GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ORIGIN of SPECIES CRUISE with Dr. LINDA CAYOT

12 days/11 nights (8 days/7 nights aboard the luxurious MV Integrity)

May 1-12, 2013

GalapaGos ConservanCy, in collaboration with INCA (inca1.com), has arranged our 5th annual cruise around the Galapagos Islands in the company of two experts — Galapagos guide extraordinaire, richard polatty, and GC’s own Science Advisor and Galapagos wildlife and reptile expert, Dr. linda Cayot.

This 12-day adventure, unlike any other Galapagos cruise available, has been designed by some of the most knowledgeable experts on Galapagos. With naturalist Richard Polatty, who has more than 25 years as a guide in Galapagos, and tour leader Linda Cayot, who lived and worked at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Galapagos for more than a decade, as well as visits from special guests from the Charles Darwin Research Station and other institutions, you will learn about the biological, evolutionary, and geological history of this extraordinary ecosystem and the efforts to conserve it for future generations.

Picture yourself in Charles Darwin’s shoes, as he voyaged to Galapagos more than 150 years ago. Be amazed by the mind-boggling array of fascinating creatures, from the fearless birdlife to the slow and steady giant tortoises and sea-faring marine iguanas. You’ll also enjoy the exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Charles Darwin Research Station and dine in the company of a few of Galapagos’ most ardent scientists and conservationists, while gaining insight into the efforts being made to keep the Galapagos Islands as pristine as they were when first discovered in 1535.

Galapagos Conservancy hosts one cruise each year, and will alternate between the West and East Routes. Daily itineraries may change without notice.

2013’s cruise follows the East Route.

Day 1: Hotel Colon in Quito, EcuadorDay 2: Fly to Baltra in Galapagos Galapagos Safari Camp, Santa CruzDay 3: Charles Darwin Research Station Galapagos Safari Camp, Santa CruzDay 4: Santa Cruz Exploration Board the MV Integrity for dinner Set sail!Days 5-11: Island hopping (See routes at left.)Day 11: Disembark yacht, return to Hotel Colon in QuitoDay 12: Head home or to next adventure!

West route (2014, 2016)east route (2013, 2015)Route prior to 2011

TOUR LEADERDr. Linda Cayot has worked for Galapagos conservation for more than 30 years. She first came to Galapagos in 1981 to study giant tortoises for her PhD from Syracuse University. She has stayed involved in the Islands ever since.

Linda served as herpetologist of the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) from 1988 to 1998, during which time she supervised both the giant tortoise and land iguana breeding and rearing programs, worked extensively with the recently deceased Lonesome George, the last member of the tortoise subspecies Chelonoidis abingdoni from Pinta Island, and supervised Ecuadorian students studying the endemic reptiles of Galapagos, among many other endeavors.

In her final year with the CDRS, Linda coordinated the start of the successful Project Isabela, aimed at ridding Isabela and other islands of feral goats. She is currently the Science Advisor to Galapagos Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands. Linda participated in returning tortoises to Pinta Island in 2010, and more recently, she played a leading role in the Galapagos Tortoise Workshop of July 2012, making plans for the next 10 years of tortoise conservation in Galapagos.

NATURALISTRichard Polatty is INCA’s Chief Naturalist and Galapagos Guide Coordinator; he manages the guiding schedule and ensures the guides maintain their commitment to excellence.

He began guiding in Galapagos in 1985 and has received only rave reviews since then. He has been guiding exclusively for INCA’s Galapagos Island trips since 1990. Other impressive accomplishments of his include:• principal author of the “CD-ROM encyclopedia of

Galapagos” • spokesperson for Pentax binoculars and featured in full

page ads in many international magazines (such as Audubon and Smithsonian)

• active pilot with land and seaplane ratings• avid astronomer, having taught astronomy classes for the

Galapagos National Park Naturalists Course • research associate for the Oceanites Foundation and

researcher for the Antarctic Site Inventory funded by the US National Science Foundation 1992 to present

Richard Polatty is originally from Atlanta, GA but has lived in Ecuador for 27 years. He earned his bachelors degree from Vanderbilt University and a masters from Emory University in the United States. He is reforesting his ranch in the Galapagos highlands with native plants to help conserve endemic birds.

