Galápagos Islands - Nature and Wildlife Expedition Cruise | Northern Route

27 Jul 2026
6 Nights
Santa Cruz II
Galápagos
View Itinerary

ITINERARY

Baltra Island, also known as South Seymour, is a small, arid island in the Galápagos archipelago, primarily known for its strategic role as a transportation hub. Home to the Baltra Airport, it serves as the main entry point for travellers visiting the Galápagos. Despite its sparse vegetation, the island boasts unique wildlife, including sea lions, land iguanas, and various bird species. The surrounding waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving, revealing vibrant marine life. Baltra’s close proximity to other islands makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the archipelago’s diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes.

Las Bachas, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos

Bartolomé Island, one of the most iconic islands in the Galápagos archipelago, is known for its striking landscapes and volcanic formations. Famous for its Pinnacle Rock, a towering volcanic spire, the island offers breathtaking views and stunning photo opportunities. The terrain is characterized by unique lava formations, golden sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life, making it a prime destination for snorkeling and swimming with playful sea lions. The island's hiking trails provide access to panoramic viewpoints, allowing visitors to appreciate the stark beauty of the volcanic landscape. With its diverse ecosystems and dramatic scenery, Bartolomé is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers exploring the Galápagos.

El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip's Steps, is a remarkable visitor site on Genovesa Island in the Galápagos archipelago. This stunning area is characterized by its steep cliffs and dramatic landscapes, making it a prime spot for observing the island's diverse wildlife. A well-marked trail leads visitors through a unique ecosystem filled with seabirds, including red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and frigatebirds, which can be seen nesting in the cliffs. The area is also home to charming fur seals and the endemic Galápagos land iguanas. The breathtaking views from the top of the steps, overlooking the bay and surrounding waters, add to the allure of El Barranco. With its rich biodiversity and stunning scenery, it’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers exploring the Galápagos Islands.

Explore Ship

Day 1

Baltra Island, Galápagos

27 Jul 2026

Baltra Island, Galápagos

Las Bachas, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos

27 Jul 2026

Las Bachas, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos

Day 2

Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands

28 Jul 2026

Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands

Day 2

Puerto Egas

28 Jul 2026

Puerto Egas

Day 3

Rabida Island

29 Jul 2026

Rabida Island

Day 3

Bartolome Island

29 Jul 2026

Bartolome Island

El Barranco, Genovesa Island, Galápagos

30 Jul 2026

El Barranco, Genovesa Island, Galápagos

Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galápagos

31 Jul 2026

Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galápagos

Day 5

Sailing Itabaca Channel, Galápagos

31 Jul 2026

Sailing Itabaca Channel, Galápagos

Day 5

Baltra Island, Galápagos

31 Jul 2026

Baltra Island, Galápagos

At Sea

01 Aug 2026

At Sea

Day 7

At Sea

02 Aug 2026

At Sea

This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

Best Time to Travel

Marine Iguanas

You can witness the males turning vivid red and green to attract a mate during their breeding season from December to January. And while marine iguanas are always more active and photogenic during the warmer season when they bask after feeding, explorers can see these creatures all year round.

Jan

Feb

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Dec

Best time

Good time

Galapagos giant tortoise

During the cooler months from June to January, these beautiful creatures migrate to the Galapagos’ greener highlands so are more frequently spotted. If you’re keen to see their hatchlings, the best time to visit is December to April at the island’s breeding centres.

Jan

Feb

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Dec

Best time

Good time

Blue-footed booby

There are always opportunities to spot these unique birds year-round in the Galapagos, but if you want to see their famous mating dance, this is more likely during the early dry season from June to August. Depending on food supply, nesting with their chicks can occur throughout the year.

Jan

Feb

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Dec

Best time

Good time

Galapagos penguin

Galapagos penguins prefer cooler waters during the Garua (cool) season in the Galapagos. These waters become more nutrient-rich meaning they become more active during this time and are more easily spotted. Isabela and Fernandina islands across the west of the Galapagos are most popular with Galapagos penguins.

Jan

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Dec

Best time

Good time

Sea turtles

Depending on how you’d like to discover the green sea turtles in the Galapagos, there are varying months of the year you can visit. December through to May offers the best chance of snorkelling sightings due to calmer waters, while nesting takes place in January to March and you can see the hatchlings from February to April.

