0%
0%
The M/V Santa Cruz was remodeled specifically to enhance your cruise in the Galapagos Islands. Additions to the boat deck include two luxurious master suites with private balconies in addition to junior suites and superior cabins.
This first class ship built extensively for cruising the Galapagos waters, offers a wide range of cabins for 3,4, and 7- night cruises for the optimum Galapagos vacation. One of the best cruises for seniors who travel with their families, very comfortable to carry babies on board.
The Santa Cruz offers large common areas as you relax aboard, all in a friendly and informal setting. Remodeled extensively in 1997 inside and out.
On the Boat Deck, there are two master suites with double beds and a private balcony, and two junior suites with twin beds. Six Superior-Class cabins have twin or double beds, that together with the remaining Standard Cabins on the Upper and Main decks offer a variety of accommodations, all meeting the same high standard for comfort. Family guests have ample choice among single, double, triple and quadruple accommodations.
| DAY | ISLAND | PLACES |
| THU |
Santa Cruz |
AM: Baltra Airport PM: Gragon Hill |
| FRI |
Isabela Fernandina |
AM: Vicente Roca Point PM: Punta Espinoza |
| SAT |
Santa Cruz |
AM: Charles Darwin Station PM: Free Time |
| SUN |
Floreana |
AM: Baroness Tower - Post Office Bay PM: Champion Islet - Cormorant Point |
| MON | Baltra |
AM: Baltra Airport |
Baltra Island
We arrive by plane at Baltra Island and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II where we receive our welcome introductory briefing, boat drill and lunch.
Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) (Santa Cruz Island)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). The first part of our walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks and American flamingos, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas.
Vicente Roca Point (Isabela Island)
After breakfast, we explore the coast by panga, while our naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, a nesting place for several Galapagos highlights: flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, boobies, etc. Depending on weather conditions, we can snorkel along the cliffs of this area rich in marine life, seasonally-visited by green sea turtles and oceanic sun fish (Mola mola).
Espinoza Point (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina, which, having no introduced mammals, boasts a very unique environment with a very high density of marine iguanas, who share their space with sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorants.
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing followed by a brief bus ride) for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. Options include beach walks, kayaks, walks along the tortoise reserve, etc. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.
Baroness Tower – Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
After breakfast, panga ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore can be enjoyed. We follow this visit by continuing to Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views of Floreana. We land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries and where postcards are traditionally left for guests from other vessels to hand-deliver to their destinations. Snorkelling off the beach. We then head back on board for lunch.
Champion Islet – Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Following lunch and a siesta, we take the pangas and glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, regarded as one of the best snorkelling spots in the archipelago. From there, it’s on to Punta Cormorant, beginning with a wet landing on the olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish-water lagoon where bird species such as American flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others gather. We continue our walk over to a white-sand beach, where sea turtles emerge from the sea at night to nest (from December to May).
Baltra Island
We disembark at Baltra Island in order to transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
Important: Itineraries and activities subject to change without prior notice. Depending on weather conditions and water currents, some wildlife described above may not be visible.
| Category | Luxury Class |
| Length | 72.35 meters (237,3 ft ). |
| Beam | 11.85 meters (38.86 ft). |
| Speed | 13 Knots |
| Capcity | 90 passengers |
| Crew | 52 t + 6 Naturalist guides |
| Navegation |
|
| Engines | Two Sulzer engines, 1620 BHP each |
| Electricity | 110 Volts in the cabins with 220 Volt sockets available in Reception and Dining area |
| Equipment | GPS and Radio Director Finder |
| Safety | ABS classification +A1E + AMS #7907 853 SOLAS ISM certificate Complying with the IMO resolution A.788(19) Automatic fire controls |
Write us!! 
English
Español
