on board, with first-class personalized attention.
Spacious cabins with stunning views. Sleep in elegant cabins with private balconies and king or twin beds.
Delight in gourmet dishes prepared by expert chefs with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.
Kayak or snorkel among vibrant reefs.
Observe incredible wildlife, including giant Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas, and the iconic blue-footed boobies.

What's Included

Accommodations and all meals.
All expeditions and visits according to the itinerary
Informative talks with naturalist guides
Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and glass-bottom boat equipment
24/7 onboard medical care (excluding medications)
Transfers in the Galapagos (ONLY on the cruise operating date)
Luggage assistance (ONLY on the cruise operating date and if you purchase flights with us)
Soft drinks (juices and sodas, NOT mocktails)
Wi-Fi internet access **may be intermittent
Wetsuits

Not Included

Airline Tickets
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee $30 per adult for Ecuadorian Residents (subject to change)
Transit Control Card $20 per person (subject to change)
Alcoholic Beverages
Medical Insurance
Tips, Laundry Service, and Additional Items
CO2 or Carbon Footprint from $30 per person (subject to change)
Fuel Surcharge from $100 to $140 per person (subject to change)* For now, we apply a 100% discount ONLY for Ecuadorian Residents

Cabins & Suites

Deck Plans

Main Deck

Upper Deck

Sun Deck

Lower Deck

Deck 5

Rates by Season

2026 · -day · Itinerary 5D: $ p.p.

2026 · -day · Itinerary 7D: $ p.p.

2026 · -day · Itinerary 5D: $ p.p.

Itineraries

5-Day Northern & Central

5 days / 4 nights · From $ pp

Islands visited: Baltra, Santa Cruz, Santiago, Rabida, Bartolome, Genovesa

Day 1 – Arrival Seymour Airport (Baltra Island) – Santa Cruz Island (Las Bachas Beach)

Day 2 – Santiago Island (Buccaneer Cove) – Puerto Egas

Day 3 – Rabida Island – Bartolome Island (afternoon of beach and walking)

Day 4 – Genovesa Island (Prince Philip’s Steps) – Darwin Bay

Day 5 – Santa Cruz Island (Highlands) – Transfer to Baltra Airport

5-Day Western & Highlights

5 days / 4 nights · From $ pp

Islands visited: Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana

Day 1 – Baltra Island – Santa Cruz Island (Dragon Hill)

Day 2 – Isabela Island (Punta Vicente Roca) – Fernandina Island (Punta Espinoza)

Day 3 – Santa Cruz Island (Puerto Ayora & the Charles Darwin Research Station) – (Highlands)

Day 4 – Floreana Island (Baroness Tower + Post Office Bay) – Champion Islet + Cormorant Point

Day 5 – Transfer to Baltra Airport

7-Day Southern & Eastern

7 days / 6 nights · From $ pp

Islands visited: Baltra, Mosquera, San Cristobal, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, Española, North Seymour

Day 1 – Arrival Seymour Airport (Baltra Island) – Mosquera Islet

Day 2 – San Cristobal Island (Punta Pitt) – (the Breeding Center for Galapagos giant tortoises)

Day 3 – Santa fe Island (White sand beach ) – South Plazas Island

Day 4 – Santa Cruz Island (The Charles Darwin Research Station)

Day 5 – Española Island (Punta Suarez) – (Gardner Bay)

Day 6 – Santa Cruz Island (Eden Islet) – North Seymour Island

Day 7 – Transfer to Baltra Airport

Gallery

Life Aboard

Onboard

Activities included

Snorkeling — gear provided
Panga (dinghy) rides
Guided nature hikes with a naturalist
Kayaking & paddleboarding
Wildlife & birdwatching
Beach visits & swimming

Dining & Your Crew

Dining on board

All meals are included — freshly prepared Ecuadorian and international dishes served on board, with drinking water, coffee and tea available throughout the day. Special dietary needs can be arranged with advance notice.

Your crew & guide

90 guest

Wildlife — the Galápagos Big 15

Aboard the Santa Cruz II you’ll have the chance to encounter the Galápagos “Big 15” iconic species:

Galápagos Giant Tortoise
Marine Iguana
Galápagos Land Iguana
Santa Fe Land Iguana
Blue-footed Booby
Nazca Booby
Red-footed Booby
Flightless Cormorant
Galápagos Penguin
Waved Albatross
Frigatebird
Galápagos Hawk
American Flamingo
Galápagos Sea Lion
Galápagos Fur Seal

Plus green sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, dolphins and Darwin’s finches along the way.

Good to Know

Who it's for

Travellers who want the comfort and stability of a larger expedition ship — 90 guests, spacious cabins, multiple lounges and expert naturalist guides, with a smooth, well-organised experience and steadier sailing. Ideal for families, couples and travellers who prefer roomier public spaces and a wide choice of daily activities. It is not designed for dedicated scuba divers.

What to bring

Light, quick-dry clothing & comfortable walking shoes
Hat, sunglasses & reef-safe sunscreen
Swimwear & a light rain jacket
Reusable water bottle
Binoculars & a camera
Snorkel gear is provided on board

The Galápagos National Park entrance fee and the Transit Control Card (INGALA) are paid on arrival · 5 & 7-day itineraries available · contact us for current rates and departure dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests does Santa Cruz II carry?

90 guests in air-conditioned cabins, each with a private hot-water bathroom, served by a crew of 90 plus a bilingual naturalist guide.

Do the cabins have air conditioning and private bathrooms?

Yes — every cabin is air-conditioned and has a private hot-water bathroom.

Is there a naturalist guide on board?

Yes. A bilingual (English/Spanish) Galápagos National Park naturalist guide leads every excursion.

What activities are included?

Snorkeling (gear provided), panga rides, guided nature hikes, kayaking and beach visits — all led by your naturalist guide.

When is the best time to go?

The Galápagos is a year-round destination and wildlife is active in every season. The dry season (June–December) brings cooler, breezier days; the warm season (January–May) brings calmer seas and warmer water for snorkeling.

Is it suitable for families and non-divers?

Yes. Snorkeling lets non-divers see the same marine life, and the relaxed pace suits families and first-time cruisers. Children’s discounts may apply — just ask.

Request a Quote for the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise

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