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Cruise Club Giveaway november 2023
Valued at $20,806

Return Trip
Return
trip
Duration
8
Nights
Days at Sea
0
Sea Days
Ports
16
Ports
Countries Visted
1
Countries

Expedition to the Galápagos Islands with Hurtigruten

Draw No. 27     Opens: 31 Oct 2023    Closes: 30 Nov 2023    Drawn: 5 Dec 2023

Cruise Details:

Departure: 6 February 2025
Nights: 8 nights
Departs: Isla Baltra
Returns: Isla Baltra

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable voyage through the pristine waters of the Galápagos archipelago, a place that Charles Darwin famously referred to as a "living laboratory of evolution." Here, you'll have the chance to witness some of the world's most unique and captivating wildlife, from ancient giant tortoises to colourful marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions. It's a place where nature's wonders unfold before your eyes like nowhere else on Earth.

Your Galápagos experience is made even more enriching by our team of expert naturalists and guides. Their deep knowledge and passion for the islands will enhance your understanding of this unique ecosystem, providing insights into the remarkable wildlife and geological wonders that make the Galapagos a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Every day aboard the MS Santa Cruz II brings new adventures. Snorkel in crystalline waters teeming with marine life, hike through otherworldly landscapes, and kayak along rugged coastlines. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or a first-time explorer, there's an activity that will leave you awestruck and inspired.

 

Includes:

Galápagos Islands expedition cruise with Hurtigruten
7 night cruise onboard MS Santa Cruz II for 2 people
Package commences 4 February 2025

• $3500 per person International air credit
• Economy class flights between Quito and Baltra, and Baltra and Quito, including all taxes
• 2 night pre cruise hotel stay in Quito including breakfast
• Transfers from hotel to airport in Quito plus airport to ship in Baltra
• Full day excursion in Historic Quito & Middle of the World including lunch
• Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee
• Access to the airport lounge at the Quito airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation
• 7 night expedition cruise on MS Santa Cruz II in an Explorer Cabin twin share

Cruise includes:

All meals and selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meal times
Complimentary tea and coffee
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
Complimentary reusable water bottle
English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
Complimentary wetsuit rental and loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities 
Welcome and farewell cocktails

The Galápagos Islands are a place where time seems to stand still, and the wonders of nature take centre stage. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply someone seeking a profound connection with the natural world, the MS Santa Cruz II and Hurtigruten look forward to welcoming our Clean Cruising Club prize winner on this extraordinary voyage of discovery.

Prepare to be amazed, inspired, and forever changed by the magic of the Galápagos.

Plus more chances to win:

2nd PRIZE - $1000 Clean Cruising Gift Voucher
3rd PRIZE - $500 Clean Cruising Gift Voucher

View full competition Terms and Conditions

ACT permit – TP 23/02043, NSW permit – TP/01249 , SA permit –T23/1580

MS Santa Cruz II Hurtigruten Expeditions logo

EXPLORER 8 Days in GALAPAGOS

Ports of call

To find out more about the itinerary for this cruise, select the itinerary items below.

Day Date Port of Call Arrival Departure
1 Thursday, February 6, 2025 Isla Baltra, Ecuador Embark 2:00 PM
View of Isla Baltra, Ecuador

Isla Baltra is a small island in the Galapagos Archipelago of Ecuador. It is used by the Ecuadorian government as a military base, as well as by tourists. On boat trips look out for dolphins, whales and sharks, while accompanied by playful sea lions. Most tourism is concentrated along the waterfront where there is a range of restaurants and stores. Read more about Isla Baltra, Ecuador

2 Thursday, February 6, 2025 Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz, Ecuador 3:30 PM 8:30 PM
View of Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz, Ecuador

Dragon Hill - Cerro Dragón - is on the NW coast of Santa Cruz, an island in the Galápagos archipelago, Ecuador. Lying one kilometre inland, it rises symmetrically to a point 120 m high. It is so named because it is inhabited by many sizeable land iguanas – yellow, brown and orange. Indeed, there are both land and sea iguanas. Read more about Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz, Ecuador

3 Friday, February 7, 2025 Punta Vicente Roca, Ecuador 7:00 AM 12:30 PM

Punta Vicente Roca is a well-known geographical feature in the Galápagos Islands, which are part of Ecuador. Specifically, Punta Vicente Roca is located on the northwestern coast of Isabela Island, one of the largest islands in the Galápagos archipelago. This area is known for its stunning landscapes, including dramatic cliffs, clear waters, and a unique blend of wildlife, making it a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts. Read more about Punta Vicente Roca, Ecuador

4 Friday, February 7, 2025 Isla Fernandina, Ecuador 2:00 PM 6:15 PM

Isla Fernandina is the third largest and youngest island of the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador. It is in fact an active shield volcano that has been erupting since 2009, and consequently has a mostly rocky surface and does not have much plant life apart from the mangrove forests. Punta Espinoza is a narrow stretch of land where hundreds of marine iguanas gather in large groups on black lava rocks that seem to be moving. The Marine Iguanas are excellent swimmers that can stay submerged for over an hour, and are found only on this island and simply cover the area. Read more about Isla Fernandina, Ecuador

