HX Expeditions Reinforces Sustainable Travel in the Galápagos with Long-Term Partnership and Innovative Family-Friendly Cruises

Published on December 6, 2025

HX Expeditions has strengthened its long-term presence in the Galápagos Islands by extending its partnership with Metropolitan Touring through 2029. This renewed agreement demonstrates HX’s ongoing dedication to providing environmentally conscious, science-driven expedition experiences in one of the planet’s most remarkable natural regions.

Building on an initial five-year charter agreement, this three-year extension cements a collaboration with Metropolitan Touring, the oldest travel operator in the Galápagos. Since 1953, Metropolitan Touring has been a leader in sustainable tourism, blending high-quality guest experiences with long-term conservation initiatives. HX, holding a significant minority stake in the company, has operated expedition cruises in the archipelago since 2022 aboard the Santa Cruz II, a 50-cabin vessel upgraded in 2021. The ship features a state-of-the-art science center, an interactive discovery room, and numerous interconnecting cabins, providing family-friendly accommodations without compromising comfort or privacy.

The extended agreement emphasizes HX’s focus on creating meaningful, educational, and responsible travel experiences. Each voyage is carefully designed to allow travellers to immerse themselves in the Galápagos’ unique wildlife, geology, and ecosystems while contributing directly to conservation efforts. By combining premium onboard amenities with science-led programs, HX ensures every expedition is both enriching and impactful.

Bookings for the 2027 and 2028 Galápagos seasons are set to open online on December 22, 2025. HX will also release a dedicated Galápagos brochure in January 2026, featuring expanded itineraries, vessel details, and highlights of conservation initiatives. Short films accompanying the brochure will provide visual insight into the onboard experience and demonstrate the tangible environmental impact of participating in the expeditions.

A key feature of HX’s approach is the measurable contribution each traveller makes toward protecting the islands. Guests’ participation supports initiatives such as habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and reforestation projects. These programs are designed to create lasting environmental benefits while allowing travellers to witness the outcomes of their involvement firsthand.

The partnership reflects HX’s commitment to long-term collaboration with local conservation organizations and the communities of the Galápagos. Beyond offering a premium travel experience, the expeditions aim to maintain the delicate balance between tourism and environmental preservation, ensuring the archipelago’s unique ecosystems remain protected for generations to come.

The Santa Cruz II is equipped to provide a holistic expedition experience. Its science center allows guests to observe and engage with research projects, while the discovery room offers interactive educational activities suitable for all ages. The vessel’s interconnecting cabins accommodate families and multi-generational groups, ensuring a seamless travel experience without sacrificing social interaction or privacy.

HX Expeditions positions itself as a leader in combining luxury travel with environmental stewardship. Each journey through the Galápagos is designed to inspire, educate, and engage, connecting travellers with one of the world’s most unique ecological regions while contributing directly to its conservation. The approach balances adventure, comfort, and ecological responsibility, highlighting the company’s broader mission of sustainable expedition cruising.

Looking ahead, the extended agreement allows HX to enhance its offerings in the Galápagos with new itineraries and onboard experiences for future seasons. These additions aim to meet the growing demand from environmentally conscious travellers seeking meaningful travel experiences that combine exploration, learning, and responsible tourism practices.

Through this partnership, HX Expeditions continues to set new standards in expedition cruising by merging science-led exploration, luxury amenities, and conservation-driven travel. By fostering lasting collaborations with local partners and communities, the company ensures that the Galápagos Islands’ biodiversity and natural beauty remain protected, allowing future generations to experience the region’s extraordinary environment firsthand.

In an era of heightened awareness around sustainable tourism, HX Expeditions demonstrates that travel can be both transformative and environmentally beneficial. By offering immersive, conservation-focused cruises, the company redefines premium expedition travel, allowing guests to explore one of the world’s most iconic destinations while supporting tangible ecological preservation efforts.