Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruises

Today, visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of South America’s most active volcanoes. But first, stop at the photogenic Sangolqui open-air market, to browse colorful stalls with unique handicrafts and sample different local specialties.

Then, walk to the Limpiopungo Lagoon, tucked at 12,800 feet in a high valley within Cotopaxi National Park. It’s common here to see herds of llamas on the slopes, and keep eyes open for birds such as the Andean Gull, several species of hummingbird, and, with some luck, the majestic Andean Condor. Enjoy a tasty lunch prepared by some of the region’s best chefs before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, take the short flight to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. Transfer straight to the port, where the comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits. Begin the exploration of the Galápagos Islands in the afternoon. Trace the north shore of Santa Cruz toward the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill), where the ship will stop for a visit. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish water lagoon that is frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the first chance to encounter some land iguanas.

The day starts at Punta Vicente Roca, on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, explore the coast by dinghy as the naturalist guides teach about the area’s dramatic geology. This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins and boobies. Weather permitting, snorkel beside the cliffs where there may be green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish and even fur seals.

In the afternoon explore Fernandina, an island with a unique environment and a high density of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks and penguins.

Today explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The Station includes a giant tortoise breeding center and an impressive forest of prickly-pear cacti that’s home to an array of land birds. It also serves as the headquarters for the island’s scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. After the visit, head up to the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island for lunch. Choose from several options in the afternoon, deciding with the expedition leader. At the end of the afternoon activities, return to Puerto Ayora and re-join MS Santa Cruz II.

After breakfast, enjoy a panga ride among the channels on Floreana’s north shore before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later, land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. After lunch, explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet in a panga or glass-bottom boat. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago.

From there, head to Cormorant Point to walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, possibly spot American flamingos, pintail ducks and other birds.

As the expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the amazing wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. Also say farewell to the wonderful crew and expedition team while disembarking at Baltra Island. Transfer to the airport and fly to Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, a representative will assist with the international flight connection. Alternatively continue from Guayaquil to Quito to catch your international flight from there.

Today see one of Ecuador’s natural wonders up close while visiting an active volcano and walking to a height of almost 12,800 feet. First, stop in at the photogenic Sangolqui open-air market to sample different Andean specialties. The local indigenous people sell their produce here: colorful legumes, fruits and vegetables. At the market one can also purchase clothing and other handicrafts, providing the opportunity to chat with friendly stallholders.

Cotopaxi National Park, set amid gorgeous mountains, is only an hour-and-a-half drive from Quito. This mostly treeless landscape is characteristic of the Andean moorlands, or páramo—one might even see herds of llamas roaming wild. Birdlife includes the Andean Gull, several species of hummingbird and with some luck, the majestic condor. Walk to Limpiopungo Lagoon, a beautiful lake that mirrors the dramatic surrounding peaks.

Meaning “Neck of the Moon” in the local Quechua language, at 20,000 feet high, Cotopaxi has an almost perfectly conical form and is one of the highest volcanoes in the world. Its yawning crater measures 2,620 feet and features one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world. The first recorded eruption of Cotopaxi was in 1534, terrifying both locals and conquistadors alike, and the last major one occurred in 1904.

For lunch, enjoy delicious traditional dishes prepared by some of the region’s best chefs in San Agustin del Callo. In the late afternoon, return to the hotel and enjoy a nice dinner before calling it a night.

After breakfast, take the morning flight  from the Quito Airport, across the Pacific Ocean. After only a couple of hours, land at the Galápagos Ecological Airport on Baltra Island. This airport runs on renewable power and is said to be the world’s most environmentally friendly airport. After landing in the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago, head straight to the port and home away from home for the next few days: the comfortable expedition ship Santa Cruz II. Start the oceanic expedition with a short, mandatory safety briefing. Check in and get settled before meeting for lunch in the restaurant, where the captain will propose a toast and wish everyone an exciting adventure. The cruise gets underway right after lunch.

The first stop is only four nautical miles away, at the southern tip of Mosquera Islet. This small piece of volcanic uplift sits between the larger islands of Baltra and North Seymour. A long, narrow sandbank is surrounded by lava reefs, home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the Galápagos. Take a small boat (RIB) to land ashore and see sea lions basking in the sun—the first glimpse of the amazing wildlife diversity and richness of these islands. The islet is filled with many seabirds, including blue-footed boobies, as well as Sally Lightfoot crabs. The walk is easy—only a few hundred yards across flat, sandy dunes. While exploring, learn more about the fragile marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Galápagos.

