OCTOBER 3-11,2015 - Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

20 Pages·2014·1.52 MB·English

AN ADVENTURE ON DARWIN’S ISLANDS
A GALÁPAGOS SAFARI HOSTED BY
MIKE BRITTSAN, CURATOR OF THE SHORES REGION
COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM
OCTOBER 3-11, 2015
World Safaris, PO Box 25142, Winston-Salem, NC 27114 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr., Powell, OH 43065
[email protected] 336-776-0359 703-981-4474(mobile) [email protected] 614-724-3558
Mike Brittsan
Curator of the Shores Region
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Mike graduated from the University of Maryland in 1989 with a A marine and freshwater conservation enthusiast, he recently
Master of Science degree in Marine Ecology/Biology. He has been constructed a Coral Reef Conservation Facility on the Island of
with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium since 1993 and is the Curator of Curacao, Netherland Antilles. Prior to coming to the Columbus Zoo
the Shores Region, as well as the Zoo’s SCUBA Dive Safety Officer. and Aquarium, Mike worked with the Smithsonian Institution in
Mike also manages operation of the Zoo’s Freshwater Mussel Washington D.C. He is a member of the Association of Zoos and
Conservation facility and the Zoo’s Aquatic Life Support Systems Aquariums and is involved with several committees engaged with
Department. aquatic animals.
World Safaris, PO Box 25142, Winston-Salem, NC 27114 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr., Powell, OH 43065
[email protected] 336-776-0359 703-981-4474(mobile) [email protected] 614-724-3558
Join me in exploring the Galápagos Islands! There are two main ways for species to make their way to remote
islands (aside from any methods involving humans). The first is by air in
I’ve been an avid snorkeler and diver for many years, so for this and the form of flying or being blown by the wind, and the second method
many other reasons, I’m thrilled to have the chance to snorkel and swim is by sea while swimming or floating, sometimes with the aid of rafts of
with the incredible marine life found in the Galápagos Islands. If you’re tangled vegetation.
like me, you may also have an interest in learning about the geologic
history, the arrival of the various endemic species, and how humans The world first heard about the Galápagos more than 470 years ago.
have impacted life on the islands themselves. The Dominican friar and Bishop of Panama Fray Tomás de Berlanga
was the official discoverer, arriving to the islands on March 10, 1535.
You may be aware that the Galápagos Islands are located on the Nazca Currents inadvertently drove Fray Tomás towards Galápagos after
tectonic plate. This perpetually moving plate is heading eastward over setting out from Panama on his way to Peru. His account is the first
the Galápagos hot spot and is what formed this island chain. This written record of Galápagos and describes the giant tortoises and cacti,
geographic movement correlates to the age of the islands; the eastern the inhospitable terrain, and the difficulty of finding water—
islands (San Cristóbal and Española) are millions of years older than the characteristic features of these islands.
western islands (Isabela and Fernandina). Most of them have a
distinctive conical shape often associated with volcanic action. The Over time, many different people have influenced Galápagos—pirates,
mountainous islands, formed through continuing eruption, were built whalers, fur sealers, fishermen, scientists, colonists, and tourists—all
layer upon layer. This is why they’re characterized by many steep slopes, with social and economic interests that have affected the islands’ flora
with heights ranging from a few meters to more than 5000 feet above and fauna. The resulting ecological changes include the decimation of
sea level. populations of fur seals, giant tortoises, groupers, lobsters, sea
cucumbers, and whales; the arrival of more than 1,400 new species of
The Galápagos Islands have a unique set of environmental conditions plants and animals; and large-scale changes to the near-shore marine
that set them apart from all other island groups in the world. Their sunny and highland ecosystems. While people have modified the ecosystems
equatorial position on the globe, combined with their location amid the on the colonized islands, there is still much to learn.
cool Humboldt and Cromwell ocean currents, allows these special islands
to display a strange mix of both tropical and temperate environments Since their discovery, our decisions about what to do with these islands
which is reflected in the complex and unusual plants and animals that have had huge consequences. Understanding the past is critical to
inhabit them. recognizing the Galápagos of today and guiding the decisions that will
insure a bright future for this unique chain of islands.
Five to ten million years ago, the tops of underwater Galápagos
volcanoes appeared above water for the first time about 370 miles from An extraordinary expedition awaits, offering opportunities for all of us
mainland Ecuador in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Completely devoid to discover, together, the magic and mystery of the Galápagos Islands!
of any kind of life, the plants and animals now native to the islands
arrived originally through some form of long-distance dispersal.

