G a l á p a g o sGALAPAGOS

REMOTE. LEGENDARY. ASTONISHING. BACK WHEN THE WORLD WAS

YOUNG IT LOOKED LIKE THIS. HERE IN GALAPAGOS IT STILL DOES. COME

WITH US TO THE ONE PLACE WHERE FEAR HAS NEVER EXISTED.

FEBRUARY 11-20, 2005ABOARD THE M.S. POLARIS

Ship’s Registry: Ecuador

“WE NEED THE TONIC OF WILDNESS…”Henry David Thoreau

Dear Sigma Xi Members and Friends,

Since the inception of our travel program, we’ve witnessed the tonic effect of wildness on the human spirit. When you travel to theworld’s unspoiled places, you find that it refreshes the senses and clears the mind. It restores balance and revitalizes your soul.

Journey with us from February 11-20, 2005 to the Galápagos Islands, located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, and findthis tonic for yourself. The archipelago is one of the world’s great remaining natural areas, full of wonder, beauty and unusualwildlife. You will have the unique opportunity for extraordinarily close encounters with sea lions, penguins, tortoises, fur sealsand many kinds of seabirds.

Travel aboard Lindblad Expeditions’ intimate, 80-guest Polaris, a top-notch, recently refurbished expedition ship. She is undoubtedlythe finest expedition ship in the islands — join us and enjoy the highest level of comfort and personal service. The Polaris carries afleet of sturdy Zodiac landing craft, which provides access to virtually anywhere. She also has her own glass-bottom boat, wet suits,snorkeling gear and underwater video equipment, making the vibrant undersea world accessible to all

You will also be accompanied by a dedicated and enthusiastic staff of naturalists, many of whom have lived, worked and traveled extensively in the region. They enjoy sharing their knowledgein delightfully informal surroundings. You’ll come away refreshed and renewed, and with amuch deeper understanding of these magical islands.

Traveling with only a small group of inquisitive travelers and a fine staff of naturalists, you will enjoy a unique and exciting adventure. To make your reservation, please return the enclosed reservation form, or call us at (800) 252-4910. I hope you will join us on thisremarkable adventure.

Sincerely,

Margaret M. BetchartPresident, Betchart Expeditions, Inc.for Sigma Xi Expeditions

MOLTEN SUNSETS. JAGGED ROCKS RISE

LIKE VOLCANIC FINGERS. ENCHANTED

ISLES IN A DEEP BLUE TROPICAL SEA.

A seafaring bishop named Tomas de Berlanger is credited with

their discovery: stumbling upon Galápagos in 1535

en route from Panama to Peru. Herman Melville,

struck by what he saw as their spectral desolation,

gave them the name that stuck: Las Encantadas.

But it was Charles Darwin who put Galápagos on

the map. The five weeks he spent here during the

course of a five-year worldwide journey changed

the course of human thought and history. We’ll

spend a week here, exploring the archipelago,

much as he did: Leaving our floating base camp

daily to explore different islands and (even Darwin

couldn’t do this) the undersea. We’ll travel with a

team of expert naturalists — observing & learning.

5

ISLA ESPAÑOLA(Hood Is.)

ISLA BALTRA(South Seymour Is.)

ISLA SANTA CRUZ(Indefatigable Is.)

ISLA FLOREANA(Charles Is.)

ISLA GENOVESA(Tower Is.)

ISLA BARTOLOMÉ(Bartholomew Is.)

ISLA ISABELA(Albemarle Is.)

ROCA REDONDA

ISLA FERNANDINA(Narborough Is.)

ISLA SANTIAGO(James Is.) P A C I F I C O C E A

Volcán Wolf

Volcán Darwin

Volcán La Cumbre

Punta Espinoza

Volcán Alcedo

Volcán Santo Tomás

Volcán Cerro Azul

Puerto Ayora

Cerro Dragon

89° 30'90° 30'91° 30' 91°92° 90°

30'

1°

30'

0° (Equator)

0 40 Miles

0

302010

50 Kilometers403020

Las Islas GalápagosThe Galápagos Islands

6

As we voyage from island to

island in the archipelago, we’ll

spend time in the richest wild-

life locations in Galápagos.

