Alumni Global Adventures

Nestled in the Pacific Ocean – at the confluence of three ocean currents – the Galapagos Islands are a haven for explorers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a profound connection with the natural world. Join us on a transformative expedition voyage through these enchanting islands to create life's diversity and to witness firsthand the stunning display of nature's endless wonders. 

Leading this trip is Kristin Strock, an associate professor in the Environmental Science Department at Dickinson. She has served as the Faculty Resident Director of the Dickinson in England study abroad program at the University of East Anglia, where she lectured in the School of Environmental Sciences. Her research interests include freshwater ecology and ecosystem response to climate change with specific expertise in algal ecology and carbon biogeochemistry. She has a B.S. in Biology from James Madison University, and both a M.S. and Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Science from the University of Maine where she was affiliated with the Climate Change Institute. She uses both modern- and paleo-limnology, to explore issues that are critical to effectvely managing our water resources. Her work has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the US Geological Survey, the US National Parks Service and National Geographic. She has published over 20 peer-reviewed publications, nearing 1,000 citations, on a range of topics including the effects of extreme weather on dissolved carbon, the effects of climate change on algae in arctic lakes, and recovery from acid rain in the northeastern United States. Her current scholarship focuses on the sustainable use of water resources in the face of increasing human pressure and global environmental change, a topic of critical importance in the Galapagos Islands. As an “Explorer” with National Geographic, she is regularly traveling to remote field locations to conduct research in our most remote and precious ecosystems. This includes studying how a warming atmosphere will alter methane cycling in the ice, rivers, and lakes of Arctic environments, namely Iceland and Greenland. In the United States, she is leading an effort to better understand toxic algae as an emerging threat in Pennsylvania waterways. This work is a collaboration with local, state, and federal partners to develop data-driven methods that allow us to better manage our freshwater resources to prevent a human health concern. Her work specifically links communities, resource managers and policy makers with the necessary ecological and biogeochemical information to effectively manage water resources to address both human and environmental needs. These kinds of collaborations are key in ecosystems like the Galapagos Islands. As an environment with a strong history of first exploitation and then conservation, the Galapagos Islands and the surrounding Marine Reserve are a global model for marine resource management.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Begin in Quito with a visit to a chocolatier to learn how cacao beans are processed followed by a tasting of premium Ecuadorian chocolates.
• Experience unparalleled opportunities for immersive, up-close encounters with myriad wildlife plus some of The Big 15 including: Galapagos albatross, blue-footed booby, land and marine iguana, sea lion and giant tortoise.
• Benefit from knowledgeable naturalist guides who will provide insight on the origins of the unique flora and fauna endemic to the Galapagos Islands.
• Choose from a variety of water activities, as Isabela II is well-equipped with snorkel gear and ocean kayaks. Guides will also lead numerous outings by panga and glass-bottom boat.
• Enjoy exclusive access to many island locations. Isabela II has sailing privileges other vessels do not, so no other boats will be in sight during many moorings and shore landings.
• Visit historic sites, including the Charles Darwin Research Station—the iconic site of Galapagos National Park research and conservation efforts—most notable for its captive breeding program for the Galapagos giant tortoise; and Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin.

INTINERARY:

Tuesday, Nov. 16: Depart from home | Quito, Ecuador
Wednesday, Nov. 17: Quito (B, L, R)
Thursday, Nov. 18: Quito | Baltra | Santa Cruz: Highlands | Puerto Ayora – Embarkation (B, L, D)
Friday, Nov. 19: Bartolomé | Santiago: Sullivan Bay (B, L, D)
Saturday, Nov. 20: Santa Cruz: Dragon Hill | Santiago: Buccaneer Cove (B, L, D)
Sunday, Nov. 21: Isabela: Punta Vicente Roca | Fernandina: Punta Espinoza (B, L, D)
Monday, Nov. 22: Baltra – Disembarkation | Quito, Ecuador (B, L)
Tuesday, Nov. 23: Quito| Depart for home (B)
(Itinerary is subject to change.)

The full itinerary and brochure can be found here.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:
Active
Tour days tend to be long and include many full-day excursions via various modes of transportation, flow at a brisk pace and may include extended travel days with morning and/or evening activities. Excursions may require standing and walking to city centers where motor coaches are prohibited, along with extended periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces including cobblestones and paths and/or trails that may be gravel, sand, dirt or other unpaved surface. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct variations in altitude and/or temperature. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• Guests should be comfortable managing wet beach landings and boarding small vessels, both from shore and the deck of the Isabela II.
• Altitudes vary—up to a maximum of 9,350 feet in Quito, Ecuador.

INCLUDED:

• 2 nights at 5-star Casa Gangotena in Quito (or similar) prior to embarkation
• 4 nights aboard the Isabela II featuring exploration by panga and glass-bottom boat, naturalist-led hikes and excursions and evening lectures
• 1 night at Wyndham Quito Airport (or similar) after disembarkation
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners plus a special welcome reception in Quito
• A chocolatier experience in Quito
• All excursions and presentations
• Complimentary use of shorty wetsuits, snorkeling equipment and ocean kayaks
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee and transit card
• Internal round-trip airfare between Quito and the islands as noted in the itinerary
• Gratuities to local guides, hotel porters and drivers in Quito 
• Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

PRICING:

Rates are per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Unless noted otherwise, airfare not included.
Standard: $6,895
Classic Double: $7,695
Classic Twin: $8,195
Premium Suite: $10,495
Single: $11,795
 

RESERVATIONS:

Orbridge by phone: (866) 639-0079
Orbridge online: https://orbridge.com/groups/dickinson/south_america/dksn_galapagos_western_2027

Full details can be found here.

Optional Pre-Tour to Mashpi Lodge (Nov. 13-16, 2027)
Optional Post-Tour to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley (Nov. 22-26, 2027)