Darwin’s GALAPAGOS - Princeton...

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004 003 002 001 GALAPAGOS Darwin’s Featuring a Private 7-night Cruise Aboard the Yacht Isabela II SEPTEMBER 4–14, 2011 WITH PRINCETON STUDY LEADER DAVID WILCOVE *85

Transcript of Darwin’s GALAPAGOS - Princeton...

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GALAPAGOSDarwin’s

Featuring a Private 7-night Cruise Aboard the Yacht Isabela II

SEPTEMBER 4–14, 2011

WITH PRINCETON STUDY LEADER DAVID WILCOVE *85

Dear Princetonian,Mention the Galápagos Islands, and someone will invariably bring up the giant tortoise or Darwin. And although Charles Darwin’s visit to this idyllic archipelago aboard the H.M.S. Beagle brought about a life’s scientific work, your voyage to these islands could be just as eye-opening. Join fellow Princetonians to experience the flora and fauna of this wonderous place aboard the 40-berth Isabela II, September 4-14, 2011.

Begin the Journey from Ecuador’s highlands with two nights in Quito, the world capital boasting the highest altitude at 9,895 feet. Then fly some 600 miles off the coast to the Galápagos Islands. Animal life varies from island to island, but likely encounters include sea lions, fur seals, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and the Giant Tortoise, as well as a wealth of bird life such as penguins, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos hawks, Darwin’s finches, Nazca boobies, storm petrels and short-eared owls. At Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, visit the highlands and then the Charles Darwin Research Station. Visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island for a hike to Darwin Crater. And, on Bartolomé Island, hike past lava tubes and spatter cones and learn about the volcanic origin of this archipelago.

Princeton travelers will share this exclusive charter of Isabela II with those from The American Museum of Natural History.

With space limited to only 35 participants, contact the Princeton Journeys team today at (609) 258-8686 or [email protected] to book your space on this special voyage.

Sincerely,

Margaret M. Miller ’80Assistant Vice President for Alumni Affairs andDirector, Office of the Alumni AssociationPrinceton University

On the cover: A Galápagos Tortoise enjoys a snack.

Back cover: Sea lion pups seem to smile for the camera; Strolling along a beach on Bartolomeo Island; Two rare Waved Albatrosses enjoy each others’ company.

This page: A Blue-Footed Booby perches precariously.

Our Study Leaders

David Wilcove *85, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Public Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School, will serve as Princeton study leader for this program.

Appropriately bestowed a dual appointment in the Ecology and

Evolutionary Biology department and the Woodrow Wilson School, Professor Wilcove has long been poised at the intersection of environmental science and policy. His research focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and, in particular, the development of innovative approaches to protect endangered species, migratory species, and wilderness. He has also studied the impacts of global climate change on wildlife. Over the past decade, he has undertaken a number of studies pertaining to imperiled wildlife around the world. His most recent book, No Way Home: The Decline of the World’s Great Animal Migrations, was released in fall 2007. Prior to joining the Princeton faculty in 2001, he served as senior ecologist with the Environmental Defense Fund (1991-2001) and The Wilderness Society (1986-1991). Professor Wilcove graduated from Yale cum laude with distinction in the major of biology and continued to receive his M.A. and Ph.D. in that same field from Princeton.

As Senior Project Manager for Exhibitions at the American Museum of Natural History, Stephen C. Quinn oversees all aspects of new diorama creation—including field expeditions, exhibit fabrication, and installation—as well as diorama conservation and restoration. He was a project leader

for the 1995 field expedition to the Central African Republic, which resulted in the rain forest diorama in the museum’s Hall of Biodiversity and was a project manager for the 2003 renovation of the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Mr. Quinn provided the illustrations for the 1994 book What Color is That Dinosaur? by Lowell Dingus, and was co-author of Inside the Dzanga-Sangha Rain Forest (1998) and author of Windows on Nature: The Great Habitat Dioramas of the American Museum of Natural History (2006). He has been a member of the Society of Animal Artists since 1978 and a member of Artists for Conservation since its founding.

At left, top to bottom: Acacia Trees bloom brilliantly on the Galápagos; A Red-Footed Booby takes refuge in the branches; Flamingos flock to Floreana Island; Marine Iguanas are found only on the Galápagos.

Full details on the itinerary are available online at:alumni.princeton.edu/main/education_travel/princeton_journeys/or in print by request through the Princeton Journeys office: (609) 258-8686.

