Cruise with biology professor Matt Rand through the living laboratory of 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. The moment you step foot on one of these amazing islands, you’ll see that freedom and fearlessness are a way of life here. Whether strolling the islands’ pristine beaches, searching for the spectacular waved albatross, having a chat with a particularly friendly sea lion, or snorkeling with Galapagos penguins, a glorious feeling of inhibition abounds.

ANIMAL LIFE

Animal life varies from island to island, but you are likely to see land iguanas, sea lions, golden rays, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, waved albatross, dolphins, whales, flamingos and other shore birds, wild tortoises, frigate birds, and sea turtles. There will be numerous opportunities to photograph animal life—Galapagos birds and animals will be just inches from your camera.

We’ll make wide use of a fleet of nimble Zodiacs that can nose into landfalls and cruise along reefs, affording us intimate views of the action. Expert naturalists will be on hand to point out particularly unusual wildlife behaviors so that you may observe, inquire, and react as they unfold before your eyes.

THE SHIP

The Polaris accommodates 80 guests in 41 outside cabins. Its Open Bridge policy allows you to meet officers. Special expedition equipment includes glass-bottomed boat, kayaks, hydrophone, snorkeling gear, Splash Cam, wet suits, and Zodiac landing craft.

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 licensed naturalist. In addition to Professor Rand, you’ll have the guidance of five naturalists and an expedition leader, all of whom will share their knowledge of marine biology, zoology, botany, and geology every step of the way to enhance the experience.

FACULTY

Matt Rand, an associate professor of biology and chair of the biology department, has been teaching courses in animal behavior at Carleton for the past 10 years. In 2002 he offered an off-campus course to Carleton students on animal behavior in the Galapagos Islands and in 2004 he led an alumni trip to the islands. This will be Rand’s fourth visit to the Galapagos, where he will facilitate an appreciation for their extraordinary view of animal behavior.

PRICING

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

Category 1 = $4150

Category 2 = $4790

Category 3 = $5320

Category 4 = $5680

Category 6 = $6790

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

Category 1 = $6230

Category 2 = $7190

$500 discount extended to all guests under the age of 18.

INCLUSIONS

* All accommodations aboard ship

* All meals and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ship

* Shore excursions and sightseeing

* Local transportation to/from sites of interest

* Entrance fees

* Gratuities (except to ship's crew)

* Services of Lindblad Expeditions' naturalists

* Expertise of Carleton Professor Matt Rand

EXCLUSIONS

* Airfare

* Passport and visa expenses

* Trip baggage/accident/cancellation insurance

* Gratuities to the crew

* Alcoholic beverages

* Ecuadorian Departure Tax

* LEX Wellness Service

* Items of a personal nature

CANCELLATION POLICY

Number of days prior to expedition start:

120 or more days -- $150 per person
119-90 days -- Advance payment cost
89-60 days -- 25% of trip cost
59-30 days -- 50% of trip cost
29-0 days -- No refund

POST-TRIP EXTENSION TO PERU

Only a two-hour flight away from the Galapagos Islands, if you have the time, this 8-day extension is one you won't want to miss. We'll visit the Sacred Valley of the Inca, the massive Inca stone fortress of Ollantaytambo, and magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu. We'll experience a lush tropical forest and explore Colonial Lima, founded in 1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizzaro. For more information, click on the link in the blue box on the right. Space is limited to 16 people; reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

EXTENSION PRICING: $3100 per person double occupancy, $780 single supplement

QUESTIONS?

For questions about the Carleton side of this cruise, please contact Amy Goerwitz at 507-222-5645. For questions about the ship and itinerary, please contact the group department at Lindblad Expeditions, 1-800-EXPEDITION.