ILS3 Discover.Travel Galapagos Cruise MV Evolution 2009

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Discover Galapagos on a Cruise aboard the M/V Evolution

Thrust from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, the combination of varied landscapes and accessible, curious wildlife create an unparalleled environment for those who love nature — the Galapagos Islands. Set against a contrasting landscape of deserts, lush highland forests, lava fields and beautiful beaches, imagine finding yourself just inches away from giant tortoises, comical blue‐footed boobies, sea lions, penguins or iguanas. The rich environment of Galapagos is home to the most prolific indigenous populations of land mammals, birds and marine life in the world. With this cruise, you have the perfect way to explore: aboard the 32‐guest Evolution. She is the ideal ship, with spacious cabins and public areas — highly comfortable and intimate at the same time. Blessed with ample time to explore the islands in a variety of ways, you’ll be amazed at all that you see and learn on this fascinating adventure: Galapagos Voyage Highlights The Wildlife: The animals have evolved without fear of humans and other predators, and you can watch and photograph them from extraordinarily close up. Our Guides: True native naturalists, you’ll learn from a local guide and an expedition leader who are both knowledgeable and passionate about the Galapagos. The Landscapes: The Galapagos have an other‐ worldly beauty — from the desert landscapes at sea level to tall volcanoes and lush highland forests. The Experience: Experience the adventure of Galapagos as you swim and snorkel among sea lions and other marine animals, stroll along pristine beaches and hike trails up ancient volcanoes. 10‐Day Voyage Itinerary “This was a life‐changing experience for us. Although we had prepared with books, documentaries and research, the actual up‐close and personal visit was more inspiring than we could have imagined.”

— Howard and Jane Evans of Millsboro, Delaware


The Itinerary:

Day 1 • Friday U.S. / Guayaquil, Ecuador Fly to Guayaquil and transfer to our hotel. (Meals provided during flights) Day 2 • Saturday Guayaquil / San Cristóbal / Cerro Brujo

Fly to the Galapagos Islands and board the M/V Evolution. Sail out to Kicker Rock before visiting Cerro Brujo, where we’ll likely see blue‐footed boobies, yellow warblers and finches. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)


Day 3 • Sunday Española (Hood) Island: Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay Wade ashore to Punta Suarez through a sea lion colony. Walk along the cliffs looking for Galapagos doves, Galapagos hawks, Hood mockingbirds and the red‐colored race of marine iguana en route to Española’s blowhole, where waves spout 90 feet into the air. In the afternoon, we can swim and snorkel in Gardner Bay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included) Day 4 • Monday Santa Cruz Island Learn about the vital work being done to study and preserve wildlife at the Charles Darwin Research Station before heading into the lush forested highlands to look for giant tortoises. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 5 • Tuesday Santiago (James) Island / Bartolomé Island

Santiago is an excellent place to spot finches, doves, hawks, iguanas and sea lions. In the afternoon visit Bartolomé Island, with a panorama of lava flows, neighboring islands and the jagged Pinnacle Rock. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)


Day 6 • Wednesday Genovesa (Tower) Island /Darwin Bay Genovesa Island contains one of the most diverse bird populations in the Galapagos, including red‐footed boobies and short‐eared owls. We climb Prince Philip’s Steps before visiting Darwin Bay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included) Day 7 • Thursday Fernandina Island: Punta Espinosa / Isabela Island: Tagus Cove Explore the lava fields of Punta Espinosa, where we are apt to spot flightless cormorants. Sail to Isabela Island and explore Tagus Cove, then enjoy a view of Darwin’s Lake or a panga ride along the cliffs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included) Day 8 • Friday North Seymour Island / Black Turtle Cove Visit North Seymour Island, a good nesting site for frigatebirds. Blue‐footed boobies perform their comical courtship dance in the open areas. We take a panga ride through Black Turtle Cove, drifting silently through this area of mangroves. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner aboard the Evolution. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included) Day 9 • Saturday San Cristóbal / Guayaquil We return to San Cristóbal, and visit the Interpretation Center. Fly to Guayaquil, with time to relax. (Breakfast, Lunch provided during flights) Day 10 • Sunday Guayaquil / U.S. Fly to the U.S. and connect with flights home. (Breakfast, Lunch provided during flights)


The Ship For our 10‐day Galapagos Voyage we have selected the M/V Evolution, a fine way to explore this archipelago that is so rich in wildlife. Accommodating just 32 guests, the Evolution has ample public space and plenty of comfort. There is an observation deck, a canopied bar on the roof deck and an infirmary. Two‐person kayaks also are available and a doctor is aboard on every voyage. Meals are served in one seating in the dining room, and weather permitting, there may be one or more meals served outdoors.


Because there is an “open bridge” policy, you are welcome to visit the captain and crew and learn all about the ship’s operation and navigation. Each day our naturalist guides will give talks and briefings on the day’s events and about the natural and human history of the Galapagos. They will help you understand the context of what you’ve seen and help prepare you for the next day’s activities.


Values 2009 Departures October ‐ December:

Oct 16, 23

Nov 20 Dec 18

For earlier or later departures, please contact us. January‐November Cabin A1: . . . . . . . . . $5,998 Cabins A2 & A3: . . . . . . $5,698 Cabins C1‐C3 & C6‐C9: . . . . . . . . . . $5,298 Cabins C4‐C5 & D1‐D4: . . . . . . . . . $4,998 *Prices listed above are per person, double occupancy. Single Occupancy Prices for Lower Deck Cabins C4‐C5 & D1‐D4 January‐November: . . . .. $7,497 December: . . . . . . . . . $8,097 Limited single accommodations available.

Special Offer: Save US$ 1.100 per person on October and November 2009 Voyages! Plus in‐country airfare: Guayaquil / Galapagos / Guayaquil: $410, subject to change (Must be purchased through Discover.Travel Group). Kids 11 years & under receive a $175 discount on internal air. Cost Includes: Galapagos National Park tax and transit fees, accommodations, meals as indicated, transportation by land and ship, guides, transfers for group flights, and tips to porters and to waiters for included meals. Not Included: Airfare, taxes, ticketing fee, ship or air fuel surcharges, passport and visa fees, and tips to naturalist guides and Evolution crew. & Cu

Contact For Reservations, further information or 2010 departure dates, please contact us: Telephone North America: (1) (888) 457‐3266 Telephone United Kingdom: (44) (207) 100‐929 Email: [email protected]