A Family Adventure Celebrating the Year Of Darwin. Aboard the Santa Cruz June 14 23, 2009

Transcription

1 GalápagOs: A Family Adventure Celebrating the Year Of Darwin Aboard the Santa Cruz June 14 23, 2009

2 Sally lightfoot crab Young travelers istockphoto.com / Edward Davis Morten Elm / Dreamstime.com istockphoto.com / Angelika Stern istockphoto.com / Gene Chutka Laura Tidwell Masked boobies blue-footed booby

3 Dear Smith Alumnae & Friends, Land iguana One of the most magical places on earth, Ecuador s Galápagos Islands are home to rare and distinctive animals and birds, from land iguanas, sea lions, and bluefooted boobies to the variety of finches whose specialized beaks inspired Charles Darwin s thinking on the evolution of species. In June 2009, the 200th anniversary of Darwin s birth, join us on a family voyage to the famed islands of the Galápagos aboard the comfortable expedition ship, Santa Cruz. L. David Smith, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Smith, and Richard O. Prum, an ornithologist from Yale, will offer lectures and discussions, while regional naturalists and youth coordinators will contribute to a rich educational program for children and adults alike. Travelers from Yale will also join us on the journey. This commemorative family adventure is an extraordinary opportunity to learn firsthand about the remarkable species that so captivated Darwin, and to experience the crystal-clear waters, volcanic vistas, and intrepid wildlife of the Galápagos. Sincerely, Carrie Brown, Ed.M. 82 Executive Director Alumnae Association of Smith College BartolomÉ Island P.S. Availability is limited on this program, so I encourage you to make your reservation right away. Please call Liz Bigwood at Smith Travel, , to book space today. Natalia Pavlova / Dreamstime.com Leksele / Dreamstime.com istockphoto.com / Aiyana Paterson-Zinkand sea lions GalÁpagos tortoise

4 Itinerary U.S. / GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR Sunday, June 14 Depart the U.S. on the recommended group flight or independently. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. HOTEL HILTON COLÓN GUAYAQUIL / BALTRA, GALáPAGOS ISLANDS Monday, June 15 This morning fly to Baltra Island in the Galápagos. Twelve large islands and dozens of smaller ones, all volcanic, combine to form an ecological niche with towering volcanoes, crater lakes, and stunning lava formations. Upon arrival, board the Santa Cruz, your home for the next seven nights. During a dinghy ride among mangrove-ringed inlets, observe the landscape and coastline, an area of dramatic volcanic activity. Watch for boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and rays. Follow a trail to Dragon Hill, a nesting site for land iguanas reintroduced to the area by staff of the Charles Darwin Research Station, and a rewarding location for sightings of Darwin s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, endemic flycatchers, and yellow warblers. Marya McGinn Th e G al á pago s Islands Young traveler with sea lion PINTA MARCHENA GENOVESA BARTOLOMÉ NORTH SEYMOUR SANTIAGO BALTRA FERNANDINA RABIDA BARTOLOMÉ AND SANTIAGO ISLANDS Tuesday, June 16, 2008 Start the day with a hike to Bartolomé Island s 600-foot summit for spectacular views of its fascinating volcanic topography. Ride in small local boats called pangas around colossal Pinnacle Rock, with time to enjoy the beach and snorkel with Galápagos penguins. See marine iguanas graze on emerald-green algae beds, and watch seabirds forage along the pitch-black shoreline of Puerto Egas on Santiago Island. Take a guided walk to observe colonies of sea lions and fur seals filled with playful pups. On board the ship this evening, gaze at the equatorial night sky or join in lively talks on geology, evolution, and oceanography. SANTA CRUZ SANTA FE SAN CRISTOBAL ISABELA FLOREANA ESPAÑOLA RABIDA AND NORTH SEYMOUR ISLANDS W e d n e s d ay, J u n e 1 7 Disembark at Rabida Island s unusual rust-colored beach to see marine iguanas and a large colony of sea lions. Walk to a St u dy L ead er s L. David Smith is Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Director of the Environmental Science and Policy Program at Smith. His research interests focus on predator-prey relationships involving marine invertebrates, and the causes and ecological impacts of biological invasions in marine ecosystems. Smith will discuss the importance of predation over evolutionary and ecological time frames, and strategies to conserve marine biodiversity in the Galápagos and elsewhere. Richard O. Prum is the William Robertson Coe Professor of Ornithology, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology at the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University. His research on birds has taken him around the world, from Madagascar to China. Prum will discuss the fascinating differentiation of species in the birds of the Galápagos.

