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Join other HBS alumni on an exclusively chartered yacht on the HBS Galapagos Explorer expedition for an up-close view of the unique and varied bird life and marine life of the Galapagos Islands, an historic archipelago located far off the Ecuadorian coast in the South Pacific Ocean. On our tour, we will enjoy a glimpse of the amazing wealth and array of birds and wildlife on the Galapagos – some species found nowhere else on earth – through nature walks led by our bilingual naturalist guides and shoreline exploration in our dinghies and pangas. During our days exploring the islands, we will be based on a comfortable yacht, with lunch and dinner provided on board each day. The tour will begin and end in Quito, Ecuador’s lively capital city, thus providing an opportunity to get acquainted with one of South America’s lesser-known capitals.
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Female sea lion at rest.
(Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) |
After our flight from Quito to the Galapagos, we will be met by our naturalist guides who will assist us in processing through the control point of the Galapagos National Park. Once on board our comfortable vessel, our guides will provide an introductory briefing, where we will receive detailed explanations about life on board, safety procedures and the National Park Service’s rules and regulations for the Galapagos National Park. Each evening while we are aboard ship, our naturalist guide will present a lecture about the following day’s activities.
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| Herd of tortoises. (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) |
In order to protect the islands, the Ecuadorian National Park Service has decided to limit visitation to 63 terrestrial visitor sites, in addition to the islands’ small towns and communities. The visitor sites have been selected to provide access to the best wildlife-viewing opportunities. Visitor sites are reached by disembarking from our yacht onto smaller dinghies or pangas, which permits non-invasive shoreline explorations and landings. Most landing sites will be on sandy beaches or rocky promontories, as there are few docks on the islands. Landings may be “wet” or “dry,” with the pangas, in appropriate circumstances, delivering us into shallow beach waters rather than directly to the beaches or rocky shores. In any event, there is likelihood that we will be splashed at least once during the course of the trip, so we recommend that our guests bring dry-bags or waterproof day packs to protect any valuables, including camera equipment.
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A yacht cruise is not very physically demanding and accordingly rated as an “easy” trip. No experience is required to participate in this tour.
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We have chartered an entire yacht for exclusive use by HBS for this trip. There are only thirty-two (32) spaces available and this trip is open to Harvard Business School alumni and guests.
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A typical day in the Galapagos will include will include several visits to different Galapagos Islands during the day, traveling by Zodiac from the larger yacht to land. Each island visit usually lasts 3-4 hours, before returning to our yacht. All meals will be served on board and there will be time for snorkeling between island visits.
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| Our Galapagos yacht. (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) |
The M/V Evolution yacht brings back memories of travel to far away and exotic lands. She looks as boats did in the 1920s, but brings a level of comfort and safety of 2004. She is a 210 foot, 64 meter L.O.A. Cruise Ship that accommodates up to 32 passengers in 14 cabins, single, twin or double and 4 suites. Outfitted for individual passengers or charters, family departures and departures for the more active groups, she offers a mix of beautifully furnished salons, open decks and private areas for those looking for a close experience with the surrounding environment. This vessel preserves a smaller boat atmosphere and attention to detail, with features such as an al-fresco dining area for all 32 passengers and a library/video room. Additionally, the yacht has such amenities as a small hot pool and bar, sun deck, outside social/observation area under a canopied roof deck and bar, air renewal system, boutique and infirmary with a doctor on board at all times.
| Type |
Cruise Ship / Expedition Vessel |
| L.O.A. |
192 feet / 58.5 meters |
| Beam |
29 feet / 8.9 meters |
| Draft |
10.5 feet / 3.2 meters |
| Engines |
Caterpillar 3512 T1TA 1300hp |
| Generators |
Northern Lights 150 KVA |
| Builder |
Kanasashi Shipyard |
| Speed |
10-12 knots |
| Accommodations |
14 cabins and 4 Suites for up to 32 passengers with private facilities.
4 suites on the Bride/Albatross deck. 8 cabins on the Main/Cormorant deck.