Depending on the season and

the island we visit, we may see

riveting Blue-footed Booby

behavior: sky-pointing, parading,

ritual nest building and more.

On Floreana, a lovely “garden”

island, we’ll visit the lagoon &

may see the resident flock of

flamingos; and walk to one of the

world’s loveliest beaches, where

shy sea turtles mate in the azure

waters. On Genovesa, the frigate-

bird colonies resound with cries

and the eye-catching red of their

pouches. We’ll see a variety of

marine iguanas. Photograph Sally

Lightfoot crabs gleaming against

wet lava rocks. And see the

famous finches. We’ll also enjoy

close encounters with the legen-

dary Galápagos tortoises — at

the Darwin Station and depend-

ing on the season, in the wild.

7

It’s not the biological diversity that will astound

you, it’s the sheer number of animals. So many

creatures & so much fascinating behavior! Unique

species arrayed before you. And you can walk freely

among them — there’s no fear at all.

Blue-footed Boobies

Red-footed Boobies

Nazca Boobies

Pink Flamingos

Flightless Cormorants

Frigatebirds

Darwin’s Finches

Waved Albatross

Penguins

Sea Turtles

Marine Iguanas

Land Iguanas

Lava Lizards

Tortoises

Sea Lions

Fur Seals

Sally Lightfoot Crabs

Dolphins

Whales

Few experiences can top snor-

keling through a balletic corps

of sea turtles or somersaulting

sea lions. Video footage lets us

all be “there” to experience it!

9

EXPLORING THE UNDERSEA — SNORKELING WITH SEA LIONS

& SEA TURTLES — IS A MAJOR PART OF OUR EXPEDITION.

While the shadow of Darwin obviously lies

over Galápagos expeditions,

Lindblad also pays daily homage

to the extraordinary Jacques

Cousteau. Thanks to his exam-

ple, nimble Zodiacs are used to

make landfalls in the world’s most adventurous

locations — and offer an undersea program

that keeps the element of “discovery” alive no

matter how “mapped” the world of today is.

And in Galápagos, seeing the undersea is so

gratifying. You will travel in a glass-bottom

boat, and diver-naturalists will film the under-

sea world so that all can see the world below

your ship. For those who snorkel or scuba-

dive, Galápagos offers pure magic. It is easy

for virtually everyone to experience snorkel-

ing. A recent Lindblad guest confided why he

hadn’t been snorkeling in over ten years: On a

vacation in Fiji, a young guide took a group of

snorkelers out, left them in 40-foot waters and

said “I’ll be back in half an hour.” The guest

explained he felt anxious, and was unable to

relax and enjoy. He was reluctant to even con-

sider snorkeling again — until he was in

Galápagos aboard the Polaris, and saw the

quality of the logistics and care. He knew that

if he felt at all uncomfortable, a waiting Zodiac

would enable him to come out, rest, and go

back into the water when he felt like it. No

fear. No pressure. No risk. Just the pure

unmitigated pleasure of being there — snorkel-

ing amid the shimmering fish, the sea turtles

and those “gymnasts,” the playful sea lions.

10

Our connection to the Charles

Darwin Research Station dates

back to the days when many

well-respected scientists

worked at the Station. Our

expedition team will introduce

us to the Station (the hatchery

& Lonesome George are major

highlights) then lead us into

the highlands where huge tor-

toises roam free.

TORTOISES GALORE: IN THE WILD

& AT DARWIN RESEARCH STATION

The fact that we can walk through a lush green highlands’ mead-

ow observing wild tortoises is due in part to the

Charles Darwin Research Station’s captive breeding

and release programs. Together with our guests, we

have donated over two million dollars to several con-

servation programs, including eradication of major

threats to tortoises and other endemic species. In

addition to our active and ongoing commitment to

Galápagos, we connect with an ever-growing global

network of conservation support through organiza-

tions like the World Wildlife Fund. Det Norske Veritas

has certified our environmental management system

in accordance with the ISO 14001 Environmental

Management Standard, ensuring our continued com-

mitment as leaders in environmental stewardship in

the privileged places we visit.

11

YOU’LL TRAVEL WITH THE

BEST EXPEDITION TEAM

WORKING IN GALAPAGOS

Galápagos is carefully and protectively administered by

the National Park Service. According to its

ordinances, no one can visit or even land on a

beach, unless accompanied by a nationally

licensed naturalist. Consequently travel opera-

tors are obliged to provide the services of one

naturalist for every 16 guests. We believe that

knowledgeable and interesting experts are

essential to the quality of a travel experience.

We offer our guests the expertise and compan-

ionship of top naturalists on every expedition.

And in Galápagos there is an expedition team

consisting of five naturalists and an experi-

enced Expedition Leader (EL) — more and bet-

ter than any other company operating in the

archipelago. The number of experts on staff

means that you’ll have the benefit of daily

variety and a panoply of specialized knowledge

and interests — marine biology, zoology,

botany and geology — to enhance your experi-

ence and provide a context for all that you’ll

see. You’ll learn even more in the entertaining

forum of our daily recaps during cocktail hour.

And you’ll form rewarding relationships with

your favorites among the bright, enthusiastic

and thoroughly engaging team.

Representing the entire

Galápagos team are: EL

Emma Ridley (top); Video

Chronicler, Tove Petterson;

Naturalists Carlos Romero

and Carmen Guzman

(below) & Lucho Verdesoto

(upper left.)

Friday, Day 1 — Miami/Guayaquil

Depart Miami in the afternoon via American

Airlines on a non-stop flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Departure time is currently 6:15 p.m., with a flying

time of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, a

short drive brings us to the Hotel Hilton Colón.

Saturday, Day 2 — Guayaquil/Galápagos/Embark Polaris

This morning we’ll fly to the Galápagos. Flying

time is approximately 11/2 hours and upon arrival

we’ll immediately board the Polaris. During lunch

we’ll sail to Santa Cruz Island for a magnificent

introduction to the varied wildlife of Galápagos.

We’ll spend the afternoon exploring mangrove-

flanked channels and shoreline of Cerro Dragon,

looking for land iguanas, sea lions, a variety of

birds and schools of golden rays.

Sunday, Day 3 — Española

Today we’ll visit two distinctly different parts of

the same island. You’ll see Blue-footed Boobies,

sea lions galore, and Española marine iguanas

which develop particularly vivid coloration. You’ll

also get your first chance to snorkel and stroll

one of Galápagos’ best beaches.

Monday, Day 4 — Floreana

For early risers, a Zodiac ride to Post Office Bay,

the “endemic” and historic Galápagos system for

distributing mail via—you! Then more snorkeling

or glass-bottom boating, in this case often with sea

lions, and who knows what other marine guests,

and an afternoon exploring a lagoon, where more

often than not we see flamingos.

12

GALAPAGOS ITINERARY10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS

Versatile Zodiacs enable

us to see, discover and

explore at a moment's

notice. Above: Visitors of

all ages share a mutual

curiosity with Galápagos

abundant wildlife.

Tuesday, Day 5 — Fernandina/Isabela

This morning we’ll explore Punta Espinoza on

Fernandina Island — the most pristine and

youngest island in Galápagos. It’s marine iguana

heaven, with Isabela’s volcanoes creating a dra-

matic backdrop. In the afternoon we’ll explore

Isabela’s caves and shoreline and search the waters

for dolphins, whales, sea turtles and the astonish-

ing and elusive ocean sunfish — the mola-mola.

Wednesday, Day 6 — Santa Cruz

The epicenter of Galápagos administration. The

National Park headquarters is here, as well as the

Charles Darwin Research Station where we’ll learn

about their vital preservation work. We’ll head up

into the highlands for lunch and roam the moss-

draped lush landscape where wild tortoises often

forage. In the evening, we’ll invite guests from the

Station and/or Park aboard to talk with us, and

enjoy lively local music.

Thursday, Day 7 — Genovesa

One of the most isolated islands, Genovesa is a

collapsed caldera allowing for a picture-perfect

anchorage. Home to the Red-footed and Nazca

Booby, as well as a significant population of

frigatebirds.

Friday, Day 8 — Bartolomé/Santiago

Bartolomé is an enchanting landscape where lava,

mangroves and beautiful golden sand converge.

Great walks, views and a good chance to snorkel

with penguins. In the afternoon, Santiago

provides us a chance to see the Galápagos fur

seal, along with the opportunity to enjoy the best

“tide pooling.”

Saturday, Day 9 — Galápagos/Guayaquil

This morning we’ll disembark Polaris and fly back

to Guayaquil. The afternoon is free to rest or to

explore. We’ll leave you on your own this evening to

get ready for your journey home.

Sunday, Day 10 — Guayaquil/Home

This morning fly home — or anywhere else you

might have decided to go. The Miami-bound flight

departs in the morning, arriving Miami at approxi-

mately 4:15 p.m.

13

GALAPAGOS + PERU’S LAND OF THE INCA ITINERARY16 DAYS/15 NIGHTS

Add the wonders of Peru to your Galápagos adventure and discover

the origins of an ancient civilization.

Friday, Day 1 through Friday, Day 8 —

Follow the Galápagos itinerary on page 12.

Saturday, Day 9 — Galápagos/Guayaquil/Lima, Peru

Disembark and fly to Lima via Guayaquil, arriving in

the early evening. Spend the night at the gracious

Orient Express Miraflores Park Hotel. (B, L)

Sunday, Day 10 — Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Inca

Fly to Cusco and drive to the Urubamba River Valley

— the Sacred Valley of the Inca and check in to Hotel

Sol y Luna. Visit the church in Chinchero containing

the oldest examples of paintings of the Cusco School

of Art and the local food market. (B, L, D)

Monday, Day 11 — Sacred Valley of the Inca

Visit the town and important archaeological site of

Pisac. There will be a late lunch at the Hacienda

Orihuela, hosted by the Orihuela family who contin-

ues a 350-year tradition of farming. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, Day 12 — Machu Picchu

Visit the massive Inca stone fortress of

Ollantaytambo. Then board the train for the 11/2 hour

ride to Machu Picchu. The citadel, “The Lost City of

the Inca,” straddles a mountain ridge surrounded by

lush tropical forest. We overnight in Machu Picchu at

the Sanctuary Lodge. (B, L, D)

Wednesday, Day 13 — Machu Picchu/Cusco

Watch the day break over the quiet ruins, an almost

mystical experience for many. The morning is free to

continue exploring Machu Picchu. Reboard the train

for our journey to Cusco. Spend two nights at the

Orient Express Monasterio Hotel, a unique establish-

ment originally built in 1592 as a monastery. (B, D)

Thursday, Day 14 — Cusco

The Inca Empire’s capital, Cusco, is the oldest contin-

uously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere.

Visit the Plaza de Armas, the magnificent early 17th-

century cathedral built on Inca foundations, the

Santo Domingo Convent — Koricancha — and the

vast Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a premier example of

Inca stonework. (B, L)

Friday, Day 15 — Cusco/Lima

This morning explore Colonial Lima, founded in

1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizzaro. Visit

the 17th-century San Francisco Monastery and its

unique cloisters, stroll to the Plaza Mayor to see the

Government Palace and the Cathedral. Enjoy a late

lunch at Casa Aliaga, an ancestral mansion which is

home to 17 generations of Aliagas. It is not open to

the general public. (B, L)

Saturday, Day 16 — Lima/Miami

This morning fly home. The Miami-bound flight

arrives at approximately 2:00 p.m.

Printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks. © 2004 Lindblad Expeditions, Inc.

