G a l á p a g o sGALAPAGOS
REMOTE. LEGENDARY. ASTONISHING. BACK WHEN THE WORLD WAS
YOUNG IT LOOKED LIKE THIS. HERE IN GALAPAGOS IT STILL DOES. COME
WITH US TO THE ONE PLACE WHERE FEAR HAS NEVER EXISTED.
FEBRUARY 11-20, 2005ABOARD THE M.S. POLARIS
Ship’s Registry: Ecuador
“WE NEED THE TONIC OF WILDNESS…”Henry David Thoreau
Dear Sigma Xi Members and Friends,
Since the inception of our travel program, we’ve witnessed the tonic effect of wildness on the human spirit. When you travel to theworld’s unspoiled places, you find that it refreshes the senses and clears the mind. It restores balance and revitalizes your soul.
Journey with us from February 11-20, 2005 to the Galápagos Islands, located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, and findthis tonic for yourself. The archipelago is one of the world’s great remaining natural areas, full of wonder, beauty and unusualwildlife. You will have the unique opportunity for extraordinarily close encounters with sea lions, penguins, tortoises, fur sealsand many kinds of seabirds.
Travel aboard Lindblad Expeditions’ intimate, 80-guest Polaris, a top-notch, recently refurbished expedition ship. She is undoubtedlythe finest expedition ship in the islands — join us and enjoy the highest level of comfort and personal service. The Polaris carries afleet of sturdy Zodiac landing craft, which provides access to virtually anywhere. She also has her own glass-bottom boat, wet suits,snorkeling gear and underwater video equipment, making the vibrant undersea world accessible to all
You will also be accompanied by a dedicated and enthusiastic staff of naturalists, many of whom have lived, worked and traveled extensively in the region. They enjoy sharing their knowledgein delightfully informal surroundings. You’ll come away refreshed and renewed, and with amuch deeper understanding of these magical islands.
Traveling with only a small group of inquisitive travelers and a fine staff of naturalists, you will enjoy a unique and exciting adventure. To make your reservation, please return the enclosed reservation form, or call us at (800) 252-4910. I hope you will join us on thisremarkable adventure.
Sincerely,
Margaret M. BetchartPresident, Betchart Expeditions, Inc.for Sigma Xi Expeditions
MOLTEN SUNSETS. JAGGED ROCKS RISE
LIKE VOLCANIC FINGERS. ENCHANTED
ISLES IN A DEEP BLUE TROPICAL SEA.
A seafaring bishop named Tomas de Berlanger is credited with
their discovery: stumbling upon Galápagos in 1535
en route from Panama to Peru. Herman Melville,
struck by what he saw as their spectral desolation,
gave them the name that stuck: Las Encantadas.
But it was Charles Darwin who put Galápagos on
the map. The five weeks he spent here during the
course of a five-year worldwide journey changed
the course of human thought and history. We’ll
spend a week here, exploring the archipelago,
much as he did: Leaving our floating base camp
daily to explore different islands and (even Darwin
couldn’t do this) the undersea. We’ll travel with a
team of expert naturalists — observing & learning.
5
ISLA ESPAÑOLA(Hood Is.)
ISLA BALTRA(South Seymour Is.)
ISLA SANTA CRUZ(Indefatigable Is.)
ISLA FLOREANA(Charles Is.)
ISLA GENOVESA(Tower Is.)
ISLA BARTOLOMÉ(Bartholomew Is.)
ISLA ISABELA(Albemarle Is.)
ROCA REDONDA
ISLA FERNANDINA(Narborough Is.)
ISLA SANTIAGO(James Is.) P A C I F I C O C E A
Volcán Wolf
Volcán Darwin
Volcán La Cumbre
Punta Espinoza
Volcán Alcedo
Volcán Santo Tomás
Volcán Cerro Azul
Puerto Ayora
Cerro Dragon
89° 30'90° 30'91° 30' 91°92° 90°
30'
1°
30'
0° (Equator)
0 40 Miles
0
302010
50 Kilometers403020
Las Islas GalápagosThe Galápagos Islands
6
As we voyage from island to
island in the archipelago, we’ll
spend time in the richest wild-
life locations in Galápagos.