5 nearby salt pond, where flamingos feed on brine shrimp and a large colony of pelicans make their nests. Snorkel or swim off the beach and see a vast array of underwater species. In the afternoon sail to North Seymour Island. One of the few islands in the Galápagos uplifted from the ocean bed, North Seymour s sandy shores teem with Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas. Visit colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls during an afternoon walk, taking in views of both the coast and the interior of the island. SANTA CRUZ ISLAND Thursday, June 18 This morning, sail to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about a program devoted to rearing giant tortoises in captivity. See a forest of giant prickly pear cacti and visit the town of Puerto Ayoraride. Ride up to the lush Santa Cruz highlands to enjoy a special breakfast and see the giant daisy trees of the Scalesia Forest. Observe vermilion flycatchers, Darwin s finches, and giant tortoises in their natural habitat. SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND Friday, June 19 Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreño on San Cristobal Island, the island where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galápagos in Visit the tortoise-breeding center at Cerro Colorado and spot the island s mockingbirds, lava lizards, and vermilion flycatchers. If time allows, stop at El Junco Lagoon, the only permanent freshwater lagoon on the islands. Sail past Kicker Rock, a spectacular volcanic formation off the coast of San Cristobal. In the afternoon, travel to Cerro Brujo to relax and walk on the white powder-soft sand beach or swim with sea lions in the turquoise water. ESPAÑOLA / FLOREANA ISLANDS Saturday, June 20 After breakfast, disembark at Punta Suarez on Española (Hood) Island to walk on lava terrain and visit unique seabird colonies including waved albatrosses and Nazca boobies. Those who choose not to walk the entire trail can take a dinghy ride along the island s coastline, followed by a short walk under easy conditions. During an afternoon excursion to Floreana Island, take a hike to Punta Cormorant to visit a brackish water lagoon. After the hike, advanced snorkelers can explore the Devil s Crown while others can take a ride in the glass-bottom boat. FERNANDINA AND ISABELA ISLANDS Sunday, June 21 On Fernandina, the youngest island in the Galápagos, observe sea turtles and flightless cormorants at Punta Espinoza during a walk over great fields of lava rock. With no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a unique environment with the islands highest density of marine iguanas, which coexist with sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and hawks. In the afternoon, snorkel with sea turtles along the cliffs of the partly submerged Ecuador Volcano on the northern tip of Isabela Island. Explore the coast by dinghy as naturalists discuss the dramatic geology of the area. Tonight, celebrate the voyage at an onboard farewell reception and dinner. BALTRA ISLAND / GUAYAQUIL Monday, June 22 Return to Baltra for a flight to Guayaquil. Enjoy free time at the hotel this evening. HOTEL HILTON COLÓN (B) GUAYAQUIL / U.S. Tuesday, June 23 Fly to the U.S. on the recommended flight itinerary, or independently. (B) *Note: This itinerary describes highlights of this adventure; the exact itinerary will be determined by Galápagos National Park authorities. What to Expect While the Galápagos Islands straddle the equator, ocean breezes temper the daytime heat and cool off the nights. The ocean temperature is usually in the high 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. LOcal Naturalists In addition to onboard study leaders who are experts in evolution, geology, and natural history, this adventure also includes a team of local naturalists who are Galápagos National Park-trained experts on the unique flora and fauna of the Islands. These guides offer an in-depth understanding of the islands and their inhabitants, as well as a personal commitment to preserving this unique environment. YOung Travelers Most children are fascinated by animals, and in the Galápagos Islands most animals are fascinated by children! The absence of native land mammals here has produced many species that are unafraid of humans, so visitors to these islands enjoy unsurpassed opportunities to view wildlife in a natural setting. A special feature of this trip is a unique educational program designed for school-age kids, Separate age-appropriate activities are designed to give kids of all ages a basic understanding of science and nature and an appreciation for this natural paradise. For safety reasons, adult caregivers are responsible for their children at all times, both on board the ship and during shore excursions.

