Overview

Discover the Enchanting Galápagos Islands Aboard the MS Santa Cruz II

Embark on a remarkable journey through the captivating Galápagos Islands as you set sail aboard the MS Santa Cruz II. Your experience with us promises a harmonious blend of relaxation and opulence within an intimate, small-sized vessel with a maximum guest capacity of 90, creating an ambiance that is simultaneously cozy and sophisticated. From the moment you step on board, you'll find yourself at ease, like a guest in a luxurious home away from home.

MS Santa Cruz II: A Brief Overview

Our commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility is embodied by the MS Santa Cruz II, which operates with carbon-neutral practices and maintains a strong connection to the local community.

Ship Features

The ship boasts a sleek and spacious design, allowing you to savor every moment of your Galápagos cruise. Experience delightful culinary delights in our elegant restaurant, engage in enlightening discussions about the Galápagos Islands with fellow travelers in the Science Center, or simply unwind on our multiple decks. The MS Santa Cruz II provides a setting that appeals to your sense of adventure and your desire for premium expedition comfort.

Culinary Delights Aboard

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey that transcends ordinary cruise ship dining. Our dedicated staff sources locally-grown organic ingredients to craft delectable dishes. Led by a Le Cordon Bleu-trained Gastronomy Director, our culinary team takes inspiration from the Galápagos' unique flavors and regional ingredients to curate a menu that caters to diverse diets and preferences. Expect each meal served on board to be a sumptuous and memorable experience.

Panorama Bar & Lounge

The ship's main bar and lounge, the Panorama Bar, is not only a hub for cocktails but also the focal point for shipboard events, including welcome and farewell gatherings. It doubles as an ideal space for engaging lectures and presentations. This well-lit area provides a relaxed atmosphere, complete with a Wi-Fi hotspot and direct access to our al fresco terrace, offering the perfect spot to unwind and mingle with fellow travelers.

Luxury Living in Scandinavia-Inspired Decor

The MS Santa Cruz II takes inspiration from Scandinavian design to offer an atmosphere that is both comfortable and stylish. Your "home away from home" is equipped with contemporary amenities, providing you with areas designed for relaxation, mental stimulation, and mingling with fellow guests.

Expedition Lounge & Bar with Science Corner and Library

The forward-facing Expedition Lounge features a refreshment station and a library, making it an excellent vantage point to admire the Galápagos Islands' beauty from within the ship. The Science Corner in this area adds an educational dimension to your journey, housing a glass cabinet, a microscope, and a replica of a whale vertebrae, creating a unique learning experience about our scientific endeavors.

Sky Deck: Embrace the Outdoors

The SkyDeck offers inviting spaces where you can bask in the sun and savor the breathtaking Galápagos scenery from the ship's highest point. Here, you'll find the sun deck and a fitness room, which provide perfect settings to unwind and revitalize during your Galápagos expedition.

Wellness and Workouts

For those moments when you crave some physical activity, our exercise facilities are at your disposal, ready to elevate your heart rate. Whether you seek relaxation after a day filled with captivating lectures or a strenuous hike, opportunities to refresh both your body and mind are abundant.

Fitness Room

Our well-appointed fitness center includes yoga mats, a set of weights, two treadmills, two stationary bikes, and an elliptical trainer, ensuring that your exercise routine remains uninterrupted during your journey.

Hot Tubs

To enhance your relaxation, we offer two hot tubs on the Expedition Deck, each accommodating up to five guests. These hot tubs are ideally positioned to provide a serene setting for unwinding and enjoying the awe-inspiring views of the Galápagos Islands.
Come aboard the MS Santa Cruz II for an extraordinary voyage where sophistication and adventure converge in the unparalleled beauty of the Galápagos Islands. Your unforgettable journey awaits.

Gallery

Diverse Decks for Your Enjoyment

The Santa Cruz II Galapagos Expedition Cruise Ship boasts five distinct decks, providing the modern comforts of a first-class Expedition Vessel. Ample space throughout ensures you have room to relax, socialize, and immerse yourself in the unique beauty of the Galapagos.

