santa cruz ii

Sail the Galapagos aboard Santa Cruz II, a contemporary expedition ship designed for discovery with expert naturalist guides, smooth Zodiac operations, and thoughtful spaces that make the islands feel close, effortless, and unhurried.

$8,008

USD

starting at

I

5 -7

Highlights:

• Multiple lounges

• Family-friendly

• Wide range of itineraries

Class: First Class

Type: Expedition Ship

Capacity (guests): 90

DAYS

Built for the Galapagos from the keel up, Santa Cruz II pairs expedition capability with a calm, contemporary style. A mid-size guest count means generous lounges and deck space on board, while ashore you still enjoy small naturalist-led groups for front-row wildlife moments, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea turtles without the rush.

Between outings, unwind in bright social areas, grab a coffee in the observation lounge, or step out on deck to watch frigatebirds ride the breeze. Dining leans fresh and local, service is polished yet friendly, and the daily rhythm feels exactly right for a Galapagos expedition cruise: immersive by day, relaxed by night.

overview

Cabins are smart and restful with panoramic windows, efficient storage, and inter-connecting options for families or friends traveling together. Public spaces flow naturally: a dedicated briefing lounge, a calm viewing deck, and welcoming dining areas that never feel crowded. Expedition logistics are streamlined so you spend less time queuing and more time out with wildlife.

• Mid-size ship comfort with small groups ashore

• Inter-connecting options available

• Clear options for families and mixed-ability groups

• Glass-bottom sessions that turn non-snorkelers into marine-life fans

suites & layout

Darwin Suite

Explorer Cabin

Explorer Cabin

life on board

Mornings begin with a clear plan from your naturalist team to learn what you will see, how you will land, and options for every energy level. A short Zodiac ride later, you are on lava trails or a pale, sand cove with time for photos and questions. When the bays warm, choose your pace: slip into the water for confidence building snorkeling with sea lions and reef fish, or stay dry and watch the world glide by from the glass-bottom viewing craft.

Back on Santa Cruz II, expect an easy gear hand-off, a light Ecuadorian bite, and room to spread out, read in a sunny nook, sort photos, or meet your guide for a casual Q&A before sunset. Evenings bring friendly briefings and unhurried dinners that celebrate Ecuadorian coastal flavors, then step outside for stars over the equator.

itineraries & dates

Choose 5 or 7 day Galapagos itineraries that rotate through the archipelago

JAN    FEB    MAR    APR    MAY    JUN

JUL    AUG    SEP     OCT    NOV    DEC

Panorama Lounge

Discovery Room

Fitness Centre

Jacuzzi

Exploration team & briefings that set you up for “wow”
A multidisciplinary team of Galápagos National Park–licensed naturalist guides runs clear, upbeat briefings with wildlife ID tips, site etiquette, and photo pointers.

Choice-filled days (wet, dry, or glass-bottom)
Every morning and afternoon you can pick your pace: mixed-level guided hikes, easy-entry snorkeling with sea lions and reef fish, relaxed Zodiac coastline rides for photographers, or stay perfectly dry on the glass-bottom viewing craft.

Spaces that work for real expedition life
This modern Galapagos expedition ship gives you room to breathe: wide observation decks for golden-hour wildlife watching and stargazing, a calm briefing lounge for talks and Q&A, plus quiet nooks to read or review photos between outings.

Low-impact by design
Refill stations, eco-amenities, and responsible local sourcing keep your footprint light and your comfort high—operations align with Galapagos National Park guidelines so the focus stays on the islands you came to experience.

services & experiences

Glass-Bottom Sessions = Dry-Foot Marine Time
Signature glass-bottom boat outings let you watch reef life and rays without getting wet, perfect for non-swimmers or anyone who wants extra marine viewing between snorkels.

Mid-Size Ship, Small Landing Groups
You will enjoy the space of a modern Galapagos expedition ship on board, but go ashore in small, staggered groups so landings feel calm, photo-friendly, and unhurried.

Pick Your Pace at the Briefing
Most sites offer easy / moderate choices. Decide day-by-day at the briefing, short coastal walks, viewpoint hikes, or stay aboard the glass-bottom craft for relaxed wildlife time.

Family & Friends, Kept Simple
Ask about inter-connecting cabins and adjacent rooms; mealtimes can be adjusted with notice. Santa Cruz II works well for multi-generational travelers who want options, not pressure.

Pack Smart for an Expedition Day
Quick-dry layers, brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and a dry bag for cameras. Connectivity can be intermittent, download playlists and books before you sail.

good to know

faqs

How are glass-bottom outings scheduled? Do they replace snorkeling?
They are in addition to hikes and Zodiac rides. On many days you can snorkel and join a glass-bottom session (or choose just one). Your naturalists set times during the daily briefing so you won’t feel rushed.

With a mid-size expedition ship, will shore visits feel crowded?
No. Santa Cruz II sends guests ashore in small, staggered groups with multiple naturalists. You get more room on deck on board, and a small-group Galapagos feel on landings.

I am nervous about the water, can I still see marine life up close?
Absolutely. Choose the glass-bottom craft for dry-foot viewing, or join relaxed Zodiac coastline tours for turtles, seabirds, and sea lions at the surface. If you want to try, guides pick calm, confidence-building sites for easy snorkeling.

We are a mixed-ability group, can we split activities day-of?
Yes. At the morning/afternoon briefing, pick easy or moderate options. Some guests hike farther while others enjoy a shorter walk or stay for glass-bottom viewing—everyone reunites on board for lunch or sunset.

• International flights to/from Ecuador.

• Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee and Transit Control Card (TCT), mandatory for all visitors; amounts subject to change.

• Domestic Ecuador–Galapagos flights unless specifically included in your package.

• Beverages & specialty cocktails (if not part of your fare).

• Travel insurance and any medical expenses.

• Gratuities to crew/guides.

• Personal gear beyond standard loaners (e.g., prescription masks, specialty fins, underwater cameras).

• Carbon neutral operational fee

• All meals during the cruise

• Accommodations

• Island sightseeing

• Bilingual Naturalist guides

• Island excursions and activities

• Snorkeling gear

• Kayaks

inclusions

not included

Plan with Galapagos Inspīrāre, specialists in tailor-made Galapagos journeys with local insight and curated luxury partners.