Galapagos “In Darwin's Footsteps" Aboard the HX Santa Cruz II

by Steve Cappa, Senior Expedition Advisor at Cruise Norway

Arrival in Quito January 14, 2026
HX Expeditions includes a 2-night pre-cruise hotel in Quito at the JW Marriott Hotel with their multiple Galapagos itineraries, including my trip In Darwin’s Footsteps. The hotel was in a great downtown location and was a beautiful property. This itinerary included a city tour of Quito and a tour of a chocolate factory, lunch at a restaurant at a volcanic crater, and a visit to the equator monument. Quito was alive, vibrant and entertaining!

Heading to Galapagos
After two amazing nights in Quito, it was time to head to Galapagos. We had an early morning transfer from the hotel to the airport, with an included flight to Baltra, on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Archipelago.

Arrival in Baltra
Upon arrival in Baltra, we were greeted at the airport by our onboard Expedition Team members. They got us all situated and on the coach to the ship. Upon arrival at the pier, we put on a life jacket and boarded a zodiac to the ship. We reached the ship, showed our passports and were given directions to find our cabin for the next week.

My Cabin Onboard
I had an Explorer cabin (window) and it was very comfortable. I had a queen bed (can be separated into two twin beds), a great picture window and a bathroom with a shower. The entire onboard team was amazing! From the dining room staff, to the cabin stewards, to the Expedition Team!

MS Santa Cruz II
The ship MS Santa Cruz II had fantastic facilities as well! The Beagle Restaurant (main dining room) was comfortable and spacious. Meals were all buffet style with many selections for all your included meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). There were also snacks available and a self- service espresso machine on deck 2 in the Science Center. The main bar is located on deck 3 and your fare includes all beverages, with premiums offered for a surcharge. We visited four of the Galapagos Islands during my expedition (Eastern route): Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Espanola and Santa Fe. Our days were long and filled with activities. Glass bottom boat, snorkeling, kayaking, walks and hikes. You can choose to participate in whichever activities you like, as they were all included.

Wildlife!
On my visits to the various islands, I saw everything from blue and red-footed boobies, sea lions, cormorants, giant tortoises, sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, land and marine iguanas, and MANY others. I loved the land wildlife because they have no predators, therefore don’t fear humans.

Farewell……until next time!
My experience with both Galapagos and HX was more than I could’ve imagined. It was a perfect experience, I met new friends and I can’t wait to go back again! “Besides love and sympathy, animals exhibit other qualities connected with the social instincts which in us would be called moral.” - Charles Darwin