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Santa Cruz II

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  • Santa Cruz II excursion
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Santa Cruz II is a modern, family-friendly motor yacht, with a wide range of facilities and activities and contemporary cabins.

The Santa Cruz II is a modern expedition vessel with a capacity for 90 passengers in 50 cabins, across 5 decks. At 70m long, it is larger than many of the other vessels operating in these waters, which means it is home to more facilities, more social areas and more space to roam. There is an expedition lounge, fully stocked library, restaurant, panorama bar and lounge, an al fresco dining option, gym, hot tub and even an onboard gift shop. The décor is contemporary, featuring generous use of polished wood and crisp white linen.


There are 60 crew including eight naturalist guides and an underwater specialist who can assist those less comfortable in the water. There is a genuine attempt to cater for different age bands and interests, with groups for excursions (max 16 guests per group) put together accordingly. The cruise is very family friendly – there are special science themed programmes and meals for children – couples looking for a quiet escape will always be able to find a place to switch off. Kayaks, stand up paddle boards and snorkelling equipment are all provided free of charge and there is a glass bottom boat on hand for anyone who does not want to have to swim to see the marine life below the surface. 

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • The Galápagos Islands were something else- quite outstanding for the wonderful wildlife and abundant sea life while snorkelling.

    CP Feb 2011
  • The Galápagos Islands are a wonderland. If I say that of all places I have visited in the world only the Grand Canyon is their equal in impact and living…

    DW Lingfield Jun 2010
  • One of us had not snorkelled for a very long time and was hesitant in deep water. Martin the Naturalist on MV Eclipse helped her overcome her fears and enabled…

    AL May 2015
  • A couple of days in the Galapagos when we didn't see any other people. Intimacy of swimming with sealions, turtles & being chased in the water by a flightless cormorant!

    TC, St Albans Oct 2016
  • We loved snorkelling with marine iguanas, turtles, and the lovely playful sealions.

    FM, Manchester Oct 2026
  • The Galápagos trip was very sympathetic to the environment and local habitat.

    AD, Dublin Sep 2011
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Our Expert's Opinion

Charlotte
Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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