Depending on the season and
the island we visit, we may see
riveting Blue-footed Booby
behavior: sky-pointing, parading,
ritual nest building and more.
On Floreana, a lovely “garden”
island, we’ll visit the lagoon &
may see the resident flock of
flamingos; and walk to one of the
world’s loveliest beaches, where
shy sea turtles mate in the azure
waters. On Genovesa, the frigate-
bird colonies resound with cries
and the eye-catching red of their
pouches. We’ll see a variety of
marine iguanas. Photograph Sally
Lightfoot crabs gleaming against
wet lava rocks. And see the
famous finches. We’ll also enjoy
close encounters with the legen-
dary Galápagos tortoises — at
the Darwin Station and depend-
ing on the season, in the wild.
7
It’s not the biological diversity that will astound
you, it’s the sheer number of animals. So many
creatures & so much fascinating behavior! Unique
species arrayed before you. And you can walk freely
among them — there’s no fear at all.
Blue-footed Boobies
Red-footed Boobies
Nazca Boobies
Pink Flamingos
Flightless Cormorants
Frigatebirds
Darwin’s Finches
Waved Albatross
Penguins
Sea Turtles
Marine Iguanas
Land Iguanas
Lava Lizards
Tortoises
Sea Lions
Fur Seals
Sally Lightfoot Crabs
Dolphins
Whales
Few experiences can top snor-
keling through a balletic corps
of sea turtles or somersaulting
sea lions. Video footage lets us
all be “there” to experience it!
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EXPLORING THE UNDERSEA — SNORKELING WITH SEA LIONS
& SEA TURTLES — IS A MAJOR PART OF OUR EXPEDITION.
While the shadow of Darwin obviously lies
over Galápagos expeditions,
Lindblad also pays daily homage
to the extraordinary Jacques
Cousteau. Thanks to his exam-
ple, nimble Zodiacs are used to
make landfalls in the world’s most adventurous
locations — and offer an undersea program
that keeps the element of “discovery” alive no
matter how “mapped” the world of today is.
And in Galápagos, seeing the undersea is so
gratifying. You will travel in a glass-bottom
boat, and diver-naturalists will film the under-
sea world so that all can see the world below
your ship. For those who snorkel or scuba-
dive, Galápagos offers pure magic. It is easy
for virtually everyone to experience snorkel-
ing. A recent Lindblad guest confided why he
hadn’t been snorkeling in over ten years: On a
vacation in Fiji, a young guide took a group of
snorkelers out, left them in 40-foot waters and
said “I’ll be back in half an hour.” The guest
explained he felt anxious, and was unable to
relax and enjoy. He was reluctant to even con-
sider snorkeling again — until he was in
Galápagos aboard the Polaris, and saw the
quality of the logistics and care. He knew that
if he felt at all uncomfortable, a waiting Zodiac
would enable him to come out, rest, and go
back into the water when he felt like it. No
fear. No pressure. No risk. Just the pure
unmitigated pleasure of being there — snorkel-
ing amid the shimmering fish, the sea turtles
and those “gymnasts,” the playful sea lions.
10
Our connection to the Charles
Darwin Research Station dates
back to the days when many
well-respected scientists
worked at the Station. Our
expedition team will introduce
us to the Station (the hatchery
& Lonesome George are major
highlights) then lead us into
the highlands where huge tor-
toises roam free.
TORTOISES GALORE: IN THE WILD
& AT DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
The fact that we can walk through a lush green highlands’ mead-
ow observing wild tortoises is due in part to the
Charles Darwin Research Station’s captive breeding
and release programs. Together with our guests, we
have donated over two million dollars to several con-
servation programs, including eradication of major
threats to tortoises and other endemic species. In
addition to our active and ongoing commitment to
Galápagos, we connect with an ever-growing global
network of conservation support through organiza-
tions like the World Wildlife Fund. Det Norske Veritas
has certified our environmental management system
in accordance with the ISO 14001 Environmental
Management Standard, ensuring our continued com-
mitment as leaders in environmental stewardship in
the privileged places we visit.
