Meet your leader - Florida Museum of Natural History...Galápagos natural history to gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards,

holbrook.travel/expeditiongalapagos800-451-7111

Dr. Thomas C. Emmel is the founding director of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, and professor emeritus

of zoology and entomology at the University of Florida. Authoring over 400 scientific publications and 35 books, it’s astounding that he has had time to travel to over 45 countries on the hundreds of scientific and ecotourism expeditions that he has led throughout his career. Well-known as an international expert on tropical ecology, population biology, and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), he also has a strong passion for research, teaching, and the merits of conservation through ecotourism.

ENROLL TODAY!

Meet your leader

HOVERING OVER THE EQUATOR, 600 miles from the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos is a world within itself. Nearly all creatures that inhabit these islands are found nowhere else on earth and have developed unique adaptations that distinguish themselves and help them adapt to their environment. With no natural enemies present, the animals through this archipelago have virtually no fear of humans, making them remarkably tame, not to mention photogenic! This expedition will be an educational eco-adventure perfect for anyone with an interest in nature and learning about this incredible world!

EXPEDITION TO THE

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDSABOARD ERIC/LETTY/FLAMINGO

November 28-December 7, 2015

LED BY

DR. THOMAS EMMELFounding Di rec tor o f the McGuire Center

for Lepidoptera & Biodivers i ty

Pho

tos

by

Rein

ier

Mun

gui

a an

d D

ain

Van

Scho

yck

ExpeditionTRAVEL

2015 Itinerary

LAND COST: $5,625 per person (Iguana deck, double occupancy)

Includes: Accommodations (double occupancy), in-country transportation, internal flights, meals and activities as listed in the itinerary, gratuities, Galápagos park fee.Not included: Items of a personal nature, international airfare.

ESTIMATED AIRFARE COST: $975 (round-trip from Gainesville, FL. Other departure cities are available.)

THE FINE PRINT: A completed enrollment form and $500 deposit are required to reserve a space on the trip. Payments are non-refundable after 95 days prior to departure. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information, contact Travel Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: Participants able to walk a few hours a day unassisted will be able to fully enjoy the Galápagos. Some of the excursions require more physical activity than others, such as steep climbs or long walks in hot weather or on uneven rocky trails. However, most excursions require moderate activity and the walks are at a leisurely pace. Entering and exiting the Zodiacs requires that you are sure-footed.

CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have questions about the trip, please contact Lisa Palmese-Graubard at Holbrook Travel at 800-451-7111 x339 or [email protected].

More information

About your vesselThe boats M/Y Eric, Flamingo, and Letty are all comparable. The actual vessel will not be chosen until a later date and will be advised prior to departure. These three sister yachts are stylish, sustainable and fun. They are refurbished annually, include kayaks and other adventure gear, and the Eric boasts solar panels.

DETAILS:

Today we’ll be transferred to the airport for the flights home. (B)

AVAILABLE CABIN UPGRADES:CABIN SELECTION IS BASED ON AVAILABILITY AT TIME OF ENROLLMENT

Iguana deck, single cabin

Add $1,800Approx. 110 sq ft; twin beds; port lights

Booby deck Add $420Approx. 90 sq ft; double bed; picture windows

Dolphin deck

Add $740 Approx. 95 sq ft; twin/double bed; picture windows

NOV.28

NOV.29

DEC.02

DEC.03

DEC.05

DEC.06

DEC.07

DEC.04

LENGTH83 feet

CABINS10

CABIN DETAILSAir conditioning, private bath (hot and cold water showers), soap/shampoo dispensers, hair dryer, closet, drawers, intercom and separate climate controls.

SPEED8 knots

CREW CAPACITY9 + 2 naturalist guides

ACCOMMODATESup to 20 passengers

NOV.30

DEC.01

GUAYAQUIL

GALÁPAGOS

GALÁPAGOS

GALÁPAGOS

GALÁPAGOS

GUAYAQUIL

DEPARTURE

GALÁPAGOS

GALÁPAGOS

GALÁPAGOS

Fly from the U.S. to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at Oro Verde Hotel.

