VENTflash #137 February 02, 2012
Posted by Victor Emanuel
Victor Emanuel
Victor Emanuel started birding in Texas 64 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,
This summer VENT will again operate a birding and natural history cruise to the magical Galapagos Islands, July 5-17, 2012. Featuring the most comprehensive itinerary we've ever offered, participants will have a chance to see all the endemic birds of these islands. Our trip includes visits to all the major islands, and 10 nights aboard one of the best ships that cruise these waters, the 40-passenger Isabela II. The fee for this cruise is $6,995 per person in double occupancy. A discount of $500 per person is available if registering before February 15.
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Waved Albatross Pair— Photo: Greg Lasley |
The Galapagos Islands are among the planet's most wonderful natural history destinations. I have been there many times and regard it as among my favorite places. The combination of amazing volcanic scenery and tame and abundant wildlife sets the place apart from any other. Moreover, I feel that the historical significance of the islands, namely the legacy of Darwin, is a source of considerable fascination for anyone with an interest in science and nature.
The summer is one of the best times to visit the Galapagos, when the birds are nesting and the weather is good. A sample of the many wildlife spectacles you will experience includes a wonderful variety of seabirds such as Waved Albatross; Galapagos Petrel; Blue-footed, Red-footed, and Nazca boobies; the strange Flightless Cormorant; Galapagos Penguin; Lava and Swallow-tailed gulls; and some marvelous landbirds, headlined by Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Martin, several species of mockingbirds, and an assortment of Darwin's finches.
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As wonderful as the birding is, a trip to the Galapagos is also a complete natural history trip. Daily landings at each of the islands on our itinerary (Santa Cruz, Española, Fernandina, San Cristobal, Genovesa, Santiago, and Isabela) will put us in the company of basking marine iguanas and Galapagos fur seals, fleet lava lizards, gorgeous sally lightfoot crabs, behemoth Galapagos tortoises, and sea lion pups playing at our feet. Guided interpretive walks will allow us to experience the remarkable botany of the islands and witness fabulous geologic features.
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Michael O'Brien |
In addition to the legendary natural history, participants will enjoy a true tropical paradise filled with glorious sunrises and spectacular sunsets, sparkling white and black sand beaches, fascinating snorkeling, and a chance to walk in the footsteps of Darwin.
In cruising the Galapagos, we prefer using a ship that is not too small or too large. Small ships have cramped public areas and can be very bouncy, even in moderate seas. In our opinion, the Isabela II is the perfect size. For this cruise, we will take a maximum of 38 participants, in addition to an outstanding team of VENT leaders and superb native Ecuadorian guides. We used this ship for a similar cruise we operated last summer, and with great results. Our leaders and participants thought the ship was first-rate.
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Louise Zemaitis |
The Isabela II is among the highest quality vessels available for a Galapagos Islands cruise. Spacious outside cabins feature private bathrooms and air-conditioning; the yacht's three decks offer plenty of public space including a bar, library, lounge, dining room, and sun deck.
This trip will be led by Michael O'Brien and Louise Zemaitis, a dynamic husband and wife team who are among our most popular leaders.
Galapagos Islands Cruise aboard Isabela II, July 5-17, 2012 with Michael O'Brien and Louise Zemaitis; $6,995 in double occupancy from Quito. Register before February 15 and pay $6,495. Limit 38.
Prior to the cruise we will operate an optional two-night Tandayapa Valley Pre-trip, July 3-5, 2012, which explores the bird-rich Andean cloud forests west of Quito. Participants will see a marvelous variety of hummingbirds, tanagers, and other birds of the Andes. The pre-trip will be co-led by Paul Greenfield and Tony Nunnery. The fee is $795 in double occupancy from Quito.
Those desiring more time in Ecuador should consider joining our Ecuador: Summer Eastern Slope of the Andes tour, July 16-24, 2012 with Paul Greenfield and a second leader to be announced; $2,795 in double occupancy from Quito. Combine the two tours and receive a discount of $110 in double occupancy and $70 in single occupancy.
Best wishes,
Victor Emanuel