Wildlife and educational expedition to the galapagos islands 10-day discovery expedition

PASSENGER INFORMATION

Prevention of misconnecting flights - We recommend that all passengers traveling to Galapagos allow two nights on mainland Ecuador prior to their cruise to allow for potential flight delays and misconnection. This is particularly important for passengers traveling over the holidays when flights tend to be overbooked and delayed caused by bad weather conditions.

Upon arrival in Guayaquil, Ecuador, a representative will meet and escort us to our overnight accommodations at the Hotel Oro Verde. Guayaquil is the country's largest city and gateway to the Galapagos Islands. With its dynamic seaport, is the industrial capital of Ecuador and of the Guayas Province.

Following breakfast at our hotel we transfer to the airport and board the Aerogale flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island we are met and travel inland, by bus, to Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado (Red Hill). Here we should easily find the San Cristobal (Chatham) mockingbird and Calandrinia plant, both endemic to this island. The National Park has established a breeding program for Galapagos Tortoises here and set up a visitor information center and we both get to see terrestrial tortoises living in their natural habitat and learn about their origin, evolution and the threats posed to them by introduced animals and other factors. We are then escorted to our 83-foot, 20 passenger motor yacht. Our accommodations on board are in double outside cabins each with a large private bathroom and fresh, hot and cold water shower, separate climate controls and intercom. In the afternoon we cruise past Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a vertical tuff cone formation that abruptly juts up almost 500 feet out of the ocean. Here we are welcomed to the islands by the Brown Pelicans, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies and other sea birds that soar overhead. Our meals and accommodations are on the custom-designed yacht Flamingo, M/Y Eric or Letty. B/L/D

During the night we cruise to Tower Island and anchor in Darwin Bay. After breakfast we board a panga (small boat) and ride around to the southeastern side of the island and another rocky outcropping known as Prince Phillip’s Steps. Thousands of Storm Petrels, Audubon’s Shearwaters, Brown Noddies, Red-tailed Tropicbirds and Swallow-tailed Gulls crowd the cliff face and wheel overhead. In the nearby groves of Palo Santo trees we should be able to find Short-eared Owls and nesting Red-footed Boobies (Tower is the only island where these are found). In the afternoon we make a “wet” landing on a coral beach and follow a trail past tide pools frequented by Swallow-tailed and Lava Gulls. The trail enters a forest of salt bush, which provides nesting sites for Masked Boobies and Great Frigatebirds. The trail ends at a cliff face from which there is a majestic view of the bay. This is an excellent place to swim, snorkel and sea kayak. Following a full day of nature related activities we return to our yacht for dinner and to overnight. B/L/D

DAY 4 – TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 - TOWER ISLAND / FERNANDINA ISLAND / ISABELA ISLAND

In the morning we and make a “semi-wet” landing in a grove of white mangroves at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. This is the youngest and westernmost island of the archipelago. Despite frequent visits during the whaling heyday of the 19^th century, no exotic species of plants or animals were introduced here. Accordingly it is one of the most pristine locations in the Galapagos. From our landing point we walk to a patch of rough lava. The largest colony of marine iguanas in the Galapagos are found here, sneezing salt so loud that we may feel like we have entered the cold and flu ward of a hospital. As we proceed, single file, down the beach (to avoid stepping on buried nests of eggs), we see bleached mangrove trunks, silent reminders of recent volcanic activity. Sea Lion females and pups frolic and dive in the tide pools along the rocky shoreline, while the larger territorial males patrol their territories and spar with each other. At the tip of the point is a large nesting colony of Flightless Cormorants and we should be on the constant lookout for Galapagos Hawks and brilliantly colored Vermilion Flycatchers. After lunch we cross the Bolivar Channel and make a dry landing at Tagus Cove. Six volcanoes flowed together to form Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos Islands. Here we discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook which includes a spectacular view over some lava fields and some interesting volcanic formations. We then board a Zodiac or one of the clear-bottom sea kayaks and go in search of Galapagos Penguins, boobies, pelicans and other marine life. B/L/ D

After breakfast we search the tide pools along the shore of Puerto Egas, Santiago (James) Island looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life. Great Blue, Lava, Yellow Crowned Night Herons and Oyster Catchers are a few of the birds we are likely to see near the tide pools and we should be on the lookout for soaring Galapagos Hawks overhead and Galapagos Doves and Mockingbirds roosting in the low bushes. If the tide is out we may see Marine Iguanas grazing on the exposed algae. Our destination is the famous Fur Seal grottos, where the heaving ocean fills a series of deep pools and underwater caverns. Fur Seals were once on the verge of extinction but under protection are now fairly numerous here. A wealth of marine life teems in these tidal pools. Brightly colored Sally Lightfoot Crabs, crawl over Marine Iguanas while herons, oyster catchers and sandpipers stalk the shorelines. During lunch our yacht motors to the a site known as Sombrero Chino (Chinese hat). After a wet beach landing amongst colonies of sea lions, the trail gives way to a primeval landscape of volcanic rubble including cracked lava formations and lava tubes. The lava tubes are fragile and one must be careful to stay on the trail. Marine iguanas and oystercatchers provide good photographic opportunities and the site conveys a strong feeling that we’ve come to a very special place in the world. B/L/D

After breakfast we make a “dry” landing on Bartolome where it MAY seem as if we are walking on the surface of the moon. One of the newest of the islands, it is still largely inhospitable to plants and animals. The volcanic formations here include lava bombs in addition to spatter and cinder cones. After climbing up a steep slope to the summit of a once active volcano, we get a panoramic view of the bay and “Pinnacle Rock”, an eroded tuff cone. After walking back to the shore we may swim and snorkel amongst colorful schools of fish. Sea turtles MAY sometimes be found on the beach and peaceful White-tipped Sharks frequent the shallows. In the afternoon, we make a dry landing at North Seymour, a small geological uplift, and follow a trail that leads to swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and endemic land iguanas. We also visit the largest colony of Magnificent Frigate birds in Galapagos. As we stroll along the beach, we find marine iguanas and sea lions body surf the northern swells. We have an opportunity to snorkel in deep water before returning to our yacht. B/L/D