EXCEPTIONAL is the only term that comes to mind for both. Richard has indeed encyclopedic knowledge about the Galapagos and other subjects. Linda is a world renowned expert in her field. We were very fortunate to make our first visit to the Galapagos under the guidance of such gifted people. — Claude and Fabrizia Ostfeld, guests from GC’s 2010 cruise, on the quality of Richard and Linda’s trip knowledge and leadership

The eastern half of the Galapagos Islands contains some of the oldest islands and the most abundant populations of seabirds. Española to the south and Genovesa to the north provide some of the best opportunities in the archipelago to see Nazca, Blue-footed, and Red-footed Boobies, as well as Lava Gulls, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Frigatebirds, Yellow-crowned Night Herons, and many others; and, in the case of Waved Albatrosses on Española, the only opportunity in the world. El Junco, one of a few freshwater lakes in the archipelago, sits in the highlands of San Cristóbal, the oldest of the islands. Many satellite islands off the coasts of Española, San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Santiago offer incredible opportunities for snorkeling and showcase beautiful landscapes teeming with Galapagos wildlife. Other highlights of this tour include a visit to the giant cactus groves on Santa Fe with the possibility of seeing the Santa Fe land iguana and a trek across an amazing lava field on the southern coast of Santiago, providing a glimpse at the origin of the islands. Our days on Santa Cruz will include giant tortoises and visits to other natural areas, as well as a look into the important role that humans play in protecting these extraordinary islands.

Eastern Route: A Summary

Travellers from past GC cruises explore the islands. (Zorica Kovacevic)

Day 1: May 1, 2013Arrive in Quito, Ecuador and stay at the Hotel Hilton Colon.

Days 2-4: Baltra Airport and Santa Cruz IslandIn the morning, we’ll fly to Baltra Island in Galapagos! We’ll spend two full days exploring the varied ecology of Santa Cruz Island, while staying at the Galapagos Safari Camp in the lush highlands. During the course of our stay, we will hike in the moist highlands, visit giant tortoises in their natural habitat, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, stroll through the bustling town of Puerto Ayora, and explore lava tubes. We’ll visit a few Galapagos Conservancy project sites to see conservation efforts in action and learn more about how humans interact with the environment. We’ll have time to shop, dine well, and relax. The days will also include special visits and meals with Station scientists and others involved in Galapagos conservation.

In the afternoon of Day 4, we will board our yacht, Integrity, for dinner and set sail on our Island cruise. We will live aboard the yacht and spend as much time exploring the islands as park rules permit. Every day will have some snorkeling and/or kayaking opportunities – not all of which are mentioned in the following itinerary. Each night, we’ll travel on to the next destination.

Day 5: Española Island AM Gardner Bay — We’ll stroll along a magnificent white sand beach where sea lions lounge, marine turtles nest, and the curious Española mockingbirds follow our every footstep. We can take a brief swim on the beach or wait for an amazing snorkel in the company of schools of colorful fish, turtles, sea lions, and possibly small sharks along the underwater cliffs of Gardener-by-Española, a small satellite islet. PM Punta Suárez — This is one of the Galapagos’ most famed visitor sites. You’ll be dazzled by spectacular cliff views of pounding surf and seemingly unlimited populations of an amazing variety of seabirds. Brightly-colored marine iguanas and the largest lava lizards of Galapagos frequent the coastline and rest on the trail. From the cliff top you’ll watch a blowhole spray water 30 meters in the air. Española is the only island where you’ll see waved albatrosses and possibly observe their fascinating mating dance.

Day 6: San Cristóbal Island AM Puerto Baquerizo Moreno & El Junco — Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galapagos province. We will travel from there up into the highlands and visit El Junco, one of the few freshwater lakes in the islands. The lake sits in an extinct volcano and is an ideal spot for bird-watching. From the crater there is a view over most of the island, including the 900 m peak of Cerro San Joaquin. There is time for wandering the streets of the town before returning to the ship.

PM Cerro Brujo & Kicker Rock — A short panga ride along the cliffs of Cerro Brujo will be followed by a visit to the lovely coral sand beach, frequented by waders and migrant birds. Snorkelers will see an amazing array of sea life at Kicker Rock, often including manta rays, sea turtles, and sharks. Non-snorkelers will enjoy a close cruise around dramatic Non-snorkelers will enjoy a cruise around the base of dramatic Kicker Rock (top left photo), a 500 m vertical tuff cone. The orange glow on the rock at sunset is one of the more dramatic sights in all of Galapagos.

Day 7: Santa Fé and South Plaza Islands AM Santa Fé — After landing on a white beach usually covered with sea lions, we’ll walk into a giant Opuntia cactus grove where we’ll have the opportunity to see the endemic land iguanas. The land visit will be followed by snorkeling and/or kayaking in the turquoise waters of the bay, full of sea lions, rays, urchins, eels, and fish of all colors.PM South Plaza — We will see another species of Galapagos land iguana as well as cactus finches. Both North and South Plazas were formed by geological uplift and tilt to the north, with cliffs on their southern coasts. On small islands like this, terrestrial and marine species interact more than on the larger islands, and the occasional hybrid iguana (land and marine) with its “zebra-like” stripes can often be observed. The south-facing cliffs swarm with a myriad of bird species. Bachelor sea lions climb steep cliffs in the late afternoon to spend nights away from the larger dominant bulls.

