Galapagos Islands with alumni UBC

Jan 31 - Feb 10, 2022

11 days | Ecuador | alumni UBC Travel Club

Considered by many to be the archetypal ‘living laboratory’ of evolution, the Galapagos Islands have a natural appeal for ardent travellers. On this exclusive voyage of discovery aboard a 16-passenger yacht, you can explore these magical islands that inspired Charles Darwin and generations since. What’s more, you can do so in the company of a UBC professor who studies how species interact with one another and respond to challenges in their environment.

This full eight-day cruise ensures you visit several islands and have the opportunity for a fulfilling experience of the landscapes and habitats which are home to a wonderfully strange and abundant wildlife. Your study leader and your onboard Galapagos naturalist guide will lead daily island walks on on-board discussions that put everything into context. And what is so special about the Galapagos experience is that the wildlife here acts 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, and nurture their young. You’ll skirt past nesting boobies, giant tortoises grazing in the lush highlands and dinosaur-like iguanas sunning themselves on black lava shores. While we swim or snorkel, tiny Galapagos Penguins and playful sea lions dart by us through the waters like torpedoes. There is simply no place in the world quite like the Galapagos Islands!

Join fellow alumni UBC travellers for this intimate and exclusive experience of the Galapagos!

For travellers residing outside of Ontario, Manulife Travel Insurance is now available through alumni UBC. Please click here for more information and to protect your travel investment.

Tour Cost (per person):

US$6870 Includes all taxes and gratuities.

Group Size:

12 - 15 participants

What’s included: Accommodation, all meals, all activities and entrance fees, all ground transportation, expert local guides, arrival and departure transfers at destination, internal flights, accompanied by alumni UBC naturalist-leader. Taxes and gratuities of US$275 are included.

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

Spotting a Galapagos Oddball

"The Galapagos Islands inspire you to think differently about the world." - 2019 Traveller

"The tour was amazing. I learned a lot about the birds, reptiles and landscape of both Galapagos and the rainforest." - Susan. W.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Arrive in Quito
2	Sightseeing in Quito and a visit to the Quito Botanical Gardens
3	Flight to Baltra, Galapagos and board the M/Y Beluga
4 - 9	Exploring the Galapagos Islands, including Santa Cruz, Sombrero Chino, Rábida, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Bartolomé, and North Seymour
10	Turtle Cove, Baltra, fly to Quito
11	Depart Quito

Download Itinerary

Ship Information

We charter the M/Y Beluga exclusively for our Quest 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. Note that we will have a special sanitation protocol in place aboard our vessel to assure your health and safety. Please enquire for more information.

Your Tour Leader

Chris Harley is a professor in the Zoology Department and in the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries at UBC. He studies the forces that create ecological patterns in space and time in coastal ecosystems. Chris is particularly interested in how species interact with one another and respond to temperature, ocean acidification, and other challenges in their environment.

Email Us

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

Tour Cost (per person):

US$6870 Includes all taxes and gratuities.

Group Size:

12 - 15 participants

What You'll See:

What You'll Taste:

Where You'll Stay:

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

Spotting a Galapagos Oddball

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alumni UBC Travel Club

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Galapagos Islands with alumni UBC

Jan 31 - Feb 10, 2022