Renowned Naturalist Kitty Coley to Lead International Expeditions Galapagos Voyage Starting July 9

23 March 2010
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Guest Leader and Expert to Highlight the Islands’ Unique Ecosystems

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Kitty Coley, noted geologist, naturalist and avid birder, will join International Expeditions’ July 9, 2010 Galapagos Voyage as special guest lecturer. A consultant to National Geographic magazine, Kitty has more than 12 years of leading natural history tours for both National Geographic and the Smithsonian. The world leader in nature travel, IE is well known for providing high caliber guest lecturers such as Kitty Coley, who help deepen the experience of journeys to natural outposts such as the Galapagos Islands.

Mixing popular sightseeing spots and less-visited gems on the 10-day tour, the voyage will unfold the islands’ legendary deserts, beaches, lush highland forests and volcanoes, a flourishing treasure trove of plants and animals, many found nowhere else in the world. Along the way, Kitty Coley’s lectures will offer travelers a deeper understanding of this ecological wonder. Coley, an experienced snorkeler, enjoys sharing the rich underwater world of the Galapagos with travelers. Her love for photography, hiking and kayaking will also enrich her colorful narratives as she engages with guests throughout the journey.

Commencing with an overnight in Guayaquil, the small-group tour flies to one of the oldest islands in the archipelago, San Cristóbal and boards the 32-passenger M/V Evolution. Amenities on the spacious ship include comfortable cabins, freshly prepared meals featuring Continental cuisine with an Ecuadorian flair, and ample outdoor deck space with lounge chairs, a canopied bar and hot tub. Guests can also enjoy complimentary kayaks, snorkeling equipment and wetsuits.

Colonies of blue-footed boobies, finches and sea lions can be spotted on the stunning beaches of Cerro Brujo, where the sand feels like flour between the toes. Kicker Rock, one of the most recognized ecological wonders of the Galapagos, juts more than 100 feet up from the ocean; and Española teems with a large number of creatures, such as waved albatrosses, Hood mockingbirds, brightly colored iguanas and lava lizards.

Exciting adventure awaits, with visits to Santiago Island for fur seal, dolphin, shark and finch sightings; and Bartolomé Island, where guests can hike a dormant volcano for breathtaking views of surrounding islands. As the ship sails to Genovesa (Tower) Island, guests will see one of the most diverse bird populations in the Galapagos, including red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds.

In addition to hikes through lava fields and forests and snorkeling in crystal blue waters with sea lions and tortoises, other highlights include a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and a panga ride through Black Turtle Cove, a pristine area where travelers will see a host of marine life.

The unique opportunity to travel with Kitty Coley on the July 9 Galapagos Voyage starts at $4,798 per person, double occupancy and includes accommodations, most meals, local transportation, guides and group transfers. International and in-country airfare is additional and can be arranged through International Expeditions. Additional 2010 Galapagos Voyages are available.

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