Galapagos
our i n tim ate voyage
a boa r d the 32- guest M/V Evolution

This trip is for anyone with a sense of adventure, that wants to see some of our planet’s
more unique wildlife and culture, and wants to do it in style. If you are interested in
digital photography then you are in for even more of a treat.
Dr. Palazzolo has been photographing nature and wildlife on overseas adventure trips since
1991 when he first went to Borneo. His philosophy regarding photography on these trips
is to “capture the moment and share it with others”. His goal for all participants is to enjoy
themselves, and also enhance their photographic skills in order to bring home photos that
represent their vision of this timeless land with so much history.
On his trips you can learn about digital photography at any level you want from beginning
up to advanced. In addition to his photography lectures on our Galapagos trip he will be
bringing the finest professional equipment Canon makes, and will give everyone periodic
access to these cameras and lenses with his hands-on instructions. To learn much more
about his past trips please visit his web site at WWW.LBAH.COM/PHOTOGRAPHY.HTML.
Kicker Rock © Bolivar Sanchez

Our Expedition Leaders:
True native naturalists, Bolivar Sanchez and Alex
Cox developed a strong interest in wildlife and the
outdoors as small boys growing up in the islands.
Combining for more than 37 years of guiding
experience, both Boli and Alex are certified at the
highest level (Level 3) by the Galapagos National Park.
Extraordinary Guides:
So intensely is the Galapagos National Park and
Marine Reserve protected, that visitors are prohibited
from even landing on a beach without the guidance
of a licensed naturalist. At International Expeditions,
our dedication to ensuring the islands remain pristine
while still allowing you the most thorough adventure
While in Galapagos, see Alex’s (pictured
has lead us to the most outstanding naturalists and
below) favorite places to play as you pass
his boyhood home in San Cristóbal, or © Karen Clark
expedition leaders in Galapagos. You’ll travel with two
stroll the streets of Puerto Ayora past Boli’s
naturalist guides (one as expedition leader) who are
(pictured above) childhood haunts. © Madison Clark
accomplished locals. Their passion for the Galapagos
ensures that you leave with far more than snapshots
and memories.
Your Expedition Leader and naturalist guide, Bolivar Sanchez. © Tara Green

Our Story of Conservation By partnering with IGTOA and Galapagos Conservancy,
International Expeditions and our guests are proud to
support a number of conservation initiatives — the
The Galapagos are a living example of We’ve also tried to find ways to encourage our
story of conservation you expect from the World Leader
conservation, and International Expeditions guests to participate in conservation efforts and
in Nature Travel.
has played a role in protecting this treasure to reward their dedication. To help support
since the early days of the company. Galapagos Conservancy, the premier Galapagos
• Charles Darwin Research Station
advocacy and fundraising group in the U.S.,
As a founding member of the International
•
and to reward our guests for their dedication Charles Darwin Foundation
Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA),
to preserving the Galapagos, International
• Funcacian Galapagos Recycling Center
International Expeditions is working in
Expeditions will match the contributions of our
•
cooperation with a number of other Project Isabela
guests (up to $250) with a travel certificate.
companies to preserve these pristine islands
• Galapagos Marine Reserve
through a combination of lobbying, funding
• Conservation International and Rainforest Alliance
conservation projects, and promoting and
GA LA PA GO S
•
practicing sustainable tourism. Galapagos Scouts
CONSERVANCY
Saving one of the world’s great treasures
Bartolomé Island © Jennifer Kunath

