Last-Minute Travelers Save $1,000 Per Person on March 4 Galapagos Islands Cruise

HELENA, Ala., Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nature travel expert International Expeditions is giving last-minute travelers an opportunity to save $1,000 per person on the March 4, 2011 Galapagos Islands expedition cruise. While reaping up to a 20 percent savings off regular fares, travelers enjoy in-depth looks at the archipelago's history, landscapes and singular wildlife on this intimate journey.

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On the 10-day Galapagos Islands cruise, International Expeditions' 32-guest yacht M/V Evolution navigates to nine captivating islands, and unlike larger vessels, is small enough to access outlying Genovesa (Tower) Island. Genovesa features thousands of red-footed boobies, short-eared owls and storm petrels. The ship's pangas (landing craft) are used several times a day to go easily ashore. Onboard, guests sail in comfort with spacious accommodations, fine cuisine and a host of amenities including an observation deck (perfect for whale watching) and canopied bar, plus complimentary snorkeling equipment, wetsuits and kayaks.

While touring, travelers visit Fernandina Island and Tagus Cove on Isabela Island. Here, guests snorkel in crystal waters with green sea turtles, see marine iguanas nesting, and hike uphill for a stunning view of volcanic craters. Guests also enjoy leisure time in Puerto Ayora, the largest human settlement, with ample time to browse in colorful art galleries and boutiques.

In addition to daily snorkeling and hiking through deserts, rainforests and volcanic terrain, other highlights include a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, famous for its tortoise breeding programs; an exploration of Santiago Island, a haven for finches, doves and Galapagos hawks; and a sailing to iconic Kicker Rock.

Highly trained Galapagos naturalist guides enhance travelers' experiences by sharing their in-depth knowledge and bringing them within inches of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins and other animals.

Prices for the March 4 Galapagos Islands vacation start at $3,798 per person, double occupancy with discount, and include accommodations, Galapagos tax and transit fees, all excursions, all on-board meals, transfers and tips to porters and waiters for included meals.

Celebrating 31 years of engaging nature travel, International Expeditions specializes in small-group journeys to Earth's most exhilarating destinations. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, IE is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits.

For information or a Galapagos Islands Cruise brochure, contact International Expeditions at 1-800-633-4734, [email protected] or http://www.IEtravel.com.

SOURCE International Expeditions