Santa Cruz II

Santa Cruz II is an intimate expedition cruise ship operating throughout the remote Galápagos Islands, accommodating up to ninety guests across fifty well-appointed staterooms distributed evenly across three passenger decks. Originally constructed in two thousand two under the name Mare Australis, the vessel was acquired by Metropolitan Touring in twenty fourteen, underwent an extensive drydock refurbishment in twenty fifteen, and entered a full-time charter arrangement with HX Expeditions in twenty twenty-two.

Resembling a mega-yacht in both scale and layout, the small cruise ship prioritizes destination immersion and environmental connection over traditional high-density onboard entertainment features. Daily landings and coastal explorations are overseen by an experienced Expedition Leader and a dedicated team of seven certified wildlife experts who lead small group excursions across sensitive island ecosystems.

Guests participate in an array of complimentary outdoor activities designed to showcase local marine habitats, including glass-bottom boat excursions, guided snorkeling sessions, open-water swimming, and sea kayaking along pristine coastal inlets. Onboard spaces cater directly to active expedition routines, offering comfortable briefing lounges where naturalists deliver daily educational presentations regarding local geology, conservation efforts, and endemic animal species.

Stateroom accommodations span the Horizon, Expedition, and Panorama decks, providing flexible layout options that range from triple and double cabins to dedicated single occupancy rooms and premium oceanview suites. The interior architecture intentionally reduces barriers between travelers and the surrounding natural world, replacing formal dining halls and large show lounges with relaxed communal spaces and functional gear preparation areas.

The modern vessel replaced its long-serving predecessor, Santa Cruz I, which completed thirty-six years of continuous expedition service throughout the archipelago before the transition. Operating year-round itineraries departing directly from Baltra Island as its primary homeport, the cruise ship offers extraordinary access to isolated equatorial island environments and thriving wildlife populations.

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