6 Ideal for cruising the Galápagos, the Santa Cruz carries 90 passengers in comfortable, air-conditioned cabins that can house families of all sizes. The ship features sun decks, a lounge, a large dining room that accommodates all passengers in a single seating, a reading room, observation decks, and pangas for landing small groups on the islands. The ship is equipped with snorkeling equipment for passengers and a glass-bottom boat. Santa Cruz BOAT DECK B20 B18 B16 B14 B12 B8 B6 B4 B2 the Santa cruz B19 B17 B15 B11 B9 B5 B3 B1 UPPER DECK U12 U10 U8 U6 U4 U2 LOUNGE BAR LIBR. RESTAURANT U11 U9 U7 U5 U3 U1 RECEPTION MAIN DECK M14 M12 M10 M8 M6 M4 M2 M15 M11 M9 M7 M5 M3 M1 Marya McGinn landing via Pangas GalÁpagos penguin istockphoto.com / John Frink PrOgram Rates, per person Main Deck Outside Quad $5,790 $5,290 Outside Triple $6,090 $5,590 Outside Twin $6,490 $5,990 $9,735 Upper Deck Outside Twin $6,790 $6,290 $10,185 Boat Deck Outside Triple $6,790 $6,290 *Age 7 17 Outside Twin $7,290 $6,790 $10,935 Superior Twin $7,390 $6,890 $11,085 Junior Suite $7,790 $7,290 Master Suite (double bed) Double Child* Single $8,490 $7,990 Program rates include Seven nights aboard the Santa Cruz Two nights at the Hotel Hilton Colón in Guayaquil, Ecuador Meals as indicated in the itinerary Round-trip airfare between Guayaquil and the Galápagos Islands Lecture program led by study leaders and naturalists Youth activity program led by youth leaders Onboard welcome reception and dinner, and farewell reception and dinner All excursions, entrance fees, and National Park tax of $100 per person Gratuities for porters, drivers, ship s crew, and naturalist guides Group transfers and baggage handling between airports, hotel, and ship Complete packet of pre-departure information, including educational materials and reading list Professional tour management throughout rates do not include U.S. domestic and international airfare (airfare between Guayaquil and the Galápagos Islands is included) Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Airport security fees imposed by the government or airline Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Excess baggage charges Baggage and cancellation insurance Transfers and baggage handling for those not participating in group flights Laundry, room service, telephone and fax calls, excess baggage charges, and other items of a purely personal nature Potential Fuel Surcharge Every effort is made to keep program costs as low as possible, and rates do not include allowances to cover possible increases in fuel costs. Please be aware that the volatile nature of oil prices may make it necessary to assess a fuel surcharge. We appreciate your understanding. Airfare U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program rates. Group flights will be offered from New York to Guayaquil; as of July 2008, the cost of roundtrip, economy-class airfare on Lan Ecuador is estimated at $820 per person. This fare is subject to change. Our tour operator is happy to assist you with your air travel arrangements.

