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The Galapagos Islands provide tourists with various opportunities to watch all the action and the abundant wildlife. Visitors can get a peek of the action through our activities on the Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise!
In addition, visitors can use complimentary equipment for kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, wet suits, and a fantastic glass-bottom boat!
Aquatic Activities on the Santa Cruz II
Snorkeling
Look at the islands on these Galapagos maps to see how much the marine environment of the Galapagos Islands mimics anything in the tropics and subtropics. This may explain why some people rank it among the world’s top maritime destinations. With designations like Marine Sanctuary, World Heritage Property, Marine Reserve, and, as of 2016, Shark Sanctuary, it is hardly surprising that these waters are also a protected region. Through snorkeling, tourists may fully submerge themselves in the Galapagos underwater ecosystem and have up-close encounters with the marine creatures that call it home. Highlights include swimming with sea turtles and seeing sea lions up close and personal with your snorkeling mask.
Kayaking
You can see marine life swimming through the water and land creatures along the shoreline when you go sea kayaking. You may witness various animals in their natural environment, such as sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, rays, and the invariably entertaining sea lions.
Activities on the Santa Cruz II, like kayaking, offer quality time with family and a great workout. Many people also enjoy the peace of listening to the waves crashing, the wind blowing through the rocks, and being close to the local fauna.
Glass-bottom Boat
If you choose, you are not required to get wet just because you are in the Galapagos Islands. Being among the rare cruises that allow guests to explore the marvels of the sea without actually getting in the water, there is just one option accessible. Our glass-bottom boat is ready to provide the best undersea view during your Galapagos Cruise while staying above the water. You can see some stunning rays, peacefully watch sea turtles swim beneath your feet, and—wait—are those white-tipped sharks?—all while on board the glass-bottom boat. They certainly are.
On Land
Trekking
During our Galapagos trips, you can explore the archipelago’s terrestrial splendor on foot. Remember to pack your hiking boots since the floors can be uneven, and we want to protect your ankles. Apply ample sunscreen, pack a hat and sunglasses, and get set to see the Galapagos Islands’ natural vegetation and wildlife up close. We will have the chance to observe at least one of the Galapagos Big 15 daily. These include the ever-lovely sea lions, marine and land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises of the Galapagos. Prepare to cross these off your list of “must-see” movies!
Overhead
Stargazing in the Galapagos
You can see what it’s like to look up at the sky from the equator by traveling on the Santa Cruz II. We cannot see both northern and southern constellations when stargazing in the Galapagos. The best conditions for a stargazing night are an apparent sky (typical in the Galapagos during the hot season) and not too much moonlight unless you aim to gaze at the moon! Our advisors use specialized software called Stellarium to identify the most intriguing objects in the sky based on our location. Before pre-stargazing, a briefing is held in a dimly lit area so that when we leave the room and proceed to the deck, our eyes can quickly acclimate to the blackness of the night. One of the activities on the Santa Cruz II you won’t want to miss is the stargazing display.