Day 8: Genovesa Island AM Darwin Beach — At the north side of Darwin Bay, this beach was formed by the rim of a sunken crater. Red mangroves along the hiking trail provide habitat for yellow warblers, yellow-crowned night herons, and pintail ducks. The highlight of this site is the incredible abundance of Red-footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and Yellow-crowned Night Herons. Although the most abundant booby in the islands, this is one of the few places visitors can observe Red-footed Boobies.PM Prince Phillip’s Steps — While riding in a panga along the base of the eastern cliffs of Darwin Bay, we’ll scour the cliff crevices for all kinds of animal life. We’ll come to a rockfall that forms a natural staircase up the cliffs, known as Prince Phillip’s Steps or the “Stairway to Seabird Heaven.” We’ll walk through massive colonies of Red-footed and Nazca Boobies and an extraordinary Palo Santo forest on the way to a lava ridge where thousands of storm petrels dart about while short-eared owls stalk them for prey.

Day 9: Santiago and Bartolomé Islands AM Sulivan Bay (Santiago) — We’ll walk across a recent lava flow and view its beautiful structural characteristics.

The 2013 Day-by-Day Origin of Species Itinerary*

INTEGRITY BASICStype: motor yachtSize: 141 ft x 24 ftspeed: 12 knotsstabilizers: yesair conditioning: individually controlledguests: 16crew + naturalist: 10 + 1CD-DVD-LCD: en suitesatellite phone: en suitekayaks: yes

This tour can accommodate 15 passengers, ages 10 years or older. Prices are per person, and approximately 12% of the cost goes toward Galapagos conservation. Unlike many Galapagos trips available, roundtrip airfare between Quito and Galapagos is included. A $1500/

person non-refundable deposit is required.

Double Stateroom $7,750 (12 people, Rooms 3-9) King-suite $8,650 (2 people, Room 1) Single in own room $8,400 (1 person, Room 2) ($1000 of the tour cost is a tax-deductible contribution to Galapagos Conservancy and automatically entitles you to membership in our elite Galapagos Ambassador Society)

Price includes: Roundtrip flights between Quito and Galapagos; roundtrip airport transfers in Quito and Galapagos; all yacht and hotel accommodations (2 nights at Hotel Colón in Quito, 2 nights at Galapagos Safari Camp in Galapagos, and 7 nights on board Integrity); all meals beginning with breakfast on Day 2 and ending with breakfast on Day 12 (Day 11 dinner in Quito is not included); all non-alcoholic beverages and beer while on Integrity; guided tours and special excursions with scientists; use of kayaks and snorkel equipment; MedEvac emergency insurance, and Galapagos yacht fuel surcharge.

Price does not include:$100 Galapagos National Park entrance fee (this fee is expected to increase within the next year.); $10 airport transit fee; roundtrip airfare between your home and Quito; meals on Day 1 and Day 12; tips for yacht crews, guides, naturalists (at your discretion); wetsuits (which can be rented in Galapagos); alcoholic beverages, except beer, on Integrity; excess baggage charges; insurance coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay or theft (it is recommended you obtain coverage for these items).

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact: Becca Fuhrken at 703-383-0077 or rfuhrken@galapagos.orgGalapagos Conservancy • 11150 Fairfax Boulevard, Suite 408 • Fairfax, VA 22030 • www.galapagos.org

The DetailsFormed in the second half of the 19th century, the flow is too young for much plant or animal life. It is the lava itself and the contrasting black pahoehoe flow and the reddish-yellow tuff cones that are the stars of this visit. The colors and shapes of the lava are fantastic for photos.PM Bartolomé — Arguably the most recognized landmark in Galapagos, Pinnacle Rock juts straight out of Bartolomé’s northern bay. Snorkeling in the bay provides visitors with a chance to swim with Galapagos Penguins. Climbing up the 600-m trail to the top of the island provides spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock, Santiago Island, and Daphne Major and Minor.

Day 10: Rábida and Sombrero Chino Islands AM Rábida — We’ll land at Red Beach where wading birds and ghost crabs dot the sand. Behind the beach is a saltwater lagoon where Pintail ducks and Common Stilts are frequently seen along with a group of bachelor sea lions. Brown pelicans nest in the nearby salt brush. A short trail inland provides a chance to observe finches, Galapagos Doves, Yellow Warblers, and mockingbirds, as well as the occasional snake.PM Sombrero Chino — The turquoise waters near Sombrero Chino provide one of our best opportunities to see Galapagos Penguins. A panga ride in search of wildlife is followed by a snorkel that often includes sharks, sea lions, penguins, and rays. We will land at a beautiful white sand beach for a short walk along a trail that meanders over varying types of lava. Days 11-12: Baltra Island to Quito on the Mainland We’ll have breakfast on board Integrity, then disembark at Baltra Island and fly back to Quito. Your afternoon and evening are free for city exploration. Enjoy your final overnight stay at Hotel Colon. You’ll depart for home on the 12th day, or continue with your own adventures in Ecuador.

* This itinerary may change at any time under orders from the Galapagos National Park Service.