Galápagos Islands - In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)

The Galápagos Islands - In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route) is a 8-night South America cruise aboard MS Santa Cruz II, operated by HX Expeditions. Departing Quito on September 23, 2026, the voyage visits 7 ports.

Length: 8 nights
Departs: Sep 23, 2026
Returns: Oct 1, 2026
Ports of call: 7

Itinerary

Day 1 Sep 23, 2026 Quito Quito, Ecuador's capital, sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m. Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it’s known for its well-preserved colonial center, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral, in the Plaza Grande square, and ultra-ornate Compañia de Jesús Jesuit church. Quito port guide Search cruises visiting Quito

Quito photo — Day 1 Sep 23, 2026 Quito Quito, Ecuador's capital, sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m. Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it’s known for its well-preserved colonial center, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral, in the Plaza Grande square, and ultra-ornate Compañia de Jesús Jesuit church. Quito port guide Search cruises visiting Quito

Day 3 Sep 25, 2026 Baltra, Galapagos Islands During World War II, Baltra served as a U.S. military base protecting the Panama Canal from enemy attack. Now the cactus-strewn landscapes of Baltra are home to the region's main airport and where you will meet the ship. After just a short bus and zodiac ride you will be aboard. Your luggage will be delivered straight to your stateroom, giving you the opportunity to explore the Celebrity Xpedition, a 296-foot mega-yacht and your home for the week. Baltra, Galapagos Islands port guide Search cruises visiting Baltra, Galapagos Islands

Baltra, Galapagos Islands photo — Day 3 Sep 25, 2026 Baltra, Galapagos Islands During World War II, Baltra served as a U.S. military base protecting the Panama Canal from enemy attack. Now the cactus-strewn landscapes of Baltra are home to the region's main airport and where you will meet the ship. After just a short bus and zodiac ride you will be aboard. Your luggage will be delivered straight to your stateroom, giving you the opportunity to explore the Celebrity Xpedition, a 296-foot mega-yacht and your home for the week. Baltra, Galapagos Islands port guide Search cruises visiting Baltra, Galapagos Islands

Day 4 Sep 26, 2026 San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands An impressive tuff cone has been carved by erosion into an outstanding natural sculpture, being a resting place for marine birds such as blue-footed bobbies and brown pelicans. One of the most beautiful white sand beaches of the Galapagos (swim or snorkel). View sea lions, sally lightfooted crabs, blue-footed bobbies. Behind the dunes, you find a coastal lagoon, which was visited in the past by the locals to extract salt, today it is home to some shorebirds such as stilts and plovers. The vegetation (as it is one of the oldest islands) shows some endemic species such as Scalesia incisa (flowering plant) only found on this island.

Galapagos Islands photo — Day 7 Sep 29, 2026 Galapagos Islands The Galápagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It's considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. A province of Ecuador, it lies about 1,000km off its coast. Its isolated terrain shelters a diversity of plant and animal species, many found nowhere else. Charles Darwin visited in 1835, and his observation of Galápagos' species later inspired his theory of evolution. Galapagos Islands port guide Search cruises visiting Galapagos Islands

Day 8 Sep 30, 2026 North Seymour, Galapagos Islands The landing at North Seymour Island is onto black lava rock. After a short climb, visitors arrive on the island’s flat plateau where a number of sea lions nurse pups and frigatebirds nest. The island is dry, and so the predominant tree is the prickly pear cactus favored by the yellow Conolophus land iguanas that live here in number. The undulating terrain is littered with red-brown volcanic boulders and large male Magnificent Frigatebirds can be seen inflating their vivid red gular sacs in hopes of impressing females flying overhead. View less At certain times of the year, pairs of Blue-footed Boobies dance here in a ritualized mating dance that reinforces their pair bond and shows off their vivid blue feet. The snorkeling here is well-known for schools of colorful creole wrasses and parrot fish.

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 90-day span: $6,843 · range $6,843–$6,941

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Price information is not available.

Price history

60 days

Cabin grades

Oceanview

Lowest Oceanview EE Explorer Cabin EH Explorer Cabin EP Explorer Cabin FH Explorer Family Cabin

Suite

Lowest Suite DS Darwin Suite

Lines step between recorded price changes. Plot up to 6 grades at once.

Show all 6 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Explorer Cabin	EE	Oceanview
Explorer Cabin	EH	Oceanview
Explorer Cabin	EP	Oceanview
Explorer Family Cabin	FH	Oceanview
Voyager Single Cabin	VH	Oceanview
Darwin Suite	DS	Suite

Ship

Your ship MS Santa Cruz II 4★ **2,664** GT 90 guests Built **2021** With carbon-neutral operations, MS Santa Cruz II is environmentally-sustainable and socially conscious with the local community. This sleek, spacious ship has a layout that allows you to enjoy your cruise from start to finish. Enjoy delicious food in the elegant restaurant, increase your knowledge of the Galápagos Islands with your fellow travellers in the Science Center or maybe mingle out on the multiple decks. While exploring the Galápagos, you'll have the ability to actively engage in activities and encounters. After a day in Darwin's footsteps, you will enjoy coming home to a casual atmosphere with the best service there is. MS Santa Cruz II's amenities easily appeal to all world explorers. MS Santa Cruz II ship guide Search cruises on MS Santa Cruz II

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