Santa Cruz II, Galapagos yachts and cruises

Location

ex Baltra and San Cristóbal (Galapagos yachts and cruises, Galapagos)

Description

Quick facts - Level: First class | Passengers: 90 | Duration: 4/6 nights | Length: 235 feet | Cruising speed: 10½ knots | Operator: Metropolitan Touring

A spacious cruise ship with 5 decks, many communal areas and viewing platforms, 2 hot tubs, a library, fitness room, infirmary, bar, gift shop and indoor and outdoor dining areas. There is a 'young pirates' programme, making the islands interesting for children.

Departures

Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays

Capacity

90 passengers

Activities

Experienced naturalist guides lead daily island, panga and snorkelling excursions and presentations are given on board. Santa Cruz II carries kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and a glass-bottom boat that can be used at certain sites permitted by the National Park. The use of snorkelling gear is included and wetsuits are available to rent. Downhill biking and walking is offered on Santa Cruz and a 'young pirates' programme is offered for children.

Accommodation

50 spacious cabins spread across 3 decks (Panorama, Expedition and Horizon); most are 'Explorer cabins' which can be double or twin and many are interconnecting. There are also 3 deluxe 'Darwin suites' on the Panaroma deck, and a couple of single cabins and triple cabins (both on the Horizon deck). All cabins are very comfortable with private bathrooms, picture windows and are equipped with a safe and iPod/MP3 docking station.

Santa Cruz II operates a 6 night Eastern Islands cruise (Friday to Thursday), a 4 night Western Islands cruise (Thursday to Monday) and a 4 night Northern Islands cruise (Monday to Friday). They can all be combined for a longer cruise.

Eastern Islands

Day 1 (Friday): Baltra, Isla Mosquera
Day 2: San Cristóbal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Punta Pitt)
Day 3: Sante Fé, Plaza Sur
Day 4: Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Centre)
Day 5: Española (Punta Suárez, Gardner Bay)
Day 6: Santa Cruz (Eden Islet), Seymour Norte
Day 7: Baltra

Western Islands

Day 1 (Thursday): Baltra, Santa Cruz (Cerro Dragón)
Day 2: Isabela (Punta Vicente Roca), Fernandina (Punta Espinosa)
Day 3: Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station)
Day 4: Floreana (Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point, Champion)
Day 5: Baltra

Northern Islands

Day 1 (Monday): Baltra, Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach)
Day 2: Santiago (Buccaneer Cove, Puerto Egas)
Day 3: Rábida, Bartolomé
Day 4: Genovesa (Prince Phillip's Steps, Darwin Bay)
Day 5: San Cristóbal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre)

Expedition Explorer Cabin

17 twin or double cabins on the Expedition deck that can be interconnected to accommodate families and are approximately 15 square metres.

Horizon Explorer Cabin

23 twin or double cabins on the Horizon deck that are approximately 15 square metres and can be interconnected to accommodate families.

Horizon Explorer Family Cabin

2 cabins on the Horizon deck which are suitable for families and are approximately 18 square metres.

Horizon Voyager Single Cabin

2 single cabins on the Horizon deck, measuring 12 square metres.

Panorama Darwin Suite

3 suites (22 square metres) on the Panorama deck with double beds and a living area which can be interconnected with a neighbouring double cabin.

Panorama Explorer Cabin

3 twin or double cabins on the Panorama deck that are approximately 15 square metres.