11
YOU’LL TRAVEL WITH THE
BEST EXPEDITION TEAM
WORKING IN GALAPAGOS
Galápagos is carefully and protectively administered by
the National Park Service. According to its
ordinances, no one can visit or even land on a
beach, unless accompanied by a nationally
licensed naturalist. Consequently travel opera-
tors are obliged to provide the services of one
naturalist for every 16 guests. We believe that
knowledgeable and interesting experts are
essential to the quality of a travel experience.
We offer our guests the expertise and compan-
ionship of top naturalists on every expedition.
And in Galápagos there is an expedition team
consisting of five naturalists and an experi-
enced Expedition Leader (EL) — more and bet-
ter than any other company operating in the
archipelago. The number of experts on staff
means that you’ll have the benefit of daily
variety and a panoply of specialized knowledge
and interests — marine biology, zoology,
botany and geology — to enhance your experi-
ence and provide a context for all that you’ll
see. You’ll learn even more in the entertaining
forum of our daily recaps during cocktail hour.
And you’ll form rewarding relationships with
your favorites among the bright, enthusiastic
and thoroughly engaging team.
Representing the entire
Galápagos team are: EL
Emma Ridley (top); Video
Chronicler, Tove Petterson;
Naturalists Carlos Romero
and Carmen Guzman
(below) & Lucho Verdesoto
(upper left.)
Friday, Day 1 — Miami/Guayaquil
Depart Miami in the afternoon via American
Airlines on a non-stop flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Departure time is currently 6:15 p.m., with a flying
time of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, a
short drive brings us to the Hotel Hilton Colón.
Saturday, Day 2 — Guayaquil/Galápagos/Embark Polaris
This morning we’ll fly to the Galápagos. Flying
time is approximately 11/2 hours and upon arrival
we’ll immediately board the Polaris. During lunch
we’ll sail to Santa Cruz Island for a magnificent
introduction to the varied wildlife of Galápagos.
We’ll spend the afternoon exploring mangrove-
flanked channels and shoreline of Cerro Dragon,
looking for land iguanas, sea lions, a variety of
birds and schools of golden rays.
Sunday, Day 3 — Española
Today we’ll visit two distinctly different parts of
the same island. You’ll see Blue-footed Boobies,
sea lions galore, and Española marine iguanas
which develop particularly vivid coloration. You’ll
also get your first chance to snorkel and stroll
one of Galápagos’ best beaches.
Monday, Day 4 — Floreana
For early risers, a Zodiac ride to Post Office Bay,
the “endemic” and historic Galápagos system for
distributing mail via—you! Then more snorkeling
or glass-bottom boating, in this case often with sea
lions, and who knows what other marine guests,
and an afternoon exploring a lagoon, where more
often than not we see flamingos.
12
GALAPAGOS ITINERARY10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS
Versatile Zodiacs enable
us to see, discover and
explore at a moment's
notice. Above: Visitors of
all ages share a mutual
curiosity with Galápagos
abundant wildlife.
Tuesday, Day 5 — Fernandina/Isabela
This morning we’ll explore Punta Espinoza on
Fernandina Island — the most pristine and
youngest island in Galápagos. It’s marine iguana
heaven, with Isabela’s volcanoes creating a dra-
matic backdrop. In the afternoon we’ll explore
Isabela’s caves and shoreline and search the waters
for dolphins, whales, sea turtles and the astonish-
ing and elusive ocean sunfish — the mola-mola.
Wednesday, Day 6 — Santa Cruz
The epicenter of Galápagos administration. The
National Park headquarters is here, as well as the
Charles Darwin Research Station where we’ll learn
about their vital preservation work. We’ll head up
into the highlands for lunch and roam the moss-
draped lush landscape where wild tortoises often
forage. In the evening, we’ll invite guests from the
Station and/or Park aboard to talk with us, and
enjoy lively local music.
