GALAPAGOS DARWIN'S ENCHANTED ISLES ABOARD THE 32-GUEST M/V EVOLUTION FEBRUARY 16-25, 2018 WITH MASS AUDUBON'S CAROL DECKER
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GALAPAGOS DARWIN’S ENCHANTED ISLES
ABOARD THE 32-GUEST M/V EVOLUTION
FEBRUARY 16-25, 2018 WITH MASS AUDUBON’S CAROL DECKER
AN INTIMATE NATURE EXPERIENCE
Thirteen major islands, six minor islands and 42 volcanic islets make up Ecuador’s Galapagos Archipelago,
and while most of these islands are known by both English and Spanish names, you’ll find the landscapes
and wildlife on each isle to be singularly enchanting. The islands’ compelling wildlife inspired Darwin and
will do the same for you.
Carol Decker is Director of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary,
one of Mass Audubon’s largest sanctuaries located in Topsfield.
She and her staff deal with a broad range of wildlife management
challenges, and she is interested in bringing awareness of local
flora and fauna to trip participants.
She has more than 20 years’ experience as a field naturalist and
educator, teaches workshops on a broad range of topics, and enjoys
connecting people to the natural world and its diverse bird life.
She has led tours throughout the US, including New England, Alaska,
Arizona, Texas, Hawaii, New Jersey’s Brigantine and Cape May
areas, as well as international tours to Arctic Norway, Atlantic
Canada, the Caribbean, Galapagos Islands, Panama, and Brazil.
A VISUAL FEAST Galapagos is a canvas splashed with a variety of brilliant hues. A visual feast of chocolate chip sea stars, prehistoric marine iguanas, 500-pound tortoises with shell shapes that vary from island- to-island, flamboyant Sally Lightfoot crabs and the jewel-hued feet of blue-footed and red-footed boobies. This is an archipelago boasting 77 endemic species — animals that are found only here.
SLIP UNDER THE WAVES TO
A RICH UNDERSEA WORLD
Life below the cool Pacific waves is
unimaginably rich, with more than
3,000 species of marine plants and
animals calling these waters home.
Beneath the sea, golden rays and
white-tipped reef sharks swim just
feet away. Playful sea lions encourage
you to dive and roll with them during
snorkeling excursions. The cool Hum-
boldt and Cromwell currents
carry oxygen and nutrients, even
making it possible for the Galapagos
penguin to live quite happily on the
Equator.
Only on this Galapagos Expedition can you enjoy the combination of an
in-depth, naturalist-guided expedition and the Galapagos’ largest cabins
and outdoor spaces, all aboard an intimate, classically styled yacht.
A SMALL SHIP FOR A SELECT FEW EVERY DAY IS A HIGHLIGHT
Other companies have ships carrying Our Galapagos experience includes
48-100 guests while some sail on an astounding list of highlights that
cramped, uncomfortable 16-passenger combine to make this a once-in-a-
boats. Only the Evolution is uniquely lifetime experience! Island excur-
sized to offer just 32 guests an sions like snorkeling, kayaking and
opportunity for intimate exploration picnicking in the lush highlands
of the islands without sacrificing blend with time onboard spent
EXPERTS, EDUCATORS AND FRIENDS
gracious outdoor spaces. In fact, dancing to the tunes of a local band
So intensely protected is the Galapagos
with an open-air bar, hot tub, indoor and savoring snacks and exotic
National Park and Marine Reserve that
and outdoor dining areas as well as juices after every excursion.
visitors are prohibited from visiting 97%
two sun decks, the Evolution offers
of the islands without the guidance of a
guests more open-air public space TRAVEL WITH THE HIGHEST RATED
licensed naturalist. Beyond just “visiting”
than any boat in her class! GALAPAGOS GUIDES
the islands, we want you to reach a
deeper understanding. That’s why we’ve Your guides not only grew up in
selected guides, like Bolivar Sanchez, THE LARGEST CABINS IN THE GALAPAGOS the islands but they are rated at the
who are natives of the islands, licensed Ranging from 143 to 263 square feet, highest level (Level 3) by Galapagos
at the highest level (Level 3) by the park, our oversized cabins aboard the National Park. You gain insight only
and have decades of experience. Evolution are the largest on average a local can offer and benefit from
of any ship in the islands. their 10+ years of field experience.
