August 31, 2004

Tahoe City, CA > The Galapagos Islands are famed for their vast number of endemic species and the studies conducted by Charles Darwin that led to his theory of natural selection. AdventureSmith Explorations has introduced a Galapagos Adventure Cruise that is a natural selection for people looking for more hiking, kayaking and snorkeling than any other cruise in the Galapagos. Is this survival of the fittest? You might say so. Of course the focus remains on the islands unique wildlife and fascinating natural history, however AdventureSmith Explorations also features more rigorous activities designed to bring guests into intimate contact with the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos and the creatures that inhabit them. The cruise features the trimaran sailing vessel Lammer Law. This small, fast yacht means more time ashore hiking among nesting frigate birds and albatross, more time snorkeling with sea lions, sea kayaking, relaxing on the beach or leaning over the deck rail as dolphins ride the ship bow. Recreational divers also have several chances to SCUBA dive throughout the trip.

The journey begins with a guided tour of colonial Quito, Ecuador's capital city and designated World Heritage Site. Guests then transfer to the airport for a flight to the Galapagos Islands to begin their 8-day cruise, where they visit up to ten different islands throughout the itinerary, with each day a new opportunity for adventure, wildlife and discovery. Itineraries vary depending on season, weather and wildlife, yet every cruise provides ample opportunities for adventure activities including sea kayaking and snorkeling. Certified divers will have at least four opportunities for recreational dives in various locations. Guests go ashore in ‘pangas’ (word for dinghy or Zodiac) to remote areas for active natural history hiking tours. On the islands, expert naturalist guides illustrate the diversity of wildlife and interpret the Galapagos’ fascinating natural history.

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Galapagos Adventure Cruise departs November 5, 2004 and January 14, February 11, March 11, April 29 and May 13, 2005, with prices starting at $3,195 per person, based on double occupancy. Custom trips are also available. The 11-day program includes a city tour and one night's accommodation in Quito, one week's cruise accommodations, onboard meals and off-vessel activities plus round trip flights from mainland Ecuador. In addition, the company offers special child rates, starting at $2,295 for kids 7 to 16 years of age.

The company also offers an 11-day Galapagos Dive Cruise for highly experienced certified SCUBA divers. Guided by professional dive masters, guests participate in two to three dives per day in some of the most exceptional dive sites in the world.

For reservations or more information, call 1-800-728-2875, email travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com, write to PO Box 1696, Tahoe City, CA 96145 or visit AdventureSmithExplorations.com.

AdventureSmith Explorations is an ecotourism company founded on the ideal of utilizing soft adventure travel to create connections with the world's exotic natural environments and native cultures. The company's founder, Todd Smith, utilizes his years of experience in the adventure travel industry as well as his expertise as a professional naturalist to distinguish AdventureSmith Explorations by combining fun and exciting activities such as sea kayaking, hiking, small ship cruising and rafting in places not found on more conventional itineraries; extraordinary places in such destinations as Alaska, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Guatemala and New Zealand.

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