Thursday, Day 7 — Genovesa
One of the most isolated islands, Genovesa is a
collapsed caldera allowing for a picture-perfect
anchorage. Home to the Red-footed and Nazca
Booby, as well as a significant population of
frigatebirds.
Friday, Day 8 — Bartolomé/Santiago
Bartolomé is an enchanting landscape where lava,
mangroves and beautiful golden sand converge.
Great walks, views and a good chance to snorkel
with penguins. In the afternoon, Santiago
provides us a chance to see the Galápagos fur
seal, along with the opportunity to enjoy the best
“tide pooling.”
Saturday, Day 9 — Galápagos/Guayaquil
This morning we’ll disembark Polaris and fly back
to Guayaquil. The afternoon is free to rest or to
explore. We’ll leave you on your own this evening to
get ready for your journey home.
Sunday, Day 10 — Guayaquil/Home
This morning fly home — or anywhere else you
might have decided to go. The Miami-bound flight
departs in the morning, arriving Miami at approxi-
mately 4:15 p.m.
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GALAPAGOS + PERU’S LAND OF THE INCA ITINERARY16 DAYS/15 NIGHTS
Add the wonders of Peru to your Galápagos adventure and discover
the origins of an ancient civilization.
Friday, Day 1 through Friday, Day 8 —
Follow the Galápagos itinerary on page 12.
Saturday, Day 9 — Galápagos/Guayaquil/Lima, Peru
Disembark and fly to Lima via Guayaquil, arriving in
the early evening. Spend the night at the gracious
Orient Express Miraflores Park Hotel. (B, L)
Sunday, Day 10 — Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Inca
Fly to Cusco and drive to the Urubamba River Valley
— the Sacred Valley of the Inca and check in to Hotel
Sol y Luna. Visit the church in Chinchero containing
the oldest examples of paintings of the Cusco School
of Art and the local food market. (B, L, D)
Monday, Day 11 — Sacred Valley of the Inca
Visit the town and important archaeological site of
Pisac. There will be a late lunch at the Hacienda
Orihuela, hosted by the Orihuela family who contin-
ues a 350-year tradition of farming. (B, L, D)
Tuesday, Day 12 — Machu Picchu
Visit the massive Inca stone fortress of
Ollantaytambo. Then board the train for the 11/2 hour
ride to Machu Picchu. The citadel, “The Lost City of
the Inca,” straddles a mountain ridge surrounded by
lush tropical forest. We overnight in Machu Picchu at
the Sanctuary Lodge. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, Day 13 — Machu Picchu/Cusco
Watch the day break over the quiet ruins, an almost
mystical experience for many. The morning is free to
continue exploring Machu Picchu. Reboard the train
for our journey to Cusco. Spend two nights at the
Orient Express Monasterio Hotel, a unique establish-
ment originally built in 1592 as a monastery. (B, D)
Thursday, Day 14 — Cusco
The Inca Empire’s capital, Cusco, is the oldest contin-
uously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere.
Visit the Plaza de Armas, the magnificent early 17th-
century cathedral built on Inca foundations, the
Santo Domingo Convent — Koricancha — and the
vast Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a premier example of
Inca stonework. (B, L)
Friday, Day 15 — Cusco/Lima
This morning explore Colonial Lima, founded in
1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizzaro. Visit
the 17th-century San Francisco Monastery and its
unique cloisters, stroll to the Plaza Mayor to see the
Government Palace and the Cathedral. Enjoy a late
lunch at Casa Aliaga, an ancestral mansion which is
home to 17 generations of Aliagas. It is not open to
the general public. (B, L)
Saturday, Day 16 — Lima/Miami
This morning fly home. The Miami-bound flight
arrives at approximately 2:00 p.m.
Printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks. © 2004 Lindblad Expeditions, Inc.