Equator
Guayaquil
Punta
Vicente Roca
Sulivan Bay
Punta
Espinosa Tagus Cove
SANTIAGO BARTOLOMÉ
FERNANDINA Urvina Bay BALTRA
RABIDA
Bachas Beach
Whaler Bay
SANTA CRUZ
San Cristóbal
Puerto
ISABELA Ayora
SAN CRISTÓBAL
SANTA FE
Gardner Bay
Punta Suarez
FLOREANA ESPAÑOLA
DAILY ITINERARY excursion to Tagus Cove, where we look
for penguins, flightless cormorants and
Day 1 • Friday ARRIVE GUAYAQUIL pelicans along the cliffs before a chance
Fly independently to Guayaquil, Ecuador, to snorkel and swim. (B,L,D)
and transfer to the Hotel Oro Verde.
(Meals Aloft) Day 5 • Tuesday BARTOLOMÉ /
SANTIAGO ISLAND: SULLIVAN BAY
Day 2 • Saturday GUAYAQUIL / Visit Bartolomé Island, hiking to the
BALTRA / DAPHNE MAJOR ISLAND top of a dormant volcano for a dramatic
Fly to Galapagos and board the panorama, including famed Pinnacle
Evolution. After a safety briefing, Rock. Snorkel with sea lions and maybe
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS enjoy a circumnavigation of Daphne even penguins. This afternoon, hike
Major, a paradise for sea birds such as across the panoehoe lava of Sullivan
Hike, kayak & snorkel on daily magnificent frigatebird. (B,L,D) Bay, seeing some of the hearty flora
naturalist-guided excursions.
colonizing the landscapes. Stroll along
Enjoy the archipelago’s best guest- Day 3 • Sunday ISABELA ISLAND / the coralline beach spotting black and
to-guide ratio on small-group
FERNANDINA ISLAND Zodiacs take white oystercatchers. (B,L,D)
departures of just 26-32 guests.
you into a sunken volcano at Punta Vicente
Climb Bartolome for a famous
Roca, where we snorkel among sea turtles. Day 6 • Wednesday SANTA CRUZ
view of Pinnacle Rock.
Explore the lava fields of Punta Espinosa, ISLAND: BACHAS BEACH / RABIDA
See waved albatross in the world’s Walk along the white sands
spotting flightless cormorants and marine ISLAND
only nesting site, Espanola Island
iguanas. Whale watch from the Evolution’s of Bachas Beach looking for Sally
(seasonal).
open-air decks. (B,L,D) Lightfoot crabs, black necked stilts and
Learn about conservation efforts at
whimbrels. Snorkel in the calm waters
the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Day 4 • Monday ISABELA ISLAND where sea turtles nest. Our afternoon
Hike along the uplifted section of sea is spent along the distinct red-sand
floor in Urvina Bay. Our naturalists beaches and cliffs of Rabida Island.
point out the tortoises, colorful land While exploring this uninhabited island
iguanas and other wildlife that feed on at the archipelago’s geologic center,
the vegetation. Board Zodiacs for an watch for up to nine species of Darwin’s
finches, doves, yellow warblers and
mockingbirds. A small saltwater
lagoon is home to white-cheeked
pintail ducks and black-necked stilts.
