7-Day Equator Expedition
Cross the Equator. Explore Ecuador. Experience the Extraordinary.
From just $214 per day
7 Days • 6 Nights • Boutique Expedition Cruise • Maximum 16 Overnight Guests
Welcome Aboard Southern Star
There are vacations…
And then there are journeys you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Step aboard Southern Star and discover Ecuador’s spectacular Pacific coastline on an unforgettable 7-Day Equator Expedition.
Beginning in beautiful Bahía de Caráquez, this boutique expedition takes you north to the Equator before exploring the legendary Route of the Sun, visiting charming fishing villages, tropical islands, protected National Parks, archaeological treasures, pristine beaches, and some of the richest marine ecosystems in the Eastern Pacific.
Designed for travelers seeking authentic experiences rather than crowded tourist attractions, every day brings a new destination, new adventures, and unforgettable memories.
The Only Cruise of Its Kind in Ecuador
Few people can say they’ve crossed the Equator by sea.
Even fewer have celebrated the occasion aboard an intimate expedition vessel with just sixteen fellow adventurers.
Your journey begins as Southern Star sails north to Latitude 0°, where you’ll participate in our exclusive King Neptune Crossing Ceremony.
Celebrate one of the oldest traditions in maritime history with music, laughter, Neptune’s Toast, photographs, and your own personalized Certificate of Crossing the Equator.
Then Southern Star turns south to begin one of Ecuador’s most spectacular coastal expeditions.
Incredible Destinations
During your voyage you’ll visit:
Bahía de Caráquez
Your gateway to Ecuador’s Pacific Coast.
Santa Marta & Montecristi
Visit the birthplace of the authentic Panama Hat and watch master artisans continue centuries-old weaving traditions.
Isla de la Plata
Known worldwide as the “Poor Man’s Galápagos,” this remarkable National Park is home to Blue-Footed Boobies, Frigate Birds, Pelicans, seasonal Waved Albatross, and sea lions.
Puerto López
Enjoy Ecuador’s beautifully restored waterfront, delicious seafood restaurants, beaches, shopping, and optional excursions to the fascinating archaeological community of Agua Blanca.
Ayangue
Known as the Swimming Pool of the Pacific, Ayangue offers calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Islote El Pelado Marine Reserve
One of Ecuador’s finest underwater playgrounds featuring reefs, turtles, tropical fish, and spectacular marine life.
Salinas
Conclude your expedition at Ecuador’s premier beach destination with a visit to the dramatic cliffs of La Chocolatera, the westernmost point of mainland Ecuador.
Extraordinary Wildlife
Every expedition offers incredible opportunities to experience Ecuador’s remarkable marine life.
Humpback Whales
June through September
Each year thousands of humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to Ecuador’s warm coastal waters to mate, give birth, and raise their newborn calves.
Watching these magnificent giants breach beside Southern Star is often the highlight of the expedition.
Giant Oceanic Manta Rays
Puerto López and Isla de la Plata are home to one of the world’s largest seasonal gatherings of Giant Oceanic Manta Rays.
With wingspans reaching nearly 7 meters (23 feet), these graceful creatures gather around underwater cleaning stations during the season.
Guests may participate in guided scuba diving experiences under the supervision of a professional Divemaster.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or trying scuba diving for the first time, this is one of Ecuador’s most unforgettable underwater adventures.
Adventure Included
Every day offers new opportunities to explore.
Choose from activities including:
✔ Hiking National Parks
✔ Guided Scuba Diving
✔ Snorkeling
✔ Kayaking
✔ Banana Boat Rides
✔ Swimming
✔ Wildlife Photography
✔ Recreational Fishing
✔ Beach Exploration
✔ Shopping Local Villages
✔ Archaeological Tours
✔ Relaxing on the Southern Star’s spacious sundecks
Evenings You’ll Never Forget
When the sun sets, Southern Star becomes your private floating boutique resort.
Enjoy handcrafted cocktails while watching spectacular sunsets over the Pacific.
Dance beneath the stars during two evenings of live Ecuadorian music performed by talented local musicians.
Celebrate your Equator crossing with the unforgettable King Neptune Ceremony, complete with Neptune’s Toast, music, games, and your personalized certificate.
There are no casinos.
No crowded theaters.
Just authentic Ecuadorian hospitality, great food, wonderful people, and unforgettable evenings beneath the stars.
What’s Included
Your Expedition Includes
✔ Six nights aboard Southern Star
✔ Comfortable private cabin with ensuite bathroom
✔ Daily breakfast
✔ Daily lunch
✔ Most dinners
✔ Complimentary beer
✔ Wine
✔ Standard cocktails
✔ Soft drinks
✔ Coffee & Tea
✔ Bottled water
✔ Guided shore excursions
✔ Isla de la Plata National Park
✔ Whale Watching (Seasonal)
✔ Guided Scuba Diving Opportunities
✔ Kayaks & Water Activities
✔ Daily Captain’s Briefing
✔ King Neptune Ceremony
✔ Personalized Crossing the Equator Certificate
✔ Two evenings of live Ecuadorian music
Why Southern Star?
Southern Star is not a large cruise ship.
It is a boutique expedition vessel carrying a maximum of 16 overnight guests, allowing our crew to provide personal service while taking you to places larger cruise ships simply cannot visit.
Our goal isn’t to rush from port to port.
Our goal is to help you experience the beauty, culture, wildlife, and people of Ecuador in a way that few travelers ever will.
Pricing
From Only $214 Per Day
Starting at $1,495 per person
Considering everything included—from accommodations and meals to guided excursions, beverages, live entertainment, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—the Southern Star Equator Expedition offers exceptional value for one of South America’s most unique travel experiences.
Are You Ready?
Cross the Equator.
Watch humpback whales with their newborn calves.
Dive with giant manta rays.
Walk among Blue-Footed Boobies.
Dance beneath the stars.
Discover Ecuador from the sea.
Southern Star Cruises
Your Adventure. Our Passion.
Cross the Equator. Discover Ecuador. Create Memories for Life.
Reserve Your Expedition Today.
Disembarking for a shore visit
Dining Room
Suite 8 option of queen or twin beds
Suite 5
Suite 5 with optoin of Queen ot twin beds
Main Dec Cabins 6 and 7
Below Deck Cabins 1, 2, 3, 4
All Units have private bath with hot water