World Safaris, PO Box 25142, Winston-Salem, NC 27114 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr., Powell, OH 43065
[email protected] 336-776-0359 703-981-4474(mobile) [email protected] 614-724-3558
Galápagos - The Enchanted Isles dive of a blue-footed booby fishing close to shore, or the graceful
waved albatross – so comical and clumsy when taking flight. It’s all
On September 15, 1835, Charles Darwin, the 26 year-old naturalist on
here in the Galápagos, a treasure-trove of natural history awaiting
the HMS Beagle, landed on Chatham Island (now known as San
your discovery.
Cristóbal Island) in the chain of islands known as the Galápagos. Over
the next 35 days, he recorded his observations as he visited various Shore excursions on Galápagos Island tours include hiking ancient lava
islands in the archipelago. fields where you will encounter prehistoric-looking reptiles such as the
Twenty-four years later, iconic giant Galápagos tortoise and endemic land and marine iguanas.
Darwin published his landmark Discover the courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies and the
book – “On the Origin of graceful water ballet of the Galápagos penguins. Explore beaches of
Species” – and the world’s black, red and green sand leading to the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
view of the natural world has Snorkeling or kayaking while on a cruise to the Galápagos Islands is
never been the same. one of the true highlights of your adventure.
You now have an opportunity to travel in Darwin’s footsteps with the We offer a variety of active explorations. Go on a nature walk and
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, visiting several of the islands of the marvel at brightly-colored lava lizards. Slip into a sea kayak and
Galápagos and making your own observations of its fascinating discover hidden tide pools, mangrove forests, beaches of red, green
wildlife. Although your voyage among the islands only lasts seven and black sand and the hardened lava fields smeared onto the edges
days, you will experience an astounding variety of unique landscapes of the shores. Swim back and forth across the equator with sea lions
and wildlife encounters. that perform an underwater ballet. Go birding in search of the Nazca
booby. Or put on a mask and snorkel and explore the delicate balance
Wildlife wanders freely and almost fearlessly in the Galápagos. This
of life underwater, watching schools of graceful spotted eagle rays
remote island group with its dramatic and desolate beauty is home to
gliding beneath you.
some of the most unique species in the world. Many are found only
here, such as the Galápagos tortoise, marine and land iguanas, the Exploring the undersea is a major part of the Galápagos experience
flightless cormorant and, of course, Darwin’s famous finches. Darwin where cold and warm waters intermingle and where fur sea lions, sea
noted that different species appeared to have been adapted to fit turtles, dolphins, whales and tame reef sharks thrive. We provide
different niches on individual islands, eventually giving rise to his complimentary snorkeling equipment, wet suits and kayaks. Each
concept of natural selection. night, our naturalists conduct a briefing before dinner. With just 20
fellow travelers, your guides can take the time to explore any topic
You may glimpse a male magnificent frigatebird in courtship, his
that interests you personally.
bright-red breast puffed up in a dazzling display, or the spectacular
World Safaris, PO Box 25142, Winston-Salem, NC 27114 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr., Powell, OH 43065
[email protected] 336-776-0359 703-981-4474(mobile) [email protected] 614-724-3558
From the moment you meet our representatives in Guayaquil, you are Your journey is sure to be enhanced by our professional, licensed
in the hands of one of the most experienced and recognized teams in Galápagos guides, fluent in English, whose knowledge and
Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands – the professionals of Ecoventura. determination to show you everything you wish to see is matched
World Safaris began working with them in 1996 and have found them only by their dedication to your safety and comfort. Perhaps most
to be dedicated to making sure you safely enjoy every aspect of your important, our group of twenty travelers will have the complete
Galápagos safari. They are committed to your needs and interests, attention of two guides. The ratio of one guide for every ten travelers
through exceptional personal service and attention to detail. exceeds the standards set by most of the tour companies working in
the Galápagos.
YOUR GALÁPAGOS SAFARI ITINERARY
OCT. 3 - SATURDAY – DEPARTURE FROM YOUR US AIRPORT AND ARRIVAL IN GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR – TRANSFER BY AND OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE ORO
VERDE HOTEL
OCT. 4 - SUNDAY – TRANSFER TO THE GUAYAQUIL AIRPORT – FLIGHT TO SAN CRISTÓBAL ISLAND IN THE
GALÁPAGOS (FLIGHT INCLUDED) – TRANSFER TO THE M/Y LETTY – CERRO TIJERETAS, SAN CRISTÓBAL
OCT. 5 - MONDAY – CERRO BRUJO & PUNTA PITT, SAN CRISTÓBAL ISLAND AND KICKER ROCK
OCT. 6 - TUESDAY – PUNTA SUAREZ, ESPAÑOLA ISLAND AND GARDNER BAY, ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
OCT. 7 - WEDNESDAY – PUNTA CORMORANT AND POST OFFICE BAY, FLOREANA ISLAND
OCT. 8 - THURSDAY – THE HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, THE CENTRO DE CRIANZA FAUSTO
LLERENA (FORMERLY THE CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION)
OCT. 9 - FRIDAY – BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND AND LAS BACHAS OR BLACK TURTLE COVE OR SOMBRERO CHINOS
OCT. 10 - SATURDAY – SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND AND NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
OCT. 11 - SUNDAY – SAN CRISTÓBAL ISLAND – FLIGHT TO GUAYAQUIL (FLIGHT INCLUDED) – SCHEDULED TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT – DEPARTURE TO YOUR HOME
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE, BASED ON LOCAL CONDITIONS AND PARK REGULATIONS.
QUESTIONS? Please contact Patti Cattey, Community Engagement Coordinator, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium at:
614-724-3558 [email protected]
World Safaris, PO Box 25142, Winston-Salem, NC 27114 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr., Powell, OH 43065
[email protected] 336-776-0359 703-981-4474(mobile) [email protected] 614-724-3558
World Safaris, PO Box 25142, Winston-Salem, NC 27114 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr., Powell, OH 43065
[email protected] 336-776-0359 703-981-4474(mobile) [email protected] 614-724-3558
M/Y LETTY
Built in 1991 and refurbished annually, the M/Y
Letty accommodates no more than 20 guests
and features three decks of spacious
staterooms with polished teak interiors
trimmed with shiny brass fittings.
Accommodations include ten double outside-
facing cabins with a window or porthole view,
one double bed or two twin lower beds, private
bathrooms (hot and cold water showers), bio-
degradable soap/shampoo, hair dryer, closet,
drawers, intercom and separate air-
conditioning/climate controls for your comfort.
There’s a dining room, well-stocked bar and
conference area with a flat screen TV, library
and panoramic picture windows. The partly
shaded sun deck allows you to relax while
enjoying the sea breezes and, at night, a sky full
of equatorial stars.