mangrove. Begin with a visit to Cormorant Bay, where a dense mangrove-belt behind the beach distinguishes the quiet lagoon. Expect to see flamingos, whimbrels, Bahama Pintail Duck, and Black-necked Stilt. The next stop is at Devil’s Crown, a sunken crater where Red-billed Tropicbirds and Blue-footed Boobies brood. This is a beautiful place to snorkel, with clear waters that allow observation of the diverse marine life and colorful sea stars blanketing the ocean’s floor. The day continues at Post Office Bay, so named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed an empty barrel which served as an informal post box for sailors passing through the Galápagos, taking the letters to their destinations with them. Stop at Mirador de la Baronesa in La Olla Bay, a basaltic tuff formation between Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay. Overnight aboard Eric, Flamingo, or Letty. (BLD)

Begin the exploration of Española Island with an excursion to Punta Suarez, famous for its varied colonies of sea birds including large populations of Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Waved Albatross, and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Catch a glimpse of the famous blowhole found here along the jagged cliffs. In the afternoon travel to Gardner Bay located on the eastern shore of the island. Hike along the white sand beach with sea lions and watch the curious Galápagos Mockingbirds and Brown Pelicans. The bay is an excellent choice for swimming or snorkeling in the turquoise waters. Overnight aboard Eric, Flamingo, or Letty. (BLD)

Transfer to Guayaquil Airport for a flight to San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our yacht. After the welcome briefing and safety drill, visit Cerro Tijeretas and Leon Dormido. Overnight aboard Eric, Flamingo, or Letty. (BLD)

Explore Floreana Island, best known for its endemic plant life like the Galápagos millwort, passion flower, and button

Take a field trip to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the most important island in the Galápagos in many respects. It is the second largest island, the most populated, and acts as the administrative center for the islands. The National Park Service is also based here. Giant tortoises can be spotted on Santa Cruz, in addition to several species of Darwin’s finches. As we pass through the trails on the island, you will notice a dramatic change in vegetation zones as altitude increases. In the afternoon visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation efforts throughout the islands. The CDRS has a team of over a hundred scientists, educators, and volunteers, whose mission is to conduct scientific research and environmental education for conservation. At the CDRS, giant tortoises can be observed at all stages of growth, from just a few days to almost 100 years old! Overnight aboard Eric, Flamingo, or Letty. (BLD)

Start today with a visit to Bartolomé Island, home to Pinnacle Rock, the “Guardian of the Isles” which rises sharply from the coast. The lunar-like landscape is home to one of the islands’ most endearing residents: the Galápagos Penguin. Hike to the island’s summit to enjoy a great view of the surrounding islands, including Pinnacle Rock’s eroded tuff cone. On the way to the summit, watch for colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla and various cacti.Later visit Black Turtle Cove, Las Bachas, or Sombrero Chino. At Caleta Tortuga Negra, or ‘Black Turtle Cove’, you will likely observe the Galápagos Green Turtles. A little west of Black Turtle Cove is Las Bachas, a sandy white-coral beach that is a major nesting site for sea turtles. A lagoon behind the first beach often has flamingos, White-cheeked Pintail Ducks, and migratory birds. Sombrero Chino, which is named after its resemblance to a Chinese hat, is home to sea lions, Galápagos Penguins, marine iguanas, and other wildlife. Overnight aboard Eric, Flamingo, or Letty. (BLD)

Begin with a wet landing at Cerro Brujo to watch lake and coastal birds and landscapes of Kicker Rock, southern Upper San Cristóbal, and the coast adjacent to Cerro Brujo. A visit to Punta Pitt, the easternmost point in the Galápagos, will allow a chance to see all three species of boobies: Red-footed, Blue-footed, and Nazca. Due to the abundance of food there is very little competition, allowing all three species to nest here: Nazca Boobies on the cliffs, Red-footed on the Cordia lutea bushes, and Blue-footed right on the ground a little to the interior. This is the only place where you can see all three together. Overnight aboard Eric, Flamingo, or Letty. (BLD)

Itinerary may be subject to change.

This morning head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies on the islands as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season, its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) it is bright red. Overnight aboard Eric, Flamingo, or Letty. (BLD)

This morning disembark and visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristóbal where we will summarize our recent experience in Galápagos natural history to gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we’ll head to the airport for our flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, we will transfer to our hotel and enjoy our farewell dinner. Overnight at Oro Verde Hotel. (BLD)