Galapagos Islands Photo Tour

Transcription

1 presents Galapagos Islands Photo Tour The 19 Islands and surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique Living Museum Showcasing Evolution In the Galapagos 3 ocean currents converge to create the most interesting melting pot of species found anywhere in the world. Join us as we explore and photograph one of the most amazing places on earth. Galapagos Islands Photo Tour November 30th to December 11th, 2018

2 What is spectacular about the creatures that call the islands home is that they act as if humans are nothing more than slightly annoying paparazzi. A True Wonder of the Natural World The Galapagos Islands are situated in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1000 km from the continent of South America. Seismic and volcanic activity reflect the process that formed the islands. This resulted in the development of unusual animal life such as the Land Iguana, the Giant Tortoise, assorted marine life and many species of birds unique to this region. Photographers are invited to join us on our photo adventure to these intriguing Islands. We begin our adventure by flying into Quito City, then on to the Islands landing in San Cristobal were we board our own private ship, complete with our personal park guide. We will photograph and explore the many coves, lagoons, landscapes, birds and animals that make this region one of the most unique places in the world. As a private photo group this is a great opportunity to capture these remote islands, unique inhabitants, and one of the few places left on the planet where the footprint of the human presence is kept to a minimum. We work with our guides to get on the islands early each morning. Please note we are pleased to offer four days in Quito during our tour three pre Galapagos and one post. James Cowie

3 Tropic Bird, Genovesa - Lava Rock, Sullavan Bay - Salt Water Lagoon, Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Galapagos Photo Tour - November 30th to December 11th, 2018 Day One: Friday November 30th, :30 morning coach departure offered from London to Toronto. Toronto and area guests will meet at Pearson International. We are flying from Terminal 1 via Avianca Airlines to Quito International Airport. Our flight departs at 3:25 p.m. Flying via El Salvadore. After clearing customs and immigration in Quito, we will be met by our local tour representative who will assist with luggage and transfer to our hotel for check-in. Three nights in Quito, Swiss Hotel (B) Day Two: Saturday December 1st, 2018 After breakfast at our hotel we will will have opportunity to do a walking tour of Quito.Today we will pay a visit to the Botanical Gardens and walk along the old quarter. We will return to the hotel early in the afternoon for time to relax. This evening we will meet in the hotel lobby then travel to our restaurant Miskay for our group welcome dinner. Overnight Swiss Hotel.(B) (D) Day Three: Sunday December 2nd, 2018 After breakfast at our hotel we will visit the Markets, touring some of the old world streets, and the Spanish Quarter. We have an optional cable car adventure today. This is an opportunity for a high vantage view of Quito and the surrounding mountains. We will watch the weather offering this on day two if forecast is for clouds. Those who do not wish to do the cable car we will visit the central quarter of Quito. Overnight Swiss Hotel. (B) Day Four: Monday December 3rd, 2018 After breakfast at our hotel we will check-out and take our shuttle transfer to Quito airport to board the flight departing from Quito to Baltra, Galapagos Islands, which is approximately a two and a half hour flight. We will meet our guide at the airport and board our shuttle bus to our ship the the Archipell 1. We will have time to settle into our cabins, have lunch and then in the afternoon we will visit the island of north Seymour Island. (B) (L) (D)

4 Top Left: The Queen of the Galapagos Top Right: Early AM Beach Landing Left: Snorkeling Right: Exploring Turtle Cove Galapagos Island Photo Tour - November 30th to December 11th, 2018 Day Five: Tuesday December 4th, 2018 Our Galapagos continues with our visit to Genovesa Islands or the Land of Genovesa, an imploded volcano. Its distinct shape (like a horse-shoe) was formed from the eruption of a shield volcano, that is a volcano with broad gentle slops built up over time by repeated lava flows. We will visit Darwin Bay and El Barranco while on the Islands. Genovesa has developed the reputation as being know as bird island because of the numerous and varied bird species that nest here. You will have opportunity to photograph an abundance of Frigate birds, Nazca and Redfooted Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Storm Petrels, Red-billed Tropic birds, Finches and Mocking birds. Genovesa is one of the few places in the Galapagos Islands where Red-footed Boobies are found in large populations. This evening we sail for Baratolme Island. (B) (L) (D) Day Six: Wednesday December 5th, 2018 This morning we will have a dry landing on Bartolomé. We will see volcanic formations such as lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. We will follow the board walk and stairs as we hike to the summit. From here great panoramic photographs as you enjoy a great view of the surrounding islands, including Pinnacle Rock s eroded tuff cone. On the way to the summit, we should see colonies of marine iguanas at the shore, lava lizards, and various cacti. Later in the morning we will also photograph the Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks. Later we will visit Sulivan Bay on Santiago (Egas Port) another wet landing on a beach of dark sand (volcanic ash). Most of the landscape is comprised of layers of rocks and lava flows. Here we will photograph the interesting striations and patterns in this 100 year old lava flow. We will also photograph Marine Iguanas grazing upon algae beds and red sally light-footed crabs. There is also a colony of Fur-Seals swimming in pools of cool water to be found along the shoreline. (B) (L) (D)