Today dock in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the archipelago’s capital. It’s a 40-minute drive to Cerro Colorado to visit a breeding center for the highly endangered giant tortoise. This Galápagos icon has a natural lifespan estimated at over 100 years. The Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve is working to boost the numbers of these giant reptiles and bring them back from the brink of extinction. They live in conditions similar to their natural habitat and are able to thrive here. The tortoises amble around under the cover of a 15-acre forest, which is also home to dozens of other endemic species, including the San Cristobal mockingbird and the San Cristóbal lava lizard.

In the afternoon, take the ship’s small boats (RIBs) to Punta Pitt at the eastern tip of the island. This unusual point consists of an eroded volcanic cone. Take the trail here for spectacular views of the coastline. Punta Pitt is the only site in the Galápagos where one might see three species of boobies. The blue-footed booby is easily recognized by its blue feet! Enjoy a nature walk on land or explore the coast aboard the RIBs. The snorkeling and swimming are excellent in the clear water here. See sea lions may be seen performing underwater acrobatics over the reef, so remember to bring a swimsuit and some good walking shoes.

After breakfast, head for an idyllic white-sand beach on the island of Santa Fe for a scenic nature walk. A colony of sea lions calls this island home, as well as the endemic Barrington land iguana, which is usually spotted sitting among giant prickly pear cacti or lounging on rocks in the sun. The island has a blissful feeling about it. Swim or snorkel offshore from the RIBs. For a peek at the underwater world, consider joining a ride in a glass-bottomed boat. Or, take out a kayak and explore this beautiful and wild island at your own pace.

After the excellent onboard chefs whip up a nice, long lunch, head to othe next destination: South Plaza Island. On the way, pass through a channel where turquoise waters line the white-sand beaches, which in turn contrast sharply with the black lava rocks. Along the shore, possibly spot frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters gliding on the breeze. South Plaza Island may be very small, but it hosts a stunning array of flora, particularly the flowering succulent sesuvium and dense patches of prickly pears. Land iguanas laze sleepily by the shore, while marine iguanas slip in and out of the water. With luck, spot a hybrid of the two—the result of intergeneric breeding between the two subspecies—evolution in action!

This morning head ashore at Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the archipelago, situated on Santa Cruz Island. Here, drop in on the Charles Darwin Research Station, where over 200 scientists and volunteers are working to conserve the wildlife of the Galápagos. Visit the breeding enclosures to see baby tortoises in incubators and look upon Darwin’s famous finches—the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution. Try your hand at using a trapiche, a sugarcane grinder used to extract the juice for drinking or fermenting into liquor. To visit the sugarcane mill, either take a bus, or ride a bicycle if you’re feeling more active!

Next, experience the forest of opuntia cactus forest, sometimes called the Galápagos prickly pear. Then enjoy lunch in the highlands. This ecosystem is entirely different from the coastal plains, with green foliage and a moist, cooler climate. It’s also where the most giant tortoises roam. See these giants in their natural habitat. They are certainly not hard to spot as they lumber around, munch on grass and wallow in pools.

After lunch, continue to seek out tortoises in the region or choose from several different activities, including mountain biking or kayaking in Tortuga Bay (conservation measures limit the number of guests in Tortuga Bay, so be sure to coordinate your interest in attending with the Expedition Team). You could also hike the 1.3 miles to a beautiful bay and stop at Playa Brava, a beautiful snow-white sand beach that’s a nesting site for green turtles. On the same walk, Playa Mansa is a secluded natural mangrove cove, with clear and tranquil waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. Or simply enjoy the view from the shade of a mangrove!

At four million years old, Española is said to be one of the oldest islands and is the farthest south in the archipelago. A magnet for birders, almost the entire world population of waved albatross breeds here between March and January. Be on the lookout for Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls, which are all present here. Keep eyes peeled for the Española lava lizard, which has a strikingly red hue. Possibly also spot the very colorful marine iguanas, which are an endemic subspecies found only here.

There was some very good wildlife news here in 2020 when a rare tortoise was found to have sired over 900 children. Diego, who is over 100 years old, was on loan from San Diego Zoo and may have almost singlehandedly saved his subspecies from extinction. His remarkable achievement earned him retirement in Española with his extended family. He is expected to live to around 150 years of age! Also get to witness the famous blowhole, El Soplador (meaning “the blower”), which blasts water 75 feet into the air. The effect is caused by waves crashing into a lava fissure at high tide and blowing the water out through a crevice. Afterward, head back on board the ship for another lovely and relaxed lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the postcard-worthy coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby Osborn Islet. These are beautiful settings for observing sea lions, mockingbirds and finches, while taking time to relax or slip into the water for some excellent snorkeling. Kayaking activities are available here, too.