PHOTO CREDITS: All photos © Stewart Cohen, except as noted. © Sven Lindblad: cover,tortoise; p. 2 sea lion; p. 6 flamingo; p. 8, dolphins; p. 10, tortoise in vegetation,tortoise and girl; p. 11, bird & sea lion, naturalist with bird; p. 12, girl with sealion. © Tui De Roy: p. 2, iguanas; p. 3, Blue-footed Boobies, p. 6, flying Blue-foot-ed Booby, frigatebird; p. 7, birds on camera, crab & iguana; p. 8, sea lions under-water, penguin & snorkeler; p. 9, iguana feeding underwater; back cover, Blue-footed Boobies.© Walt Denson: cover, Blue-footed Booby, p. 2, woman in ham-mock, snorkeler; p. 4, landing party; p. 6, Blue-footed Boobies; p. 9, glass-bottomboat; p. 12 Zodiac; p. 14, people on deck. © Kevin Schafer: p. 2, Pinnacle Rock; p.13, Machu Picchu; p. 15, sea lions on beach.

14

CATEGORY DECK CABIN NUMBERS GALAPAGOS GALAPAGOS + PERU

1 A 102 – 105 $3,480 $6,480Sole Occupancy $4,390 $8,160Spacious cabins have 2 lower single beds, writing desk and 1 or 2 portholes.

2 A & Main A-Deck: 101, Main Deck: 200 – 221 $4,180 $7,140Sole Occupancy $5,180 $8,980Centrally located cabins feature 2 lower single beds, writing desk and a view window (except Cabin 101 on the A-Deck, which has 3 beds and 2 portholes.)

3 Upper 301, 303, 305, 307 $4,680 $7,660Conveniently located, cabins feature 2 lower single beds, writing desk and a large view window.

4 Upper 302, 304, 306, 309, 311, 315, 319 $4,980 $7,980Spacious cabins feature 2 lower single beds, writing desk and a large view window.

5 Upper 300, 308, 317, 321 $5,980 $8,950The largest cabins on board, able to accommodate a third person. With either 2 lower single beds or a double bed. All have a desk, convertible sofa bed, table and 2 large windows.

A comfortable Category 3 cabin.Spacious Category 5 cabin. Pull-out sofa beds in Category 5.

YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 21 CAN TAKE 25% OFF THE RATES ABOVE (EXCLUDES AIRFARE).

SHARED ACCOMMODATIONS: We will gladly make arrangements at the double-occupancy rate in Categories 1and 2 only.

SPECIAL GALAPAGOS AIRFAREWe offer a combined air package (round-trip Miami/Galápagos) based on prevailing airfare costs at thetime of printing and subject to change. Early bookers may also take advantage of attractive add-onairfares between many U.S. cities and Miami, based on availability.Combined air package, per person: $990, subject to change

If arriving in Ecuador independently, please inquire about Guayaquil/Galápagos/Guayaquil airfare.

ACCOMMODATIONS & RATES

BOAT DECK

UPPER DECK

MAIN DECK

A-DECK

M.S. Polaris Deck Plan

QUITO OPTION: Enjoy a 2-night stay in Quito following your Galápagosvoyage. Cost includes: 2 breakfasts, one lunch, all sightseeing andadditional airfare to Quito. (Credit has been calculated for the unusedhotel night in Guayaquil on Day 9 of the main Galápagos voyage.)

Double Occupancy ...................................................................................................$240Sole Occupancy .......................................................................................................$290

All prices are per person double occupancy unless otherwise noted.

15

GALAPAGOS COST INCLUDES: Seven nights aboard the Polaris in theGalápagos; two nights’ accommodations in Guayaquil at a finehotel with private facilities; all meals and soft drinks aboard thePolaris; Galápagos National Park Entry fee; use of snorkelingequipment, wet suits and glass-bottom boat; services of the shipphysician, Lindblad Expeditions’ Leader, Naturalist staff andexpert guides; all port charges and service taxes; transfers iftraveling on group flights; gratuities to local guides.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare Miami /Guayaquil /Miami; Guayaquil /Galápagos/Guayaquil; one dinner in Guayaquil; Quito option;diving; passport expenses; baggage/accident /cancellation insur-ance; personal items, such as laundry, alcoholic beverages and emails; and discretionary gratuities to Naturalist staff and crew.

