Signature highlights
Five-deck Galápagos expedition layout with panoramic viewing areas, two ocean-view hot tubs, a library, lounge spaces and a fitness room. Expedition equipment includes kayaks, pangas, snorkeling gear and a glass-bottom boat.
Santa Cruz Ii
Santa Cruz Ii is a 90-guest Tauck expedition ship, in service since 2002. This page lists 1 upcoming departure across 1 itinerary in South America, day by day and port by port. Its live AIS position is plotted on the map below and refreshed through the day.
✓ Galápagos expedition travelers
✓ Couples wanting small-ship accommodation
✓ Solo travelers needing dedicated cabins
Photos from Wikimedia Commons under their authors’ free licenses. Tap a photo for the credit and license.
Santa Cruz Ii at a glance
Ship size
Bigger than 23%
A small expedition-size ship at 2,664 gross tons — #431 of 565 ships we track. 30 tons of ship per guest.
Best for
- Galápagos expedition travelers
- Couples wanting small-ship accommodation
- Solo travelers needing dedicated cabins
- Families with children under 12
- Travelers who value outdoor viewing areas
Think twice if you want
- Travelers seeking a large resort-style ship
- Guests requiring wheelchair-accessible ship facilities
- Travelers wanting multiple specialty restaurants
- Passengers looking for formal nightlife
- Guests who need high-bandwidth internet
Live Position ● 20 hours ago
Heading to: ECAYO
9.9 knots
Under Way Using Engine
Position data may be outdated.
Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.
About Santa Cruz Ii
Santa Cruz II is a compact Galápagos expedition ship operated by Metropolitan Touring and used by Tauck for small-ship journeys through the Ecuadorian archipelago. Built in 2002 and renovated in 2021, it accommodates up to 90 guests in 50 cabins. The ship combines informal communal spaces with expedition-focused features, including five decks, outdoor viewing areas, kayaks, pangas, snorkeling equipment and a glass-bottom boat. Its relatively small size supports island landings and wildlife-focused exploration while maintaining comfortable onboard lounges, dining areas and wellness facilities.
Ship at a Glance
- Operator
- Metropolitan Touring
- Builder / shipyard
- ASENAV, Valdivia, Chile
- Registry / flag
- Ecuador (confirmed by the ship’s AIS identity)
- Call sign
- HC5781
- IMO number
- 9265677
- MMSI
- 735059355
- Previous names
- Mare Australis
Onboard Experience
For families
Interconnecting cabins and family cabin options provide flexibility for multigenerational groups. The ship also offers triple accommodations and expedition activities suitable for active travelers.
Pools, spa & wellness
Facilities include a fitness room, two ocean-view hot tubs and a medical infirmary, with a medical officer or doctor available onboard.
Accessibility
Public information confirms a medical infirmary and multiple cabin categories, but does not provide sufficient detailed information on accessible cabins, lifts or other mobility accommodations.
Environmental features
The vessel is marketed for environmentally conscious Galápagos operations, with waste-reduction, water-purification and carbon-management initiatives described by its operating partners.
Deck plans
Venues Cabins only Both · Tap a deck to see what's on it
Deck 5 · Sky Deck
Fitness Room Solarium/Sky DeckDeck 4 · Panorama Deck
Panorama Bar & Lounge Al Fresco Dining Bridge Explorer Cabin Darwin SuiteDeck 3 · Expedition Deck
Observation Lounge & Bar Natural History Library Discovery Room Hot Tubs Explorer CabinDeck 2 · Horizon Deck
Reception Area Gift Shop Infirmary Voyager Cabin Explorer Cabin Explorer Family CabinDeck 1 · Ocean Deck
Beagle Restaurant Explorer CabinCabins & suites
Studio (solo) 4%
Oceanview 90%
Suite 6%
| Category | Type | Cabins | Size | Sleeps | Decks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voyager CabinSolo cabin category. | Studio (solo) | 2 | 127.0 sq ft | 1 | 2 |
| Explorer Cabin36 of the 43 cabins can be interconnected. | Oceanview | 43 | 163.2 sq ft | 2 | 2, 3, 4, 1 |
| Explorer Family CabinMaximum occupancy is two adults and one child under 12. | Oceanview | 2 | 191.9 sq ft | 3 | 2 |
| Darwin SuiteMaximum occupancy is two adults and one child under 12; suites can interconnect with an Explorer Cabin. | Suite | 3 | 325.2 sq ft | 3 | 4 |
Dining, bars & venues
8 included 0 extra cost in the fare, by the line's own published policy.
Dining
Al Fresco Dining
Included
Outdoor dining area on the Panorama Deck.
Beagle Restaurant
Included
Main dining room serving Ecuadorian and international cuisine.
Bars & lounges
Outside Sky Bar
Varies
Outdoor bar area on the uppermost passenger deck.
Panorama Bar & Lounge
Varies
Indoor bar and lounge beside the covered outdoor terrace.
Observation Lounge & Bar
Varies
Expedition Deck lounge and bar with an adjacent outdoor veranda.
History & sister ships
- 2002Entered service, built by ASENAV, Valdivia, Chile.
- 2021The ship was renovated and redecorated, including upgrades to its interiors and guest spaces.
Where Santa Cruz Ii sails, month by month
| Oct 26 |
Nov 26 |
Dec 26 |
Jan 27 |
Feb 27 |
Mar 27 |
Apr 27 |
May 27 |
Jun 27 |
Jul 27 |
Aug 27 |
Sep 27 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South America | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Explore This Ship
Jump from Santa Cruz Ii sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.
Itineraries & Sailings
Next: Dec 24, 2026
1 upcoming departure
All 1 itinerary and their departure dates
- Galapagos: Wildlife Wonderland 24 Dec 2026
All Upcoming Departures
| Departure | Return | Itinerary | Nights | Region | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 24, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | Galapagos: Wildlife Wonderland | 4 | South America | Book → |
Santa Cruz Ii FAQ
What flag does Santa Cruz Ii sail under?
Santa Cruz Ii is registered in Ecuador.
How many passengers does Santa Cruz Ii hold?
Santa Cruz Ii carries about 90 guests with roughly 50 crew.
How old is Santa Cruz Ii?
Santa Cruz Ii entered service in 2002 and was last refurbished in 2021.
How big is Santa Cruz Ii?
At 2,664 gross tons and 72 m long, Santa Cruz Ii is a small expedition-size ship — larger than 23% of the 565 cruise ships cruises.to tracks.
What is the dress code on Santa Cruz II?
Dress is comfortable and casual. Guests should be dry and wear shoes or sandals when entering the restaurant; there is no formal-dress requirement.
Is dining included on Santa Cruz II?
Tauck fares include meals as specified in the itinerary. The ship’s principal dining venue is the Beagle Restaurant, and the ship also has outdoor dining on the Panorama Deck.
Are gratuities included?
For Tauck small-ship cruises, appropriate gratuities for hotel staff, ship staff and local guides are included in the trip price.
Does Santa Cruz II have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, but the service is low-bandwidth and internet service levels may vary.
Is Santa Cruz II accessible for wheelchair users?
The ship does not have wheelchair-accessible ramps, cabins or elevators, so passengers with mobility requirements should confirm suitability before booking.
Is the ship suitable for children?
Yes. Two Explorer Family Cabins accommodate two adults and one child under 12, and the Expedition Deck has a Discovery Room. Children below age six require special permission to board a Galápagos cruise.