Red-footed booby © Mason Fischer
Waved albatrosses © Tui De Roy/Minden Pictures
Enchanting Wildlife
Far from desolate and bleak, the landscape of Galapagos is feet away in the clear waters; the piercing bark of a harbor
Sally Lightfoot crab © Bolivar Sanchez
a canvas splashed with a variety of brilliant hues. A visual master sea lion as he warns away an encroaching male; a finch
feast of chocolate chip sea stars, flamboyant Sally Lightfoot jumping on your hand, trying to steal a sip from your water
crabs, the jeweled feet of thousands of boobies, and water bottle; and the gray gleam of a dolphin leaping in the
boasting every imaginable blue, from the brightest turquoise distance as your panga makes its way
to inky cobalt. across the waves.
It’s against this backdrop that you’ll be enraptured by With naturalists guiding your
the islands’ most remarkable story line. For far from casual way who are educated at the
disinterest, the Galapagos wildlife is a curious crew, unafraid highest level by the Galapagos
of humans, and the animals seek out your attention even as National Park, you’ll come away from
you swim, walk and relax on our frequent daily excursions. your adventure with more than these
remarkable encounters, your memories will
The narrative of your Galapagos is made up of a thousand include a deeper understanding of these
memories: the hitch in your breath as golden rays swim just unique creatures and this unique place.
Sea turtle © Bolivar Sanchez

Great frigatebird © Tui De Roy/Minden Pictures

The white sands of Gardner Bay © Emily Harley-Reid

Giant tortoise in the Santa Cruz highlands. Inset: Charles Darwin Research Center.
© Emily Harley-Reid © Aaron Logan
Giant tortoises © Bolivar Sanchez

Our Ship — the Evolution
The classic lines of our expedition ship, the 204-foot Evolution, You may also spend time with a snack and your fellow passengers
capture the romance and spirit of an earlier era. While the at the canopied bar, a superb place for whale watching or to
Evolution may carry just 32 guests, she is far from a small enjoy sunset over the Pacific. From relaxing on the sun deck to
ship. In fact, there’s a great deal of space, both public and reading in the lounge, you’re sure to relish the wonderful friendly
private. The ship’s interior is fully air-conditioned, and cabins ambiance. And the food is something to rave about —
on all three decks offer plenty of space. Your cabin is the perfect each meal is an event to look forward to, featuring both
haven for an afternoon siesta between our frequent land and international and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine,
water excursions. (Snorkeling equipment, kayaks and wetsuits from fresh fruit and desserts
are available free of charge.) Before dinner, enjoy nightly to lobster and sumptuous
briefings by our naturalists on the islands’ natural and soups.
human history in our comfortable lounge.

THE M/V EVOLUTION: • A1: 263 sq. ft. • Ship Length: 204 ft.
• A2 & A3: approx. 198 sq. ft. • Beam: 29 ft.
• Cabins: 13
• C1-C3 & C6-C9: • Draft: 12 ft.
• Crew: 16
approx. 183 sq. ft. • Cruising Speed: 10 knots
• Naturalist Guides: 2
• C4-C5 & D1-D4: • Gross Tonnage:
(1 as Expedition Leader)
approx. 166 sq. ft. 675 metric tons
• Flag: Ecuador

genovesa
6
( Tower)
d a r w i n b ay
a r e a i n d e ta i l
e q uato r
8 ta g u s
co v e 5
p u n ta e s p i n o s a santiago
4
7 (James) b a r to lo m é
9
north seymour
fernandina
(Narborough)
10
black
turtle to / f r o m g uaya q u i l
co v e
s a n ta c r u z kicker
1
rock
( I N d e faT I g a b l e )
p u e r to
ayo r a
3 san
isabela
cristóbal
(albemarle)
( C h aT h a m )
p u n ta
2
s ua r e z
e s pa ñ o l a
(hood)

