The Galapagos Islands are one of the most incredible places on earth. Starkly beautiful they lie on the Equator some 600 miles west of Ecuador. Of marine volcanic origin, they have only recently risen from the ocean floor with evidence of their volcanic origin everywhere. The landscape is dominated by large volcanoes, recently collapsed caldera, extensive lava flows, lava tunnels, cinder cones and spatter cones. 

It is also the meeting point of ocean currents, so amidst this dramatic landscape there is a vast wealth of wildlife, much of it unique and incredibly tame. Indeed the fearlessness of the birds and mammals is one of the most enduring memories of a visit. 

The Galapagos has one of the highest rate of endemism of any island group anywhere, with 26 species of endemic birds including the endangered Waved Albatross, Galapagos Penguin and the handsome pair of gulls, including the exquisite Swallow-tailed Gull, plus of course the famous Darwin’s Galapagos Finches. Our 2000 trip saw 24 of them and heard the 25th. Our 2001, 2005 and 2006 trips saw all 26 endemic species, 2002, 2003 and 2004 recorded 25.

In addition to the birds there are unique mammals, reptiles and amphibians: Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, Land Iguanas, Pacific Green Turtles, Lava Lizards, Galapagos Sea Lions and Galapagos Fur Seals.  Join us on this trip and observe them at arms length and photograph them with unbelievable ease. You will also have the opportunity to swim or snorkel with tropical fish, the penguins, turtles, Flightless Cormorants and rays too! Cetaceans to be watched for include Common, Bottlenose and Striped Dolphins and several species of whales including Cuvier’s Beaked, Orca, Sperm, Bryde’s, Shortfin Pilot, and Humpback Whales. On two occasions we have had probable Blue Whales.

The weather is ideal, it’s warm without being too hot, and shorts and t-shirts are the ideal clothing.  Our ship is one of the most striking on the islands, a three-masted topsail schooner with modern interior and good food.  Our itinerary is exceptional in offering a full circumnavigation of 10 nights duration, ensuring that you get to see a proper cross section of the islands including a special trip to see Giant Tortoises in the wild.  Do join us for this tour, one of the best offered to the Galapagos - it will be a truly memorable experience.

The islands are quite varied in nature.  On some, volcanic peaks tower over 5,000 feet, with lush vegetation on the upper slopes, whilst other lower, flatter areas are still lacking soil on the lava flows which are extensive and beautiful in their starkness. On a typical day we will rise around dawn and have an early morning landing with our guides, preceded (or occasionally followed) by breakfast.  On shore we will find ourselves walking through great colonies of seabirds, oblivious to our presence; taking care not to trip over Blue-footed Boobies in the path, avoiding the great fluffy chicks of Waved Albatrosses whilst the adults keep a watchful eye; pausing by bushes where Red-footed Boobies nest at arm’s length, or marvelling at the spectacle of the only day flying colony of Storm Petrels in the world.  At times we will have to side step groups of placid Marine Iguanas that gather even in the middle of the path.  Each individual can be three foot long or more.  Late morning there will often be an opportunity for a short swim or snorkel before we set sail for a new landing in the afternoon.  After lunch on board we will typically spend most of the afternoon ashore at a different landing site, before returning to the ship by 6pm in time for a shower and to watch sunset from the deck or the bar, before dinner at 7pm.  Afterwards there is a briefing concerning the following days activities, and the bar remains open for those who haven’t retired to their beds.  Each day is filled with countless highlights

In addition to the more dramatic birds and mammals the Darwin Finches are an intriguing group that have evolved on the islands, each developing a characteristic beak structure suited to a different, specialised feeding strategy.  Indeed two species, Woodpecker Finch and Mangrove Finch, have actually developed tool-using skills by utilising twigs and cactus spines to poke for grubs through dead and decayed wood.  Darwin’s attention was first drawn to evolutionary developments however by the mockingbirds, that have evolved into four different species.  We expect to find all the four species of mockingbird and all the species of Darwin’s Finch although Mangrove Finch seems to be on the verge of extinction.  However we were fortunate enough to see it in 2001 and we will revisit that site this year.  Turning to the flora; of the 600 or so species of plants found on the islands, a full one third have evolved into endemics, and we will see many of them, some in flower.  Even more noteworthy is that over 80% of the land-based animals including reptiles, mammals and land birds are endemic to the Galapagos.  Our visit to the Galapagos is truly unique and exciting.

