STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

Ultimate A TROPICA L PARA DISE

January 13 to 27, 2012

a program of the stanford alumni association BAT RAY, BUTTERFLY FISH

The remote Seychelles in the heart of the Indian Ocean combine dramatic Polynesia-like scenic beauty and wondrous wildlife comparable to the Galápagos with the colorful Creole heritage of Seychellois locals. The islands’ many designated reserves and national parks that constitute nearly half of the Seychelles’ total land area are home to colorful birds and lush tropical foliage — a hiker and birder’s paradise. The warm, azure water is teeming with life, making this a superb snorkeling and diving destination. On this extraordinary voyage, photographers and naturalists alike will be enraptured by the astonishing richness of the Seychelles’ terres- trial and marine environments. A feast for the senses awaits – please join us!

BRETT S. THOMPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights

SNORKEL among VISIT magnificent EXPLORE La Digue GAPE in awe at the hundreds of rainbow-hued Atoll where the world’s by bicycle and enjoy a mammoth fan-shaped fish and coral species, as largest poulation of giant picture-postcard-perfect fronds of the rare well as impressive numbers tortoises dwells – a place backdrop of pink granite endemic Coco de Mer of manta rays, spinner that even most locals have boulders and white sugar- palm tree on the shore- dolphins and giant clams. never experienced. sand beaches. lines of Praslin Island. Curieuse SEYCHELLES Praslin

Cousin La Digue

Victoria I n d n SAINTE ANNE MARINE i a n O c e a Mahé NATIONAL PARK

AMIRANTE Poivre ISLAND GROUP

ALPHONSE AFRICA ISLAND GROUP

Aldabra Astove MADAGASCAR CURIEUSE ISLAND

a traditional Creole lunch in tiny island with a sanctuary for powdery white-sand beaches, Itinerary the Park before returning to giant land tortoises. On nature and snorkeling and diving to Victoria to embark our ship. walks through dense forest search for Madras snappers FRIDAY & SATURDAY, CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D) JANUARY 13 & 14 dotted with towering takamaka and the nine species of DEPART U.S. / EUROPE trees, we search for the free- butterfly fish found here. TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D) Depart the U.S. and arrive PRASLIN & CURIEUSE roaming tortoises. We also in Europe. Continue on ISLANDS have the opportunity to snorkel This morning we arrive FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 independent overnight flights and dive at the surrounding SAILING THE to the Seychelles. at Praslin Island to visit reef. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D) INDIAN OCEAN enchanting Vallée de Mai Relax at sea and enjoy SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 National Park, a World Heritage WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 lectures by our expedition VICTORIA, MAHÉ ISLAND, site. Here we investigate AMIRANTE ISLAND GROUP staff preparing us for our SEYCHELLES During an expedition stop at Arrive on Mahé, transfer to our the Park’s high-canopied, time at Aldabra Atoll. Poivre Island, we take Zodiacs hotel for brunch, and enjoy a primeval palm forest, home CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D) ashore for beachcombing, day at leisure to relax. Gather to 4,000 Coco de Mer palm nature walks and a visit to SATURDAY & SUNDAY, this evening for a welcome trees. These astonishing trees the Poivre copra plantation. JANUARY 21 & 22 reception and dinner, followed grow over 100 feet tall and ALDABRA ATOLL Snorkel or dive over coral by a briefing. live from 800 to 1,000 years. Spend two full days at gardens inhabited by brilliantly LE MERIDIAN BARBARONS (B,D) The palm bears the world’s magnificent Aldabra, a World colored tropical fish as manta largest nut, weighing 20-40 Heritage site and a highlight of MONDAY, JANUARY 16 rays glide through the waters pounds. Several other endemic our voyage. With a perimeter CERF ISLAND & below and black-naped terns SAINTE ANNE MARINE palm species, as well as the of 70 miles, Aldabra is one soar in the skies above. NATIONAL PARK / Seychelles flying fox, populate of the largest atolls in the EMBARK CLIPPER CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D) ODYSSEY this magical valley. We may world, comprising four major Enjoy a day of snorkeling spot the rare Seychelles THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 islands separated by channels. in Sainte Anne Marine black parrot and other birds ALPHONSE ISLAND GROUP Because of the atoll’s extreme National Park – a wonderful of notable interest, including In the Alphonse Island group isolation, many of Aldabra’s introduction to the Seychelles. the Seychelles blue-pigeon, we experience the beauty species are unique endemics. This group of six islands cave swiftlet and Seychelles and serenity of the three Giant Indian Ocean tortoises was the first marine park to bulbul. Various walks lead us to islands that lie in the heart of — which have been estimated be established in the Indian other unique animals such as the Seychelles Archipelago. to number over 100,000 — Ocean, over 30 years ago. bronze-and-green day geckos, Their remote location roam wild on the island. Tide Its history evokes tales of Seychelles skinks and two provides many opportunities permitting, we take Zodiacs pirates and buried treasure forms of endemic snails. In the for unspoiled exploration, through a narrow pass to from centuries past. We enjoy afternoon we visit Curieuse, a including beachcombing on a landscape of fascinating CURIEUSE ISLAND LA DIGUE ISLAND