Jan

Feb

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Dec

Best time

Good time

Galapagos flamingo

You can see the Galapagos flamingos all year-round in the lagoons on Isabela and Floreana Islands. While they’re breeding season can vary depending on water levels each year, the typical season tends to peak around mid-year.

Jan

Feb

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Aug

Sep

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Nov

Dec

Best time

Good time

Darwin’s finches

Breeding season for these iconic birds takes place between January and May, where you can enjoy listening to the males singing. The species are easier to photograph during this time with increased activity due to nest building and chick feeding.

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Feb

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Dec

Best time

Good time

Explore Santa Cruz II

Beagle Restaurant

The MS Santa Cruz II has a team of trained staff members that utilize locally-sourced organic food to prepare every dish. This ship provides a Le Cordon Bleu (a trained Gastronomy Director) and a wide variety of culinary experiences that encompass all diets and preferences. Each and every meal served onboard is exquisite.

Shore Excursions

Expect the unexpected as you explore the Galápagos Islands by sea and land, with a range of daily excursions, science projects, and talks we will ensure you uncover the magic of these iconic islands.

Our small expedition boats allow us to land on beaches and terrain away from the crowds. Exploring the various islands on foot turns an adventure into an expedition - with hikes amongst the distinct ecosystems for a more intimate experience amongst the truly unique flora and fauna.

Or what could be better than drifting over a colourful reef and seeing marine life illuminated in crystal-clear water? Where the conditions allow, you can take to the water where you could snorkel amongst sea lions or even paddleboard past penguins. With MS Santa Cruz II as your floating base camp, it is the perfect spot to return to for some relaxation and reflection on some of the lifelong memories made in the Galápagos Islands.

Expedition Launch Pad

The Expedition Launch Pad can be found on Deck 1.

Sky Deck

The Sky deck offers spaces where guests can relax and enjoy their Galápagos expeditions basking in the sun at the very top of the ship. The sun deck and fitness room are located here.

Outdoor Terrace

The Outdoor Terrace is located on Deck Three.

Panorama Bar & Lounge

This large and well-lit area is not only the main bar, but also the place where most ship events will take place (welcome and farewell cocktail), and doubles as an ideal place for lectures. It’s the ideal site to chill and relax with Wi-Fi hot spot and direct access to our al fresco terrace.

Reception

Located at the main intersection on the ship, the reception is the place where you will find the central bulletin board with daily program and other valuable information on the expedition experience.

Discovery Room

The Discovery Room is located on Deck Three.

Expedition Lounge & Bar with Science Corner and Library

Facing the front of the ship, the Expedition Lounge – complete with a refreshment station and library – is a fantastic place to admire the beauty of the Galápagos’ Islands from inside. The Science Corner includes a glass cabinet, a microscope and a whale vertebrae clone, a perfect learning zone about our science activities.

Panorama Deck

Located on Deck 5

Gift Shop

The Gift Shop is located on Deck Two.

Fitness Room

Our fitness center is equipped with yoga mats, set of weights, 2 treadmills, 2 stationary bikes, and an elliptical trainer for those guests who do not want to let their routine slide.

Hot Tubs

For a nice relaxing time our two hot tubs with capacity for 5 guests each. Located on the Expedition deck are ideal.

Santa Cruz II Cabins & Suites

FH | Explorer family cabin

With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring. They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets.

Large windows
Double bed (optional twin)
Sofa bed, suitable for a child under 12 years of age
Guests: up to 3 | Size: 17.2 m2
Cabin Code: FH

EE | Explorer cabin

Large window
Double bed (optional twin)
Guests: 2 | Size: 15.2 m2
Cabin Code: EE

EH | Explorer cabin

Large window
Double bed (optional twin)
Guests: 2 | Size: 14-15 m2
Cabin Code: EH

EP | Explorer cabin

Large window
Double bed (optional twin)
Bathrobes and slippers, available on request.
Guests: 2 | Size: 15.2 m2 
Cabin Code: EP

DS | Darwin Suite

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Santa Cruz II and reserve one of our Darwin Suites. With two large windows, you’ll enjoy superb views in premium comfort. These spacious suites feature double beds that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking, as well as a sofa bed suitable for a child under the age of 12. If more space is needed, these rooms can be interconnected with an Explorer cabin. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a safe, and USA two-pin plug sockets. There’s a daily turn-down service, and you’ll also get a welcome gift in the form of a Galápagos wildlife book.