Snorkelers may take to the water with
sea lions, sea turtles and reef fish such
as damsels and pufferfish. During a
guided kayaking excursion, watch
for brown pelicans and blue-footed
boobies while savoring views of the
island’s sloping volcanic peak. (B,L,D)
OPTIONAL EXTENSION:
Day 7 • Thursday SANTA CRUZ
Machu Picchu & Cusco
ISLAND Begin our day in the forested
highlands, with ample opportunity
Day 9 • Saturday GALAPAGOS /
to see and photograph giant tortoises
GUAYAQUIL / LIMA Disembark
in the wild. Stop at a family run farm
and fly to Guayaquil to connect with
before learning about the work being
flights to Lima. Overnight at the
done to study and preserve wildlife at
Costa del Sol. (B,L Aloft)
Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center
at the Darwin Research Center. (B,L,D)
Day 10 • Sunday LIMA / CUSCO /
URUBAMBA VALLEY Fly to Cusco
Day 8 • Friday ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
— the heart of the Inca Empire. Drive
Enjoy a Zodiac ride before wading
into the historic Urubamba Valley,
ashore to Punta Suarez through
stopping in Chinchero to browse
a sea lion colony. Walk along
Andean handicrafts. Visit the
the cliffs looking for waved
Urubamba Market and spend tonight
albatrosses, Galapagos hawks, Hood
at the Aranwa Hotel. (B,L,D) Sacsayhuamán — a huge fortress of
mockingbirds and the red-colored
massive stones which zigzags across
race of marine iguana en route to
Days 11 & 12 • Monday & Tuesday the side of the mountain. Spend two
Española’s blowhole, where waves
MACHU PICCHU Board the train nights at the Aranwa Hotel. (B,L,D)
spout 90 feet into the air. Swim,
to Machu Picchu, where we spend
snorkel and kayak in the waters off
the afternoon exploring the ruins. Day 14 • Thursday CUSCO Stroll
Gardner Bay. (B,L,D)
A full day is available to return to the streets of Cusco, exploring the
Machu Picchu or explore our hotel’s Koricancha — also known as Santo
Day 9 • Saturday SAN CRISTÓBAL
extensive orchid gardens. Spend Domingo, Santa Catalina Convent
ISLAND / GUAYAQUIL Return
the next two nights at the Inkaterra and the Cathedral. The afternoon is
to San Cristóbal and visit the
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. (B,L,D free to explore on your own before
Interpretation Center. Fly to
Daily) a farewell dinner featuring Andean
Guayaquil, where we have time to
fare. (B,L,D)
relax. Spend tonight at the Hotel Oro
Day 13 • Wednesday
Verde. (B,L)
OLLANTAYTAMBO /SACSAYHUAMÁN / Day 15 • Friday CUSCO / LIMA / EN
Day 10 • Sunday DEPART Board CUSCO Catch the morning train ROUTE After a morning at leisure
your independent flights home. back to the Sacred Valley. Explore fly back across the Andes to Lima.
(Meals Aloft) the mighty archaeological wonder Transfer to the airport this evening
of Ollantaytambo, where ancient for flights home. (B,L)
All itineraries are subject to approval temples and fortresses were built
by the Galapagos National Park and to protect the Sacred Valley. After Day 16 • Saturday ARRIVE Arrive
may vary according to changes in park a Paso Fino horse show at Wayra and connect with your flight home.
regulations. Ranch, continue to Cusco. We stop at (Meals Aloft)
YOUR EXPEDITION SHIP
M/V Evolution
Dining room Friendly staff Bar deck
Whether in the dining room or al fresco “The Evolution had character… Food was excellent (kudos to chef!), public places were
dining area, each meal is something to quite comfortable and cabins were roomy. The crew all went out of their way to be
rave about. Meals feature both interna- accommodating.” David Kalwinsky of Johnson City, Tennessee
tional and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, “The food on the Evolution was truly outstanding. Having Champagne and a small cake
from fresh fruit juices and savory celebrating our 25th anniversary was very special!” Laula Ashley of Fairway, Kansas
snacks to lobster and sumptuous soups.