As the expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the bounteous wildlife and amazing scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. It’s also time to say farewell to the wonderful crew and expedition team while disembarking at Baltra Island. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, a representative will assist with the international flight connection. Alternatively continue from Guayaquil to Quito to catch your international flight from there.

Today, visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of South America’s most active volcanoes. But first, stop at the photogenic Sangolqui open-air market, to browse colorful stalls with unique handicrafts and sample different local specialties.

Then, walk to the Limpiopungo Lagoon, tucked at 12,800 feet in a high valley within Cotopaxi National Park. It’s common here to see herds of llamas on the slopes, and keep eyes open for birds such as the Andean Gull, several species of hummingbird, and, with some luck, the majestic Andean Condor. Enjoy a tasty lunch prepared by some of the region’s best chefs before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, take the short flight to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. Transfer straight to the port, where the comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits. Begin the exploration of the Galápagos Islands in the afternoon. Trace the north shore of Santa Cruz toward the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill), where the ship will stop for a visit. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish water lagoon that is frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the first chance to encounter some land iguanas.

The day starts at Punta Vicente Roca, on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, explore the coast by dinghy as the naturalist guides teach about the area’s dramatic geology. This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins and boobies. Weather permitting, snorkel beside the cliffs where there may be green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish and even fur seals.

In the afternoon explore Fernandina, an island with a unique environment and a high density of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks and penguins.

Today explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The Station includes a giant tortoise breeding center and an impressive forest of prickly-pear cacti that’s home to an array of land birds. It also serves as the headquarters for the island’s scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. After the visit, head up to the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island for lunch. Choose from several options in the afternoon, deciding with the expedition leader. At the end of the afternoon activities, return to Puerto Ayora and re-join MS Santa Cruz II.

After breakfast, enjoy a panga ride among the channels on Floreana’s north shore before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later, land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. After lunch, explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet in a panga or glass-bottom boat. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago.

From there, head to Cormorant Point to walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, possibly spot American flamingos, pintail ducks and other birds.

Relax on board while the ship anchors off Baltra Island. After 4 days of exploring the unique environment of the Galápagos, pause for a while and recharge the batteries for the days ahead. Use the many onboard facilities, flick through the books in the library, or exercise in the gym. Do what you feel.

In the afternoon, land at Las Bachas beach, located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island. This glorious white-sand beach with turquoise waters is a great place to spot iconic Galápagos wildlife, such as flamingos and sea turtles. The beach’s name “baches” means “barges” and comes from the sunken barges left after World War II. Swim or snorkel here before heading back to the ship for a welcome cocktail and a briefing about the next day’s adventures.

Today, 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 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, head to Puerto Egas, one of the best visitor sites on the island. Here, have the opportunity to see a colony of fur sea lions and exotic birdlife on an excursion Or, swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, typically in the company of marine turtles.

The day starts on tiny Rábida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago Island. Take a thrilling panga-boat ride along the coast or join an excursion to explore the island’s mesmerizing, red-tinted sand beach. Soak up the sights and sounds of a sea lion colony and keep an eye out for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches.

In the afternoon, sail to the golden sands of Bartolomé Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. Swim or snorkel from the beach here or discover colorful marine life from the glass-bottom boat. Possibly even spot some Galápagos penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.

Today explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb—only 90 feet—up a flight of stairs to reach a flat and rocky plateau. At the plateau, walk along comfortably and check out large colonies of Nazca Boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds and storm petrels. Afterward—or instead—hop into a kayak for an aquatic adventure! In the afternoon, land at the beautiful beach that fringes Darwin Bay for a swim. After this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of island birds. Alternatively, swim, snorkel, kayak, or just relax on the beach.

Start the last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. After breakfast, all baggage will be taken to the airport while everyone visits the tortoise reserve. After a dry landing at a passenger’s wharf and a bus ride to the island’s higher region, behold the last highlight of the cruise: giant tortoises in the wild.

The windward slopes of the island are home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands include dense forests of Galápagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads, and several endemic land birds. After this visit, transfer directly to the Baltra Airport. Farewell to Galápagos. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, a representative will assist with the international flight connection. Alternatively continue from Guayaquil to Quito to catch your international flight from there.