7 Terms & COnditiOns Reservations and Payments A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to confirm all reservations. Please make your deposit check payable to High Country Passage and send it, with your completed reservation form, to Smith Travel, AASC, 33 Elm Street, Northampton, MA If you prefer, you may fax the form to Smith at , or call to charge your MasterCard or VISA. Final payment is due by February 14, 2009, 120 days prior to departure. All tour prices and airfares quoted in this brochure are based on tariffs, costs, and exchange rates of the United States dollar that were in effect at the time of publication. Consequently, prices herein are subject to change. Due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee. Details and costs wills be advised prior to your departure. The tour operator, High Country Passage, reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time. Cancellations and Refunds Deposits are fully refundable if a written notice of cancellation is received by Smith Travel within 30 days of receipt of deposit; after that, they are 100% nonrefundable. Cancellations after final payment: 100% penalty. Cancellation of program by High Country Passage will result in full refund except for airline cancellation penalties incurred by purchasing non-refundable air tickets. Refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for any reason at all. High Country Passage reserves the right, without penalty, to require any participant to withdraw from a tour at any time at his/her own expense, when such action is determined by tour staff to be in the best interest of the health, safety, or general welfare of the tour group or the individual participant subject only to the requirement that the recoverable portion of the total amount paid that corresponds to the cost of unused services and accommodations to be refunded, if any. Insurance For your protection, cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended. Information about insurance will be sent to you by Smith Travel. Health All participants should be in good health and capable of keeping up with an active group of travelers. By forwarding the deposit for passage, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers. Responsibility The Alumnae Association of Smith College (AASC) is the sponsor of this tour. As the sponsor, AASC has engaged independent tour operators to arrange the tours. Because the AASC does not own, operate, manage, or control, and is not in a partnership or joint venture with either the tour operators or with the various independent companies and persons with which or whom the tour operator has arranged to supply services to the tour, the AASC and its officers, directors, trustees, agents, servants, employees, affiliates, and assigns are not liable for any negligent or willful acts or omissions of the tour operator or the various suppliers, including any acts or omissions on their part that cause, without limitations, injury, death, theft, damage to or loss of property, delay, inconvenience, or the cancellation, substitution, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, transportation, or other services. Additional terms and conditions may apply to our trip and will be sent to you with your registration acknowledgement, which you must sign and return to Smith. Printed on recycled paper CST # Please send the completed reservation form, with your deposit check (payable to High Country Passage) or credit card instructions, to Smith Travel, AASC, 33 Elm Street, Northampton, MA You may also fax the reservation form to For more information, call Liz Bigwood at Smith Travel, Name 1 (as it appears on passport) Smith Class Name 2 (as it appears on passport) Smith Class Address City State Zip Home PhoNE Work Phone Fax Payments Enclosed is a check for $ ($1,000 per person, made payable to High Country Passage) for spaces(s) on Galapágos: A Family Adventure program. or Please charge my deposit of $ ($1,000 per person) to the following credit card: VISA MasterCard American Express Card No. Exp. Date mm/dd/yy Cardholder SigNATURE Date Cardholder name as it appears on card Accommodations Cabin category preference (refer to deck plan): 1st choice 2nd choice Bed preference (not guaranteed): One bed Two beds Single Applicants Only I prefer single accommodations. I plan to share accommodations with: Please arrange a share for me (not guaranteed). I am a smoker nonsmoker. I understand that if a roommate is not found by the final payment deadline of February 14, 2009, I will pay the single rate. Acceptance of Terms I/We have read the program information and the Terms and Conditions in this brochure and agree to the terms as stated therein. SigNATURE Date SigNATURE Galápagos: A Family Adventure Celebrating the Year of Darwin Aboard the Santa Cruz June 14 23, 2009 Date

8 Smith Travel, 33 Elm Street Northampton, MA GalápagOs: A Family Adventure Celebrating the Year Of Darwin Aboard the Santa Cruz June 14 23, 2009 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 173 Sunnyvale, CA Right: GalÁpagos flamingo S-dmit / Dreamstime.com Bottom: travelers and sea lion Brett Whysel Cover: happy travelers Marya McGinn Picture your family in the GalápagOs