PHOTO CREDITS: All photos © Stewart Cohen, except as noted. © Sven Lindblad: cover,tortoise; p. 2 sea lion; p. 6 flamingo; p. 8, dolphins; p. 10, tortoise in vegetation,tortoise and girl; p. 11, bird & sea lion, naturalist with bird; p. 12, girl with sealion. © Tui De Roy: p. 2, iguanas; p. 3, Blue-footed Boobies, p. 6, flying Blue-foot-ed Booby, frigatebird; p. 7, birds on camera, crab & iguana; p. 8, sea lions under-water, penguin & snorkeler; p. 9, iguana feeding underwater; back cover, Blue-footed Boobies.© Walt Denson: cover, Blue-footed Booby, p. 2, woman in ham-mock, snorkeler; p. 4, landing party; p. 6, Blue-footed Boobies; p. 9, glass-bottomboat; p. 12 Zodiac; p. 14, people on deck. © Kevin Schafer: p. 2, Pinnacle Rock; p.13, Machu Picchu; p. 15, sea lions on beach.
14
CATEGORY DECK CABIN NUMBERS GALAPAGOS GALAPAGOS + PERU
1 A 102 – 105 $3,480 $6,480Sole Occupancy $4,390 $8,160Spacious cabins have 2 lower single beds, writing desk and 1 or 2 portholes.
2 A & Main A-Deck: 101, Main Deck: 200 – 221 $4,180 $7,140Sole Occupancy $5,180 $8,980Centrally located cabins feature 2 lower single beds, writing desk and a view window (except Cabin 101 on the A-Deck, which has 3 beds and 2 portholes.)
3 Upper 301, 303, 305, 307 $4,680 $7,660Conveniently located, cabins feature 2 lower single beds, writing desk and a large view window.
4 Upper 302, 304, 306, 309, 311, 315, 319 $4,980 $7,980Spacious cabins feature 2 lower single beds, writing desk and a large view window.
5 Upper 300, 308, 317, 321 $5,980 $8,950The largest cabins on board, able to accommodate a third person. With either 2 lower single beds or a double bed. All have a desk, convertible sofa bed, table and 2 large windows.
A comfortable Category 3 cabin.Spacious Category 5 cabin. Pull-out sofa beds in Category 5.
YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 21 CAN TAKE 25% OFF THE RATES ABOVE (EXCLUDES AIRFARE).
SHARED ACCOMMODATIONS: We will gladly make arrangements at the double-occupancy rate in Categories 1and 2 only.
SPECIAL GALAPAGOS AIRFAREWe offer a combined air package (round-trip Miami/Galápagos) based on prevailing airfare costs at thetime of printing and subject to change. Early bookers may also take advantage of attractive add-onairfares between many U.S. cities and Miami, based on availability.Combined air package, per person: $990, subject to change
If arriving in Ecuador independently, please inquire about Guayaquil/Galápagos/Guayaquil airfare.
ACCOMMODATIONS & RATES
BOAT DECK
UPPER DECK
MAIN DECK
A-DECK
M.S. Polaris Deck Plan
QUITO OPTION: Enjoy a 2-night stay in Quito following your Galápagosvoyage. Cost includes: 2 breakfasts, one lunch, all sightseeing andadditional airfare to Quito. (Credit has been calculated for the unusedhotel night in Guayaquil on Day 9 of the main Galápagos voyage.)
Double Occupancy ...................................................................................................$240Sole Occupancy .......................................................................................................$290
All prices are per person double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
15
GALAPAGOS COST INCLUDES: Seven nights aboard the Polaris in theGalápagos; two nights’ accommodations in Guayaquil at a finehotel with private facilities; all meals and soft drinks aboard thePolaris; Galápagos National Park Entry fee; use of snorkelingequipment, wet suits and glass-bottom boat; services of the shipphysician, Lindblad Expeditions’ Leader, Naturalist staff andexpert guides; all port charges and service taxes; transfers iftraveling on group flights; gratuities to local guides.
