Galapagos for 2009

Few academic texts have had such profound and enduring resonance as Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species, published in November 1859. Initially ridiculed by his peers and damned by religious figures, Darwin’s theory of evolution through natural selection now lies at the heart of modern understanding of the natural word. However, almost 200 years since Darwin’s birth, the teaching of evolution is still challenged by reactionary religious figures preferring a creationist worldview.

In advance of Darwin’s Bicentennial, Wildlife Worldwide is offering 18-day holidays featuring expertly guided wildlife cruises of the Galapagos, including many islands visited by Darwin during his remarkable 1835 voyage aboard HMS Beagle. Departing Heathrow 26th September, 3rd, 10th & 17th October 2008 together with other dates in 2009.

After time on the Ecuadorian mainland travellers join the 24-cabin yacht La Pinta and ply a course through the 13 major islands, 6 minor islands, and 42 islets that make up the Galápagos archipelago. Travellers may observe giant Galápagos Tortoise, colourful Land Iguana and large groups of sea-faring Marine Iguana. However, it is the bird colonies that are most conspicuous, with Red, and Blue-footed Booby, Galápagos Hawk, Flightless Cormorant and even a Galápagos Penguin.

The nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands also form an integral part of the national park, and dolphins, turtles and whales may be observed from the boat, as well as large numbers of feeding seabirds. Further highlights include; the sunken volcanic crater of the Devil’s Crown, Santa Cruz – for the Charles Darwin Research Centre and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, and Fernandina – the youngest island of the archipelago.

Tours cost from £4,395 p/p including scheduled flights, hotel and shipboard accommodation, transfers, mainland tours, most meals (all on cruise), expert naturalist guiding, lecture programme aboard La Pinta.

For more information, log on to Wildlifeworldwide.com.