HX Expeditions has extended its Galápagos partnership with Metropolitan Touring through 2029 and outlined plans for its 2027 and 2028 seasons, the company said in a press release.

The three-year extension builds on an original five-year charter agreement with Metropolitan Touring, the longest-established travel operator in the Galápagos, founded in 1953. HX holds a significant minority stake in the company.

HX has operated expedition cruises in the archipelago since 2022 on the 50-cabin Santa Cruz II, upgraded in 2021 and equipped with a science center, discovery room and a high number of interconnecting cabins aimed at families.

“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,” said HX CEO Gebhard Rainer.

Bookings for the 2027 and 2028 seasons will open online on Dec. 22, 2025. HX will also release a dedicated Galápagos brochure in January 2026, alongside new short films featuring HX ambassador Monty Halls, who is also president of the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

“Every traveller who journeys with HX contributes directly to [the ecosystem’s] protection – this is tangible, measurable conservation,” Halls said, citing reforestation and biodiversity projects supported by the program.

HX said the extended agreement supports its focus on science-led expedition cruising and long-term collaboration with Metropolitan Touring and local conservation partners in the islands.