HX Expeditions is expanding its footprint in the Galapagos with a three-year extension of its partnership with Metropolitan Touring, the region’s longest-established travel operator. The renewed agreement keeps HX’s charter of the Santa Cruz II in place through 2029.
HX launched its carbon-neutral Galapagos program in 2022 and continues to operate the fully upgraded, 50-cabin Santa Cruz II. The ship features a restaurant, Science Center, Discovery Room, sky deck, fitness space, hot tubs and 36 connecting cabins.
“As we celebrate 130 years of exploration next year, our ongoing partnership in the Galápagos reflects exactly what HX stands for: connecting guests with the world’s most remarkable environments through responsible, science-focused travel. The wildlife, conservation work and immersive experience our guests can have there are truly like nowhere else on the planet,” said HX CEO Gebhard Rainer, in a media statement.
Expanded Itineraries for 2027–2028
HX will continue offering two core routes—each with optional extensions for Machu Picchu. Itineraries include the 9-day In Darwin’s Footsteps and the 11-day northern and western route named Nine of the Best Isles.
Bookings for HX’s 2027 and 2028 seasons will open on Dec. 22, 2025. A new standalone Galapagos brochure will debut in January 2026, accompanied by a series of films featuring newly appointed HX ambassador Monty Halls, President of the Galapagos Conservation Trust.
For more information, visit travelhx.com.