eroded limestone topography. A former copra plantation, Only about 2,000 people live The tides have sculpted small the island’s houses, drying THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 in this paradise, where ox and COUSIN & LA DIGUE islets into fantastic formations sheds and other buildings are ISLANDS cart are the traditional mode known as champignons, or in various states of disrepair Our ship anchors at Cousin, of transportation. Traveling at “mushrooms.” Hundreds of since being abandoned in the an island nature reserve owned the leisurely pace of the locals, lesser and great frigatebirds 1980s. Mature casuarina and by the Royal Society for Nature on foot or by bicycle, along soar overhead as we search Indian almond trees host the Conservation and administered picturesque sandy roads, we the terrain for the rare, flightless finely woven pendant nests of by Birdlife International. The pass quaint, balconied houses Aldabra white-throated rail. the local sunbird. Along the reserve protects endangered and shops, a vanilla plantation, Robber crabs, whose claws atoll’s vertical reef wall, enjoy species, notably the Seychelles and a copra operation to are strong enough to crack the opportunity to snorkel or fody, brush warbler, magpie reach the small Veuve Nature coconuts, scamper across dive in the crystal-clear waters robin and Seychelles blue- Reserve. Here we might the turf. Enjoy a drift-snorkel populated by turtles, clouds of pigeon. The rocky hills of catch sight of the endangered through the pass, where tropical fish and colorful corals. the nearly uninhabited island Seychelles paradise-flycatcher we may spot coral gardens CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D) are the breeding place of in its native habitat. Also teeming with life, into a lagoon thousands of fairy terns. The watch for the yellow bittern, TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 populated by turtles and SAILING THE INDIAN birds are densely clustered cave swiftlet and common eagle rays. Visit the small OCEAN and unafraid, making this site waxbill. End our amazing day scientific research station on Watch from our vessel’s like no other on Earth. We may relaxing on one of the world’s Picard Island and photograph decks for whales, dolphins also encounter the resident most breathtakingly beautiful the mighty tortoises of this and porpoises cruising the group of giant tortoises. In beaches, Anse La Source magical, isolated island that waters as we head northward the afternoon we stop at La d’Argent. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D) few travelers ever have the through the Indian Ocean. Digue, an island whose beauty opportunity to visit. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D) surpasses the imagination. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 VICTORIA, MAHÉ ISLAND / CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D—BOTH DAYS) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 Famed biologist Sir Julian DISEMBARK / U.S. EXPEDITION STOP Huxley once described the Disembark in the early morning MONDAY, JANUARY 23 Make an expedition stop at Seychelles as an untouched and transfer to the airport for We land by Zodiac on a sandy one of the many low-lying Garden of Eden. No island independent flights homeward, beach bordered by lush coral atolls that comprise could be more deserving of arriving back in the U.S. on the vegetation on this deserted the Seychelles’ outer islands. this description than La Digue, same day. island, part of the Aldabra Snorkel or dive among pristine where huge granite boulders Group and formerly inhabited reefs or partake in some and swaying palms frame by African slaves who escaped beachcombing along powdery the picture-postcard-perfect a Portuguese ship in 1760. white-sand shores. pink-and-white-sand beaches. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D) Clipper Odyssey The 106-passenger Clipper Odyssey is ideally suited for exploring the coasts of Japan and China. Its small size allows access to remote islands and stretches of coast otherwise inaccessible by land or by a larger cruise ship, and its informal style complements the casual atmosphere and dress suitable for adventure cruising. All cabins are outside, with a separate seating area, twin or queen beds, bathrooms with hair dryers and shower/bathtub combinations, abundant storage space, individual temperature controls, TVs and mini-refrigerators. Public areas include two lounges, a bar and a dining room where all guests are accommodated at a single, unassigned seating. Among the ship’s amenities are shaded areas on the Lido Deck ideal for view- ing the passing scenery, a 70-meter jogging track on the Sun Deck, pool, gym, library/game room, boutique and clinic with a full-time phy- sician. The ship is fitted with the latest in telecommunications, naviga- tion and stabilization systems for smooth sailing. A fleet of motorized Zodiacs allows guests to make beach landings on small islands.