A G r e a t e r Va r i e t y o f I s l a n d s –
The Most Diverse Wildlife
Although the islands are known by both English and Spanish names, you’ll find the
landscapes and wildlife on each isle to be singularly enchanting. Follow our path and
see how our journey exposes you to the wild variance of nature and geological forces,
along with granting privileged access to unique sites and Genovesa (Tower) Island.
life, which numbers in excess of a
1 . s a n c r i s t ó b a l ( c h at h a m ) :
million sea birds. While anchored in
The capital of the Galapagos, San
a calm caldera, just 1º north of the
Cristóbal is your first exposure to the
Equator, we can snorkel and swim in the
friendly sea lions, white beaches and
company of green sea turtles.
prolific bird life of the islands.
7. fernandina (narborough):
2 . e s pa ñ o l a ( h o o d ) :
On the black aa lava beaches of
Española’s dramatic cliffs are home to
Fernandina, we’ll see flightless
thousands of nesting sea birds, including
cormorants and marine iguanas,
waved albatrosses and boobies.
along with a panorama of Isabela’s
3 . s a n ta c r u z ( i n d e fat i g a b l e ) : five volcanoes.
In the lush cloud forests of Santa Cruz,
we’ll see Galapagos tortoises and walk 8. isabela (albemarle) /
ta g u s co v e :
through a lava tube.
A panga ride along Isabela’s cliffs
is a wonderful opportunity to spot
4. santiago ( james):
penguins, brown noddies, cormorants
Look for both fur seals and sea lions
and even whales and dolphins crossing
playing in rocky tide pools on the shores
the Bolivar Channel.
of Santiago.
9. north seymour:
5 . b a r to lo m é :
North Seymour is the only place
From the top of Bartolomé, we have a
where we can always find male
panorama of Pinnacle Rock, Santiago and
frigatebirds showing their red
the bay where we’ll swim and snorkel.
pouches to attract females.
6 . g e n o v e s a ( to w e r ) :
Access to this pristine and protected 1 0 . b l a c k t u r t l e co v e :
The mangrove swamps of Black
isle is limited, and IE is one of the
Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz are the
privileged operators to have Genovesa
perfect place to spot reef sharks, sea
included in our itinerary. We enjoy
turtles and rays.
intimate encounters with the bird

A “wet landing” onto the beach from our panga. © Hugh Hunter, Jr.
Our 10-Day Galapagos Itinerary
the red-colored race of marine iguana en route to Española’s
D ay 1 • F r i D ay u . s . / g uaya q u i l
blowhole, where waves spout 90 feet into the air. After a relaxing
Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador, and transfer to the Oro Verde. (Meals Aloft)
lunch, swim or snorkel in the waters off Gardner Bay, or you
D ay 2 • s at u r D ay g uaya q u i l / s a n c r i s t ó b a l /
may simply bring along your camera or a book to relax. Our
cer ro brujo
naturalist guides will be along to answer questions as you bird
We fly to the Galapagos Islands and board the Evolution. Sail
watch, or to point out fish and rays while snorkeling. (B,L,D)
out to Kicker Rock before visiting Cerro Brujo, where we’ll see
ample bird life and interact with playful sea lions on a sunset
Day 4 • MonDay santa cruz (indefatigable) island
stroll along the white-sand beach. (B,L,D)
Begin at the Charles Darwin Research Station, learning
about the vital work being done to study and preserve
D ay 3 • s u n D ay e s pa ñ o l a ( h o o d ) i s l a n d : p u n ta
s ua r e z a n d g a r d n e r b ay Galapagos wildlife. We explore the village of Puerto Ayora,
Enjoy a panga ride along the cliffs with our guides before then head into the forested highlands to look for giant
Vermilion flycatcher © Bolivar Sanchez
wading ashore to Punta Suarez through a sea lion colony. tortoises. Spend the afternoon wandering among these
Walk along the cliffs looking for Galapagos doves, waved gentle giants, with ample opportunity to photograph the
albatrosses, Galapagos hawks, Hood mockingbirds and tortoises in their verdant habitat. (B,L,D)

