Dates Apr 10–19, 2009
Leaders Wayne Lynch, Joe Van Os and Aubrey Lang
Fee From $7,595 from Quito, Ecuador
Complete rate schedule below
Deposit 25% of trip fee
Limit 28
Special Terms and Conditions Apply
Evolution  Deck Plan

The Galápagos Archipelago lies some 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador. Its six major islands and a broad scattering of smaller islands constitute what early sailors called Las Islas Encantadas, the Enchanted Islands. It is one of the world’s best locations for a nature photography vacation.

Next year marks the special anniversary of two extraordinary milestones in the life and work of Charles Darwin. Our 2009 Galápagos cruise will commemorate the bicentennial of his birth and the 150th anniversary of the first publication of his book The Origin of Species.

We’ll cruise aboard the aptly named M/V Evolution—a safe, comfortable and upscale motor vessel that combines classic cruising style with modern appointments and technology. The Evolution offers an excellent “platform” from which to base this exciting photo cruise.

Photogenic and famous for their remarkably unwary demeanor, the seabirds of the Galápagos Islands, though birds of the open ocean, allow human approach within a few yards during courtship
and breeding. The islands are also home to the famous "Darwin's finches," as well as extraordinary tortoises and iguanas, sea lions and fur seals.

Our flexible schedule has us photographing in early morning and late afternoon. Whenever possible between morning and afternoon shooting sessions, we take time to snorkel in the coastal waters of the islands, searching for black sea turtles and enjoying the myriad coral reef fishes that bejewel the clear, warm tropical waters.

We go ashore at eight islands throughout the archipelago. We begin our discovery of these fascinating islands at the new visitor center on San Cristobal. Our next stop is Española Island, an uplifted block of submarine lava, home to the famous waved albatrosses, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Hood mockingbirds, and lava lizards—all within a few feet of our lenses. Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island is a favorite destination. We explore the lush scalesia forests of the highlands—the favorite haunt of vermilion flycatchers—and investigate volcanic craters and lava tubes; then visit a tortoise reserve and photograph the charismatic animals in the wild. We spend time at the Charles Darwin Research Station, which plays a major role in the environmental monitoring of the archipelago. Our next destination is Bartolomé Island. We climb ash-covered slopes past numerous parasitic cones to the high point of the island for attractive backlit views of classic Galápagos landscapes. In the distance are photogenic Pinnacle Rock and rugged Santiago Island.

At Genovesa Island we go ashore at dawn to explore the mangroves; then in the afternoon, we climb to the top of the island for some unforgettable photography. The island, widely known as one of the best bird islands in the Galápagos, encompasses a spectacular seabird-nesting colony with red-footed boobies perching in chest-high scrub, great frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed and lava gulls. Fernandina and Isabela offer flightless cormorants and the rare Galápagos penguins.

Join Wayne Lynch, Aubrey Lang and Joe Van Os in this paradise for wildlife photographers, where subjects sit serenely for portraits, displaying their bright vermilion throat pouches or azure feet—and where midday is spent snorkeling with beautiful spotted eagle rays and the tiny and delightful Galápagos penguins!

About Our Vessel: We have chosen a classic vessel from the 1920s era, updated with all the modern conveniences and safety features. She is the Evolution, a comfortable yacht with spacious interior and al fresco dining areas, broad sun decks and a large library/lounge. Designed for speed, she also provides exceptional seagoing comfort. The 16 air-conditioned cabins have twin or double beds, as well as fully equipped private baths. The vessel carries clear acrylic sea kayaks, wetsuits and snorkeling gear. There is also an infirmary and medical services provided by a physician. The Evolution has the feeling of a small ship, with the comfort of an exclusive yacht.



Day 1 (Apr 10)
Fly to Quito, Ecuador.

Day 2
Meet for a breakfast orientation, fly to the Galápagos Islands and embark. We go ashore at Cerro Brujo this afternoon. (B and all meals onboard Evolution)

Day 3
Española Island with its dramatic blowhole and nesting albatrosses.

Day 4
Drive into the highland forest for birding near twin volcanic craters on Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 5
Dramatic volcanic topography and views from the top of Bartolomé Island. Sullivan Bay for snorkeling with penguins. James Bay on Santiago Island for sea lion colonies and fur seal grottos.

Day 6
Genovesa Island, the rim of a circular caldera, for spectacular seabirds.

Day 7
We visit Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island and Tagus Cove on Isabela, watching for nesting flightless cormorants.

Day 8
North Seymour Island, and Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz.

Day 9
Return to San Cristobal, passing Kicker Rock. Fly to Quito. (D)

Day 10 (Apr 19)
Depart for home. (B)






CABIN TYPE RATE
Deck A: Suite, double cabin, 3 portholes, door opens to the deck $8,795
Deck A: Twin or double cabins with 2 portholes each, doors to the deck $8,395
Deck C: Twin or double cabins with 1 porthole each $7,995
Deck D: Twin or double cabins with 1 porthole each $7,595


Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
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