Galápagos Islands adventure: In Darwin’s footsteps

By AG STAFF October 18, 2021
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Join us on a small ship expedition to the remote archipelagos.

Australian Geographic and Hurtigruten Expeditions have partnered to offer you this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Join us on a journey of ecological discovery as we go from Quito, Ecuador, in Charles Darwin’s footsteps to experience the natural wonders of the incomparable Galápagos Islands.

All Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises to Galápagos are carbon neutral and guests will contribute directly to the protection of biodiverse forests in north-western Ecuador, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Hosted by Chrissie Goldrick, Editor-in-Chief of Australian Geographic and member of the Advisory Council of the Australian Geographic Society.

Departures & Fares 

Departs 31 August 2022 aboard small ship MS Santa Cruz II.

From $9989/ per person twin share 

Expedition Highlights

  • Hosted by Chrissie Goldrick, Editor-in-Chief of Australian Geographic and member of the Advisory Council of the Australian Geographic Society
  • Additional inclusions and exclusives for Australian Geographic travellers
  • Full day Nature Tour to Cotopaxi National Park, including lunch
  • Landings, hikes, coastal exploration, and activities including kayaking, snorkelling, and our glass-bottom boat   
  • Accompanied by Hurtigruten Expeditions’ expert Expedition Team
  • Citizen Science program allowing you to assist with live scientific research
  • Use of the ship’s Science Centre.

Itinerary10 days 

Begin your adventure with two nights in Quito, one of South America’s most charming capitals. From here we’ll pay a visit to an active volcano, go on a nature walk in stunning surroundings, and experience a vibrant open-air market.  

We fly to the Galápagos to embark MS Santa Cruz II – our comfortable and stylish expedition vessel for remote adventures. Here, Charles Darwin discovered that several species, including tortoises and land iguanas, evolved differently depending on their habitat. On this science-oriented expedition, we’ll be learning about Darwin’s discoveries and making a few of our own.  

You’ll get closer to the natural wonders with the use of our small expedition boats, kayaks, snorkelling gear and paddleboards. With safety and sustainability always at the core of our operations, and our aim is to leave the smallest footprint behind wherever we go.  

Find out more: Contact Hurtigruten or phone 1300 322 062.

Your Expert Team

Expedition Team in Galápagos

Your Expedition Team is the most recent link in a chain of experts with many years of experience exploring the Galápagos Islands. They’ll give in-depth lectures on a variety of topics to enhance your learning. The subjects chosen are specific to where you are on your cruise and will teach you about the Galápagos Islands, their wildlife, and current conservation efforts. Our expert naturalist guides also enable us to create the perfect journeys of discovery across the Galapagos, where expedition cruise travellers can enjoy in-depth connections with the islands’ natural wonders and share truly transformative experiences. For your safety, we always sail with a Medical Officer onboard.