D ay 5 • t u e s D ay s a n t i ag o ( j a m e s ) i s l a n d /
bar tolomé isl and
Santiago is an excellent place to spot finches, doves, hawks,
iguanas and sea lions. In the afternoon, we visit Bartolomé
Island, hiking to the top of a dormant volcano for a dramatic
panorama of lava flows, neighboring islands and the jagged
Pinnacle Rock. Our panga drivers will take “non-hikers” along
the coast to see penguins and a superb volcanic landscape. (B,L,D)
D ay 6 • W e D n e s D ay g e n o v e s a ( t o w e r ) i s l a n d /
da r w i n b ay
Exploring outlying Genovesa Island feels like walking through
a private wildlife sanctuary. Genovesa harbors one of the most
diverse bird populations in the Galapagos, including red-footed
boobies, storm petrels and short-eared owls. We climb Prince
Philip’s Steps before visiting Darwin Bay to swim or snorkel. (B,L,D)
Day 7 • thursDay fernandina ( narborough ) island :
punta espinosa / isabela (albemarle) island: tagus cove
Explore the lava fields of Punta Espinosa, where we are apt to
spot flightless cormorants and some of the largest marine iguanas. As
Snorkeling with a sea turtle © Bolivar Sanchez
our ship sails to Isabela, enjoy a “power siesta” and prepare to
explore Tagus Cove. Then walk uphill for a view of Darwin’s Lake Day 8 • FriDay north seymour island / black turtle cove
Visit North Seymour Island, a good nesting site for frigatebirds
or enjoy a panga ride along the cliffs. (B,L,D)
and the best place to spot colorful land iguanas. 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, home to turtles and white-
tipped reef sharks. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner aboard the
Evolution. (B,L,D)
D ay 9 • s at u r D ay s a n c r i s t ó b a l ( c h at h a m ) i s l a n d /
g uaya q u i l
We return to San Cristóbal and visit the Interpretation Center. Fly
to Guayaquil, where we have time to relax at our hotel. (B,L Aloft)
D ay 10 • s u n D ay g uaya q u i l / u . s .
Fly to the U.S. and board connecting flights to your hometown. Marine iguana © Bolivar Sanchez
(DAY 10: B,L Aloft)
Blue-footed boobies © Tui De Roy

Galapagos our i n tim ate voyage
a boa r d the 32- guest M/V Evolution
A Deck Cabins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,250 Not included:
• U.S. domestic and international air.
Cabins C1-C3 & C6-C9 . . . . . . . . . . . $6,000
• In-country air ($420).
Cabins C4-C5 & D1-D4 . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,750
• Transfers and luggage handling unless taking group flights.
Cost listed above is per person, double occupancy.
• Travel protection Plan (8.5% of total trip price).
Single Occupancy
• Fees for passports.
Cabins C4-C5 & D1-D4 . . . . . . . . . . . .$8,330
• Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone calls,
alcoholic beverages, camera fees, etc.
Cost includes:
•
• Ticketing fees for air tickets.
Services of International Expeditions or Carl Palazzolo for
•
complete pre-departure information to help you get the Ship or air fuel surcharges. Air and ship fuel surcharges may
most out of your expedition. be assessed prior to final payment.
• All photography lectures, assistance and access to Canon
professional equipment periodically during the voyage.
• All scheduled transportation during the expedition unless Deposits:
otherwise specified.
Deposits are due at the time of reservation.
• The services of experienced, English-speaking local guides. $500 Deposit due by June 15, 2009
• All accommodations. $2,000 due by September 1, 2009
• Galapagos National Park tax ($125). $2,000 due by November 6, 2009
• Balance due January 9, 2010
Ingala Card ($10).
• All payments are non-refundable.
Guayaquil land portion ($270 - single is an additional $150).
• Foreign departure tax ($30).
Final payments:
• Tips to naturalist guides, captain and boat crew ($270). Final payment is due January 9, 2010.
• All payments are non-refundable.
Meals as specified in respective itineraries.
• All transfers and luggage handling when taking the
group flights.

I n t e r n at I o n a l
expedItIons
World Leader in Nature Travel
For more information, or to
make a reservation contact:
Carl Palazzolo
carlp@me.com