MV Santa Cruz II

Location

The Santa Cruz II takes guests on five- and six-day itineraries in the Northern, Eastern and Western Galápagos Islands. Activities on the islands include daily land expeditions, ocean kayaking, coastal exploration, swimming, snorkelling with sea lions and glass-bottom boat expeditions. All vessels in the Galápagos Islands follow set itineraries around the archipelago; please note that some begin from Baltra Island and others from San Cristobal Island. The vessel is specially built for exploring remote areas, ideal for some of the smaller islands.

Accommodation

The ship sleeps 90 guests in 50 contemporary-designed cabins, located across three decks. Guests can choose from luxuriously appointed single, double or triple cabins. The Darwin Suites offer exclusivity and an exceptional standard of accommodation, in addition to elevated service and luxurious extras, including a tablet loan for each cabin and complimentary soft drinks. Several rooms can be interconnected, with the majority including convertible beds. To ensure a relaxing stay, there are no cabins located at sea level, near engines or generators.

Dining

Creative Ecuadorian and international cuisine are prepared under the watchful and attentive eye of the Santa Cruz II’s Cordon-Bleu trained culinary director, Byron Rivera. Locally grown organic fruit and vegetables and freshly caught seafood and fish feature heavily on the menu, served in the colourful Beagle Dining Room, on the Ocean Deck and al fresco on the Panorama Deck. Barbecues are also frequently held. 

Facilities

Five spacious decks boast modern interiors, created with an ethos of stylish simplicity. Guests are invited to relax in beautifully designed communal areas and viewing platforms, including indoor and outdoor dining options, two lounge bars, a well-stocked library, two indulgent ocean view hot tubs and state of the art gym. The ship also features a gift shop and WiFi is available on board for a charge, but only in the ship’s social areas or at designated computer stations. Due to the Galápagos’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent.

Kayak and snorkelling provisions are available, while there is a glass-bottom boat, as well as panga rides, available to guests. Guided tours are available in small groups, averaging 11 per guide. Each visitor site is almost guaranteed to not be shared with other vessels, resulting in a highly intimate experience. Should the need arise, there are on-board medical facilities, with a qualified Medical Officer, free of charge.