Sail with biology professor Matt Rand through a “living laboratory”--the Galapagos Islands. This World Heritage site is located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and is home to some of the world’s most unusual animals.

Animal life

Animal life varies from island to island, but you are likely to see sea lions frolicking in the waters, albatross performing a courtship “dance” ritual, and male frigate birds ballooning their crimson chest pouches to attract females. Take advantage of numerous opportunities to photograph this variety of animal life--Galapagos birds and animals just inches from your camera lens.

Recreation

You can snorkel, cruise in a glass-bottom boat, and hike on the islands, each with its unique flora and fauna. You also will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about vital preservation work.

Expedition Team

The Galapagos Islands are carefully administered by the National Park Service of Ecuador. No one can visit an island unless accompanied by a nationally licensed naturalist. In addition, you’ll have the guidance of five naturalists and an expedition leader who will share their knowledge and interests—marine biology, zoology, botany, and geology--every step of the way to enhance your experience.

Accommodations

Travel and accommodations will be aboard the Polaris, a recently refurbished expedition ship, except for two nights at the Hotel Hilton Colon in Guayaquil, the principal port of Ecuador.

Faculty

Matt Rand, associate professor of biology, came to Carleton in 1991. He teaches animal physiology,
animal behavior, introductory biology, behavioral endocrinology, behavioral genetics, and human sexuality. Rand designed Carleton’s new biology field study program in the Galapagos and will lead the first group of 15 students there in December 2003. His wife, Amy Moore, assistant professor of biology at Santa Clara University, will join him on the Carleton alumni trip.