Hurtigruten Expeditions is expanding its global offering to include the Galapagos Islands, the isolated archipelago off the coast of Ecuador famous for its unique nature and wildlife.

The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 km from continental Ecuador, of which they are a province. There are 127 islands and islets, of which 19 are considered the main islands, but only four are inhabited – Floreana, Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz. The archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Its geographical location at the confluence of three ocean currents makes it one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. 

Seismic activity, volcanic eruptions and extreme isolation have combined to form these islands, leading to the development of unusual plant and animal life – marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, giant tortoises, huge cacti, endemic trees and the many different subspecies of mockingbirds and finches – all of which inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835.

"We are extremely excited to expand our South America offering to one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet," said Hurtigruten Group chief executive, Daniel Skjeldam.

"We have seen a clear trend of travellers seeking out truly unique and meaningful travel experiences, with a sharp increase in demand for the type of small ships and big experiences we offer. The pandemic has pushed this development forward dramatically."

The 90-guest capacity ship – newly refurbished in a modern Scandinavian style – features outstanding onboard facilities and its small size allows it to venture off the beaten track for numerous activities including snorkelling, kayaking and guided nature walks. There will be only 11 guests approximately per expedition guide.

Also on-board Santa Cruz II will be a team of hand-picked experts with many years' experience in the ecology and wildlife of Galápagos. Guests will learn all about the animals and ecology of the archipelago and find out why conservation efforts are so important. 

Arguably, no other place on Earth can compete with the Galápagos Islands in terms of unique wildlife experiences. Not only are there many endemic species, but they have evolved without mammalian predators and are unafraid of humans. Each island harbours a variety of animals, and the surrounding seas heave with life.

To offer guests one-of-a-kind experiences, Hurtigruten Expeditions has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring, claimed to be the most experienced and renowned travel company in the Galapagos.

Metropolitan Touring has offered intimate and unique encounters with the islands' wildlife since it pioneered expedition cruises in Galapagos almost 70 years ago.

The company is considered South America's Leading Tour Operator by voters at the World Travel Awards. 

Long history

Hurtigruten is perhaps best known for its Norwegian Coastal Express classic voyage, which has been operating for 128 years and now serves 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes. Last year, Hurtigruten separated its expedition side from its domestic operations, under a reorganisation that includes separate management of each entity.

Hurtigruten Expeditions has this year started operating eight small ships, visiting more than 250 destinations including Alaska, the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Svalbard, British Isles, the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica.

Hurtigruten Norway has also resumed operations, with seven ships on the Norwegian coastal routes the line has been serving continuously since 1893.

Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway are both overseen by Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam. 

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Useful links

​hurtigruten.com.au/destinations

galapagosislands.com