In the morning we step ashore onto Santa Cruz Island, board a bus and ride upward, through the seven vegetation zones found in the Galapagos, to the humid Scalesia Zone above Santa Rosa. Here amongst the lush ferns orchids and moss-laden shrubs is one of the few remaining free ranging and “wild” populations of Galapagos Giant Tortoises. Here also are two large pit craters or sinkholes and “the tunnels”. Locally known as Los Gemelon “The Twins”, these are the largest lava tubes in the Galapagos. In the afternoon we visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station where scientists from around the world are working on biological research and conservation projects. One of these is the tortoise-rearing project, where a breeding facility is working to restore the badly depleted giant tortoise populations of several of the islands. We may then have time to stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora, purchase souvenirs, mail postcards and take in some of the local color of this island community. B/L/D

At sunrise we find ourselves anchored off the coast of Espanola (Hood) Island. After breakfast we disembark at Punta Suarez, the location with the highest rate of “endemism” in the Galapagos. Sea Lions noisily green us as we land on their beach and curious mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. A bit further inland is the world’s only nesting site of the magnificent waved albatross. Colonies of Blue-footed Boobies engage in “sky-pointing” while Masked Boobies busily care for their young. Red-billed Tropicbirds take shelter under the cliffs and this is one of the best places to see Darwin’s finches. Galapagos Doves, Galapagos Hawks and Swallow-tailed Gulls are also quite common. One of the most colorful subspecies of Galapagos Marine Iguana plus brilliantly colored Sally Light-foot Crabs frequent the lava boulders next to the famous “blow hole”. In the afternoon we make a wet landing at Gardner Bay and walk along seemingly endless stretches of white sandy beach where we’ll find large colonies of sea lions. Since we are not restricted to a trail we may explore with have a good chance of finding a Galapagos Hawk, some of Darwin’s Finches and Hood Mockingbirds. We may also join the sea lions for a swim or just relax on the beach. There’s an excellent snorkeling site off Gardner Islet with a colorful diversity of sea life and underwater caves covered with invertebrates. Back on board we join the captain for ‘last evening” cocktails before dinner. B/L/D

In the morning we drop anchor at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal. The National Park has established a breeding program for Galapagos Tortoises here and set up a visitor information center. Here we both get to see terrestrial tortoises living in their natural habitat and learn about their origin, evolution and the threats posed to them by introduced animals and other factors. Early in the afternoon we drive to the airport, bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos Islands and board our flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival we transfer to the Hotel Oro Verde and then set out to explore the nearby riverfront. We stop at the South market, visit the Integration Plaza and artisans market and continue to the Civic Plaza where we visit the Moorish Tower, City Hall and the Rotonda Monument. In the evening we meet for a farewell dinner at the Hotel Oro Verde. B/(L)/D

After an early breakfast at our hotel we transfer to the airport and board our flight back to the U.S. and return to our homes with many fond memories of our wildlife expedition to Ecuador’s enchanted Galapagos Islands. B

Enclosed is my check for $____________as ( ) deposit ( ) full payment ( ) final payment for a total of _______persons on the travel program indicated above. A filled out copy of this registration form and a $500.00 per person deposit is required to reserve space on this expedition. The total cost for this 10-day expedition including international air from Birmingham, AL is $5750 per person based on double occupancy. Please call World Discovery Safaris at 205-972-8733 to make air arrangements form elsewhere in the U.S. Please note: the cost of this travel program is based on 18 full fare participants and may be increased for a smaller group. Taxes and fuel surcharges which are not cover by our contract with the airlines are subject to change and may result in additional charges. Although we make every effort to find suitable roommates for each participant, the single supplement will be charged for any single for whom no suitable roommate is available.

( ) Double - based on two persons sharing a room and cabin ( ) Smoking ( ) Non-Smoking. Name of roommate if known______________________

( ) Single ( if /when available) - based on one person occupying a room (adds $500 to the program cost)

NAMES: (Please Print)-NAME AS ON YOUR PASSPORT (Provide a photocopy of the picture page from your passport.)

1. ____________________________________________________________Age________ Nickname___________________________ Sex______

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WHAT IS INCLUDED: Services of World Discovery Safaris, round trip, coach class air from Birmingham, AL, all accommodations and meals, as per this itinerary, top-quality, English speaking, naturalist/ guide service in Ecuador and in the Galapagos Islands, all land and air transportation in Ecuador, hotel taxes as imposed by government agencies, airport departure taxes, entrance fees to parks and sites visited, private airport transfers in Guayaquil, tips to your boat crew and guides and porterage while in Ecuador.
NOT INCLUDED: Costs of obtaining passports & visas (visas for U.S. passport holders to enter Ecuador are not currently required), excess baggage charges, traveler’s insurance and items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, excursions and services that are not included in the itinerary, drinks that are not included with meals, laundry, faxes, e-mails, and telephone calls are NOT included.
CANCELLATION: A cancellation fee of $500 will apply once the deposit has been made. All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Cancellations received in our office ninty (90) days or less prior to your departure date are subject to additional cancellation fees based on penalties passed on to us by the boat charter company, airlines, in-bound operators, rail company, hotels and/or other vendors.

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Make check payable to

World Discovery Safaris

2830 Acton PL

Birmingham, AL 35243

205-972-8733