Sociable Areas: Sit back, relax, and swap stories with your fellow travelers in the stunning social areas. Enhance your Galapagos experience in the company of others in this remarkable destination.
Superb Service: Aboard our ship, an onboard Hotel Manager, Le Cordon Bleu’s Gastronomic Director, a dedicated sailing team, and skilled bartenders combine their efforts to provide you with exceptional service during your Galapagos tour.
Spaces for Reflection: Whether you prefer the comfort and space of luxury cabins or you seek a special spot on one of the ship's numerous and spacious decks, rest assured that there's a perfect space for everyone.

Cruise Safety is Our Top Priority

We prioritize your health and safety at all times. Our ship is equipped with a well-stocked infirmary and an onboard medical officer available 24/7, reflecting our commitment to providing you with a prompt response to any health concerns during your time in the Galapagos. We take pride in being one of the few vessels in the Galapagos Islands with such a strong dedication to our travelers' well-being.

Cabins

Luxurious Cabins for Your Delight

Our cruise cabins on the Santa Cruz II are meticulously designed to create a deluxe haven for safe and comfortable travel. After an unforgettable day of exploration, unwind in these modern and comfortable spaces that ensure your time onboard is truly unique and enjoyable.

Spaciously Elegant: After a day of discovery, find solace in a cozy and spacious room, complete with an elegant, ample bathroom to elevate your experience further.
Impeccable Comfort: Our cabins are continually cleaned and maintained, upholding the concept of luxury accommodation at sea with meticulous care and attention.
Well-Equipped: Don't worry about the amenities; our cabins and communal areas are fully equipped to make you feel as though this Galapagos expedition vessel is your cherished home away from home.

Explorer Family Cabins

There are 43 Explorer Cabins: 17 cabins on Expedition Deck, 23 on Horizon Deck and three on Panorama Deck. The cabins are all the same, with the same large windows and the beds can be converted from double to single.

Cabin size: 18 m²

Max occupancy: 2

Explorer Cabins

There are 43 Explorer Cabins: 17 cabins on Expedition Deck, 23 on Horizon Deck, and 3 on Panorama Deck. The cabins are all the same, with the same large windows and the beds can be converted from double to single.

Cabin size: 15 m²

Max occupancy: 2

Voyager Cabins

On the Horizon Deck, you will find 2 Voyager Cabins. Each cabin measures 127.0 square feet / 11.8 square meters and has a large window. It also features a single bed that is very comfortable and ample space for solo travellers.

Cabin size: 12 m²

Max occupancy: 2

Darwin Suite

Santa Cruz II offers three Darwin Suites, measuring each 30m2 (about 325sqft), with double-paned windows. These suites offer a high level of comfort, as well as deluxe amenities, for guests who are more demanding. These suites are available in either double beds or separated ones. They can also be connected to an Explorer Cabin for a further 15 m2 (163 square feet) of space.

Suite amenities

Tablets in every suite that can be used throughout the entire trip
L'Occitane-en-Provence amenities in bathrooms
Buy bathrobes
Deluxe extra pillows
Take-home edition of the coffee table book
Air Conditioning
Picture windows
Hairdryer
Numerous electrical outlets
Public Address System
In-room safe
The Reading Lights
Low bandwidth and free intermittent internet
Access to the Internet in hotspots on board (one code per room).
Use of wetsuit included
Magazines in the cabin, national and international
Photos and video of the expedition on CD

Technical Specifications

Refurbishment: 2015
Construction: 2002
Gross Tonnage: 2664 tonnes
Passenger Space Ratio: 29.6
Type of Vessel: Expedition Vessel
Capacity: 90 guests / 50 cabins
Length: 71.8 m / 235 ft
Beam: 13.4 ms / 43 ft
Speed: 10.5 knots
Electricity: 440V – 220V – 110V throughout ship
Engines: 2 Cummins engines KTA 38 – MO of 850 HP each
Fire Detector: Fire detectors throughout
Life Jackets: In each cabin
Life Rafts: 14 (For 27 passengers each)
Landing Boats:6
Owner ETICA (METROPOLITAN TOURING)
Decks: 5
Crew: 60
Naturalist Guides: 8 (Includes Expedition Leader)
Guest-Crew Ratio: 3:2 (3 guests per 2 crew members)
Medial Officer: Permanently on board
Certifications: ABS, SOLAS 74, ISM, ISPS, MARPOL
Panorama Deck: 3 Darwin Suites, 3 Explorer Cabins
Expedition Deck: 17 Explorer Cabins
Horizon Deck: 2 Voyager Cabins, 2 Explorer Family Cabins, 23 Explorer Cabins, infirmary.