5 Day Seven: Thursday December 6th, 2018 Today we will visit the Darwin Research Station on the Island of Santa Cruz to see the giant Galapagos tortoises. The research station is 10 minutes from the centre of town and conducts research and provides technical assistance to other researchers and governmental agencies, including the Galapagos National Park. After lunch we travel to the Santa Cruz highlands to see the giant tortoises that inhibit the region. Beginning at the coast and traveling north along the road to Baltra, the road climbs through the agricultural zone and into the mist covered forests of the highlands. Late in the afternoon we will return to Puerto Ayora village and transfer back to our ship. (B) (L) (D) Day Eight: Friday December 7th, 2018 This morning we will visit Commorant Point on Floreana Island. The island offers two contrasting beaches; the first is a green sand beach, made green by the presence of olivine crystals, and the second Flour Beach, made of fine, pulverized coral. The main highlight is the flamingo lagoon. Later in the afternoon we sail to Post Office Bay, this is the old meeting point of 18th century ships. A group of whalers placed a wooden barrel in 1793 and called it post office. Traveling seamen would leaved addressed letters in the barrel and hope that the next seaman to come along might be headed in the direction of their letters destinations. Today you can leave your own postcard and sift through the current pile of cards - if they find one that you can hand deliver or mail when you get home take it with you. (B) (L) (D) Day Nine: Saturday December 8th, 2018 This morning a visit to the island of Espanola best known for being the sole breeding ground for the entire population of the world s Waved Albatrosses. We will hike the trail past rugged shore lines. The beach of Gardner Bay offers one of the best beach experiences in the Galapagos. Three species of Darwin s finches and Espanola Mockingbirds may be seen at this site. This afternoon we will visit Suarez Point to experience the sea lions and the brightly coloured red and green marine iguanas. These are the only marine iguanas that remain coloured throughout the year. (B) (L) (D) Galapagos, Island - Flamingos Day Ten: Sunday December 9th, 2018 This morning we will visit San Cristobal Island and travel to Punta Pitt Islet where we drop anchor and experience spectacular landscapes and if lucky all three species of boobies. This afternoon visit Cerro Brujo which is located on the north side of San Cristobal Island. Cerro Brujo offers an excellent landscape, from where you can see the Leon Dormido (Sleeping Lion) rock formation. We will have opportunities to photograph lake and coastal birds. Another day of beauty in the Galapagos. Tonight will be our farewell dinner and toast to our ships crew. (B) (L) (D) Day Eleven: Monday December 10th, 2018 This morning we will visit Isla Lobos home of two different species of sea lions and a small population of blue footed boobies and common frigate birds. Then return to San Cristobal where we and disembark, saying goodbye to the crew and our ship. We will then transfer to the airport for our flight back to the mainland and on to Quito. On arrival in Quito we will transfer to our hotel for check in and over night Wyndham Hotel located 5 minutes from Quito International Airport. (B) Day Twelve: Tuesday December 11th, 2018 Travel Day, we will transfer to the Quito airport for our flight home, via Avianca Airlines arriving into Toronto Pearson International Airport at 1:45 p.m. After clearing customs we will say good bye to our Toronto guests and those from London and region will meet our motor coach arriving in London at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the afternoon. (B)

