Come join Alumni and Friends as we journey to
The Galapagos Islands
Undiscovered by Europeans until the 16th century, the Galapagos Islands hold a central position in modern history as the birthplace of the theory of evolution. Each island in this volcanic archipelago has species that are exquisitely adapted to the available food sources and surrounding environment:
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.
Trip Highlights:
- Enjoy seven nights aboard the deluxe 48 passenger La Pinta, as well as two nights in Guayaquil at the Hilton Colon Hotel.
- Observe numerous endemic species such as the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, both marine and land iguanas, the blue-footed booby, the giant tortoise, 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
- Enjoy lectures, field presentations, and island excursions with an Orbridge expedition leader, ship’s naturalists, and local experts.
Expedition Dates:
March 3 – 12, 2011