Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Trip to the Galapagos Islands






Being a geneticist I feel an obligation to visit the Galapagos. A couple of days ago I met a women at the Main Street cafe who will soon leave on the trip described below. There is still room this year on the tour described below but considering my recent travel, I should probably hold off till next year. James said that two vacancies may be available on this year's trip.





EDventures.
38 Old Orchard Road JAMES R. SERACH
Groton, MA 01450 Director
(978) 448-9597 jserach@lacademy.edu
Darwin's Enchanted Islands: The Galápagos
June 11 – 21, 2007

The Galápagos Islands were made famous when young Charles Darwin, naturalist on the H.M.S Beagle, visited them for five weeks in 1835. Here Darwin saw numerous species of birds, lizards, and plants that though they seemed familiar, were also quite unique. There were mockingbirds and finches that looked slightly different on each island, giant tortoises, and those "imps of darkness," the black marine iguanas that ate algae, underwater, from the intertidal rocks!

These remote islands, over 600 miles out in the Pacific from the coast of Ecuador, were called Las Encantadas – the Enchanted Islands – by early mariners and Yankee whalers. Modern-day travelers and naturalists continue to fall under the spell of this wondrous place. Fur seals, sea lions, penguins, flightless cormorants, iguanas, and the variety of native land bird species, many of them endemic, provide a myriad of photographic and observation opportunities. These isolated oceanic islands are also rich in unique plant and marine life. Because of their location on an active tectonic area, it is possible to study geology in a way that no textbook could match!

Cruise with us to nine of the islands and explore their dramatic volcanic landscapes, enticing beaches, and observe and photograph the unique and fascinating flora and fauna. The cruises between islands offer the opportunity for onboard discussions and reflection and, of course, to observe pelagic bird species and marine life. Snorkeling is possible at most islands and visitor sites as well and the beaches of white, red, green, or black sand are pristine and inviting.

While within the Galápagos National Park, we will live aboard the M/Y Daphne, a luxurious 70’ motor yacht with double air-conditioned cabins; a friendly crew, including a full kitchen staff; and a certified English-speaking naturalist guide. Veteran science teacher and tropical biologist, Jim Serach, will lead on-board discussions about the islands’ natural and cultural history, their fascinating geology, and the unique wildlife.

In addition to our Galápagos adventure, we will spend two days in Quito, Ecuador, a quintessential Latin American city. A city tour is included and there will time for personal exploration and shopping. You can even visit and straddle the Equator itself!

TRIP COST: $3500 (from Miami)

Includes: Roundtrip airfare from Miami to Quito and to Galápagos, ground transportation and airport transfers in Ecuador, all meals on the boat, double accommodations on the boat and in Quito (including breakfast), city and Equator Museum tours, naturalist guide, Galápagos National Park entrance fee. Not included: Personal tips, drinks and other personal expenses, lunches and dinners in Quito, and exit tax (US$31.60).

Registration is limited to 15 participants! Please return the attached registration form with a deposit ($800 per person) to Jim Serach at the address above as soon as possible. Please make checks payable to: EDventures.
EDventures
38 Old Orchard Road JAMES R. SERACH
Groton, MA 01450 Director
(978) 448-9597 jserach@lacademy.edu

Darwin's Enchanted Islands: The Galápagos
June 11 – 21, 2007

TENTATIVE ITINERARY


June 11 (Mon) Depart from Miami to Quito, Ecuador (Hotel Villa Nancy)
(American Airlines Flt 931 Departs 3:30 pm)

June 12 (Tues) Quito – City Tour (Hotel Villa Nancy)

June 13 (Wed) Travel from Quito to Galapagos – BALTRA
PLAYA LAS BACHAS

June 14 (Thur) PLAZAS and SANTA FE

June 15 (Fri) ESPAÑOLA – Pta. Suárez and Gardner Bay

June 16 (Sat) FLOREANA – Pta. Cormorant and Post Office Bay

June 17 (Sun) SANTA CRUZ – Conway Bay
Visit Darwin Research Station and the highlands (Los Gemelos, lava tubes, wild tortoises)

June 18 (Mon) GENOVESA – Prince Philip’s Steps and Darwin Bay

June 19 (Tues) SANTIAGO – James Bay and BARTOLME ­– Sullivan Bay

June 20 (Wed) Return to BALTRA via SEYMOUR NORTE
Fly to Quito – last-minute shopping! (Hotel Villa Nancy)

June 21 (Thur) Return to U.S. via Miami
(American Airlines Flt 966 Arrives 1:00 pm)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

The information here is great. I will invite my friends here.

Thanks

Anonymous said...

Very interesting all this info!! Thanks a lot for sharing..
I think it may be very usefull for my sister who's planning a Galapagos diving cruise. I'll show her this post
thanks

Anonymous said...

Nice info! Its always good to knows about the places that you`re going!!
Im going on one of the Galapagos tourist class yachts to the islands. Everybody talk well about that magical place!

Anonymous said...

Thanks For blog with valuable informations.