Other Destinations ...Trips of a Lifetime

from GALAPAGOS TRAVEL

Special Offerings from Galapagos Travel

The Galápagos Islands are, and always will be, our focus. For over 25 years - since 1990 - GALAPAGOS TRAVEL has been sharing the Galápagos Islands with travelers - the islands have become our second home in a way. Galápagos is the place that magically brings us closer to the natural world. To snorkel with playful sea lions, see ageless giant tortoises in the wild, and blue-footed boobies diving together in a coordinated squadron - and all on schedule as set forth in the daily briefing.

Over the years many past Galápagos Travelers have been encouraging us to take them on other great adventures, while keeping our focus on in-depth exploration, wildlife, and really learning about where we we're going.

The Galápagos are a tough act to follow though. After all, where else can you get that close to the animal kingdom while they are "being themselves" in their world...

Polar Destinations

As we found out several years ago, Antarctica was one such place. Colonies of hundreds of thousands of King penguins on the shores of South Georgia Island, the same South Georgia of the epic story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance Expedition. On South Georgia, one can also view the courtship of the wandering albatross, spreading its 11 ft wings in full display. In the protected waters within the Antarctic Peninsula, close encounters with humpback and minke whales are often experienced. And there's more. In a word, Antarctica is "awesome"! How else to describe vast icebergs (some over tens of miles long), fierce katabatic winds (sometimes well over 50 mph) sweeping down from majestic peaks, and a land that has proven throughout history to be unforgiving, especially so to the inexperienced explorer.

With the immense popularity of South Georgia Island a new indepth program is now being offered there several times each year, typically spending as much as 10 days exploring the rugged coastline.

New to our roster, but a perenial favorite, we will join a photographic expedition to the New Zealand sub-Antarctic Islands. New Zealand's "forgotten islands" of Auckland, Campbell and Snares are amongst the most remarkable wildlife reserves in the Southern Ocean. Designated UNESCO World Heritage sites, they are afforded the highest protetion of any of the nature reserves in New Zealand; they remain remote and uninhabited, with strict limits on the number of people allowed to land there each year.

The more we learned about Antarctica from reading and experiencing first hand, the more we began comparing it to the Arctic - the other Polar frontier. It is a vast area, much like Antarctica. And it has bested many efforts to reach the furthest north - the Pole itself. But unlike Antarctica, which is always the dominant force, strong and aloof, you do "connect" to the Arctic. No doubt, the connection is a bit different for each of us, but the mind definitely opens up and touches this place. With expansive reaches of pack ice, an imposing obstacle to virtually everything in its path, I felt like an explorer at the ultimate end of the known civilized world.

And on the edges of this ice, one finds the King of the Arctic - the Ice (Polar) Bear. You never stop looking for them, and the more you learn, the more fascinating they become. Not far from the Ice Bear, but far enough to hopefully stay out of its reach, are the seals (4 species) that live and breed in the Polar environment. As do reindeer, Arctic fox, and herds of walrus, hauled out all over each other.

Madagascar

Much like Galápagos, Madagascar is a place that conjures up images of amazing wildlife - wildlife that is among the best in the world in terms of diversity and abundance, and in some cases is as approachable as the wildlife of Galápagos. Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island, having broken away from Africa well over 150 million years ago. This isolation makes it a living laboratory of evolution, with plants and animals found nowhere else on earth - lemurs, chameleons, geckos, frogs, tortoises, and myriad birds. ...Ringtail Lemurs gathering in groups on the ground to warm up in the morning sun... The haunting calls of Indris high in the forest canopy... A glimpse of a Sifaka as it skips across the trail ahead... Radiated Tortoises, well, just sitting there... At the same time the forests and valleys are filled with wonderful birds - the iridescent Madagascar Kingfishers flitting along the waterways, paradise flycatchers, Madagascar White eyes, Giant Coua, Madagascar Scops Owl, Madagascar Fish-Eagle... The flora is equally astounding, from the surreal Boabab trees, to the spiny forests of the west and south, or rainforests of the east.

The landscapes are equally as spectacular - the bright red soil of the highlands; the emerald green forest canopy festooned with orchids and other epiphytes; shades of grey in the limestone karst of the Tsingy; green rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls; white sand beaches, and all of it surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Madagascar truly is a land of rich colors and superlatives!

Neither solely a birding or wildlife tour, nor just a cultural tour, this is a general Natural History tour - a mix of amazing wildlife, spectacular scenery and rich cultural discoveries. The people of Madagascar are amazingly welcoming. They are gracious, friendly and nearly always smiling (and quite often singing).

Cuba

We have been legally traveling to Cuba - the gem of the Caribbean - since 2011. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, history buff, or adventurer, Cuba amazes!. The cities and towns feature elaborate (decadent) architecture from colonization through the opulent 1950’s. A shining example of Cuban ingenuity, literally, is the remarkable number of old American cars proudly still in use today (estimates are that there are still 80,000 on the road). Outside the cities transportation is often still by horse cart. The island is remarkably green. A highlight is the Zapata peninsula and wetlands - the largest in the Caribbean, and habitat for a remarkable number of endemic birds. The people of Cuba are genuinely welcoming and friendly; presenting the opportunity for candid conversations. We’ll hear local experts present insightful seminars on a variety of subjects allowing us to feel more connected to Cuba today. We visit seven remarkable UNESCO sites (four World Heritage Sites, plus three Biosphere Reserves) illustrating how Cuba honors her history as well as her wild places. Music is everywhere, whether spilling from windows and doorways, impromptu dances in the street, or intimate performances. We tour museums, markets and artists’ studios broadening the depth of our experience.

Easter Island

Easter Island - Isla de Pascua - Rapa Nui... No matter what one may call the island, it’s sure to bring mysterious and surreal images to mind. Images of moai, the enormous stone heads/torsos that dot the landscape (there are nearly 1,000 of them), oft recalled from childhood explorations through back issues of National Geographic magazines.

Working with stellar local guides we offer 2 ways to experience Easter Island; either via an escorted small group expedition, or as a private tour custom designed to fit your schedule. In either case you are sure to be captivated by this remarkable island and its rich history and still-thriving culture. Join us on this most remote inhabited island in the world!

Midway Atoll

Midway is the gateway to the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument - one of the world's largest protected marine preserves, and part of the northwest Hawaiian archipelago. The atoll consists of 3 low islands surrounded by an emergent coral reef, and is home to roughly 3 million seabirds, including the world's largest colonies of Laysan Albatross, Black-footed Albatross, Bonin Petrels, and White Terns. Other highlights include the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, Laysan Ducks and the incredibly rare and beautiful Short-tailed Albatross, or Golden Gooney. It is not just the wonderful wildlife here that sets Midway apart from other preserves, but that in combination with the incredible density there is also a seemingly complete lack of concern shown to humans. Much like Galápagos, Midway is a naturalist and photographer's dream - a trip of a lifetime. Unlike Galapaogos or Antarctica, here you are also able to savor the experience 24 hours a day, living in the midst of the colonies. We first began researching, volunteering and traveling to Midway in 2007. Currently closed to all visitation, we hope to resume programs in 2017...