Sept 4 • U.S. / Quito, EcuadorCheck into the Hilton Colón. Hilton Colón Quito

Sept 5 • QuitoTour of the colonial center followed by a welcome reception and dinner. Hilton Colón Quito (B,D,R)

Sept 6 • Quito / GalápagosFly to the Galápagos and board Isabela II. Sail to North Seymour Island. Welcome cocktail offered by the captain this evening. Isabela II (B,L,D,R)

Sept 7 • Hood IslandSnorkel in Gardner Bay, walk over lava terrain at Punta Suárez, see the nesting Waved Albatross and the famous blowhole.Isabela II (B,L,D)

Sept 8 • Floreana IslandSee flamboyant flamingos then kayak, snorkel, or ride the glass-bottom boat. Learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants, and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Isabela II (B,L,D)

Sept 9 • Santa Cruz IslandVisit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the famous giant tortoises. Isabela II (B,L,D)

Sept 10 • Tower IslandActivities this day can include birdwatching, walks over lava beds, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and more. Isabela II (B,L,D)

Sept 11 • Isabela Island / Fernandina IslandCross the Equator and visit volcanic lands, secluded coves, and abundant wildlife. Isabela II (B,L,D)

Sept 12 • James Island / Bartolome IslandHike to the top of the island for a birds-eye view of the surrounding terrain before this evening’s farewell cocktail. Isabela II (B,L,D,R)

Sept 13 • Galápagos / GuayaquílDisembark Isabela II and fly to Guayaquíl for a brief overnight near the airport. Finale dinner at your hotel. Hilton Colón Guayaquíl (B,D)

Sept 14 • Guayaquíl / HomeReturn flights to U.S. (B)

Itinerary Overview

Below, left to right: A sea lion and her pup strike a pose; Kayaking is available at many ports of call; Galápagos Penguins are the only penguins that reside within the tropics.

The Peruvian Pelicans are a common sight.

Baltra

Seymour

Bartolomé

Equator

James (Santiago)

Isabela

Fernandina

Tower (Genovesa)

Española

Floreana

Santa Cruz

Quito

GuayaquilEC UADOR

Areaof

detail

Classic Cabin, double occupancyMaster Cabin, double occupancyStandard Cabin, single occupancyQuito / Baltra / Guayaquil airfare

Fares listed are per person, based on double occupancy.

Expedition price is based on a minimum of 25 participants.

Airfare from your home to Quito and return from Guayaquil is not included.

$7,590$7,990

$11,990$400

Program Cost

Below: Sea turtles swim serenely in the local waters; Galápagos Hawks have been surveying the scene for over 300,000 years.

Sally Lightfoot Crabs inhabit the seaside rocks.

Isabela II

MAIN DECK

CABIN DECK

SUN DECK

ISABELA II

BAR

LIFE BOATS

LIFE BOATS

JACUZZI

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

17

16 14

1519

18

21

20

SALOON

BAR RECEPTION

GIFT SHOP

LIBRARY

RESTAURANT

BUFFET TABLEHALL

Master

The yacht ISABELA II has 21 comfortable guest cabins, all of them with full private facilities, hot and cold water, ample closet space, and central control panel for room temperature, loudspeaker volume, and lights. All cabins are fully carpeted and air-conditioned. The three public decks include a spacious lounge/bar, library, dining room with capacity for all guests in one seating, office, boutique, sun deck with a hot tub, and an outdoor bar.

Below: The Galápagos Tortoise gave its name to the islands; The Great Frigatebird likes to show off its stuff.

TOUR INFORMATION

Program Rates Include:Comprehensive educational program by Princeton faculty and co-sponsor lecture team, shipboard naturalists, and local guides; Two nights at the Hilton Colón in Quito; 7-night cruise aboard Isabela II; One night at the Hilton Colón in Guayaquíl; Meals as indicated in the itinerary; All on-tour coach transportation; Welcome and farewell receptions; Bottled water on coaches; Comprehensive program of shore excursions; Gratuities to porters, guides, and waitstaff for all group activities; Gratuities to shipboard personnel; $100 Galápagos National Park fee; Port fees and embarkation taxes; Complete packet of pre-departure information including education materials; Professional tour management through-out.

Program Rates Do Not Include: Domestic, international, or on-tour airfare; Passport and visa fees; Immunization costs; Airport security fees; Meals and beverages other than those specified as included; Excess baggage charges; Trip cancellation/baggage insurance; Transfers and baggage handling for those not using group transfers; Laundry, room service, telephone/email/fax charges, and other items of a personal nature.

Airfare: International airfare is not included in the program cost, nor is airfare from Quito to Baltra Island and back to Guayaquíl. Transportation from Quito International Airport to the Hilton Colón is included in your tour cost if you arrive in time to meet the scheduled group transfer on September 4. A group transfer is also included from the Hilton Colón in Guayaquíl to the airport on September 14.

What to Expect: Participants in this program should be able to walk over cobbled surfaces in Quito. Please note that Quito’s elevation is 9,350 feet. In the Galápagos you must climb in and out of pangas (small inflatable boats). Landings will be either dry (stepping out onto rocks with the help of crew members) or wet (stepping into knee-deep water and wading ashore onto sandy beaches). Walks on the islands will be on beaches, over lava, and at times up steep staircases and will generally be between one and two miles. On some days, shorter walks or more leisurely activities than those described are available. Participants should be fit and in active good health. Limited medical facilities are available on board the Isabela II. By forwarding the deposit for passage, the participant certifies that s/he does not have any physical or other limitation that would create a hazard for her/himself or other travelers.

