The 46 cabin M/V Santa Cruz, built exclusively for cruising the Galapagos Islands was completely renovated in 1998, having been redesigned and refurbished inside and out. The Santa Cruz has gained worldwide recognition for its excellent standards, including superb service, expert crew, the most knowledgeable multilingual naturalist/guides and menus that feature the very best international cuisine and celebrated Ecuadorian dishes. Its capacity is for ninety guests.

The Expedition Team consists of a Chief Naturalist and five Naturalist. 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' knowledge. Soon enough, your Naturalist will become the highlight of your voyage. At night, when pitch-dark starry skies are seen, stargazing is an amazing nocturnal activity. The southern skies are beautifully arranged with exuberant constellations.

Day 1 - Friday: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno - San Cristobal Island

Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the MV SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill.

As you navigate the irregular coastline adjacent to Stephen's Bay, an odd-shaped rock called Leon Dormido (Sleeping Lion or Kicker Rock) will delight your first contact with this island. Later, the Expedition Staff will carefully select this afternoon's site for some rewarding wildlife obsrvation. Some of the animal highlights to be encountered include a small sea lion colony, whose shores are also home to many sea birds, including frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. The chosen landing beach will offer a coraline white beach, and a little inland walking may give you a close look at Darwin's Finches, and the island endemic San Cristobal (Chatham) Mockingbird. Lava lizards are also examples of an island endemic species. Great landscape photography. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin sailed and walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. ECO Moment and briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a welcome cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.

Day 2 - Saturday: Gardner Bay - Punta Suarez (Espanola Island)

After breakfast, disembark at Gardner Bay (wet landing) for a short walk along the whitest coral beach you can possibly imagine. As you walk along the sand, the many tractor-like marks is evidence of sea turtle nesting. There is much to do here, and you can observe the sea lions? behavior, mockingbirds, finches, enjoy the beach, snorkel, or ride the glass-bottom boat around nearby islets. Rewarding snorkeling at these locations. Back on board for lunch.

Afternoon outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), and the famous blowhole. Great hike for observing blue-footed boobies, swallowtail gulls, the Hood island mockingbird, red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. For those planning not to walk the entire trail, there will be a dinghy ride arranged along the coastline of Punta Suarez, followed by a very short walk under easy walking conditions. ECO Moment, briefing and dinner.

Day 3 - Sunday: Urbina Bay (Isabela Island) - Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)

Breakfast and disembarkation (wet landing) for a walk at Urbina Bay. This area went through a volcanic uplifting event back in 1954 leaving gaunt marine skeletons, which make the walk remarkably interesting, specially for understanding island colonization. This area is also home to large and very colorful Galápagos land iguanas, and the famous giant tortoises from the population of Alcedo Volcano. Swimming and snorkeling will depend on local sea conditions. Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel, astonishing views of the Galápagos' youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.

The afternoon brings you to the youngest island, Fernandina. First, a dinghy ride to observe Galápagos penguins, as well as flightless cormorants and then disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Snorkeling at this location depends on local sea conditions, and will be announced by the Expedition Staff. Farewell briefing and dinner.

Day 4 - Monday: Baltra

Arrival to Baltra and transfer by bus to the airport for your flight back to the continent.

Please note: Your itinerary is subject to change in the event of weather conditions, seasonal changes, and safety concerns, rerouting of the ship or Galapagos National Park policies.

Your 3-night cruise includes:

• Accommodation on the MV Santa Cruz
• Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee and Migration Control Card
• All meals, island sightseeing, naturalist guides and lecture services

Not Included:

• Gratuities, bar, gifts and additional items
• Wetsuits are now available for rent and a new area on board has been destined for drip drying.