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Santa Cruz II, 4 Night Galápagos Islands - Nature and Wildlife Expedition Cruise (Northern Route) ex Quito, Ecuador Return

Cruise Santa Cruz II, 4 Night Galápagos Islands - Nature and Wildlife Expedition Cruise (Northern Route) ex Quito, Ecuador Return
Cruise Line Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX)
Ship Santa Cruz II
Destination South America
Brief Description 4 Night Cruise sailing from Quito, Ecuador onboard Santa Cruz II
Type of Cruise Expedition
Departure Date 12 Jan 2026
Cruise Description Day 1
Your cruise begins 
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos IslandsYour journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. In the morning, ashort flight will take you from Quito to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits.  

Day 2
Pristine Santiago Island 
See iconic wildlife and spectacular landscapes Today you’ll explore Santiago Island’s pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes. Take in the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove on the northwest coast, home to a large number of marine birds and sea lions. Immerse yourself in the scenery through a range of water activities and marvel at fantastic rock formations such as ‘Elephant Rock’ and ‘The Bishop.’   In the afternoon, we’ll head to Puerto Egas, one of the best visitor sites on the island. You’ll have the opportunity to see a colony of Galápagos fur seals and exotic birdlife on an excursion. Or you could just swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, typically, in the company of marine turtles.

Day 3
Stunning Rábida & Bartolomé 
Soak up the sights and sounds of the Galápagos Your day starts on tiny Rábida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago. You can go for a thrilling panga ride along the coast explore the island’s mesmerising, red-coloured beach. Soak up the sights and sounds made by a colony of sea lions, and watch for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers and several species of Darwin’s Finches.  In the afternoon, we’ll sail to the golden sands of Bartolomé Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. You can swim or snorkel off the beach here, discover colourful marine life from our glass-bottom boat, or watch for Galápagos Penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.

Day 4
Genovesa, a bird paradise 
Discover a birdlife haven and take a refreshing dip Today you’ll explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb – only 90 feet – up Prince Philip’s Steps – El Barranco – to reach flat and rocky plateau. Once there, you can walk along comfortably and look out for large colonies of Nazca Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds and Storm Petrels. Afterwards or instead, hop into a kayak for some aquatic adventuring.  In the afternoon, we’ll land and swim at the beautiful beach that fringes Darwin Bay for a swim. Following this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of island birds, or alternatively just take it easy on the beach, swimming, snorkelling or kayaking.

Day 5
One last adventure 
See giant tortoises in the wild We start our last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. A dry landing at a passenger wharf and a bus ride to the loftier region of the island will provide a final highlight of your expedition cruise: giant tortoises in the wild.  The windward slopes of the island are set aside as a reserve that’s home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands also feature dense forests of Galápagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads. After this visit we’ll transfer directly to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programmes.
Sailing Dates
12 Jan 2026
26 Jan 2026
09 Feb 2026
23 Feb 2026
09 Mar 2026
Category Single Twin Triple Quad
FH AU $10,089
DS AU $12,327
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
12 Jan 2026 Quito, Ecuador Flight
12 Jan 2026 Baltra, Galapagos Is Flight Arrival
12 Jan 2026 Baltra, Galapagos Is Embark 2:50 PM
12 Jan 2026 Las Bachas, Santa Cruz 3:20 PM 2:15 AM
13 Jan 2026 Isla Santiago, Galapagos Islands 6:00 AM 12:40 PM
13 Jan 2026 Puerto Egas (Santiago), Galapagos Islands 1:20 PM 4:15 AM
14 Jan 2026 Rabida, Galapagos Islands 6:00 AM 12:00 PM
14 Jan 2026 Bartolome Island, Santiago 2:00 PM 1:15 AM
15 Jan 2026 Genovesa, Galapagos Islands 6:30 AM 11:59 AM
15 Jan 2026 Darwin Bay, Galapagos Islands 12:00 PM 1:15 AM
16 Jan 2026 Itabaca Channel, Galapagos 6:30 AM 8:00 AM
16 Jan 2026 Baltra, Galapagos Is 8:30 AM Flight
16 Jan 2026 Quito, Ecuador Flight Arrival
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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