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare Miami /Guayaquil /Miami; Guayaquil /Galápagos/Guayaquil; one dinner in Guayaquil; Quito option;diving; passport expenses; baggage/accident /cancellation insur-ance; personal items, such as laundry, alcoholic beverages and emails; and discretionary gratuities to Naturalist staff and crew.
GALAPAGOS + PERU INCLUDES: All of the above plus: seven hotelnights; flights Guayaquil/Lima/Cusco/Lima (approx. value $575);meals as indicated by B,L,D; transfers if traveling on groupflights; sightseeing; porterage; services of local guide and tourleader; tips to local guides and drivers; taxes and servicecharges. (Credit has been calculated for the unused hotel nightin Guayaquil on Day 9 of the main Galápagos voyage.)
SHIP’S PUBLIC AREAS: Lounge with bar and facilities for films, slide shows, and lectures. Library, email center, gift shop anddoctor’s office.
NOTE: We’ll send you complete pre-departure information, includ-ing a book list and packing suggestions after your reservation is confirmed.
TERMS AND CONDITIONSRESERVATIONS: An advance payment of $1,000 per person Galápagosor Galápagos + Peru payable by check, is required.
FINAL PAYMENT: Due no later than 90 days prior to departure.
INSURANCE: Cancellation and medical insurance are available atextra cost. We will send policy information when you reserve.
SMOKING POLICY: Allowed only in designated outdoor areas.
RESPONSIBILITY: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of the Company’s liability for loss ofproperty, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be pro-vided to all guests prior to final payment and to prospectiveguests upon request.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee
120 or more days $250
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
This policy applies to the expedition and extension, if applicable. We stronglyrecommend that you purchase cancellation insurance.
RESERVATION FORM THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDSAboard the M.S. Polaris
Please reserve _________ place(s) on Galápagos, February 11-20, 2005.
Please reserve _________ place(s) on Galápagos + Peru’s Land of the Inca,
February 11-26, 2005.
Please reserve _________ place(s) on the Quito option, February 19-21, 2005.
Name: _______________________________________________________ Date of Birth: _____________
Name: _______________________________________________________ Date of Birth: _____________
Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________________________ State: ______________ Zip: ________________
Home Phone: __________________________________Business Phone: _________________________
Fax: _____________________________________________________________________________________
E-Mail:_________________________________________________________________________________
Accommodations: ■■ Double ■■ Single
■■ Share Basis (Roommate to be assigned by tour operator.)
Please indicate choice of cabin category in order of preference:
1st choice:__________ 2nd choice:__________
I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for this program and agree to them.
Signature(s)_____________________________________________________Date: __________________
■■ Enclosed is my advance payment of $__________(US$1,000 per person).
Check made payable to Betchart Expeditions, Inc. Trust Account.
Membership: ■■ Sigma Xi ■■ AAAS
#872
For Reservations or Information:Sigma Xi ExpeditionsBetchart Expeditions, Inc.17050 Montebello RoadCupertino, CA 95014Phone: 800-252-4910 or
408-252-4910
SPECIAL BOOKING OFFER
BRING THE KIDSWe believe sharing an expedition with your kids orgrandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take25% off the Double Occupancy price for each young-ster under 21. (Air fare excluded.)
FIND UNIQUE CREATURES IN GALAPAGOS: FASCINATING
ANIMALS & PEOPLE WITH ADVENTUROUS MINDS & SPIRITS
PRSRT STDU.S. Postage
PAIDStaten Island, NYPermit No. 169
Betchart Expeditions, Inc.17050 Montebello Road
Cupertino, CA 95014
Travel + Leisure 2003 Small-Ship Cruise Line AwardLindblad Expeditions is the only expedition outfit ranked
by readers in the top five.
Condé Nast Traveler 2001 Readers’ ChoiceAwards named Lindblad Expeditions one of the best travel experiences in the world:“...a perfect [Destinations/Itineraries] score for
Lindblad ... [They] also took the highest ratings
for Crew/Service: 96.4...”
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