SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: GALAPAGOS CRUISE DISCOUNT January 26, 2010
Posted by Victor Emanuel
Victor Emanuel
Victor Emanuel started birding in Texas 61 years ago at the age of eight. His travels have taken him to all the continents, with his areas of concentration being Texas, Ari...Dear Friends,
Throughout a lifetime of travel, it seems that never more than a few years go by before I feel a need to return to the Galapagos Islands. Still wild and largely unspoiled, it is perhaps the perfect travel destination. I cannot think of many other places, except Antarctica, where the wildlife is so totally unafraid and approachable. Although there are many reasons why I love the Galapagos, and recommend it to others, it is the closeness to wildlife that I find so irresistible.
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Waved Albatrosses— Photo: Greg Greer |
VENT will travel to the remarkable Galapagos Islands again this summer, July 9-18, 2010, with Michael O'Brien leading the trip. For this departure we have reserved space aboard the 32-passenger M/V Evolution, one of the finest ships in the Galapagos. When this trip first appeared on our website, we were offering a $500 discount for any registrations received prior to January 15. I wanted to let you know that we have extended the $500 discount to anyone who registers for this cruise prior to March 15, 2010.
Cabins for our Galapagos Islands Cruise begin at $4,995 in double occupancy from Guayaquil. Our early registration discount has been extended from March 15 to March 25! Register by March 25 and receive a $500 discount and pay just $4,495 in double occupancy! Also, a limited number of spaces are available for children under 18 at an additional discount of $500.
We are offering an itinerary that visits most of the major islands, including some of my personal favorites like Hood and less-visited Tower. You will have a chance to see a majority of the islands' endemic birds in addition to the other animals that make the Galapagos such a marvelous place. Among the many wonderful birds to see here are species that live their lives entirely or almost entirely here, including the world's northernmost penguin (Galapagos Penguin); the only equatorial albatross (Waved Albatross); the remarkable Flightless Cormorant; and two of the world's most unusual gulls (the sooty Lava Gull and gorgeous Swallow-tailed Gull). On land, viewing the famous Darwin's finches and several species of mockingbirds are of equal appeal.
As much as I enjoy birding in the Galapagos, a trip here should also be regarded as very much a general natural history trip. Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions will reveal a strange and different world filled with some of the planet's most improbable creatures. Many of the animals that you have seen featured in natural history documentaries will now be available to you in reality: marine iguanas basking on sandy beaches, lava lizards scurrying over jumbles of shattered lava, Sally Lightfoot crabs hunting the edges of tidal pools, sea lion pups playing at your feet, and, of course, the giant tortoise, the classic symbol of the islands. Additionally, guided interpretive walks will expose you to the remarkable botany and fabulous geologic features of the archipelago.
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Galapagos Tortoise— Photo: Greg Lasley |
Beyond its superb natural history, the Galapagos are a unique form of tropical paradise, undeniably beautiful, yet inescapably raw. During the voyage you will witness fantastic sunrises and sunsets; visit broad beaches of white, black, and orange sand; meander over ancient, tortured lava flows; snorkel with golden rays and a profusion of colorful fish; and fall under the spell of still, starry nights.
As always, I feel that a trip to the Galapagos Islands is an outstanding choice for birders AND those interested in general natural history. This trip also presents a special travel opportunity for families, as the expedition leader for this departure is absolutely great with kids. Furthermore, Kitty Coley, a veteran of many Galapagos expeditions and a superb lecturer, will also be on board. Kitty has participated on a number of family departures.
For more information or to register for our Galapagos Islands Cruise, please contact Shirley Anderson or Patrick Swaggerty by phone (800-328-8368) or email (shirley@ventbird.com; patrick@ventbird.com).
Best wishes,
Victor Emanuel