The Galapagos Islands with Ecuador

In Darwin’s Footsteps – Escorted Wildlife & Photography Tour

25 September to 7 October 2010

Leader: Tony Pym and local guides

The Galapagos Islands are situated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and are the home of some of the world's most confiding and photogenic wildlife. Most of the islands of this archipelago were set aside in 1934, by the government of Ecuador, as a wildlife sanctuary. Uninhabited areas were declared a national park in 1959. In 1964 the Charles Darwin Research Station, named after the naturalist who made the islands famous, began its operation and in 1986 the government created the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve. The national park now includes 97% of the island's land and 50,000 square kilometres of ocean.

The diverse wildlife of the islands does not fear people and is so abundant you have to watch where you tread to avoid disturbing a sleeping Galapagos Sea Lion or Marine Iguana basking in the sun. Here you can swim with the Galapagos Sea Lions and Galapagos Penguins (the most northerly penguin in the world), be entertained by the antics of courting Blue-footed Boobies and nesting Waved Albatrosses, or just observe the fantastic birdlife which includes Swallow-tailed and Lava Gulls, Brown Noddies, Nazca Boobies, Greater and Magnificent Frigatebirds, Flightless Cormorants and several species of Galapagos finches. Boobies and pelicans find food in the harbours, while shearwaters and storm petrels prefer the open sea. Well-camouflaged Lava Herons and Wandering Tattlers perch on wave-splashed rocks. Whilst cruising we shall keep an eye out for marine turtles, dolphins and some of the great whales. The opportunities for photography are excellent: indeed they are unique.

For this cruise we have chosen to charter the Cachalote - a first class 96 foot schooner built in 2002. She has three wooden decks for relaxing on and has a steel hull. She has sails but normally travels with these tied and uses her motor. In favourable winds and under the right conditions the sails are sometimes used. There are eight double cabins, which can accommodate a maximum of 16 passengers. On our cruise we shall restrict the party size to 11 clients plus Tony. Each cabin is air-conditioned, and has a sea-view and private facilities. Experienced naturalist guides and the crew of five will introduce you to the spectacular flora and fauna of the islands. The Cachalote allows the visitor access to coves and inlets that are inaccessible to larger ships, with flexibility of itinerary and ample opportunity for exploring the islands, or snorkelling with the confiding Galapagos Sea Lions. For going ashore she is equipped with zodiacs.

Before we begin our cruise we have time to sample the delights of some jungle birding around the famous Mindo Road and the Tandayapa Valley. We stay at the lovely Sachatamia Lodge, which has extensive grounds and great wildlife on its doorstep. We have plenty of time to explore the trails around the lodge finding many bird species, as well as monkeys, butterflies, lizards, insects and plants. Highlights may include Andean Cock-of-the Rock, Giant and Yellow-breasted Antpittas and Toucan Barbet.

Throughout the tour you will also have the expert services of Tony, one of our professional guides, who has previous experience of both the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. All the areas visited on this tour are now classed as non-malarial.