Discover the Magic of the Galápagos Aboard Santa Cruz II | Travel News

The Galápagos Islands are frequently referred to as one of the world's most remarkable places; a living laboratory with flora and fauna in synchrony and largely unaffected by people. Visitors to the islands experience wildlife encounters that are unmatched with animals roaming free of obligation, appearing completely unafraid, and it can definitely seem like another planet.

A Different World

Visiting the Galápagos archipelago and sailing aboard the Santa Cruz II is an entirely different way to see this special place. The Santa Cruz II was first built in 2002 and refurbished in 2021; a sleek, 90-passenger ship that provides a unique, modern, and comfortable environment ashore for adventures.

 

The ship sails north, east, and west of the islands, allowing guests to experience volcanic landscapes, sheer cliffs, awe-inspiring beaches that are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and although they are volcanic, the islands have distinct features. There is a geological age range that contains the youngest of on the islands of just 400,000 years to more than seven million years.

Extraordinary Wildlife

The Galápagos are famous throughout the world for the unique biodiversity found in the island system. Approximately 80% of land birds, and 97% of reptiles and land mammals are not found anywhere else. This includes the iconic species like giant tortoise, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorant, albatross, sea lions, hawks, and the famously, blue-footed booby. Wildlife is prevalent throughout the islands, even still, some species are found in some locations, which makes every landing a little different and special.

Immersive Excursions

The fun goes well beyond the ship. There are many included activities, that that include onboard nature walks, short excursions in kayaks, snorkeling, experienced paddle boarding, glass-bottom boat rides, and short Zodiac expeditions to land. Excursions have small groups of guests that allow better intimacy and the opportunity for each guest to relax and for find narrative insights.

Learning at Sea

Education is a feature of every voyage. Either onboard lectures and evening discussion or both are part of the learning component and provide fascinating insight to what it is that semblance of life within ecology, and geology of the islands. And, an opportunity to participate in Citizen Science, where guests can provide data regarding birdlife, marine aspects, or even weather patterns, to ongoing research.

Comfort and Relaxation

After a day's adventure, the Santa Cruz II provides the ultimate setting for rest and relaxation in 50 ocean-view cabins and suites with an attractive Norwegian or Scandinavian design but connected to the whole of the environment outside of the ship.

Dining is another experience where guests can enjoy fresh ingredients and flavors of Ecuador in the Beagle Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that arranged to be buffet for the mornings and lunch and dinner that is at a 5-star financed location for dinner. They are all aesthetically pleasing, causal, aroma inviting, and flavorful.

The Santa Cruz II is all inclusive so very little requires attention other than to revel in the experience. Foods and drinks that grow from the islands, liquor, excursions, and even expedition gear or a digital photo album. So guests do not have to bone up on archipelagos, bring sea year stuff; they can focus on a great experience.