CLIPPER ODYSSEY Clipper Odyssey Program Costs* The 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey is ideally suited for exploring the Rates per person, based on double occupancy Seychelles. Its small size allows access to remote islands and stretches of coast otherwise inaccessible by land or by a larger cruise ship, and its Category 1 A-Deck $10,980 informal style complements the casual atmosphere and dress suitable for adventure cruising. All cabins are outside, with a separate seating area, Category 2 Main Deck $11,780 twin or queen beds, bathrooms with hair dryers and shower/bathtub combinations, abundant storage space, individual temperature controls, TVs and mini-refrigerators. Public areas include two lounges, a bar and a Category 3 Main Deck $12,580 dining room where all guests are accommodated at a single, unassigned seating. Among the ship’s amenities are shaded areas on the Lido Deck ideal for viewing the passing scenery, a 70-meter jogging track on the Category 4 Lido Deck $13,580 Sun Deck, pool, gym, library/game room, boutique and clinic with a full- time physician. The ship is fitted with the latest in telecommunications, Category 5 Bridge Deck $14,780 navigation and stabilization systems for smooth sailing. A fleet of motorized Zodiacs allows guests to make beach landings on small islands. Category 6 Bridge Deck $15,980 Deck Suite Bridge Deck $18,780

Plan Rates per person, based on single occupancy **

Category 2 Main Deck $18,880

Category 3 Main Deck $19,980

Category 4 Main Deck $21,780

Registry: Bahamas Length: 335 ft.

* Association nonmembers add $200 per person. ** Single accommodations are limited.

A-DECK MAIN DECK LIDO DECK BRIDGE DECK Information Terms & DAT ES Conditions January 13 to 27, 2012 (15 days)

Deposit & Final Payment Responsibility SIZE A $1,000 deposit is required to hold The Stanford Alumni Association, Limited to a total of 110 participants, including travelers from Stanford space for the Ultimate Seychelles. Stanford University and our and Zegrahm Expeditions Complete and return the enclosed operators act only as agents reservation form or sign up online. for the passenger with respect INCLUDED Final payment is due 120 days prior to transportation and ship arrange- 1 night of deluxe hotel accommodations 11-night cruise aboard to departure. ments and exercise every care the Clipper Odyssey 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners possible in doing so. However, we Cancellations & Refunds can assume no liability for injury, Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Bottled water on excursions damage, loss, accident, delay or Deposits and any payments are Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and ship crew for all group irregularity in connection with the fully refundable, less a $500-per- activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary person cancellation fee, until 120 service of any automobile, motor-

Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days before departure. After that coach, launch or any other days Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident date, refunds can be made only conveyance used in carrying out this and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and if the program is sold out and program or for the acts or defaults pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected your place(s) can be resold, in of any company or person engaged which case a $1,000-per-person in conveying the passenger or in book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour carrying out the arrangements of the cancellation fee will apply. We manager to assist you throughout the program program. We cannot accept any recommend trip-cancellation responsibility for losses or additional insurance; applications will be NOT INCLUDED expenses due to delay or changes sent to you. International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified Insurance force majeure or other causes as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/ Stanford Travel/Study provides beyond our control. All such losses interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges all travelers who are U.S. or or expenses will have to be borne by Canadian citizens with minimal Personal items such as email, telephone and fax calls, laundry and the passenger as tour rates provide gratuities for nongroup services medical, accident and evacuation arrangements only for the time coverage under our group-travel stated. We reserve the right to make A IR A RRANGEMENTS insurance policy. Our group policy such alterations to this published is intended to provide minimal levels International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program itinerary as may be deemed of protection while you are travel- necessary. The right is reserved cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare from San Francisco to Victoria, ing on this program. We strongly Mahé, in the Seychelles is approximately $2,290 as of January 2011 and to cancel any program prior to recommend that you subscribe departure in which case the entire is subject to change without notice. Information on recommended flight to optional baggage and trip- payment will be refunded without itineraries will be sent by our designated agent. cancellation insurance. A brochure further obligation on our part. The offering such insurance will be right is also reserved to decline to FUEL COSTS mailed with your confirmation about accept or retain any person as a In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict one week after we receive your member of the program. No refund fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of deposit. The product offered in this will be made for an unused portion brochure includes a special Waiver operation of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing of any tour unless arrangements of Pre-Existing Conditions and are made in sufficient time to avoid fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything coverage for Financial Insolvency penalties. It is understood that the possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, and Terrorist Acts if you postmark ship’s ticket, when issued, shall it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. your insurance payment within constitute the sole contract between 15 days of the date listed on the the passenger and the cruise WHA T T O EXPECT confirmation letter. company. Baggage is carried at The tropical Seychelles Islands are warm and sunny during the month the owner’s risk entirely. The airlines of January with occasional afternoon showers. The islands enjoy an Eligibility concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission equatorial climate; temperatures typically We encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program or event during the time that range from 75°F to 85°F. For most activities, cost for nonmembers is $200 more passengers are not onboard their a relatively moderate level of exertion is than the members’ price. Parents plane or conveyance. Neither the required. You will need to climb into and and their children under 21 may Alumni Association, Stanford out of Zodiacs for excursions ashore; travel on one membership. For University nor our operators accept staff will be on hand to assist. Snorkeling more information or to purchase a liability for any carrier’s cancellation and diving activities may begin from membership, visit alumni.stanford. penalty incurred by the purchase of the Zodiacs or from beaches. edu/goto/membership or call a nonrefundable ticket in connection (650) 725-0692. with the tour. Program price is based There will be opportunities for on rates in effect in January 2011 drift-snorkeling and diving, Scuba Diving and is subject to change without exhilarating ways to experience Limited to 16 Advanced Open notice to reflect fluctuations in the underwater realm. For shore excur- Water (AOW) certified scuba divers. exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. sions, you must be able to walk moderate You must complete two open water As a condition of participation, all distances unaided along beaches and dives within the 12 months prior to confirmed participants are required over rough terrain. Opportunities will the trip’s departure. to sign a Release of Liability. be available for leisurely beach and village strolls, as well as optional California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 hikes requiring more exertion.