We will explore the Galapagos on the Cachalote, 70’ long, one of the more elegant vessels in the region, she was completely refurbished in 2002.  Exceptionally well suited for island cruising she has open deck viewing areas and is equipped with zodiacs for landing and wildlife viewing in the remotest of areas.

Normally operating with the engine, her sails are occasionally hoisted when the breeze is favourable (though often it’s rather calm at this time of year in the Galapagos).  She has a crew of five, a National Park Guide and your WildWings leader with space for up to 14 passengers, berthed in seven cabins.  Inside, the ship is smart and comfortable and she is fully air conditioned throughout.   There is a cosy lounge and bar/ dining room where the cook serves three meals a day from a varied international menu.   The cabins are for twin occupancy and have a porthole, private shower and toilet, and whilst small, are perfectly sufficient for sleeping, showering and changing.  This is a trip where you will be out on deck all day, sea watching and sun bathing, a very pleasant way to pass the time. We believe we have found the ideal ship for the Galapagos, and have created the ideal itinerary. 

This fantastic tour also includes an overnight birding excursion to the amazing Jungle Lodge at Tandayapa – over 20 species of hummingbird can be seen at the feeders alone! The stay will include forest walks with local bird guides.

Photography

Whilst the trip is not designed for the professional photographer, the photo opportunities are often incredible and irresistible.  You will use much more film than you thought possible.  Even compact cameras will be capable of taking many great close-up wildlife shots.  Video opportunities are great too.  Pack half as many clothes as you are tempted to, but pack twice as much film as you think you may need!  Note that Galapagos National Park rules forbid the use of flash photography of wildlife, and whilst in the Park (that’s almost all landings) we must stay in close proximity of our guide. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart London or UK KLM regional airports for Quito.

Day 2: Arrive Quito, transfer to Tandayapa for two night stay. Included walks with local bird guides.

Days 3: Birding Tandayapa

Day 4: Depart Tandayapa after lunch and return to Quito. Overnight.

Day 5: Fly from Quito to Galapagos, transfer to Cachalote.

Days 6-14: We will circumnavigate almost the entire Galapagos archipelago, sailing mostly at night and making two landings most days. It is planned to visit all the following islands: Espanola (Hood), Floreana, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela, Tower (Genovesa), North Seymour and South Plaza.  This itinerary includes the Waved Albatross colony, a trip to see Giant Tortoises in the wild, plus colonies of virtually all the seabirds and sites for all the endemic land birds too.  The aim is to see all the endemic birds, mammals and reptiles of the islands, allowing a good amount of time at each stop to enjoy and photograph them.  The exact order of the visits to the various islands will be determined according to local conditions at the time, in order to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Day 15: Disembark vessel. Fly from Galapagos, to Quito and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 16: Depart from Quito to London 

Day 17: Arrive London/UK. 

Holiday Information

Dates:                          4th - 20th July 2007

Leaders:                       Dick Filby and local guides.

Cost :                           Sharing twin cabin £3749

Deposit:                       10%

Group size:                    Maximum number of participants will be 15 plus leaders.

2008 Dates:                    13^th – 28^th  July Advance register for £50 per person. 

Price includes: Return economy class flights from London Heathrow* to the Galapagos via Quito; all airport taxes; transfers in Quito and the Galapagos; overnight accommodation at Tandayapa (full board), accommodation in Quito on a bed and breakfast basis in twin bedded rooms; final night dinner with wine included in Quito; accommodation on vessel as booked, all cabins with facilities, full board whilst aboard vessel including tea and coffee; all excursions in the Galapagos; Galapagos National Park entrance fee; services of WildWings leader, local guides and ship’s crew, pre-tour information pack and bird check list.

* Your choice of departure from selected UK regional airports for only £50 supplement.

Price excludes: Travel insurance (from £60.06 per person), one dinner in Quito, local airport tax in Quito, drinks, souvenirs, gratuities (suggest US$15 per day on ship), laundry charges and other items of a personal nature

Birds - number of species expected (Galapagos) 55