GALÁPAGOS ADVENTUREwith Vince LambJuly 26 - August 4, 2018

The Galápagos Islands offer incredible opportunities for nature photographers, from up-close encounters with curious wildlife to endemic flora and unusual landscapes. This 9 day program includes visits to landmarks like Pinnacle Rock and the Sierra Negra volcano, plus the chance to see iconic and unusual wildlife. Explore the archipelago, learn about conservation efforts, history, and evolution on this unforgettable adventure!

• HiketothesummitofBartoloméIslandforimpressiveviewsofPinnacleRock,oneoftheGalápagos’mostdistinctivelandmarks

• Comeface-to-facewiththeiconicwildlifeoftheGalápagos,includingBlue-footedBoobies,marineiguanas,Darwin’sfinches,andtheGalápagosPenguin.

• Discoverfascinatinggeologicalhistorywhiletrekkingvolcanoesandlavafields.

• VisittheCharlesDarwinResearchStationandlearnaboutongoingconservationinitiativesintheislands.

• Havetheopportunitytoswimandsnorkelwithsealions,gentlewhitetipreefsharks,mantaraysandtropicalfish.

• VisitEspanolaIsland,themostimportantnestingsiteintheworldfortheWavedAlbatross.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

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GALÁPAGOS

PHOTO BY VINCE LAMB

AUGUST 1 - SANTA CRUZThis morning visit Las Tintoreras, a chain of islets with coves and hidden beaches. There is a crystalline bay where it is possible to see sea lions, marine iguanas, manta rays, white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins. In the afternoon travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival you will check into your hotel and then walk down the street to the Charles Darwin Research Station. For 50 years the station has worked closely with the Galápagos National Park to oversee the safeguarding of the islands natural resources. During the visit you will learn about their conservation projects, the biggest being the Galápagos Tortoise breeding project where you will see tortoises at all stages for growth from un-hatched eggs to full grown adults. Overnight at Lobo del Mar. (BL)

AUGUST 2 - SANTA CRUZToday will be spent on Bartolomé Island famous for Pinnacle Rock, an old volcanic tuft cone rising from the ocean. The visit will start with a climb to the summit (via staircase) where you can see Pinnacle Rock, Santiago Island and Daphne Major and Minor. Along the way, various volcanic formations including spatter and tuff cones and lava flows are seen. Next you will have the option to snorkel around Pinnacle Rock where you will have the opportunity to swim with colorful fish and sea lions. Galápagos Penguins, the second smallest penguin species in the world, have established a small breeding colony in a cave behind Pinnacle Rock so you will may have the treat of them joining you in the water as well. Overnight at Lobo del Mar. (BL)

AUGUST 3 - QUITOThis morning, travel to the highlands where the deep green colors, contrast the dry lower islands. While there you will a local farm to see wild tortoises and several lava tubes. After this visit continue to the Baltra airport and you will receive a boxed lunch. Upon arrival in Quito you will stay in the airport to check in for your flight home. (BL)

AUGUST 4 - ARRIVE UNITED STATESWelcome home!

JULY 26 - QUITOUpon arrival in Quito you will be met and escorted to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Rincón de Puembo.

JULY 27 - SAN CRISTOBALEarly morning transfer back to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal, Galápagos. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel for lunch. Next, visit the Interpretation Center and have an intro to the Galápagos followed by a visit to El Junco Lagoon. The lagoon is a volcanic crater filled with rainfall and the only freshwater lake in the Galápagos. It serves as a source of water for Frigatebirds. Dinner will be on your own to enjoy local options. Overnight at Casa de Nelly. (BL)

JULY 28 - SAN CRISTOBALToday you will visit Punta Pitt, a green sand beach at the extreme northeast end of the island. An energetic hike up the slope of a volcanic cone provides views of all three species of boobies. The boat ride provides views of Kicker Rock, Pacific dolphins and other sea life like, sea lions and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Great snorkeling can be done along the way. Lunch today will be a packed lunch. Overnight at Casa de Nelly. (BL)

JULY 29 - SAN CRISTOBALEarly this morning depart for a day trip to Española. Despite the dry climate, the island is one of the world’s only known nesting sites for the Waved Albatross (aka Galápagos Albatross) from April to December. Because Española is one of the most isolated islands in Galápagos, it has a large number of endemic species: the Española mockingbird, the Española lava lizard, and the waved albatross. It is also home to Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies as well as many other bird species. Overnight at Casa de Nelly. (BL)

JULY 30 - ISABELAThis morning, travel by boat to Floreana, the sixth largest island in the archipelago. It has a colorful history, with varying accounts of how the island was settled and how its first residents (German immigrants) mysteriously disappeared. After lunch, take a ride up to the highlands to Asilo de la Paz to see the cave of the pirates, as well as, various giant tortoises there were originally owned by the island’s residents. Next, enjoy a walking excursion to La Loberia to view Galápagos sea lions on the beach and have the option to go snorkeling nearby in Loberia Bay. Hike along almost 3,000 feet of trail that goes through the Galápagos National Park where you can also see Marine Iguanas and Sea turtles. Later in the day, travel by boat to Puerto Villamil located on Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago. The island is formed from six shield volcanoes that merged into a single landmass. Overnight at Gran Tortuga. (BL)

JULY 31 - ISABELA Today, hike to the southern part of Isabela where the Sierra Negra Volcano located. This volcano is the largest and one of the oldest craters in the islands, measuring 5 miles by 6 miles across. The last part (optional) of the hike goes down to Volcan Chico, a collection of small craters which erupted during the 1970’s, where you can see fumaroles and volcanic landscapes. Isabela includes a diversity of eco-systems from barren lava flows to evergreen lush forests. Later in the day, you will have the option to snorkel at Concha de Perla. The bay’s calm, shallow, clear waters are ideal for observing the incredible array of marine life like tropical fish, sea lions, penguins and turtles and it is also possible to observe up to 20 bird species. Overnight at Gran Tortuga. (BL)

BLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

ITINERARY

LAND PRICING

$3,560 per person (minimum 20 participants)Cost includes accommodations, meals, non-alcoholic beverages with meals, park fees, activities as listed in the itinerary, in-country transportation, full-time guide, and internal flights.

Does not include international airfare, gratuities, travel/trip cancellation insurance, optional activities, items of a personal nature, or alcoholic beverages.

Price is based on double occupancy; single rooms may be available at an additional cost (limited availability). A $350 per person deposit and enrollment form (see link on next page) are required ASAP to secure your space on the trip. This deposit is refundable excluding a $100 cancellation fee until March 28, 2018 when it becomes non-refundable. Final payment is due on April 22, 2018. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit www.travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.

THE FINE PRINT

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL:Vince Lamb at vince@vincelamb.com or 321-258-5168Register online at holbrook.travel/vincelamb-gps

ESTIMATED AIR PRICE

$800-$875 per person (from Orlando)