6 Cabins on the Lower/Dolphin deck. |
| Crew |
18 crew plus up to 2 naturalists guides and 1 tour leader |
| Comfort Equipment |
air renewal system, air conditioning throughout, TC/CD/VHS, 2 sundecks,
2 bars, library, salon, boutique, infirmary with MD on board, small pool,
reception area, al fresco and inside dining, snorkeling equipment, kayaks |
| Communication Equipment |
SAT Phone/UHF/VHF radios |
| Electricity |
110 volts AC / 60 Hz |
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| Photographing a sea lion pup. (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) |
The Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate regulated by the cold Humboldt current and the warm El Niño current. Weather varies during the year. From December until May temperatures range from low 80°s to low 90°s (with possibilities of rain). From June to September temperatures vary from low 60°'s to high 70°'s. This is the garua season (mist in the mornings). From October until December temperatures range from 70°s to 80° (dry season). The average water temperature from January to June is 70°F - 80°F (20°C - 26°C). The average water temperature from July to December is 65°F - 75°F (18°C- 23°C).
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Blue-footed boobie.
(Galapagos, Ecuador) |
Discover the magical Galapagos and make this trip a family adventure. From grandparents to small children, all ages will come together to explore different cultures and wildlife on this educational wilderness experience. This trip offers relaxation and entertainment for the whole family! See and learn about animal species found nowhere else in the world including: blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants, land and marine iguanas and Galapagos tortoises. This is a safe and comfortable family oriented safari program with kid-friendly guides, special children’s activities and family-friendly accommodations.
Children of all ages are welcome on this trip and we have a deep commitment to meeting the special needs of families. Please note, however, that for safety reasons and for the enjoyment of other trip participants, we recommend that only children who are well-behaved and who can be kept in control on the yacht, on the smaller watercraft and on the islands participate in this trip. Children 11 years and younger will receive a $500 discount on the trip price. Children 12 years and older will pay the adult rate. There is a maximum of 2 adults/children per cabin.
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| Land Iguana. (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) |
Galapagos National Park rules are very strict and a way to keep the Islands intact for your enjoyment and that of future generations. You may think some of these rules are excessive, but please remember that these rules are intended to preserve this unique archipelago for years to come. As one of the rules of the National Park, a naturalist guide will be with you at all times. He or she will tell you what you can and what you cannot do while visiting the islands. Please obey their instructions on this respect. The most important rules are the following:
- Always follow the marked trail and never leave it.
- Do not touch the animals.
- Do not take souvenirs from the islands.
- Do not get too close to animals.
- Do not litter.
- Do not smoke on the islands.
- Do not take food to the islands.
- Clean your shoes' soles before disembarking onto an island. You may have carried some seeds endemic to one island and would not want to introduce them to another.
- Always stay together with your group.
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A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 will guarantee your reservation.
Full payment is due on July 1, 2005. For itineraries, more information or to register for this trip, please contact us:
Nancy Collins (MBA ’99) at Global Adrenaline, Inc.
1-866-884-5622
or
Cecily Tatibouet at HBS Alumni Relations
1-617-496-4256
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Landing on a beach with sea lions.
(Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) |
August 13-22, 2005
double rooms – $4,975 per person
single rooms – $7,475 per person
- expert naturalist guides while on yacht
- accommodation: 2 nights at Quito hotel, 7 nights on private yacht in the Galapagos
- meals as specified in itinerary
- transportation as indicated
- Galapagos National Park fees
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| Crab. (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) |
- international flights (approximately $600 to $800 for USA – Quito– USA flights)
- international airport departure tax ($25)
- meals not included ($40)
- beverages (discretionary)
- tips and gratuities (discretionary)
- travel insurance (discretionary)
- phone calls, laundry and other items of a purely personal nature (discretionary)
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After our arrival in Quito, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our Quito hotel.
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| Panga ride. (Galapagos, Ecuador) |
After breakfast at our Quito hotel, we will transfer to the Quito International Airport for our flights to the Galapagos. The flight from Quito (via Guayaquil) to the Galapagos is approximately 2 ½ hours on a Boeing 727. Upon arrival at San Cristobal airport travelers pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. Guides will meet you, collect your luggage and escort you on the short bus ride to the harbor. Motorized rafts, called “pangas” will transport you to the M/V Evolution and our crew will welcome you onboard. After a briefing and a light lunch the first site is visit.
