Aug 17 - Aug 27, 2024
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Galápagos Islands: Natural Treasures & Amazing Wonders
Program No. 23384RJ
Discover the Galápagos Islands at a leisurely pace as expert naturalists immerse you in the ever-evolving story of one of the world’s iconic ecosystems.
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11 days
10 nights
27 meals
10B 8L 9D
2
Orientation, Guayaquil's Malecon
Guayaquil
3
Fly to Baltra, Embarkation, N. Seymour Is.
Galapagos Islands
4
Bartolome Island, Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay,
Galapagos Islands
5
San Cristobal, Cerro Colorado, Cerro Brujo
Galapagos Islands
6
Interpretation Ctr Gianni Arismendy, Tijeretas, Loberia
Galapagos Islands
7
Española Island, Gardner Bay, Suarez Point
Galapagos Islands
8
Floreana, Post Office Bay & Cormorant Point, Devil’s Crown
Galapagos Islands
9
Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon, Punta Bowditch
Galapagos Islands
At a Glance
Sail among the Galápagos Islands aboard a 301-foot expedition ship to uncover the true character of this pristine archipelago at a more sedate pace. On each island, set out on leisurely walks with expert naturalists who joyously narrate the island's stories, starring a unique cast of animals that have captured the imagination of nature lovers around the world. Then, experience life below the water first-hand with gentle opportunities to swim and snorkel among thriving coral reefs as marine iguanas feast on the sea floor and sea lions playfully glide through the surf.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Daily walks up to 2 miles/2.5 hours at a time on varied terrain, including sharp volcanic stones and loose rocks. Intermittent periods of standing. Wet and dry Zodiac/panga landings onshore. Potentially rough waters during Zodiac/panga transfers between ship and shore. Daily deep-water and/or beach snorkeling. Decks on the M/V Legend are connected by stairs with railings. Program not recommended for participants with walkers/rollators or wheelchairs due to lack of handicap accessible locations in the Galapagos and limited space on the bus.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Explore the Galápagos Island’s unique volcanic formations on naturalist-led walks while watching for endemic species including Galápagos penguins and marine iguanas.
- Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear coves and inlets among resident sea lions, pelicans and flamingos.
- Walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin at the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn their biological research and conservation efforts — including the station’s tortoise breeding projects.
General Notes
Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice. Please refer to the date-specific detailed itinerary on the Road Scholar to check on the visitor sites included in your program.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Alejandra Mosquera
Alejandra Mosquera has been a certified Ecuadorian expedition leader since 2006. The pride and love she feels for her country’s cultural heritage and stunning Andean landscapes are clear to see in her work and personal life. Alejandra has a unique gift for making learning fun — delivering information with personal warmth and humor. She looks forward to hosting Road Scholars and introducing some of her country’s many wonders.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Alejandra Mosquera
View biography
Alejandra Mosquera has been a certified Ecuadorian expedition leader since 2006. The pride and love she feels for her country’s cultural heritage and stunning Andean landscapes are clear to see in her work and personal life. Alejandra has a unique gift for making learning fun — delivering information with personal warmth and humor. She looks forward to hosting Road Scholars and introducing some of her country’s many wonders.
Suggested Reading List
(21 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Galápagos Islands: Natural Treasures & Amazing Wonders
Program Number: 23384
The Galapagos, A Natural History
Editor of the Galapagos Conservation Trust magazine and author of Lonesome George, Henry Nicholls charts the human and natural history of the archipelago from its fiery origins through famous visitors and current conservation challenges.
Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands
This strikingly compact, comprehensive field guide features 500 color photo-graphs, distribution maps and information on status, habitat and behavior.
The Boy on the Back of the Turtle
Humorist, novelist and family man on a quest, Quarrington offers an entertain-ing account of a Galapagos voyage in the company of his seven-year-old daugh-ter and seventy-year-old father.