Size: This departure is limited to a maximum of 35 paying participants.

Reservation Contact:For more information, contact the Princeton Journeys staff at:[email protected] or (609) 258-8686.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Reservations & Payments: To reserve space, return the completedreservation form with your $1,000 per person deposit to: Princeton Journeys, John Maclean House, P.O. Box 291, Princeton, NJ 08542-0291 or fax to (609)

258-1281. Balance of payment is due May 6, 2011. We accept personal checks, payable to Travel Concepts, as well as VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Reservations will be processed in order of receipt.

Cancellations & Refunds: Upon payment of a deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be effective until they are received in writing and confirmed by Princeton Journeys. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that deposits are 100% non-refundable. Final payment is due May 6, 2011 (120 days prior to departure). Cancellations within 120 days of departure are 100% non-refundable. For this reason we strongly urge participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance. If the program is cancelled by Princeton Journeys or our tour operator, you will receive a full refund, without further obligation on our part. No refunds will be made for any part of this program on which you choose not to participate. Note: Neither the Office of the Alumni Association of Princeton University nor Travel Concepts, Inc. the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in conjunction with this tour. Due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee. Details and costs will be advised prior to your departure.

Insurance:As a service to its travelers, the Office of the Alumni Association of Princeton University automatically provides all travelers basic medical coverage under a group travel insurance policy. It is highly recommended that you supplement this basic protection with your own additional coverage, as well as trip cancellation/interruption or baggage coverage. Information on additional insurance is available and will be mailed upon receipt of your reservation.

Disclaimer: Princeton University, through its Office of the Alumni Association and Princeton Journeys, is pleased to provide this service of facilitating travel opportunities for its Alumni and Friends. The Office of the Alumni Association strives to work with the best tour operators to make available interesting and enriching travel opportunities for the Princeton family. Please note that the University does not conduct tours, nor does it act as an agent for guests interested in tours. Princeton Journeys acts as a facilitator with tour operators, with whom tour participants make arrangements for completing travel, and is pleased to act as a liaison with tour operators should you have any questions or concerns that may arise before, during, or after your tour. Princeton Journeys encourages you to familiarize yourself thoroughly with the tour operator’s cancellation and refund policies, and also to investigate available services such as trip cancellation insurance. The University is not responsible for changes to trips or travel arrangements or for losses or additional expenses resulting from travel.

California Seller of Travel Program CST #2088800-40

Please make your deposit check payable to Travel Concepts and mail to:

Princeton JourneysJohn Maclean HouseP.O. Box 291Princeton, New Jersey 08542-0291

Or fax credit card information to: (609) 258-1281

PAYMENT

Enclosed is my check for $ ____________ ($1,000 per person), to reserve _______ place(s) on the Princeton Journeys program Darwin’s Galápagos

OR Please charge the deposit to my: VISA / MC / AMEX

CARD # EXP. DATE SECURITY CODE

CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE

NAME AS IT APPEARS ON THE CARD

NAME #1 (as on passport) PRINCETON AFFILIATION

NAME #2 (as on passport) PRINCETON AFFILIATION

STREET ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP

HOME PHONE WORK PHONE

FAX E-MAIL

CABIN PREFERENCE

First Choice ________________ Second Choice _________________SINGLE TRAVELERS: I understand that there is a supplementalcharge for single accommodations. If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I prefer to have single accommodations. OR I plan to share accommodations with: __________________OR I’d like to know about roommates. I am a Smoker/ Non-smoker.I understand that if one cannot be found, I will pay the single rate.

I/We have read the tour information section of the brochure and agree to the Terms and Conditions stated therein.

SIGNATURE DATE

SIGNATURE DATE

For more information, contact the Princeton Journeys staff [email protected] or (609) 258-8686.

Registration Form

Begin in Quito, the vibrant capital of Ecuador, to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site in the colonial center.

Discover the Galápagos as Darwin did, sailing island to island on an unforgettable shipboard adventure.

Enjoy an exclusive 7-night charter of Isabela II, one of the finest ships in the Galápagos.

Call at Punta Suarez on Española Island to see the magnificent but comical Waved Albatross, nesting during your visit.

Cross the equator for a day at Genovesa (Tower) Island, a popular stop with gulls, frigatebirds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, storm petrels and short-eared owls.

Spend a day at Isabela and Fernandina Islands and watch for Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, iguanas, and the islands’ namesake tortoises.

Release your inner explorer as you swim and snorkel with sea lions in calm natural harbors and make your way across fields of lava and volcanic craters.

Visit ten islands in total, each with its endemic species that have evolved differently than on neighboring islands.

Highlights

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

P A I DSan Jose, CA

Permit 222Office of the Alumni AssociationPrinceton UniversityJohn Maclean House, P.O. Box 291Princeton, NJ 08542-0291

GALAPAGOSDarwin’s

Featuring a Private 7-night Cruise Aboard the Yacht Isabela IISEPTEMBER 4–14, 2011