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Walking amongst dozing Galapagos Sea Lions

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Observing Galapagos Giant Tortoises foraging

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Watching the interactions among the bizarre Swallow-tailed Gulls

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

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

Galapagos Islands with alumni UBC

Jan 22 - Feb 01, 2024

11 days | Ecuador | alumni UBC Travel Club

This expedition is sponsored by the alumni UBC Travel Club. All curious travellers are welcome!

Limited availability remaining on this confirmed departure!

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 leading, modern-day evolutionary biologist who has worked in the Galapagos and who can provide rare insight into the significance of this archipelago.

This full eight-day cruise ensures you visit several islands and have the opportunity for a fulfilling experience of the landscapes and habitats which, while perhaps desolate at first sight, 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 alumniUBC travellers for this intimate and exclusive experience of the Galapagos!

Tour Cost (per person):

US$7395 - US$7595 including all taxes and gratuities

Group Size:

14 - 16 participants

What’s included: Airport transfers on tour start and end dates; accommodation in Quito in hotel listed or similar, based on double occupancy; accommodation for seven nights on board the M/Y Beluga, based on double occupancy; ground transportation; all activities as described in the detailed itinerary; entrance fees to all sites visited with the group; airfare from Quito to the Galapagos / Return to Quito; gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel, and included meals; services of bilingual naturalist guide on board, trained by the Charles Darwin Research Station; services of your alumni UBC Study Leader

"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

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$7395 - US$7595 including all taxes and gratuities

Group Size:

14 - 16 participants

What You'll See:

What You'll Taste:

Where You'll Stay:

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Galapagos Islands with alumni UBC