Isla Lobos means Sea-Lion Island, and the name is certainly appropriate because the frolic, leap and make a racket here. Isla Lobos is located North of San Cristóbal, 1 hour across a small channel. It is also a nesting place for blue-footed boobies and a good place for snorkeling; an early panga ride will be offer. Kicker Rock is a magnificent rock in the middle of the sea. Rising 500 feet strait from the ocean, this giant uplifted rock has the shape of a sleeping lion. It has a split with towering vertical walls on either side, forming a narrow channel through which small vessels can navigate. We will spend the night on our Galapagos yacht. (B, L, D)
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| Giant tortoise. (Galapagos, Ecuador) |
One of the oldest of the islands, Hood is small and flat with no visible volcanic crater or vent. Punta Suarez is one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago, with a long list of species found along its cliffs and sand or pebble beaches. In addition to five species of nesting seabirds there are the curious and bold Hood Island mockingbirds, Galapagos doves and Galapagos hawks. Several types of reptiles, including the brilliantly colored marine iguana and the oversized lava lizard, are unique to this island. When heavy swells are running, Punta Suarez is also the site of a spectacular blowhole, with thundering spray shooting 30 yards into the air.
Gardner Bay is on the eastern shore and has a magnificent beach. This beach is frequented by a transient colony of sea lions, and is a major nesting site for marine turtles. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will find lots of fish and sometimes turtles and sharks. On a trail leading to the western tip of the island you'll pass the only nesting sites in the Galapagos of the waved albatross, huge birds with a 6-foot wingspan. These huge birds nest here from April to December and represent the majority of the world’s population of this species. We will spend the night on our Galapagos yacht. (B, L, D)
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| Frigate bird. (Galapagos, Ecuador) |
Tower is a collapsed volcano and ships sail directly into its large breached caldera to anchor at the foot of the steep crater walls. Tower attracts vast numbers of pelagic seabirds that come here to nest and breed: great frigate birds, redfooted boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and storm petrels. A trail leads from a coral beach past tidal lagoons where lava gulls and yellow-crowned night herons are seen, then along the low shrubs populated by frigates and boobies, and eventually to a cliff edge where seabirds soar.
A second trail called Prince Philip Steps, leads to an open area for masked boobies, frigates, and red-footed boobies. At the end of this trail are thousands of band-rumped storm petrels at the cliff's edge, where they nest in crevices. Short-eared owls can sometimes be seen here, hunting the storm petrels during daylight hours. We will spend the night on our Galapagos yacht. (B, L, D))
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| Enjoying the view. (Galapagos, Ecuador) |
Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos islands, looks a bit like a sea horse facing toward the west. Located at the ‘mouth’ of the head of the sea horse, which forms the northern part of the islands, is Punta Vicente Roca, Here the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay well protected from the ocean swells. The spot is a popular anchorage from which to take panga rides along the cliff that are the remains of the volcano or explore a partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Masked and blue-footed boobies sit perched along the point and the sheer cliffs, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.
The upwelling of coldwater currents in this part of the Galapagos, give rise to an abundance of marine life which, in combination with the protection of the coves, make Punta Vicente Roca one of the archipelago’s sough after dive spots. One cove is only accessible from the sea by way of an underwater passage. The passage opens to calm waters of the hidden cove where sea lions like to laze on the beach having traveled along the underwater route. The entire area of Punta Vicente Roca lies on the flank of 2,600 foot Volcano Ecuador. This is the island’s sixth largest volcano. Half of Volcano Ecuador slid into the ocean leaving a spectacular cutaway view of the volcanic caldera.
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Main living area on our Galapagos yacht.
(Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) |
Urbina Bay is an easy wet landing on a gentle sloping beach. This area is very interesting in that it is a perfect example of the geological activity of the islands. Urbina Bay is noteworthy because it is an area that was elevated from the sea level in the mid 1950’s, 3 miles (5 kilometers) of the marine reef at the edge of the shore were uplifted by 13 feet (4 meters), and now the mollusks and other sea organisms that were stranded by the sudden uplift. In the midst of this bizarre setting where the sea became land, massive marine Iguanas wander around along with drowsy Flightless Cormorant, and in the wet season, Giant Tortoises. We will spend the night on our Galapagos yacht. (B, L, D)
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Galapagos Hawk.
(Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) |
Fernandina is the youngest and most active volcano in the Galapagos with eruptions taking place every few years. The flat lava of Punta Espinosa offers a stark and barren landscape, but here flightless cormorants build their nests on the point, sea lions sprawl on the beach or play in the tide pools and marine iguanas dot the sand.