Inside the Beagle with Charles Darwin
MacDonald gives detailed accounts of daily life aboard the Beagle, animals and places encountered, as well as excellent illustrations and a balanced discussion of Darwin's ground-breaking scientific theories. Ages 8 and up.
Galapagos: The Enchanted Islands, Through Writer's Eyes
Hickman weaves original accounts by Galapagos whalers, gentleman pirates, fitful castaways, settlers and scientists, including Ambrose Crowley, Herman Melville, Charles Darwin and William Beebe, in these tales of the colorful human history of the archipelago.
Boobies, Iguanas and Other Critters
This beautifully illustrated book provides an overview of the Galapagos for ages 10 to 14. Clear, detailed and accurate, it explains the volcanic formation of the islands, ecology, wildlife and scientific research.
Darwin and Evolution for Kids, His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities
An interactive, illustrated biography of Darwin for kids ten and up (and their families). The book, which includes hands-on activities, covers Darwin's career from his youth to his mind-expanding voyage aboard the Beagle to the development of the theory of evolution through natural selection.
Galapagos, The Islands That Changed the World
Also available on Blu-Ray, this stunning three-part BBC documentary captures the rugged beauty, allure, wildlife and history of the archipelago like never before.
Evolution's Workshop
A vivid history of the Galapagos and the role of the islands as a crucible of evolutionary ideas, written by a Pulitzer Prize winner. Larson covers Darwin and the discovery of the islands, the visits of Hancock and Beebe, the influence of the United States during WWII and the establishment of the national park.
Galapagos, Islands Born of Fire
A stunning celebration of the landscapes, wildlife and habitats of the Galapagos by a photographer who was raised in the archipelago. Tenth anniversary edition.
Galapagos, World's End
A wry, wonderfully evocative account of a 1924 scientific expedition, including an excellent chapter on the human history of the Galapagos by Ruth Rose. A contemporary reviewer wrote, "Galapagos is a glorious book. It is high romance, exact science and wild adventure." Originally published in 1924, it includes several color plates and maps.
Insight Guide Ecuador and Galapagos
Presenting the natural history, politics, culture, wildlife and attractions of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with style and authority.
Charles Darwin
A new addition to DK's acclaimed Biography series, this is a detailed and accessible chronicle of Darwin's life, sure to grab the interest of younger readers. With more than 100 full-color photographs and illustrations.
Voyage of the Beagle
The wide-eyed tale of a young man on a five-year voyage that changed his life -- and our way of thinking about the world. First published in 1839, this book is still essential reading. Darwin's South American chapters are an excellent introduction to the Galapagos, Beagle Channel, Chile, Tierra del Fuego, the Chilean fjords and the Brazilian coast. With maps and appendices.
Galapagos Wildlife
This fold-up, laminated card includes color drawings and short descriptions.
Galapagos Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide
With chapters on visitor sites, history, conservation and habitats, this compact photographic guide introduces birds, reptiles, marine and other life of the archipelago.
The History of Ecuador
this compact book includes chapters on Ecuador today, Ecuador's indigenous and colonial past, the oil boom and other events.
The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin
Sis illuminates Darwin's grand life: his travels, ideas and impact, using watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations. The richly embellished pages feature a gorgeous gatefold spread as well as diary pages, maps and charts.
Understanding Galapagos: What You'll See and What it Means
An excellent introduction to the flora and fauna of the Galapagos and a stellar overview of evolutionary biography on the islands. Accessible for readers from all backgrounds.
Galapagos, A Natural History
This comprehensive guide to the natural history of the Galapagos is practically mandatory reading -- the single best introduction to the geology and climate, habitats, plants, birds, animals, ecology and evolution.
Galapagos Islands Explorer Map
A detailed map of the Galapagos archipelago for the traveler at a scale of 1:400,000, including illustrated biographies of famous visitors, a brief wildlife guide with color photographs, a map of Darwin's route.
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