Cabin A1 YOUR PRIVATE RETREAT ONBOARD The classically-styled Evolution’s interior is fully air-conditioned, and cabins on all three decks offer ample storage space, a writing desk, bedside tables and pri- vate facilities. The Evolution’s spacious cabins — ranging from approximately 143 to 263 square feet — are the largest cabins on average in the Galapagos and the perfect haven for an afternoon siesta between our frequent excursions. FRIENDLY AMBIANCE AND SPACIOUS PUBLIC AREAS Twin cabin on the C deck While the Evolution may carry just 32 guests, she is generous in size with a host of amenities. From relaxing on the sun deck to reading in the lounge, you’re sure to relish the friendly ambiance. Enjoy briefings by your naturalists in our comfortable lounge. Or spend time with a snack and your fellow passengers at the canopied bar, a superb place for watching the sun set over the Pacific. After excur- sions, relax in the hot tub or find a cushy deck chair Sun deck Lounge while enjoying more outside space than any other yacht of this class.
A Day in the Life:
Aboard the Evolution
While every day in the
Galapagos Islands is a new
adventure, each day follows
a similar pattern anchored
by delicious meals, exciting
excursions and informative
7:00 AM 8:00 AM briefings by your local
naturalist guides.
9:00 AM 11:00 AM
7:00 AM Enjoy a hearty breakfast
and strong cup of coffee as you
prepare for a big day of exploration.
8:00 AM Our small group of travel-
ers can easily board Zodiacs
and be the among first visitors
to each island. This ensures you
have great light for photography
and observe the active morning
wildlife.
9:00 AM Daily hiking excursions are
a chance to walk in the footsteps
of Darwin as you discover the
singular landscapes and wildlife
on each island.
11:00 AM Nothing tops off a morn-
ing like kayaking or snorkeling in
clear Pacific waters!
12:00 PM An al fresco lunch is a true
treat. Be sure to add popcorn to your
12:00 PM 1:00 PM
ceviche for an Ecuadorian twist!
3:00 PM 5:00 PM
1:00 PM Siesta time is perfect for
relaxing or reading in one of the
Evolution’s cushy deck chairs.
3:00 PM Back in the water! The rich
marine life is sure to dazzle on
your afternoon swimming and
snorkeling excursions.
5:00 PM No sunset stroll would be
complete without a group of your
new best friends — the Galapagos
sea lions!
7:00 PM 8:00 PM
7:00 PM Your Level 3 naturalists
give nightly briefings on biology,
history, volcanology and more.
8:00 PM You have had a busy day!
So enjoy a sumptuous three-
course meal and dessert (or two
desserts!) before settling into your
cabin for a good night’s sleep. Or
take advantage of the TV or small
library in the lounge for some after-
dinner entertainment.GALAPAGOS VOYAGE
FEBRUARY 16-25, 2018
PRICE PER PERSON
CATEGORY 4 (D DECK)
Double Occupancy ���������������������������������$6,498
Single Occupancy ����������������������������������� $7,998
CATEGORY 4 (C DECK)
Double Occupancy ���������������������������������$6,698
Single Occupancy ����������������������������������� $8,198
CATEGORY 3 (C DECK)
Double Occupancy ���������������������������������$6,898
CATEGORY 2 (A DECK)
Double Occupancy ����������������������������������$7,798
CATEGORY 1 (A DECK)
Double Occupancy ��������������������������������� $8,198
In-Country Airfare ��������������������������$665
Park Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $135
Park fee and in-country airfare are subject to change
and must be purchased through IE.
• Largest cabins on average of its ship class in Galapagos Type: Expedition Vessel • TRIPLE OCCUPANCY DISCOUNT: 3rd person saves $1,000
• 2:1 guest-to-crew ratio Flag: Ecuador Staff & Crew: 16 Select cabins only.
• Guides rated Level 3 (top level) by Galapagos National Park Length: 192 feet Beam: 29 feet
• Infirmary with full-time doctor Draft: 12 feet Speed: 10 / 12 knots MACHU PICCHU & CUSCO EXTENSION
• Air-conditioning throughout Gross Tonnage: 675 metric tons FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 3, 2018
• TV / CD / DVD Electricity: 110 volts AC / 60 Hz: 2 flat prong
PRICE PER PERSON
Accommodations Double Occupancy ��������������������������������� $3,748
Cabin Sizes
• 3 Suites on Bridge - A deck Single Occupancy ����������������������������������� $4,948
• 9 Staterooms on Main - C deck Category 1 A Deck: 263 sq. ft.
