Purpose-built for the Galápagos, MS Santa Cruz II blends expedition capability with relaxed comfort, offering an immersive way to explore the islands with expert guidance and minimal footprint.
- Guests
- 90 Guests
- ~40 Crew
- Length
- 72 meters
- 236 ft
- Beam
- 13.4 meters
- 44 ft
- Built
- 2002
- Refit in 2021
- All-Inclusive
- Experiential Learning Adventure
- High staff-to-guest ratio
- Wildlife Encounters
The MS Santa Cruz II is designed specifically for exploration in the Galápagos, prioritizing access, education, and environmental responsibility over unnecessary excess. With a layout optimized for daily landings and Zodiac excursions, the ship allows guests to spend more time ashore and in the water—where the real magic of the Galápagos happens. Small group sizes and efficient expedition operations ensure a smooth, well-paced experience across multiple islands.
Onboard, the atmosphere is welcoming and understated, with comfortable cabins, open deck spaces, and inviting social areas that encourage reflection after each day’s discoveries. Floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor observation decks keep the focus on the landscape, while dining and lounge spaces provide a relaxed setting to connect with fellow travelers and the expedition team.
What truly sets Santa Cruz II apart is its expert-led programming. HX Expeditions’ naturalists and guides bring deep scientific knowledge and storytelling to every landing, helping guests understand not just what they’re seeing, but why it matters. The result is a Galápagos voyage that feels authentic, educational, and deeply connected to the islands—perfect for travelers who value meaningful exploration over traditional cruising.
Our Take
The Santa Cruz II is the most reliable “Expedition-First” ship in the Galápagos for active families. We love this vessel for its incredible sense of space; it’s a 90-guest ship that feels much larger due to its wide-open communal decks. It provides a vibrant, high-energy environment where the focus is on constant movement and discovery. It is the definitive “Basecamp” for the archipelago.
What Stood Out
- The Naturalist Ratio: Because the ship is operated by the pioneers of Galápagos tourism (Metropolitan Touring), the depth of knowledge is unmatched. They have access to the best trails and the most experienced scouts in the park and they made the experience absolutely flawless.
- Sky Deck Stargazing: After the sun sets, the top deck becomes a silent observation post. With zero light pollution and high-end telescopes, it is the best place to scout the equatorial constellations.
Who It’s Perfect For
- Active Families: If you have children who need room to roam and a dedicated “Expedition Crew” to keep them engaged with the science of the islands.
- Social Travelers: Those who enjoy meeting other global explorers in the Panorama Bar at the end of a long day of hiking and snorkeling.
On board + on site
What makes MS Santa Cruz II the ship
Beagle Restaurant
An incredible dining experience
The MS Santa Cruz II has a team of trained staff members that utilize locally-sourced organic food to prepare every dish. This ship provides a Le Cordon Bleu (a trained Gastronomy Director) and a wide variety of culinary experiences that encompass all diets and preferences. Each and every meal served onboard is exquisite.
Expedition Lounge + Science Library
Education, built into the experience
Facing the front of the ship, the Expedition Lounge – complete with a refreshment station and library – is a fantastic place to admire the beauty of the Galápagos’ Islands from inside. The Science Corner includes a glass cabinet, a microscope and a whale vertebrae clone, a perfect learning zone about our science activities.
Panorama Bar & Lounge
Adventure, meet relaxation
This large and well-lit area is not only the main bar, but also the place where most ship events will take place (welcome and farewell cocktail), and doubles as an ideal place for lectures. It’s the ideal site to chill and relax with Wi-Fi hot spot and direct access to our al fresco terrace.
Hot Tubs
Even more time in the water
For a nice relaxing time after off-ship exploration, take a relaxing dip in one of two hot tubs with capacity for 5 guests each. Located on the aft Expedition deck.
Sky Deck
The best seats in the house
The Sky deck offers spaces where guests can relax and enjoy their Galápagos expeditions basking in the sun at the very top of the ship. The sun deck and fitness room are located here.
Fitness Center
The evolution of exercise
The fitness center is equipped with yoga mats, set of weights, 2 treadmills, 2 stationary bikes, and an elliptical trainer for those guests who do not want to let their routine slide.
Cabins + suites
Where you'll sleep.
Darwin Suites
30.3 m² (326 ft²)
With two large windows, enjoy superb views in premium comfort in these spacious suites featuring double beds that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking, as well as a sofa bed suitable for a child under the age of 12. If more space is needed, these rooms can be interconnected with an Explorer cabin. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a safe, and USA two-pin plug sockets.
Explorer Cabins
14-17.2 m² (151-185 ft²) / 2-3 Guests
With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring. They feature two twin beds or one double bed (+ sofa bed in Explorer Family Cabins), and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets.
Our walkthrough
MS Santa Cruz II on film
9-Day Galápagos Islands Cruise with HX Expeditions
Our bucket-list journey to the Galápagos Islands—from Quito to island-hopping aboard HX Santa Cruz II, wildlife everywhere.
Episode notes + more filmsGallery
Signature itineraries
Trips that stay here.
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