 20-guest superior first-class motor yacht
 10 fully air-conditioned outside staterooms
with private bathrooms
 Dining room featuring gourmet-style menu with locally sourced
cuisine
 Fully-stocked bar
 Conference room for briefings with TV, DVD player and library
 Observation areas and open sun deck

World Safaris, PO Box 25142, Winston-Salem, NC 27114 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr., Powell, OH 43065
[email protected] 336-776-0359 703-981-4474(mobile) [email protected] 614-724-3558
D-3 D-1
D-4 D-2
Cabins #1, 3 & 4 have two twin lower beds or one double bed and picture windows.
Cabin #2 has one double bed and picture window.
Cabins average 95 square feet.
World Safaris, PO Box 25142, Winston-Salem, NC 27114 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr., Powell, OH 43065
[email protected] 336-776-0359 703-981-4474(mobile) [email protected] 614-724-3558
Cabins #5 & 6 have one double bed and picture windows. Cabins average 90 square feet.
World Safaris, PO Box 25142, Winston-Salem, NC 27114 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr., Powell, OH 43065
[email protected] 336-776-0359 703-981-4474(mobile) [email protected] 614-724-3558
I-9
I-7
I-8
I-10
Cabins #7 & 8 have twin lower beds and port lights.
Cabins #9 & 10 have twin lower beds and one upper berth with port lights and may be reserved as triples.
Cabins average 110 square feet.
World Safaris, PO Box 25142, Winston-Salem, NC 27114 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr., Powell, OH 43065
[email protected] 336-776-0359 703-981-4474(mobile) [email protected] 614-724-3558