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ABOUT THE NEW SANTA CRUZ II


Scheduled to take up the baton from its legendary predecessor, the MV Santa Cruz, on 5th October 2015, the 50-cabin Santa Cruz II will bring with it a chic new way to explore the wonders of the Galápagos Islands in style and comfort. The new boat will offer guests the unrivalled guiding Metropolitan Touring is famous for while ensuring the utmost care is taken to preserve the islands’ delicate ecosystem via the latest in sustainable sailing technologies.

The Santa Cruz II will boast five spacious decks, with modern interiors designed by renowned ship designer, Richard Nilsson. Created with the ethos of stylish simplicity at its heart, the new boat will ensure sumptuous surroundings from which to take in the magnificent vistas of the enchanted islands.

The new boat will sleep 90 guests in 50 contemporary designed cabins across three decks. Guests can choose from luxuriously appointed single, double and triple cabins, or opt for one of the three even more exclusive Darwin Suites, an exceptional standard of accommodation on the Panorama Deck, where guests will receive elevated service and carefully refined extras such as a take-home Galápagos coffee table book, a tablet loan for each cabin.

While aboard the new Santa Cruz II, guests can relax in the 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 a state of the art gym.

Creative Ecuadorian and international cuisine will be prepared under the watchful eye of the Santa Cruz II’s Cordon-Bleu trained gastronomic director, Byron Rivera. Freshly caught fish and seafood and locally grown organic fruit and vegetables will feature heavily on menus served in the colorful Beagle Dining Room and al fresco on the Panorama Deck.

The Santa Cruz II will take guests on four, five and nine night itineraries in the Northern, Eastern and Western Galápagos Islands and each expedition will be accompanied by seven  exceptionally knowledgeable guides plus an expedition leader in charge of making the most of each day's outings. Activities can be tailored to each guest’s personal interests and range from daily land expeditions to a host of aquatic activities, including ocean kayaking, snorkeling with sea lions and glass bottom boat expeditions – all of the options permitted by the Galápagos National Park.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITINERARIES  Santa Cruz II

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS EASTERN ISLANDS Saturday to Wednesday

DAY 1 SAT QUITO-GALAPAGOS
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the Santa Cruz, anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands. Cabin assignment, introductory talk, boat drill and lunch.
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)
In the afternoon, Punta Pitt, on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island awaits! An eroded tuff cone whose trail provides spectacular views of the shoreline, this is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together. We can enjoy a panga ride along the coast and some time for snorkelling or swimming.

DAY 2 SUN. GALAPAGOS
Santa Fe Island
After breakfast, we take the panga over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by many sea lions. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the morning walk amid the giant prickly pear cactus. Snorkelling and swimming from the panga rounds off our rewarding experience, or if guests prefer, the glass-bottom boat provides an incredible view for non-snorkelers.
South Plaza Island
Following lunch and a rest, we disembark in this channel, whose turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. Beyond, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for prickly-pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 MON. GALAPAGOS
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing) for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station's giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. This station is the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park’s administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the midday and afternoon (hiking, mountain biking or kayaking in Tortuga Bay), which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. At the end of the afternoon's activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.  (B,L,D)

DAY 4 TUE GALAPAGOS
Punta Suarez (Española Island)
An exciting walk awaits at this site, where we enjoy its unique sea bird colonies, including waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tail gulls as well as a view of the Galapagos’ famous "blow-hole". Also, look out for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the afternoon, the picture-postcard white coral beach of Gardner Bay provides a beautiful setting for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, finches as we relax. We can expect great snorkelling in this area. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 WED GALAPAGOS-QUITO- BALTRA ISLAND
After breakfast, departure to the port and airport to take the flight back to the mainland.   (B)

5 DAYS /4 NIGHTS NORTHERN ISLANDS -Monday to Friday

DAY 1 MON. QUITO-GALAPAGOS (Northern Island Itinerary)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Galapagos.Morning arrival to Baltra Island, immediate transfer to the dock to board the new M/V SantaCruz II. Welcome introductory briefing and lunch.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
After WWII, US military barges were beached andabandoned here. Locals referred to the beach asthe barges beach, a name that morphed to “bachas”. Today it is an important nesting areafor the east Pacific green sea turtle. Locatedon the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is aglorious white beach, with several brackishlagoons only a few steps away from the sea.These lagoons are the feeding grounds of variouswading birds, from stilts to flamingos. Briefingand dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 2 TUE. GALAPAGOS
Espumilla Beach (James Island)
After breakfast, a wet landing on the largecoffee-coloured sand beach, just north of theprized fresh water supply that once attractedpirates and whalers. Galápagos Islands visitorswho today come to Espumilla Beach arrive insearch of birds rather than water. A short walkinland takes guests through a mangrove forest.Sea Turtles also visit these mangroves to nest.Beyond the mangroves lies a brackish lagoonwhere flocks of pink flamingos and white cheekedpintails can be seen. Lunch on board.
PuertoEgas (James Island)
Wet landing for a mid-length walk. Most ofthe landscape is tuff-stone layers and lavaflows. This is a great opportunity to see landand marine birds. At low tide, marineiguanas graze upon the algae beds and there is acolony of fur-sea lions. Opportunity forsnorkelling and swimming from the beach afterthe walk, or a ride on the glass-bottom boat.Briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 WED. GALAPAGOS
Rábida Island (Jervis) Disembark at Rábida Island (wet landing) on ared-coloured beach, due to the unusually highcontent of iron in the volcanic material. Agratifying stroll along the beach of this smallisland (1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of alarge colony of sea lions, marine iguanas,mockingbirds, yellow warblers and severalspecies of Darwin’s finches. Very close to thebeach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush,is a salt pond where at times greater flamingosmigrate. This is a great place to snorkel fromthe beach, both for beginners as well as forexperienced snorkelers, due to the uniquecombination of underwater species and submarinelandscapes. During navigation to our nextisland, dolphins are often spotted. Lunch onboard.
Bartolomé Island Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) fora hike to the summit. A great way to start theday! This is a steep climb aided by a woodenstaircase with handrails; the view from the topis worth the effort. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, thentime to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and somesnorkelling, possibly with Galápagos penguins,or else a ride in the glass-bottom boat forgreat views of the underwater world. Briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 THU. GALAPAGOS
Prince Philip's Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island) The morning starts with a very interesting pangaride along the cliffs and then disembark (drylanding) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) upsome stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, theland is flat, allowing for a stimulating walk ofabout a mile to the other side of this smallisland, observing large colonies of maskedboobies, frigate birds and storm petrels. Thosenot wishing to disembark can enjoy a longerpanga ride along the cliffs (depending onweather conditions). Lunch on board.
Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island) In the afternoon, a wet landing for an easystroll observing thousands of birds, mainlyfrigate birds, red footed and masked boobies,gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds.Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrainfor dramatic views, or else return to the beachto enjoy swimming and snorkelling at thisbeautiful natural harbour. The more adventurouscan snorkel along the cliffs. Briefing anddinner. (B,L,D)
Galapagos tours for 2020
Day 5 FRI. GALAPAGOS-QUITO-or Guayaquil
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal (Chatham)Island) After breakfast, departure to the port andairport to take the flight back to the mainland.(B)



