the Galapagos Islands

the marine iguana, which eats mostly seaweed and is the only true marine lizard in the world; the flightless cormorant, whose vestigial wing feathers are testament to the abundance of its preferred food; and the Galapagos tortoise, some species of which were hunted to the brink of extinction by 18th- and 19th- century whalers. Species have also evolved to interact with each other – certain Darwin’s finches have developed a symbiotic relationship with land iguanas, who will obligingly raise themselves from the ground so that the birds can more easily pluck parasites from their bellies. Because the human presence is still relatively minimal, many of the animals are remarkably unafraid of visitors. Under the expert care of an Orbridge naturalist, you will have extraordinary opportunities to observe and photograph them at very close range, while hiking near the sheltered nests of the Galapagos penguins, watching the fascinating mating rituals of the blue-footed boobies, or snorkeling with inquisitive and playful sea lions.

Destination Highlights:

• Enjoy seven nights aboard the deluxe 48 passenger La Pinta, as well as two nights in Quito at the deluxe Swissôtel
• Observe numerous endemic species such as the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, both marine and land iguanas, and the famous “Darwin’s finches”
• Other species on the islands include the blue footed booby, the waved albatross, the giant tortoise, and the Pacific green sea turtle
• Swim with curious and playful sea lions, and become part of the rich and complex underwater world while snorkeling in the clear waters
• Join expert local naturalists on excursions to various islands in the archipelago
• Visit areas famous from the writings of Charles Darwin, which resulted in the breakthrough On the Origin of Species
• Take part in an educational program of shipboard lectures and field instructions

Itinerary Preview

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