© COPYRIGHT 2011 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S. Stanford Faculty Leader J OEL SIMON, ’74, BS ’75, MS ’77 – With a lifelong avocation of marine biology, Joel has led more than 50 Stanford programs, assisting scores of travelers in their snorkeling and photographic endeavors. A Stanford graduate, he has taught several college-accredited courses in marine biology in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He is a licensed scuba instructor and an accomplished photographer whose work has been featured in numerous photography and travel publications. In 1980 Joel began developing aquatic and snorkeling activities for the Stanford Travel/Study program and has also lectured on marine biology as well as photography and produced trip documentaries.

Naturalist J ACK GROVE – A marine biologist and professional naturalist, Jack has spent much “The Seychelles of the past two decades traveling on and lecturing about the world’s oceans. Cofounder are jewels, and of Zegrahm Expeditions and research associate in the Section of Fishes at the Los Stanford brought Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Jack is a leading authority on the fishes them to us in a way and marine environments of the eastern tropical Pacific. For seven years he lived in we never could the Galápagos, where he carried out extensive marine biological studies; and in 1997 Stanford University Press published his comprehensive volume, The Fishes of the have ourselves.” Galápagos Islands. A true adventurer and Fellow of The Explorers Club, Jack has led CHARLES GAYLORD numerous expeditions to the remote corners of the world. He is an avid scuba diver, ULTIMATE SEYCHELLES certified dive master and dedicated conservationist. EXPEDITION, 2008

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree Reservation Form to them. Signature: ______Signature: ______I am/will be an AOW certified Ultimate Seychelles SIGN UP scuba diver and I intend to dive on this program. ONLINE! Signature: ______I am/will be an AOW certified January 13 to 27, 2012 scuba diver and I intend to dive on this program. If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations. OR I plan to share accommodations with ______MR. / MRS. / MS. OR I’d like to know about possible roommates. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS CATEGORY PREFERENCE: MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. 1st choice: ______Twin Beds Queen Bed NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS 2nd choice: ______Twin Beds Queen Bed

Here is my deposit of $______($1,000 per person) for ____ space(s) on ADDRESS Ultimate Seychelles.

Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR CITY / STATE / ZIP Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express

HOME PHONE WORK PHONE CARD # EXPIRES

CELL PHONE AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE

Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) 725-8675 or EMAIL ADDRESS place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?seychelles2012. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account. 7278

Stanford Travel/Study Nonprofit Org. Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center U.S. Postage Ultimate 326 Galvez Street P A I D Stanford, CA 94305-6105 Stanford Alumni Seychelles ( 650 ) 725-1093 Association A TROPICA L PARA DISE

January 13 to 27, 2012

alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy

“The trip was magical – it was the most relaxing vacation – every day was fun and flexible and the other travelers were wonderful, interesting and adaptive.” M EG ZWEIBACK AND ZACH W ASSERMAN ’72, ULTIMATE SEYCHELLES EXPEDITION, 2008

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY