International Expeditions Offers Spring Travelers $1,000 Off On May 30 Galapagos Cruise

May is the ideal time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit the Galapagos Islands, as this is the time of year when waved albatrosses, marine iguanas and land iguanas are nesting, and famed giant tortoises are laying eggs in the wild. Since May also marks the beginning of the Garua (cool, dry) season in the islands, travelers enjoy average May highs of just 82°F and daily snorkeling excursions are in waters with an average temperature of 76°F.

In addition to daily snorkeling and hiking, other unexpected highlights of IE's journey include meeting a local coffee farmer Adriano Cabrera, who also produces small-batch moonshine, and joining an island band, dancing to traditional Ecuadorian favorites on the sun deck.

IE's 10-day cruise itinerary visits the volcanically active island of Fernandina, searching for flightless cormorants and the largest marine iguanas. IE travelers will also stop at the Charles Darwin Research Center, famous for its tortoise breeding programs, and explore Santiago Island, a haven for finches, doves and Galapagos hawks.

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.

Guests travel aboard the 32-guest yacht M/V Evolution, enjoying a 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio, spacious, outward-facing cabins and a casual atmosphere. Plus, traveling with small groups of curious, like-minded travelers ensures everyone feels comfortable even in this remote archipelago.

This immersive expedition navigates to captivating islands, where the small group size allows for easy access to the wildlife and more personal attention than guests find aboard larger cruise ships. Onboard, guests savor fine cuisine and a host of amenities including an observation deck and canopied bar, plus complimentary snorkeling equipment, wetsuits and kayaks. The Evolution's air-conditioned cabins range from approximately 143 to 263 square feet and feature private facilities and ample storage.

Prices for the May 30, 2014 Galapagos Islands cruise start at $4,298 (includes $1,000 discount), and include accommodations, all excursions, most meals, transfers and tips to porters and waiters for included meals.

For information or a 2014 brochure, contact International Expeditions at 1-800-633-4734 or nature@ietravel.com.

View Galapagos videos: https://www.ietravel.com/central-south-america/galapagos-islands/videos