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Please visit David Milsom's Photo Gallery: Galapagos
If our exclusive charters don't fit your travel timetable, we can offer you a wide selection of ships and itineraries at other times of the year.
Please note:
Robin Tapley will be leading November 3, 2010 departure.
Brian Ratcliff will be leading November 10, 2010 departure. ONLY ONE MALE SHARE REMAINING
Chris Early will be leading February 9, 2011 departure. |
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Giant tortoises graze in the lush highlands and dinosaur-like marine iguanas sun themselves on black lava rocks along the shores. Tiny penguins and playful sea lions dart through the waters like torpedoes, while magnificent frigate birds patrol the skies. There is no place in the world quite like the Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos Islands sit about 1000 kilometres west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. At first, they appear to be desolate. Yet, these rough and rocky isles are home to wonderfully strange and abundant wildlife. As Charles Darwin did some 200 years before us, we will marvel at the highly adapted creatures found nowhere else on Earth. All of the reptiles, half the birds, 32% of the plants, and 25% of the fish are unique to this amazing archipelago. It is a living museum of evolutionary changes. And what is so special about the Galapagos experience is that these creatures act as though humans are of no more than a passing interest, allowing us to observe them up close and personal. Undisturbed by our nearness, they engage in intriguing courtship displays, groom one another, forage for food and nurture their young.
In the company of our expert Quest leader and local Galapagos naturalist guide, we will discover some remarkable island ecosystems as we skirt past dozing sea lions and nesting boobies, scout the seas for breaching whales and snorkel among colourful fish.
Throughout our voyages, we'll enjoy the warmth, the camaraderie, the atmosphere, and the distinctive touches that only a custom charter on a private luxury yacht can create. The M/Y Beluga is one of the best steel-hulled motor yachts in the islands, and we have been chartering it for many years. It is well-appointed with comfortable private cabins and ample lounge and observation deck space. With more
a commitment to first class cuisine, our chef will prepare some of the finest meals in Ecuador for us while on board.
Our adventures also include three nights in Quito, a dazzling old colonial city nestled in the snow-capped Andes Mountains, and a full day trip to the markets of Otavalo and Peguche.
This quintessential natural history destination won't leave you untouched. Travel with us for a journey of a lifetime to Darwin's Enchanted Isles.
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| FACTS: |
| • | 11-day trip |
| • | Maximum 16 passengers |
| • | Start and finish in Quito, Ecuador |
| • | Includes round trip airfare Quito/Galapagos |
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| HIGHLIGHTS: |
| • | Snorkelling with playful sea lions |
| • | Close-ups with sea birds and iguanas |
| • | Looking for dolphins off the bow |
| • | Exploring colonial Quito and the markets of Otavalo |
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| ACTIVITY LEVEL: |
| • | Moderate. You will be getting in and out of Zodiacs (pangas), for wet and dry landings, with assistance from the crew, walking at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops, on ground which is sometimes rough/uneven and hilly. The trails sometimes have to be traversed carefully but are accessible to anyone who has normal walking ability and stamina. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are strongly advised. A trekking pole is also useful for extra balance. |
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| SHIP: M/V Beluga |
| LIMIT: 16 passengers | |
| EXTENSIONS: |
| Amazon Rainforest Explorer |
| Machu Picchu |
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| ITINERARY IN BRIEF: |
| Day 1: |
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Arrive in Quito |
| Day 2: |
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Otavalo Tour |
| Day 3: |
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Fly to Baltra, Galapagos |
| Day 4 - 9: |
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Exploring the Galapagos Islands |
| Day 10: |
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Turtle Cove, Baltra, fly to Quito |
| Day 11: |
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Depart Quito |
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 Robin is a great naturalist and an expert tour leader, who always garners accolades from the participants on his tours. He is, currently, Director of Recreation and Environmental Development for a famous Muskoka resort. He is developing a Natural History program for a resort in British Columbia and consults on many other natural history projects. He has led many Quest tours including the Galapagos Islands, Madagascar, Antarctica, Muskoka and New Brunswick.
 My name is Chris Earley and I'm the University of Guelph Arboretum's Interpretive Biologist and Education Coordinator. I've been a nature geek my whole life. I enjoy teaching a variety of bird, insect and art workshops at The Arboretum as well as designing signage and leading tours. I do a variety of special lectures on campus and I am the co-professor of a first-year course called Hawks and Humans. I'm the author of 5 bird books published by Firefly Books: Warblers; Sparrows and Finches; Waterfowl; Hawks and Owls of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America; Birds A-Z. I have travelled to many places, sometimes for study purposes, sometimes for work, but always for pleasure! Exploring the world's varied habitats and watching its wildlife is one of my passions. I have been a part of many interesting research projects and field trips in places such as Australia, New Zealand, Bolivia, Nevis and, of course, Ontario. I have also travelled to Mexico, Cuba, Peru, England, South Korea, Bermuda, Fiji, Cooks Islands and all Canadian provinces and most U.S. states. Recently, I did some filming in Nunavut for a birding tv series I was hosting. To expand my knowledge base, I've started a part-time Master of Science project studying an invasive paper wasp that may be competing with cavity-nesting birds for nest boxes.
I have been leading trips for Quest Nature Tours since 1999. These have included the Best of Baffin Island, Churchill to Greenland, Southern Ontario Spring Migration and Point Pelee Birding Weekends. Since 2001, I have been leading Quest tours to Kenya and Tanzania. East Africa is a truly amazing place. It is incredible to be able to watch so many large mammal species out in the open in their natural environment. If you have never been, I strongly suggest you consider going!
These pursuits still leave me with enough time to go to the cottage; play basketball and soccer; and hang out with my awesome (and obviously very patient) wife and wonderful kids.
416-633-5666 / 1-800-387-1483
 Peru
Rainforests and Ruins
Length: 15 days
Start: Lima, Peru
Finish: Lima, Peru
 Amazon Rainforest of Brazil
Voyage to the Heart of Amazonia
Length: 12 days
Start: Manaus, Brazil
Finish: Manaus, Brazil
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Our participants say...
The trip was absolutely great. The boat in the Galapagos was very comfortable. Our guide, Monica, was fantastic. Along with Glenn, we could not ask for a better team. The Napo lodge is a wonderful
place. Food, rooms and guides are excellent. I would recommend it to
everybody. Also, by going there, you help the natives since they own the place.
Marie and Rob D.
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