The Galapagos Islands: Darwin’s Enchanted Isles
Oct 13-23, 2025
11 days | Ecuador | University of Alberta Alumni Tours
This tour is designed for the University of Alberta Alumni Association and open to all!
Our Galapagos private yacht expedition remains one of our most highly rated natural history programs and is consistently our travellers’ “trip of a lifetime.” Our study leader and our Galapagos naturalist guide are on board to lead island walks as we set sail to discover these remarkable island ecosystems, skirting past nesting boobies, scouting the seas for breaching whales, and snorkeling among colourful fish. Desolate at first sight, these rough and rocky isles are home to wonderfully strange and abundant wildlife. As Charles Darwin did almost 200 years before us, we will marvel at the highly adapted creatures found nowhere else on Earth.
All of the reptiles, half the birds, 32% of the plants, and 25% of the fish are unique to this amazing archipelago. It is a living museum of evolutionary changes.
What is so special about the Galapagos experience is that these creatures act as though humans are nothing more than a passing interest, allowing us to observe them up close. Undisturbed by our nearness, they engage in intriguing courtship displays, groom one another, forage for food, and nurture their young. Giant Tortoises graze in the lush highlands and dinosaur-like Marine Iguanas sun themselves on black lava rocks along the shores. Tiny Galapagos Penguins and playful Galapagos Sea Lions dart through the waters like torpedoes, while frigatebirds patrol the skies.
Join fellow U of A Alumni Travel Program travellers and friends for this intimate and exclusive experience of the Galapagos!
Tour Cost (per person):
Approx. US$7895-8095 (depending on cabin)
Group Size:
12 - 14 participants
What’s included: Airport transfers; 3 nights accommodation in Quito based on double occupancy; most meals; ground transportation; airfare from Quito to the Galapagos / Return to Quito; 7-night Galapagos cruise aboard the M/Y Beluga based on double occupancy; snorkelling equipment; porterage of one standard piece of baggage per person; services of bilingual naturalist guide on board, trained at the Charles Darwin Research Station; services of your Study Leader Dan Riskin
FEATURED ON THE BLOG
Snorkelling in the Galapagos
By: Justin Peter
"The Galapagos Islands inspire you to think differently about the world." - Quest Traveller
"A fantastic experience, saw unique ecosystems, learned a lot, trip of a lifetime and we made some new friends." - Jeff. A
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Activity |
| 1 | Arrive in Quito, Ecuador |
| 2 | Quito City Tour |
| 3 | Flight to Baltra, Galapagos, and visit Santa Cruz |
| 4 - 9 | Exploring the Galapagos Islands |
| 10 | Turtle Cove / Baltra / Fly to Quito |
| 11 | Depart Quito |
Download Itinerary
Ship Information
We charter the M/Y Beluga exclusively for our group. This steel-hulled motor yacht is 33.5 metres long, accommodating 14 passengers and 8 crew. She travels at a speed of 12 knots, allowing us to get to 8 islands comfortably during our 8-day expedition cruise. She is well-appointed with comfortable private cabins and ample lounge and observation deck space.
Your Tour Leader
Dan Riskin, PhD, is a television personality, scientist, and author. He is best known in Canada as the co-host of Discovery's flagship science program, Daily Planet, and elsewhere as the host of Animal Planet's hugely successful show about parasites, Monsters Inside Me. He is passionate about wildlife, especially the underappreciated creatures that he thinks deserve a closer look.
