Experience the natural wonderland of the Galapagos

Island hopping in the Galapagos with Alyson Adventures

It's easy to get to know the other travelers in our small, friendly, gay and lesbian groups.

An active, outdoors vacation with Alyson Adventures.

Experience the natural wonderland of the Galapagos

Galapagos Wildlife Adventure: Island hopping in the Galapagos

Wander among unique animals

Amazing creatures, mystery, and beautiful seascapes create this unique corner of the world. Seemingly hidden from man for centuries, this series of islands remains relatively untouched. 600 miles off the west coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands offer an unusual microscopic view of nature and natural selection in a nearly pristine state.

Charles Darwin, observed the potential scientific bonanza of the islands' flora and fauna in 1835 and was inspired to write his famous thesis, "On the Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection." Aside from a few roving pirates and buccaneers, the islands remain untouched by man.

Our naturalist guide will fill us in on the extraodinary plant and wildlife as we will visit and explore various islands. A bridwatchers paradise, there are 29 species of land bird found here and 22 of them are endemic to the islands. See the world's smallest penguins, the bright red-chested frigate brids, the flightless cormarants, boobies, hawks, owls and lava gulls. In the sea, you'll experience the wonder of watching giant sea turtles swimming to their homes, and sea lions playfully splashing as you snorkel along looking at multitudes of colorful fish. All this from the comfort of a modern and well appointed ship.

Highlights:

See exotic birds and wildlife in their native setting.
Visit the breeding grounds and sanctuary for giant green sea turtles.
Swim with sealions and view an amazing bounty of fish and sea life.
Relax in a comfortable modern ship for four nights and enjoy the peace and quiet of these remote islands.
Hike along tidal lagoons, mangroves and bright, clean beaches.
Experience Darwin's inspiration in a lovely and pristine setting.
Ask about cabin availability and about land extensions in the mountains of Ecuador.
Enjoy this once in a lifetime trek with a friendly group of gay men, lesbians, family and friends. (Please note that this is not a charter, so our group will be among other passengers on this 90-passenger ship.)

Is it the right vacation for you? Many of the twice-daily shore excursions require wading through shallow water as there are often not piers for the boats to tie off on. Walking on the islands is often across rugged terrain without smooth paths. Snorkeling is available on many days, but is optional.

Testimonials about our trips: "The most incredible chance to observe wildlife in a perfect setting."— Mike Mullins, Laguna Beach, Calif.

"Far and away the best vacation I've ever had. Well planned with just the right balance of sightseeing, physical activity, great food, and most of all, fun people."— Susan Eaton, San Diego, Calif.

Dates and Price:
May 15 to 22, 2010: $3,895: A trip for all welcome.

Prices are per-person, based on double occupancy. Tours often fill up months before departure. We regularly update our travel schedule to show the status of this and other trips.

Travelling Alone?
So are most of the people who travel with us. You do not need to pay extra to travel by yourself. Prices are per-person, and the single supplement applies only if you'd like a room by yourself. For selected trips, including cruises, we will charge half the single supplement if you request a roommate but we can't match you with someone.

Location: Starts and ends in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Price includes: All accommodations in double occupancy for four nights on our ship, with private bath and for two nights in a Guayaquil hotel before the cruise and one night after the cruise; Cruise price shown is for a Main Deck Twin Standard cabin, with other higher cabin categories available for an additional charge (all categories subject to availability at time of booking); Breakfast each day and one dinner in Guayaquil, plus all meals on board our ship; All transportation from Guayaquil to ship and back to Guayaquil; Transfers between flights and hotel in Guayaquil; Services of local guides, naturalists on the ship, and a professional tour director (subject to minimum participation); All hotel service charges, government taxes, porterage, and meal gratuities.

Not included: Transportation to and from Guayaquil; Meals not described as included; Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100) and Migration Control Card ($10), with prices subject to change, and payable in cash; Airport departure fees (total of $35-50 depending on airports used); Gratuities to naturalists, ship crew, and local guides; Personal items including: alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls.

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