WHY WE PICKED IT With 97 percent of these islands protected as a national park, the Galápagos is one of the world’s most important laboratories for the future of conservation, sustainable tourism and wildlife management. Lindblad Expeditions has been our trusted choice for programs in the Galápagos nine years running. LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS We believe that respectful adventure tourism can be a key factor in helping to sustain a region and, in some cases, can even repair it. That is why NWF gave us their Corporate Achievement Award in 2008. Our efforts to encourage greater awareness and participation in conservation projects have included wildlife census projects, removal of invasive species, funding of field research, ecological restoration and the promotion of environmental awareness in local communities. THE NWF CONNECTION Of course, when “wildlife” is in your middle name, the connection to a place like the Galápagos Islands seems almost instinctual. Just as Darwin recognized this place as a microcosm of larger trends, today we also look to these islands as harbingers of shifting weather patterns and climate change. The Galápagos never stop offering knowledge and information to those who would come to learn more. October 7-16, 2011 From $4,730 per person, double occupancy (Full cabin pricing on reverse) From $6,030 per person, single occupancy Please see the reverse side for a complete day-by-day itinerary. To ask questions or to reserve your place on this tour, please call 800-606-9563 or e-mail [email protected]GALÁPAGOS
Transcript
WHY WE PICKED IT With 97 percent of these islands protected
as a national park, the Galápagos is one of the world’s most important laboratories for the future of conservation, sustainable
tourism and wildlife management. Lindblad Expeditions has
been our trusted choice for programs in the Galápagos nine years running.
LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS We believe that respectful adventure
tourism can be a key factor in helping to sustain a region and, in some cases, can even repair it. That is why NWF gave us their
Corporate Achievement Award in 2008. Our efforts to encourage greater awareness and participation in conservation projects have included wildlife census projects, removal of invasive species, funding of field research, ecological restoration and the
promotion of environmental awareness in local communities.
THE NWF CONNECTION Of course, when “wildlife” is in your middle name, the connection to a place like the Galápagos
Islands seems almost instinctual. Just as Darwin recognized this
place as a microcosm of larger trends, today we also look to these islands as harbingers of shifting weather patterns and
climate change. The Galápagos never stop offering knowledge and information to those who would come to learn more.
October 7-16, 2011 From $4,730 per person, double occupancy (Full cabin pricing on reverse) From $6,030 per person, single occupancy
Please see the reverse side for a complete day-by-day itinerary. To ask
questions or to reserve your place on this tour, please call 800-606-9563
October 7—Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador (most flights through Miami). Arrive in Guayaquil. Overnight: Hotel Hilton Colón. Meals aloft. October 8—This morning we fly from Guayaquil to the island of Baltra in the Galápagos Islands, where we board our ship, the 95-guest National Geographic Endeavour. The moment you step foot on your first island here in the Galápagos, you’ll see that freedom and fearlessness are a way of life. And, thanks to the legacy of Jacques Cousteau, we are able to keep that feeling alive as we make wide use of our fleet of nimble Zodiacs that can nose into landfalls and cruise along reefs, which afford us intimate views of “the action.” Overnight: National Geographic Endeavour. B, L, D October 9-14—Our ship’s Expedition Leader and Naturalist staff lead us on an intimate exploration of the islands, with our exact routing determined by the National Park Service. With versatile Zodiac landing craft, we travel with ease among the islands. There is ample time for walking, swimming, photography or simply observing the wildlife, which does not fear people. On several occasions, time is spent watching sea lions, brilliantly colored fish and other marine life from our glass-bottom boat. Or, if you prefer, you can put on a mask and snorkel to join playful sea lions for a swim. As we travel among the islands, our Naturalists point out the natural treasure and history which make the Galápagos like no other place on earth. Back aboard the National Geographic Endeavour each evening, our staff discusses wildlife, plants and landscapes seen during the day. Overnight: National Geographic Endeavour. B, L, D ESPAÑOLA ISLAND: See blue-footed boobies, sea lions galore,
Española marine iguanas which develop particularly vivid coloration, and waved albatross exclusive to this island. Snorkel and stroll the islands’ lovely beaches. ISABELA ISLAND: Anchor off the picturesque port of Puerto Villamil. Walk the streets of this small town, visit the nearby saltwater lagoons, home to flamingos or simply stroll along a beautiful beach. We visit the tortoise breeding center, and also explore Isabela’s caves and shoreline and search the waters for dolphins, whales, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish — the mola-mola. FERNANDINA ISLAND: We investigate Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island — the youngest island in Galápagos. It’s marine iguana heaven, with Isabela’s volcanoes as a dramatic backdrop. SANTIAGO ISLAND: Santiago provides us a chance to see the Galápagos fur seal, along with the opportunity to enjoy the best “tide-pooling.” BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND: This is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. Great walks, views and a chance to snorkel with penguins — a tropical oxymoron. SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: The epicenter of Galápagos administration, as well as the Charles Darwin Research Station, this is where we learn about their vital preservation work. We head up into the highlands to roam the moss-draped lush landscape where wild giant tortoises often forage. FLOREANA: Champion Islet, just off the eastern shore of Floreana, is a fabulous snorkel site and home to a large colony of sea lions. There is nothing more delightful than an hour spent in the clear waters with these creatures. We may find flamingos, pintail ducks and various shorebirds. Hike to a lovely white sand beach—a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.
October 15—In the morning we disembark the National Geographic Endeavour and fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador. The afternoon and evening are free to explore this colonial city and prepare for your journey home. Overnight: Hotel Hilton Colón. B October 16—This morning we drive to the airport for U.S. bound flights. B Category 1—$4,730 double/$6,030 single Category 2—$5,480 double/$6,940 single Category 3—$6,090 double Category 4—$6,490 double Category 5—$7,950 double Ship diagrams and cabin descriptions available at: www.expeditions.com
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: All accommodations, all transfers from group flights, all meals as listed in the itinerary (b=breakfast, l=lunch, d=dinner), a carbon-neutral offset, all sites and excursions as specified, entrance fees to all sites, professional tour management throughout the entire program, gratuities for staff at hotels and restaurants included in the itinerary, taxes and service charges throughout, complete pre-departure materials for your tour. NOT INCLUDED: All airfare (U.S./Guayaquil/Galapagos/Guayaquil/U.S.), Ecuador departure tax, ,Galápagos transit card, shipboard gratuities, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses such as laundry, emails, LEXspa, souvenirs, and film.