5 Days / 4 Nights Western Galapagos Itinerary, Thursday to Monday

Day 1: Thursday
Baltra Island
We arrive by plane at Baltra Island and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II where we receive our welcome introductory briefing, boat drill and lunch.
Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). The first part of our walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks and American flamingos, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas.

Day 2: Friday
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
After breakfast, we explore the coast by panga, while our naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, a nesting place for several Galapagos highlights: flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, boobies, etc. Depending on weather conditions, we can snorkel along the cliffs of this area rich in marine life, seasonally-visited by green sea turtles and oceanic sun fish (Mola Mola)
Punta Espinoza (Isabela Island)
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina, which, having no introduced mammals, boasts a very unique environment with a very high density of marine iguanas, who share their space with sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorants.

Day 3: Saturday
Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing followed by a brief bus ride) for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. Options include beach walks, kayaks, walks along the tortoise reserve, etc. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.

Day 4: Sunday
Baroness Tower & Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
After breakfast, panga ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore can be enjoyed. We follow this visit by continuing to Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views of Floreana. We land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries and where postcards are traditionally left for guests from other vessels to hand-deliver to their destinations. Snorkeling off the beach. We then head back on board for lunch.
Champion Islet & Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Following lunch and a siesta, we take the pangas and glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, regarded as one of the best snorkelling spots in the archipelago. From there, it’s on to Punta Cormorant, beginning with a wet landing on the olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish-water lagoon where bird species such as American flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others gather. We continue our walk over to a white-sand beach, where sea turtles emerge from the sea at night to nest (from December to May).

Day 5: Monday
Baltra Island
We disembark at Baltra Island in order to transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.

7 days / 6 nights Eastern Galapagos Itinerary, Friday to Thursday

Day 1: Friday
Baltra Island
We land at Baltra Island by plane in the morning and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II, where we receive a welcome introductory briefing, boat drill and lunch
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
This beautiful visitor site is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, a glorious white beach with a couple of brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. You may enjoy swimming and or snorkeling at this beach too. Welcome cocktail, expedition plan for Tuesday and dinner.

Day 2: Saturday
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
After breakfast, we disembark (dry landing) at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island’s capital, and drive 40 minutes to the island’s southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the breeding centre for highly endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristobal mockingbird, and the San Cristobal lava lizard, both island endemics.
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)
In the afternoon, we disembark (wet landing) on the eastern tip of the island at Punta Pitt, an eroded tuff cone, whose trail provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together. We can walk or enjoy a panga ride along the coast. Opportunity for snorkelling, swimming and kayaking.

Day 3: Sunday
Santa Fe Island
After breakfast, we take the dinghy over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by many sea lions (wet landing). The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the morning walk amid the giant prickly pear cactus. Snorkeling and swimming from the panga rounds off our rewarding experience, or if guests prefer, the glass bottom boat is available for non-snorkelers.
South Plaza Island
Following lunch and a rest, we disembark (dry landing) in this channel, whose turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. Beyond, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide, playing with the thermals.

Day 4: Monday
Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing) for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.

Day 5: Tuesday
Punta Suarez (Española Island)
(Dry landing) – An exciting walk awaits at this site, where we enjoy its unique sea bird colonies, including albatross (April-December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls as well as a view of the Galapagos’ famous “blow-hole”. Also, look out for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
Gardner Bay & Osborn Islet (Española Island)
(Wet landing) In the afternoon, the picture-postcard white coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby islet of Osborn provides a beautiful setting for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches as we relax. We can expect great snorkelling in this area. Opportunity for swimming and kayaking as well.

Day 6: Wednesday
Eden Islet
After breakfast, a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, a small islet located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather condition permits, ride in the glass-bottom boat and kayak.
North Seymour Island
North Seymour was lifted from the ocean floor by a volcanic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing (dry landing), usually without leaves, waiting for the rains to burst into bloom. This is a great introductory site to the islands and their wildlife, full of bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, two species of frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas.

Day 7: Thursday
Baltra Airport
On our last day, we disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent.

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