Alumni Trips | Alumni Courses | Reunions | Seminars

Galapagos Islands Voyage

November 7 - 16 , 2008

We've partnered with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic to offer  a new type of alumni service—it's called "NOLS Alumni Travel" and it brings an informal group of NOLS grads, friends and families together on adventures where NOLS doesn't operate trips and are difficult to organize on your own.

In November 2008, we're teeing up a 10-day voyage to the Galapagos Islands, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Our small cadre of intrepid alumni will join the larger Lindblad voyage (up to 80 total guests aboard the 238-foot National Geographic Polaris ) on a trip that includes lodging and exploration in Guayaquil, Ecuador, strolling the islands’ pristine beaches, searching for the spectacular waved albatross, having a “chat” with a particularly friendly sea lion, snorkeling with Galápagos penguins, comfortable and informal shipboard lodging, and adventuring with trained naturalists by zodiac.

Galapagos: Darwin's natural laboratory. Photo: Lindblad Expeditions

The Galápagos are one of the world’s most rare and wonderful places. For the diverse and fascinating species here, freedom and fearlessness are a way of life. You’ll be able not just to observe wildlife, but interact with it. Sea lions are highly approachable, as are the stoic marine iguanas. Galápagos penguins will willingly escort you on your snorkeling adventure.

This trip is special in several ways: it brings together a small group of like-minded NOLS grads; it partners with two of the best organizations in adventure travel—Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic—and a portion of your paid tuition comes back to NOLS. That's right—your attendance on this adventure helps NOLS continue and expand our educational mission.

Next Steps: Contact Lindblad Expeditions (888.773.9007) for more information and a detailed itinerary and to sign up—make sure to tell them you're part of the NOLS Alumni Travel program.

Galapagos Islands Voyage Dates: November 7 - 16 , 2008 Duration: 10 days Cost: $ varies depending on berth Age Range: 12 - 80 (discounts for under 18) Trip start/end: Guayaquil, Ecuador Activity Rating : (this is a subjective rating of anticipated physical difficulty- weather, route, and the group mix can combine to make alumni trips more or less "difficult" —higher numbers indicate more challenge.)   The National Geographic Polaris is a big, comfortable ship, but you still need great Expedition Behavior to make the most of the passengers and crew. Fly in/out: Guayaquil, Ecuador (code: GYE) Downloads: Contact Lindblad Expeditions for reservation details and information. See our NOLS Alumni Travel service FAQ.