On the towering cliffs of Tagus Cove, 19th and early 20th century ships’ graffiti can be seen. After hiking beyond Darwin Lake, a saltwater lagoon above sea level, you will be rewarded with extraordinary views of Darwin and Wolf volcanoes. We will spend the night on our Galapagos yacht. (B, L, D)
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| Sea lions. (Galapagos, Ecuador) |
This island has several sites to visit at the western end of James Bay. Puerto Egas with its black sand beaches was the site of small salt mining industry in the 1960s and a hike inland to the salt crater is an excellent opportunity to sight land birds such as finches, doves, and hawks. A walk down the rugged shoreline, especially at low tide, will turn up many marine species as iguanas basking on the rocks and sea lions lazing in the tide pools. At the end of the trail there is a series of grottoes or sea caves where fur seals and night herons are found resting on shady ledges. Just north of James Bay is Buccaneer Cove, a particularly scenic area of steep cliffs and dark beaches.
Bartolome is a small island that has beautiful white sand beaches, luxuriant green mangroves and a colony of penguins. Activities will include swimming and snorkeling and a climb to the summit of the island for one of the most breathtaking views in all the Galapagos. From the summit you will have the best view of the often-photographed Pinnacle Rock. We will spend the night on our Galapagos yacht. (B, L, D)
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Pool deck on our Galapagos yacht.
(Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) |
Santa Cruz is the only inhabited island to be visited during this Galapagos cruise. Puerto Ayora, with a population of about 10,000 people is the location of the Charles Darwin Research Station, world famous for its tortoise breeding programs. After touring the Station, journey by bus into the highlands to Los Gemelos the two deep pit craters situated in the Scalesia forest with lots of interesting bird life. Go for a walk through the giant lava tubes, visit the Tortoise Reserve to search for giant tortoises in their natural surroundings. There will be some free time to explore the town of Puerto Ayora on your own. We will spend the night on our Galapagos yacht. (B, L, D)
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| Quito. (Ecuador) |
San Cristóbal is the easternmost island in Galapagos; on its southwestern side is the own town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the providence of Galapagos. On Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the Interpretation Center newly opened by the Galapagos National park in 1998, which is truly an extraordinary contribution to the information and education of the islands communities and the travelers; its 80% is focus in the anthropology of the Galapagos, the 20% is scientific. Free time will be offer at leisure in the town. In the afternoon, we will fly back to Quito. After settling into our hotel, we will enjoy one last night in Quito. Overnight at our Quito hotel. (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the Quito airport for our return flights home. (B)
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Global Adrenaline’s “Amazon Adventure” tour offers us the opportunity to delve deep into the Amazon rainforest and visit the Otavalo Indian Markets, including Peguche and Agato, in the northern highlands. This trip offers a good glimpse of the great diversity of Ecuador’s landscapes, culture and history.
We will start by heading out into the wilds of the Ecuadorian countryside, for four days and nights deep in the heart of the rainforests of the Amazon’s headwaters. We will be based during this segment of the trip at the Kapawi Eco-Lodge, where we will learn about the rainforest ecosystem and have the chance to interact with the local Achuar people. The lodge is located in one of the most remote areas of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The lodge enjoys a spectacular setting on a lake near the Pastaza River, a major tributary of the Amazon. Since the nearest town of any size is 10 days away on foot, we’ll access the lodge by air. Our program at the Kapawi Eco-Lodge, rooted in the ties our partners have built with the local Achuar community, offers us the opportunity to experience the Achuar lifestyle and to explore their pristine rainforest home.
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| Local Achuar tribesman. (Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador) |
The Kapawi Eco-Lodge was designed to comport with the Achuar concepts of constructing without a single metal nail. The lodge utilizes solar energy, biodegradable soaps and garbage recycling systems. Kapawi offers 20 double rooms with heated showers and private bathrooms. At Kapawi, our guides will plan the group’s activities based on the group’s interests and physical capabilities. Kapawi’s setting is abundant with wildlife, including pink dolphins, macaws and many other bird and mammal species. We can expect to enjoy the area’s 500 bird species and countless insect species, many of which have not yet been identified by scientists. The area also boasts thousands of plant species (many with interesting medicinal purposes), mammals, rodents, amphibians and reptiles.
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| Tree frogs. (Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador) |
Our tour will then move on to the town of Otavalo and its Indian Market, situated in a valley between two extinct volcanoes. To the east is Volcán Imbabura (15,210 feet, or 4,609 meters), and to the west is Ecuador’s eleventh-highest mountain, Volcán Cotacachi (16,299 feet, or 4,939 meters). To the east and northeast of Otavalo are several small “otavaleños” weaving communities, including Peguche and Agato. The Indian Market in the town of Otavalo is the Ecuadorian Highland’s best-known attraction. The market has served as the social and economic center of Ecuador’s northern highlands for at least 4,000 years.