5 Saturday, February 8, 2025 Puerto Ayora, Ecuador 8:15 PM 2:45 AM
View of Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

Puerto Ayora is on the island of Santa Cruz centrally located in the Galapagos Archipelago of Ecuador. While small enough to explore by foot, there are taxis to assist with travel. There are also water taxis that enable visitors to look out for dolphins, whales and sharks, while they are surrounded by playful sea lions. Most tourism is concentrated along the waterfront where there is a range of restaurants and stores. Read more about Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

6 Saturday, February 8, 2025 Post Office Bay, Ecuador 6:00 AM 11:40 AM
7 Saturday, February 8, 2025 Champion Islet, Ecuador 12:00 PM 3:30 PM
8 Sunday, February 9, 2025 Punta Cormorant, Ecuador 4:00 PM 11:30 PM
9 Monday, February 10, 2025 Isla Baltra, Ecuador 9:00 AM 2:50 PM
View of Isla Baltra, Ecuador

Isla Baltra is a small island in the Galapagos Archipelago of Ecuador. It is used by the Ecuadorian government as a military base, as well as by tourists. On boat trips look out for dolphins, whales and sharks, while accompanied by playful sea lions. Most tourism is concentrated along the waterfront where there is a range of restaurants and stores. Read more about Isla Baltra, Ecuador

10 Tuesday, February 11, 2025 Las Bachas, Ecuador 3:20 PM 2:15 AM
View of Las Bachas, Ecuador

The visitor site Las Bachas is located in northern part of Santa Cruz Island. It consists of two beaches that have a combined length of about 1 km. The visitor site includes the landing beach, and the beach continues to the remains of a floating dock abandoned by American soldiers in World War II. In fact, “bachas” is a poor pronunciation of “barges,” two of which were wrecked offshore at that time. Read more about Las Bachas, Ecuador

11 Tuesday, February 11, 2025 Isabela Island (Caleta Tagus), Ecuador 6:00 AM 12:40 PM
View of Isabela Island (Caleta Tagus), Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are located across the Equator in the eastern Pacific Ocean, 973 km off the west coast of South America. The closest land mass is that of mainland Ecuador, the country to which they belong. The largest of the islands, Isabela - aka Caleta Tagus - with an area of 827 sq.km. makes up close to ¾ of the total land area of the island group. Read more about Isabela Island (Caleta Tagus), Ecuador

12 Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Puerto Egas, Ecuador 1:20 PM 4:15 AM
View of Puerto Egas, Ecuador

Puerto Egas is one of the most popular sites in the Galápagos archipelago of Ecuador and lies south of James Bay on the island of Santiago. The island consists of two overlapping volcanoes, the tallest of which has a height of 907m. Due to great volcanic activity in the past, it has a fantastic black sand beach. At the southern end of James Bay is Puerto Egas where two separate trails take off, the first along the coast to the fur seal grottos and the second inland to the Salt Mine Volcano, named after its owner Dario Egas. Read more about Puerto Egas, Ecuador

13 Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Isla Rábida, Ecuador 6:00 AM 12:00 PM
View of Isla Rábida, Ecuador

Rábida Island is tiny island just off the southern coast of Santiago Island in the Galápagos Islands. These are a remote archipelago of equatorial volcanic islands situated in the eastern Pacific Ocean, about 955 km west of mainland Ecuador, of which they are a province. Sitting 4.5 km to the south of Santiago Island, Rábida Island is one of the most volcanically varied islands in the archipelago. Originally named for the 18th-century British admiral John Jervis, the island’s official Ecuadorian name is Isla Rábida, named after the convent of Rábida, where Columbus left his son during his voyage to the Americas. Read more about Isla Rábida, Ecuador

14 Thursday, February 13, 2025 Isla Bartolome, Ecuador 2:00 PM 1:15 AM
View of Isla Bartolome, Ecuador

Isla Bartolome is an islet and one of the younger islands in the Galápagos archipelago (Ecuador) that lies just off the east coast of Santiago Island. It consists of an extinct volcano and a variety of red, orange, green, and glistening black volcanic formations that result in some truly delightful landscapes. The volcanic cone is easy to climb and provides great views of the other islands. Pinnacle Rock - one of the most recognised landmarks in the Galápagos – is surrounded by two perfect golden beaches. Read more about Isla Bartolome, Ecuador

15 Thursday, February 13, 2025 Prince Philip Steps, Ecuador 6:30 AM 11:59 PM
16 Friday, February 14, 2025 Darwin Bay(Genovesa), Ecuador 12:00 AM 1:15 AM
17 Friday, February 14, 2025 Itabaca Channel, Ecuador 6:30 AM 8:00 AM
18 Friday, February 14, 2025 Isla Baltra, Ecuador 9:00 AM Disembark
View of Isla Baltra, Ecuador

Isla Baltra is a small island in the Galapagos Archipelago of Ecuador. It is used by the Ecuadorian government as a military base, as well as by tourists. On boat trips look out for dolphins, whales and sharks, while accompanied by playful sea lions. Most tourism is concentrated along the waterfront where there is a range of restaurants and stores. Read more about Isla Baltra, Ecuador