galápagos islands
Transcription
galápagos islands
PHOTOS BY JILL RICHMOND GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS EDUCATIONAL CONNECTIONS ABOARD M/Y YOLITA II (EAST) Voyage to the Enchanted Islands Choose your dates | 11 days From abundant endemic species to geological wonders, the Galápagos Islands is a destination like no other. Explore the biodiversity, volcanic terrain, and fascinating geography of the worldrenowned archipelago that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. This 11 day program includes visits to a selection of mainland Ecuador’s cultural highlights and a 7 day cruise aboard M/Y Yolita II. Marine Science Biology Earth Science Conservation PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Come face to face with the iconic wildlife of the Galápagos, including Blue-footed Boobies, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, and the Galápagos Penguin. • Discover fascinating geological history while trekking volcanoes and lava fields. • See giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. • Swim and snorkel with sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, manta rays and tropical fish. WHAT’S INCLUDED? • • • • • • • • • Bilingual local guide Driver & Crew Accommodations Activities Internal flights Private transportation Meals Beverages with meals Carbon offsetting holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111 | [email protected] ITINERARY BLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER DAY 1 - QUITO Upon arrival in Quito transfer to the hotel. Arrival should be on a Friday for Sunday cruise departure. Overnight at Hotel Sheraton Quito. DAY 2 - QUITO City tour of Quito, including a visit to the Middle of the World Monument. Substitute with a full day excursion to Otavalo Market, Cotopaxi National Park, Antisana Reserve, or Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve for additional cost. Overnight at Hotel Sheraton Quito. (BLD) DAY 3 - GALÁPAGOS, NORTH SEYMOUR Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival your naturalist guide will transfer the group to M/Y Yolita II. Visit North Seymour, home to a large population of the archipelago’s iconic Blue-footed Boobies. Overnight: M/Y Yolita II. (BLD) DAY 4 - GALÁPAGOS, SAN CRISTOBAL Visit León Dormido for optional swimming and snorkeling off the coast of San Cristóbal. If lucky, you may encounter hammerhead sharks! Later is a wet landing at Cerro Brujo to watch lake and coastal birds and landscapes of Kicker Rock, southern Upper San Cristóbal, and the coast adjacent to Cerro Brujo. Continue to Isla Lobos to see small populations of nesting Bluefooted Boobies and Common Frigatebirds. Take a panga tour and watch for Brown Pelicans and other shorebirds, juvenile sea lions, manta rays, and sea turtles. Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD) DAY 5 - GALÁPAGOS, ESPAÑOLA Early excursion to Gardner Bay (part of Española Island) for a beach walk followed by a panga ride around Gardner and Osborn islets. Española Island is the southernmost island in the Galápagos and abundant with playful sea lions. While swimming and snorkeling you may spot King Angelfish, creole-fish, damselfish, parrotfish, manta rays, and white-tipped reef sharks. Afternoon visit to Punta Suarez to learn about lava terrain and cross inactive lava fields. Many bird species can be viewed closely here, including the Hooded Mockingbird, Red-billed Tropicbird, and the rare Waved Albatross. Stop at the famous blowhole, where water shoots 23 m (75 ft) in the air. Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD) DAY 6 - GALÁPAGOS, SANTA FE & SOUTH PLAZA Disembark at Santa Fé Island, one of the best locations for swimming with sea lions and see white-tipped reef sharks and sea turtles. Field trip to the cactus forest to learn about the Opuntia cacti on the islands through observation and an on-site lecture. A trail into the highlands of Santa Fé lead to the only place the elusive Santa Fé land iguana can be found. Later, dry landing on Plaza Sur Island (South Plaza Island), then hike to a cactus forest where land iguanas can be observed closely. Continue in search of local sea lion colonies. A walk along the clifftop provides perfect views of Red-billed Tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, and Swallow-tailed Gulls in flight. Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD) DAY 7 - GALÁPAGOS, CDRS & SANTA CRUZ Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation efforts throughout the islands. The CDRS has a team of over a hundred scientists, educators, and volunteers, whose mission is to conduct scientific research and environmental education for conservation. At the CDRS giant tortoises can be observed at all stages of growth, from just a few days to almost 100 years old. After lunch is a field trip to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the most important island in the Galápagos in many respects; it is the second largest island, the most populated, and acts as the administrative center for the islands. The National Park Service is also based here. Giant tortoises can be spotted on Santa Cruz in addition to several species of Darwin’s finches. While passing through the trails on the island there is a dramatic change in vegetation zones as altitude increases. The afternoon includes stops at the twin pit craters and Cerro Chato. Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD) DAY 8 - GALÁPAGOS, FLOREANA & POST OFFICE BAY Enjoy a hike from black mangrove beds to a lagoon. This large, brackish lagoon holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galápagos. Floreana Island is best known for its endemic plant life like the Galápagos millwort, passion flower, and button mangrove. Later, take dinghy ride along the coast to observe Blue-footed Boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Optional deep water snorkeling is available, a unique chance to swim in a natural aquarium with colorful fishes, tame sharks, and rays. Later in the morning snorkel or swim at Devil’s Crown. The day continues at Post Office Bay, so named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed an empty barrel which served as an informal post box for sailors passing through the Galápagos, taking the letters to their destinations with them. Stop at Mirador de la Baronesa in La Olla Bay, a basaltic tuff formation between Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay. Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD) DAY 9 - GALÁPAGOS, CHINESE HAT & DRAGON HILL The voyage continues at Whale Bay, a cove of green sand at the base of Dragon Hill on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. The beach contains a large amount of olivine crystals, the same that originate from volcanic materials. After a dry landing on Dragon Hill, walk to a saltwater lagoon often visited by flamingos. A hike up Dragon Hill concludes with a beautiful view of the bay. The area is a nesting site for numerous reintroduced land iguanas and also has a peculiar scalesia tree forest. Overnight aboard M/Y Yolita II. (BLD) DAY 10 - QUITO This morning stop at Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island for a dinghy ride though the mangroves. The motor will be turned off to allow close observation of marine life. After disembarking on Baltra Island transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito. Lunch will be served during your flight. Afternoon at leisure followed by a farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Sheraton Quito. (BLD) DAY 11 - DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B) LAND & CRUISE PRICING $4,015 (15 participants + 1 leader) $4,415 (14 participants + 2 leaders) $4,515 (8 participants + 1 leader) International airfare is not included. Valid for travel in 2015. THE FINE PRINT Rates are based on triple occupancy for participants; complimentary leader accommodations may be single or double occupancy based on availability. International airfare is included for complimentary leaders. Itinerary may be adjusted if flight schedules require a change of arrival/ departure city in Ecuador. Holiday surcharges may apply. A $350 per person deposit and enrollment form is due upon booking. This deposit is refundable until 150 days prior to departure excluding a $100 cancellation fee. Final payments are due no later than 150 days prior to departure. Cancellations received less than 150 days prior to departure are non-refundable. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-2433174 or visit travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849. Mandatory group insurance can be added upon request. This program includes optional carbon offsetting with ClimateSafe. Learn more at holbrooktravel.com/climatesafe holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111 | [email protected]
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