GALAPAGOS + PERU INCLUDES: All of the above plus: seven hotelnights; flights Guayaquil/Lima/Cusco/Lima (approx. value $575);meals as indicated by B,L,D; transfers if traveling on groupflights; sightseeing; porterage; services of local guide and tourleader; tips to local guides and drivers; taxes and servicecharges. (Credit has been calculated for the unused hotel nightin Guayaquil on Day 9 of the main Galápagos voyage.)

SHIP’S PUBLIC AREAS: Lounge with bar and facilities for films, slide shows, and lectures. Library, email center, gift shop anddoctor’s office.

NOTE: We’ll send you complete pre-departure information, includ-ing a book list and packing suggestions after your reservation is confirmed.

TERMS AND CONDITIONSRESERVATIONS: An advance payment of $1,000 per person Galápagosor Galápagos + Peru payable by check, is required.

FINAL PAYMENT: Due no later than 90 days prior to departure.

INSURANCE: Cancellation and medical insurance are available atextra cost. We will send policy information when you reserve.

SMOKING POLICY: Allowed only in designated outdoor areas.

RESPONSIBILITY: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of the Company’s liability for loss ofproperty, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be pro-vided to all guests prior to final payment and to prospectiveguests upon request.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee

120 or more days $250

119-90 days Advance payment cost

89-60 days 25% of trip cost

59-30 days 50% of trip cost

29-0 days No refund

This policy applies to the expedition and extension, if applicable. We stronglyrecommend that you purchase cancellation insurance.

RESERVATION FORM THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDSAboard the M.S. Polaris

Please reserve _________ place(s) on Galápagos, February 11-20, 2005.

Please reserve _________ place(s) on Galápagos + Peru’s Land of the Inca,

February 11-26, 2005.

Please reserve _________ place(s) on the Quito option, February 19-21, 2005.

Name: _______________________________________________________ Date of Birth: _____________

Name: _______________________________________________________ Date of Birth: _____________

Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________________ State: ______________ Zip: ________________

Home Phone: __________________________________Business Phone: _________________________

Fax: _____________________________________________________________________________________

E-Mail:_________________________________________________________________________________

Accommodations: ■■ Double ■■ Single

■■ Share Basis (Roommate to be assigned by tour operator.)

Please indicate choice of cabin category in order of preference:

1st choice:__________ 2nd choice:__________

I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for this program and agree to them.

Signature(s)_____________________________________________________Date: __________________

■■ Enclosed is my advance payment of $__________(US$1,000 per person).

Check made payable to Betchart Expeditions, Inc. Trust Account.

Membership: ■■ Sigma Xi ■■ AAAS

#872

For Reservations or Information:Sigma Xi ExpeditionsBetchart Expeditions, Inc.17050 Montebello RoadCupertino, CA 95014Phone: 800-252-4910 or

408-252-4910

SPECIAL BOOKING OFFER

BRING THE KIDSWe believe sharing an expedition with your kids orgrandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take25% off the Double Occupancy price for each young-ster under 21. (Air fare excluded.)

FIND UNIQUE CREATURES IN GALAPAGOS: FASCINATING

ANIMALS & PEOPLE WITH ADVENTUROUS MINDS & SPIRITS

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDStaten Island, NYPermit No. 169

Betchart Expeditions, Inc.17050 Montebello Road

Cupertino, CA 95014

Travel + Leisure 2003 Small-Ship Cruise Line AwardLindblad Expeditions is the only expedition outfit ranked

by readers in the top five.

Condé Nast Traveler 2001 Readers’ ChoiceAwards named Lindblad Expeditions one of the best travel experiences in the world:“...a perfect [Destinations/Itineraries] score for

Lindblad ... [They] also took the highest ratings

for Crew/Service: 96.4...”