• 4 Staterooms on Lower - D deck Category 2 A Deck: approx. 198 sq. ft.
International & In-Country Airfare ����$775
All accommodations feature private bathrooms Category 3 C Deck: approx. 183 sq. ft.
Park Fee ����������������������������������������$185
with hair dryers and toiletries, climate controls, Category 4 C Deck: approx. 143 sq. ft.
Category 4 D Deck: approx. 178 sq. ft. Park fee and in-country airfare are subject to change
safe-boxes and closet/storage space. and must be purchased through IE.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
A1
A3 Accommodations and All excursions
meals as shown accompanied by English
BRIDGE
BAR
ROOF DECK
A1 CREW
A3
speaking naturalist
Snorkeling gear and
BRIDGE
A2
guides
BAR
ROOF DECK CREW
A1 wet suits
A3
A2 Complete pre-
Full educational
BRIDGE
BAR
departure information to
ROOF DECK CREW
program with lectures
help you get the most
PANTRY
A1
A2 A3
and field interpretation
SUN DECK
PLATFORM
BOARDING
JACUZZI
out of your expedition
BRIDGE
AL FRESCO
PANTRY LOUNGE
BAR
ROOF DECK
DINING AREA DINING ROOM CREW
All scheduled
SUN DECK
PLATFORM
BOARDING
RECEPTION
JACUZZI
AL FRESCO
A2
AREA
All transfers, porterage
transportation by land
DINING AREA LOUNGE
DINING ROOM
PANTRY RECEPTION and service charges
AREA
and ship
SUN DECK
PLATFORM
BOARDING
JACUZZI
AL FRESCO
DINING AREA LOUNGE
DINING ROOM INFIRMARY
C7 In summary, everything except international and in-country
CREW GALLEY RECEPTION
PANTRY AREA C8
CREW
C9
SUN DECK
INFIRMARY
PLATFORM
airfare; ticketing fee; U.S. domestic and international
BOARDING
JACUZZI
CREW
AL FRESCO
DINING AREA C7
DINING ROOM
GALLEY
C8
LOUNGE
departure taxes; Galapagos National Park tax & transit
CREW
RECEPTION C9
C5 AREA C4 CREW
C6 INFIRMARY
C2 C1
CREW
CREW
C7 GALLEY
C8
C3 fees; air or ship fuel surcharges; tips to naturalist guides
C4
and Evolution crew; passport fees; and items of a personal
CREW
C6 C5 C2 C9
C1
CREW
CREW
C3
INFIRMARY
nature, such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, etc.
CREW
C7 GALLEY
C4 C8 D4 CREW
C6 C5 C2 D1
C1
C3
CREW
CREW
C9
ENGINE ROOM
Final Payment due 90 days prior to departure.
CREW
D4
D1
C4 CREW $600 per person deposit required for main program.
ENGINE ROOM
C5
CREW
C6 C2 C1
CREW
C3
D4 D3
D2 $150 per person deposit required for extension.
D1
ENGINE ROOM D3 D2
Cancellations: $300 per person penalty from time of
CREW
D4 booking until 90 days prior to departure. 50% of trip price
D1
ENGINE ROOM
D3 D2 per person from 89-61 days prior to departure. 100% of
CREW
trip cost per person from 60-0 days prior to departure.
D3 D2
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute
approval by the State of California. CST:2045230-20FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION CONTACT:
Massachusetts Audubon Society
Karen O’Neill
208 South Great Road
Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773
(800) 289-9504 or (781) 259-2166
travel@massaudubon.org
By traveling with the Massachusetts Audubon Society and International Expeditions, you are supporting IE’s conservation
efforts in the Galapagos Islands, including programs to bring environmental education to local school children.You can also read