Itineraries

Experience the Unparalleled Santa Cruz II Galapagos Expedition Cruise Ship

Step aboard the Santa Cruz II Expedition Cruise Ship for a journey through the enchanting Galapagos Islands, where modernity meets exceptional safety measures. Designed for groups of all sizes, this vessel boasts numerous spacious social areas, offering the flexibility to enjoy serene moments in solitude or engage with fellow travelers at your leisure. Whether you seek terrestrial or aquatic adventures in the Galapagos, such as hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, coastal exploration, or even immersive glass-bottom boat rides, the Santa Cruz II provides an array of experiences to choose from. Complementing these captivating explorations are the ship's exceptional services and exquisite gastronomy, ensuring an unforgettable Galapagos adventure for you and your companions.

Unveil the Santa Cruz II Experience!

Why Choose Santa Cruz II?

The Santa Cruz II Galapagos Expedition Cruise Ship is a modern Expedition Vessel designed for the contemporary explorer. It comes with a host of exceptional advantages, including:

Exclusive Island Visits: With 99% of Galapagos visitor sites not shared with other vessels, your Galapagos tour promises a more personalized and intimate experience.
Small Groups: Boasting an average group size of 11 guests per Galapagos National Park Guide, the Santa Cruz II offers one of the best guide-to-guest ratios in the Galapagos.
Great Coverage: Our Galapagos tours are carefully crafted to provide a well-rounded exploration of each archipelago region, featuring relevant species and must-visit visitor sites.
Carbon Neutral: Preserving the fragile ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands and educating visitors about this archipelago is at the core of our mission. Furthermore, the design and technology of the Santa Cruz II are dedicated to offsetting our cruise's carbon emissions.
Discover the Galapagos: An Unforgettable Journey Awaits

The Santa Cruz II Galapagos Expedition Cruise Ship offers comprehensive travel itineraries in one of the world's most pristine and awe-inspiring destinations. The Galapagos Islands provide unforgettable experiences for those who seek adventure, knowledge, and a profound connection with nature.

Activities & Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands

The Santa Cruz II is undoubtedly the safest and most comprehensive Galapagos Expedition Cruise Ship, offering multiple guides to enhance your exploration. Guests have the opportunity to select from a wide array of Galapagos National Park-approved activities, allowing them to engage with the islands in a variety of ways. This flexibility ensures a truly balanced and rewarding exploration.

Responsible Travel in the Galapagos

Preserving the pristine ecosystem is among our most significant responsibilities. Our Carbon Neutral policy is a vital element of our sustainable tourism practices. We are committed to creating environmentally friendly travel experiences in the Galapagos Islands, implementing consistent waste reduction practices, minimizing our carbon footprint, and purifying our potable water aboard the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise.

Plan Your Galapagos Vacation with Us

Join us for a life-changing adventure as we take you through the captivating Galapagos Islands. Dive into the following exclusive itineraries:

Northern Galapagos Tour - 5 Days (Monday to Friday)
Western Galapagos Tour - 5 Days (Thursday to Monday)
Eastern Galapagos Tour - 7 Days (Friday to Thursday)
**Combined Galapagos Itineraries: Extend your journey for a comprehensive exploration of the Galapagos Islands with our back-to-back ship itinerary. Delve deeper into the archipelago, encounter a multitude of iconic species, and create lasting memories. Consult one of our destination experts for further information!
Explore Our Galapagos Tours

5 Days

Corona del Diablo | Galapagos Islands | South America Travel

Educational 5 Days Boat Trip Galapagos Experience

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Day 1: Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill
Day 2: Isabela Island: Vicente Roca Point & Fenandina Island: Punta Espinoza
Day 3: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station & Highlands

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7 Days