The tour will begin and end in Quito, Ecuador’s lively capital city, thus providing an opportunity to get acquainted with one of South America’s lesser-known capitals.
No previous experience is required to enjoy this tour. However, in order to fully enjoy the expedition’s activities, particularly the rainforest hiking portions of the trip, participants should be fit, in good health, spirited and properly equipped.
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| Kapawi Eco-Lodge. (Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador) |
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Quito’s airport for a 45-minute flight aboard a private plane (a Beechcraft 1900, carrying 19 passengers) to Montalvo. At Montalvo, we’ll board a light aircraft (a Cessna 207 or a Cessna Caravan) for a 30-minute flight to Wayusentsa. From Wayusentsa, we’ll load into motorized canoes for the 1-1/2 hour trip to the Kapawi Eco-Lodge and its spectacular setting on the banks of the Pastaza River. A box lunch will be served en route. Upon our arrival at the lodge, our naturalist guide will present an introductory briefing, after which we will enjoy a short late-afternoon hike. We’ll enjoy our first dinner and evening at our rainforest lodge, getting acquainted with its interesting features, including its construction in the typical Achuar style without metal nails. (B, L, D)
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| Jaguar. (Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador) |
After breakfast, we’ll go on an hour-long canoe ride on the Pastaza River. From the Pastaza’s shores, we’ll hike to the Ishpingo River over a Mauritia forest. We’ll enjoy lunch beside the Ishpingo, before setting out in motorized canoes to explore the river. We should see many birds and giant otters along the river banks. The lodge will offer an optional fishing program for those interested. We’ll return to our rainforest lodge for dinner and the night. (B, L, D)
Once again, we’ll begin with a canoe ride on the Pastaza, delivering us to a trailhead that leads to Kusutkau. We’ll take a three-hour hike on the trail through a terra firma forest, before reaching Kusutkau, where we’ll enjoy lunch at a campsite in the area. Our afternoon will include a visit to an Achuar village. We’ll return to the lodge on an inflatable raft, a trip that will take about two hours. We’ll enjoy dinner and the evening at our rainforest lodge. (B, L, D)
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| King vultre. (Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador) |
We’ll start with an early wake-up call for the lodge’s bird-watching program. After breakfast, we’ll visit a black-water lagoon, where there is a good chance that we’ll spot caimans and birds such as the black-billed cuckoo, the white-chested puff bird, the spotted puff bird, the black bush bird, the Amazonian umbrella bird, the orange yellow flycatcher (Tolmomyas trailli, sp. Novum) and the Moriche oriel. Who knows? The area is so uncharted that we might even record a new species of our own. We’ll return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll take a short hike to Lalococha, a white-water lagoon in the area. We’ll return to the lodge in the evening, each of us at the paddles of our own canoes. We’ll enjoy our last dinner and evening at our rainforest lodge. (B, L, D)
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| Emerald tree boa. (Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador) |
Before breakfast, we’ll make an early trip to the Capahuari River searching for the area’s captivating pink dolphins. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, we’ll take a short self-guided hike on the lodge’s trails. After a light lunch at the lodge, we’ll depart for the airfield of Wayusentsa, where we will begin retracing our steps to Quito. We should arrive in Quito at about 3:30 in the afternoon, once again returning to our Quito hotel. (B, L)
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| Friendly native woman at Otavalo Market. (Andes, Ecuador) |
Early in the morning, we’ll drive north out of Quito on the Pan-American Highway, heading towards Otavalo and its Indian Market. After a morning visit to the market, we’ll enjoy lunch in the beautiful Hacienda Pinsaqui. The Hacienda Pinsaqui is located in the heart of Imbabura province, only 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Otavalo, and less than 5 miles (7 kilometers) from Cotacachi. The elegant and traditional hacienda truly represents a peaceful respite in beautiful surroundings, complete with a view of the majestic Volcán Imbabura. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the towns of Peguche and Agato and their weavers, well known for their hand-made embroideries and tapestries. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Quito for dinner and the night. (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll transfer to the Quito airport for our return flights home. (B)
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For information on other HBS alumni trips, please visit our web page at www.alumni.hbs.edu/travel/
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