THE M/V SANTA CRUZ REFRESHES THE GALÁPAGOS EXPLORATION EXPERIENCE
Our flagship, 90-guest M/V Santa Cruz emerged from its period in dry dock refreshed, revamped and ready to give its passengers an experience of the Galápagos Islands they'll never forget.
Read on for more details!
Underwater discovery
We have added an extra naturalist guide to the crew - an Underwater Naturalist - who will lead guests by the hand during swimming and snorkelling activities, helping them with masks, snorkels and techniques, and we've added new flotation aids, too. We're confident far more of our guests will enjoy the ship's snorkelling activities, revealing another world of wonder in the Galápagos that they might otherwise have missed.
Expedition equipment
In order for guests to get closer and understand more about the islands' marine world, the ship now has a hydrophone for listening to the calls of dolphins and whales, as well as a ‘splashcam' video camera which will let us film these creatures in action underwater from the pangas. To record our guests' fun in the water, our high-quality staff camera has an underwater housing - and photos of the expeditions are always shown on the last night before disembarking. The Santa Cruz also has a spotting scope for improved observation of wildlife.
Family Fun
We believe the M/V Santa Cruz to be the best option for family journeys, so we've reinforced our commitment to giving families precious moments to share, explore, learn and have fun together. As part of every journey, we include:
our "Young Pirates" programme on board with attractive kits full of materials.
kids' meals and times
board games and puzzles in the library
panga rides just for young explorers
an "introduction to snorkeling for kids" time with our extra naturalist
bridge visits with the Captain
interaction with our multimedia tablet.
Santa Cruz Island visits: great alternative activities
We’ve listened to our guests' feedback and have introduced more options for them when visiting Santa Cruz Island. As well as the ´traditional´ visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Mondays and Saturdays), guests can choose from the following activities:
trekking in the highlands
biking downhill to a secluded beach
visiting an organic coffee plantation
walking to Tortuga Bay beach where they can kayak or simply enjoy some down-time.
All of these activities are offered at no additional cost, except for scuba diving.
Refreshed accommodation, dining and relaxing!
We have given the M/V Santa Cruz a stylish make-over, including:
new carpeting throughout the ship
renovations in Reception
new armchairs in the Bar-Salon
renewed décor and furniture in the Dining Room - plus new crockery and cutlery
a revamped library-internet room
new sun loungers on the Sun Deck
In the cabins, many shine with new wallpaper, while we have replaced all the desk tops, swapped curtains for blinds and brought in off-white sheets, pillow cases and blankets to give a lighter, more spacious feel.
Something for everyone
We are confident these changes and innovations will appeal to a wide range of Galápagos travellers: there are options for the active, fun for families, underwater explorations, expedition equipment... something for everyone. Combine these with the crew's deep sense of service and we feel each and every one of the M/V Santa Cruz's guests will return home enriched, revived and inspired.
Our Galapagos Travel Team consists of a Chief Naturalist and five Naturalists. All will delight guests with diverse natural history explanations, superb on-deck talks, and eye-catching lectures regarding natural history issues. Their multimedia presentations and recaps will complement the day's activities. Together with the Captain, they will plan the day's program. They are masters of Galapagos travel. Soon enough, our Naturalists will become the highlight of your voyage on santa cruz galapagos. At night, when pitch-dark starry skies are seen, stargazing is an amazing nocturnal activity. The southern skies are beautifully arranged with exuberant constellations.
4 nights Eastern Galápagos, Saturday to Wednesday Explore San Cristóbal Island’s wildlife, Santa Fe, South Plaza, the Charles Darwin Research Station and activities plus Española’s wonderful sites.
Price from:
3,504.00 USD /
5 nights Western Galápagos, Wednesday to Monday Discover North Seymour, Isabela, Fernandina, Post Office Bay, Floreana and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz.
Price from:
4,381.00 USD /
4,381.00 USD /
4 nights Northern Galápagos, Monday to Friday Enjoy the wonders of Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island, Rábida’s Red Beach, amazing Bartolomé and the beauty of wild Genovesa Island.
Price from:
3,504.00 USD /
On the M/V Santa Cruz Boat Deck, there are two master suites with double beds (plus a sofa bed for a child) and a private balcony, and two junior suites with twin beds (plus a sofa bed for a child). Six Superior-Class cabins have twin or double beds, that together with the remaining Standard Cabins on the Upper and Main decks offer a variety of accommodations, all meeting the same high standard for comfort and style. Family guests have ample choice among single, double and triple accommodations.
The M/V Santa Cruz Sun Deck features a bar and Jacuzzi, along with the observation platform for dolphin and whale watching. The dining room, lounge and bar are elegantly appointed, as is the well-stocked library/reading room. As an alternative to snorkeling, the glass-bottom boat offers another opportunity to observe the marine life.
The entire ship is air-conditioned. A carefully planned santa cruz galapagos itinerary includes the Galapagos' main highlights plus a flexible program allowing guests to enjoy several alternatives for their daily activities. In essence, an expedition to the best National Park, aboard the only ship exclusively built for exploring the Galapagos.
Electricity : 110 Volts in the cabins with 220 Volt sockets available in Reception and Dining area.
Engines : 2 Sulzer engines, 1620 BHP each
Navigation : Gyrocompass, auto pilot, radar, echo-sounders,
Equipment : GPS and Radio Director Finder
Safety Classification : ABS classification +A1E + AMS #7907 853 SOLAS (safety of life at sea) ISM certificate Complying with the IMO resolution A.788(19) Automatic fire controls
Life Jackets : In each cabin
Lifeboats : Two 66-man, two 25-man,
Life Rafts : Two 16-man, two 10-man
Zodiacs : 5 for ship to shore transportation
Boston Whaler : 1 with glass-bottom with for underwater observation
Fundación Galápagos has been chosen by Coca Cola to participate in the campaign “Every bottle has a story” for its commitment to making a positive difference to the Islands
Metropolitan Touring is one of South America’s most known and respected travel companies, providing unrivalled service to our guests for nearly 60 years. Along with our operations in Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Chile and Colombia, we also own and operate the finest ships for Galapagos Island cruises - the M/V Santa Cruz, Yacht Isabella II and Yacht La Pinta - as well as the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. Come explore with us!
We take immense pride in our Galapagos cruise explorations, during which our guests experience the ever-changing ecological paradise of the islands. Our Galapagos cruises provide opportunities to walk, swim, snorkel, photograph and observe the archipelago’s amazing wildlife in the company of expert naturalist guides. Our Galapagos cruises are characterized by the highest standards of comfort, cuisine and service on board, combining these elements to provide solo-travelers, families and small groups with an unforgettable exploration of ‘the enchanted isles.’
So, pack your bags and come explore with us for a Galapagos cruise of a lifetime!
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4 nights Eastern Galápagos, Saturday to Wednesday
5 nights Western Galápagos, Wednesday to Monday
4 nights Northern Galápagos, Monday to Friday
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