Deal of the Week: Celebrate Darwin’s Birthday in the Galapagos

Photograph courtesy of Souther Explorations

True, 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of On the Origin of Species (and the 200th birthday of its famed author-explorer), but here’s an even better reason to visit the Galápagos this summer: incredible deals. The best we’ve seen? Southern Explorations (read their profile in The Adventure Ratings) is offering an $800 discount on its eight-day cruise aboard the eight-cabin Athala II, knocking the total cost down to $3,375 per person. The price includes all meals on board, plus two nights in a four-star hotel in Quito (one before the voyage, one after). And, of course, quality face time with the Galápagans themselves. Ever seen a 600-pound tortoise?

THE CATCH: The discount only applies to the June 27th departure (there are other deals for other dates and itineraries, but this is the cheapest offering from Southern Explorations) and you are responsible for your own airfare from Quito to the Galápagos (about $420), as well as a $100 park fee and a $10 transit card.

I’M IN: Contact www.southernexplorations.com or +1 206 784 8111 and say that you are interested in the special onboard the Athala II in the Galápagos.