6 Our Ship: The Archipell I offers space and comfort; the stability and speed make this catamaran a perfect partner for the adventure of discovering the Galapagos Islands. The catamaran has 6 twin cabins and 2 cabins with matrimonial beds all on the main deck. All of the cabins have private bathrooms and airconditioning. The Archipell I also has a comfortable dining room, TV, DVD, stereo, library, an indoor bar, a bar on the upper deck and a spacious tanning deck with reclining chairs. In addition, all cabins are located on the main deck with an outside view. The boat also has a complete crew of 9 including a naturalist guide level III, who has been trained and licensed by the Galapagos National Park at the Charles Darwin Research Station. ** Please note, this ship will be a private charter for our Photo Group. Ships Capacity: 16 PAX Crew: 8 plus 1 Naturalist Guide Facilities on Board: All the social areas are fully air conditioned, comfortable lounge, deck bar,and dining room. Cabin Facilities: 8 exterior cabins. All cabins have ocean views and air conditioning. December Temperatures: The Galapagos Islands are Max 27 C (81F) Min 19.5 C (67F) Sea Temperature 21C (70F), and minimal rainfall the highest average of clears skies in the year.

7 Making your Adventure Easier... The Galapagos is a place that can be visited at any time of the year, from June to December the southern trade winds bring the colder Humboldt Current north to the Galapagos. This means that the water is cooler, and a layer of high atmosphere mist pervades the island skies. In effect, the highlands of the larger islands are kept green and lush while the sea level islands and shorelines have little precipitation. Thus, June to December is generally called the "dry season" which is known for its blue skies and mid-day showers. Temperatures range from 24C to 26C daytime and 16C to 20C overnight. Workshop Opportunities: During the tour we will be offering up many other opportunities to explore different ideas with your photography. We will have daily challenges, which will be suited to the shooting environment. The tour is designed to learn as you go, there is no better place to improve your photography than out working in the field with your camera and equipment. There will also be one on one time available to work with James during the tour. Pre-tour Information Night: As with all our photo tours, we will hold a photo information night approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. Here we will present the final itinerary, travel suggestions, what gear to pack, and hand out all related travel documents. The pre-tour presentation is designed to give our photographers all the information needed for our trek. This also allows a chance for you to meet your fellow travelers, and host. The tentative date for the information night is Tuesday November 5th, On-line Booking: We are pleased to offer on-line booking for all our photo adventures. This is a quick and easy way to book your tour and provide all the travel information we need to make your trip worry free. To use our on-line booking system please visit select the tour you wish to join from the main page, this will take you to the tour page and there you will find the link to the on-line registration form, unique to that adventure.

8 Galapagos Photo Tour November 30th to December 11th, 2018 The cost of Galapagos Island Tour is $ per person CAD based on double occupancy, plus air taxes of $ CAD plus HST $ Single supplement is available only for Swiss Hotel and Wyndham Hotel 4 nights for an additional $ CAD. Includes: - Round trip coach via Coach for departures from London & Woodstock to Pearson Airport, Toronto - Departures from London, Woodstock, and Toronto other points may be requested - Round Trip Airfare via Avianca Airlines - Round Trip Airfare Quito to San Cristobal Airport, Galapagos Islands operated by Avianca Airlines - Three nights accommodations Swiss Hotel in Quito with breakfast pre Galapagos - One night accommodation Airport Wyndham Hotel with breakfast post Galapagos - All airport and hotel transfers - Seven nights onboard the Archipell I - Three Meals per day while onboard the ship - Daily visits to the islands as per itinerary with naturalist guide - Snorkeling opportunities, all transfers to / from the Islands to the ship, snorkeling equipment included - Fuel Surcharge - Photo Workshops and briefings about the Islands - Welcome Dinner at Miskay in Quito - Tour hosted and escorted by photographer James Cowie, Excludes: - Ingala Tourist control card $20 US - Galapagos National Park entrance fee $100 US - Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks onboard the ship, laundry and crew tips, ** Cruise Schedule may vary according to Galapagos National Park Rules Booking space for this tour may be done online by visiting then select Galapagos Tour. A non refundable deposit of $ CAD is required at time of booking, a second deposit of $ July 12th with the balance due September 12th, Or you may select deposit plus 6 payments of $ Apr 12th, May 12th, Jun 12th, Jul 12th, Aug 12th, Sep 12th Tourcan Vacations recommends the purchase of travel and health insurance as our tour takes us out of country. James Cowie ext Toll free at ext to james@tourcanvacations.com Padma Rao ext Toll free at ext to padma@tourcanvacations.com TICO Registration Retail # Wholesale # Photo Tour Trekkers / Tourcan Vacations 5799 Yonge St. Suite 1001 Toronto, ON M2M 3V3