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Observing Galapagos Giant Tortoises foraging

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Walking amongst dozing Galapagos Sea Lions

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Challenging ourselves to distinguish the Darwin's Finches based on their bill

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Watching the interactions among the bizarre Swallow-tailed Gulls

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Discovering the unique Chocolate Chip Sea Star clinging to the rocks while snorkelling

Galapagos Islands II

Oct 16-26, 2023

11 days | Ecuador | Alumni Expeditions

This expedition is sold out! Please see the next departure here.

This tour is presented by the alumni associations of the University of Alberta, the University of Saskatchewan, Western University, McGill University, York University, the University of British Columbia, and McMaster University. All are welcome!

Our Galapagos private yacht expedition remains one of our most highly rated natural history programs and is consistently our travellers’ “trip of a lifetime”. Our Alumni Study Leader and our Galapagos naturalist guide are on board to lead island walks and on-board talks as we set sail to discover these remarkable island ecosystems, skirting past nesting boobies, scouting the seas for breaching whales and snorkeling among colourful fish. Desolate at first sight, these rough and rocky isles are home to wonderfully strange and abundant wildlife. As Charles Darwin did almost 200 years before us, we will marvel at the highly adapted creatures found nowhere else on Earth.

All of the reptiles, half the birds, 32% of the plants, and 25% of the fish are unique to this amazing archipelago. It is a living museum of evolutionary changes.

What is so special about the Galapagos experience is that these creatures act as though humans are nothing more than a passing interest, allowing us to observe them up close. Undisturbed by our nearness, they engage in intriguing courtship displays, groom one another, forage for food and nurture their young. Giant Tortoises graze in the lush highlands and dinosaur-like Marine Iguanas sun themselves on black lava rocks along the shores. Tiny Galapagos Penguins and playful Galapagos Sea Lions dart through the waters like torpedoes, while frigatebirds patrol the skies.

There is no place in the world quite like the Galapagos Islands. Please call us to register for this small group tour!

Tour Cost (per person):

US$7295 - US7495 (based on cabin) Incl. taxes, gratuities

Group Size:

12 - 14 participants

What’s included: Accommodation in Quito and on board the M/Y Beluga, all meals, all activities and entrance fees, all ground transportation, expert local guides, arrival and departure transfers at destination, internal flights, taxes and gratuities, services of bilingual naturalist guide on board trained by the Charles Darwin Research Station; services of your Study Leader Patrick Moldowan.

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

A Nod to the Lava Lizards of the Galapagos

By: Patrick Moldowan

"The Galapagos Islands inspire you to think differently about the world." - Quest Traveller

"A fantastic experience, saw unique ecosystems, learned a lot, trip of a lifetime and we made some new friends" - Jeff. A

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Arrive in Quito
2	Quito City tour, including the Botanical Gardens
3	Flight to Baltra, Galapagos and board the M/Y Beluga
4-9	Exploring Galapagos Islands, including Santa Fe, South Plaza, San Cristóbal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Santiago, and Genovesa
10	Turtle Cove, Baltra, fly to Quito
11	Depart Quito

Download Itinerary

Ship Information

We charter the M/Y Beluga exclusively for our group. This steel-hulled motor yacht is 33.5 metres long, accommodating 14 passengers and 8 crew. She travels at a speed of 12 knots, allowing us to get to 8 islands comfortably during our 8-day expedition cruise. She is well-appointed with comfortable private cabins and ample lounge and observation deck space.

Your Tour Leader

Patrick Moldowan is a devoted lifelong interpretive naturalist with a special interest in herpetology and biogeography. Currently pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of Toronto, he also devotes considerable time to long-term studies of amphibians and turtles at Algonquin Park’s Wildlife Research Station.

Email Us

Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!

Tour Cost (per person):

US$7295 - US7495 (based on cabin) Incl. taxes, gratuities

Group Size:

12 - 14 participants

What You'll See:

What You'll Taste:

Where You'll Stay:

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

A Nod to the Lava Lizards of the Galapagos

By: Patrick Moldowan

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Alumni Expeditions

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Galapagos Islands II

Oct 16-26, 2023