HX Expeditions has reaffirmed its deep commitment to one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments, announcing a three-year extension of its partnership with Metropolitan Touring—the Galápagos’ longest-established travel operator. The renewed agreement, now running through 2029, strengthens a collaboration built on science-led exploration, ecological preservation and responsible tourism.
The news comes as HX approaches its 130th anniversary in 2026, marking more than a century of pioneering global discovery. Since launching carbon-neutral operations in the Galápagos in 2022, HX has made the archipelago a cornerstone of its expedition offering. The 50-cabin MS Santa Cruz II, fully upgraded in 2021, provides a purpose-built platform for exploration, featuring a locally inspired restaurant, Science Center, Discovery Room, sky deck, fitness centre, hot tubs and an impressive 36 interconnecting cabins—the most of any vessel in the region, and a major drawcard for families and multigenerational travellers.
A living laboratory of life
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galápagos is one of the few places on Earth where wildlife remains largely untouched by human influence. With 97% of the land protected as a national park and surrounding waters forming one of the world’s largest marine reserves, guests travel into an environment where nature takes centre stage.
HX will continue to offer two main itineraries in 2027–28, both beginning and ending in Quito or Guayaquil.
• Eastern Route: In Darwin’s Footsteps (9 days), the line’s original Galápagos itinerary, highlights Santa Cruz, Española and San Cristóbal. A 14-day variant pairs the full cruise with a five-day Machu Picchu pre-program.
• Northern Route: Nine of the Best Isles (11 days) offers kayaking, snorkelling and unforgettable wildlife encounters across nine distinct islands, with a 16-day version combining this route with Machu Picchu.
New brochure and ambassador-led storytelling
Bookings for the 2027 and 2028 seasons open online on 22 December 2025. In January, HX will release its first standalone Galápagos brochure alongside new films featuring HX ambassador Monty Halls, President of the Galapagos Conservation Trust.
Fresh from a recent visit, Halls praised HX’s hands-on conservation efforts. “I was blown away by the amount of active conservation HX are involved in… Every traveller who journeys with HX contributes directly to its protection. This is tangible, measurable conservation.”
Leading with purpose
Through its long-term partnership with Metropolitan Touring, HX continues to support community initiatives, reforestation projects and biodiversity preservation in a destination that remains one of the planet’s most fragile and irreplaceable ecosystems.
Wave Sale 2026 + Travel Advisor Incentive
For a limited time, travel advisors can offer clients up to $6,000 pp in savings on HX’s all-inclusive expeditions during the Wave Sale 2026. First-time guests also receive an additional $400 pp onboard credit, applied as a discount on Galápagos and Norway itineraries. The offer spans Antarctica, Greenland, Galápagos, Alaska, Svalbard and the Northwest Passage, with even greater savings available for suite bookings. Sale ends 23 March 2026. Find out more here
Travel advisors also have the chance to win the Ultimate Rocky Mountaineer & HX Expeditions Agent Famil—an extraordinary famil combining a legendary rail journey through the Canadian Rockies with an unforgettable HX expedition in Alaska. Simply book and deposit any HX or Rocky Mountaineer journey between 17 November 2025 and 27 February 2026 to enter, with every booking increasing your chances of securing this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Register your bookings here.
With fantastic offers, exciting incentives, and dedicated local support, HX says is ready to help travel advisors deliver unforgettable expeditions for clients. For more details and to make a booking call AU: 1300 159 127 | NZ: (03) 288 2085 or visit the Agent Portal.
Conditions apply. See website for more details.
