Discovery Channel Shark Advisor Andy Dehart to Host Discovery Adventures Galapagos Islands Excursion

    TORONTO, ON, March 14, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Discovery Adventures, the adventure travel brand developed in partnership with Gap Adventures and Discovery Channel, is offering an exclusive trip to the Galapagos Islands led by Discovery Channel Shark Advisor and Director of Biological Programs for Washington D.C.'s National Aquarium, Andy Dehart. This one-of-a-kind destination tour - taking place June 19-28, 2010 - will showcase Dehart's extensive knowledge of sharks through enriching lectures and multiple snorkeling expeditions. Adventurers interested in joining the Discovery Channel "Shark Week" personality on this breathtaking excursion can book the tour at www.discoveryadventures.com.

Dehart has appeared on numerous Discovery Channel productions including, Sharks Under Glass (2003), Shark Feeding Frenzy (2007), Day of the Shark (2008), Shark After Dark (2009) and Day of the Shark 2 (2009).

"I have been fascinated with sharks since age five and lucky enough to have spent the last 20 years studying and encountering more than 40 different species," said Andy. "This adventure trip lets me share my world with travelers and dive into the curiosity of the Galapagos Islands."

On this 10-day adventure, travelers will explore the legendary Galapagos Islands aboard a 16-passenger catamaran and discover a world unlike any other on Earth. Throughout the trip, Dehart will deliver a series of lectures lending his expertise on sharks, discussing his role as shark advisor for Discovery Channel's highly acclaimed "Shark Week" and debunking the myths about sharks.

The trip begins in Quito, Ecuador, where guests will have a day at leisure to explore several museums scattered throughout the city before flying the next day to the Galapagos Islands (Baltra/Bachas). Once there, guests will board the motor catamaran, their home base for the next nine days, which features a Jacuzzi, freshly prepared meals in the dining room and bar, plus spacious outside decks for relaxing. A Level III Naturalist Guide and dedicated Cruise Director ensure that guests will experience the irresistible charm of this extraordinary island ecosystem, both onboard and on land.

Some of the highlights of this ten day expedition include:

• Snorkeling through the Devil's Crown, which are broken remains of a partially submerged volcanic cone
• Outlining the geological formations and the evolutionary development of endemic species at the Charles Darwin Research Station
• Coming face to face with iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions, and wading flamingos

Discovery Adventures offers truly affordable, comfortable and authentic experiences that go beyond the surface with in-depth, real-life encounters - encouraging participants to become part of the local cultures that they have come to know through top-rated Discovery Channel series. Itineraries are the ultimate in adventure travel and offer 31 exclusive trips to 18 worldwide destinations in North America (Alaska, Southwest), Latin America (Peru, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica), Africa (Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Egypt, Morocco) and Asia (India, China, Thailand). Trips include arrival transfer, daily breakfast, comfortable accommodations with en suite bathrooms, and some amenities. Prices exclude airfare and each tour consists of group sizes ranging from six to 16 people with trip lengths from three to 24 days. For more information, visit http://www.discoveryadventures.com/.

About Gap Adventures

In 1990, Bruce Poon Tip launched Gap Adventures with the belief that other travellers would share his desire to experience authentic adventures in a responsible and sustainable manner. We have grown from a one-man show to an award winning company of over 700 employees. Gap Adventures is a world leader in adventure travel, offering more than 1,000 small group experiences, safaris and expeditions on all seven continents to more than 90,000 travellers a year. The company's worldwide adventures focus on cultural interaction, wildlife encounters, and active travel. In recognition of our sustainable travel efforts, Gap Adventures has been given the Ethics in Action Millennium Award and Conde Nast Traveler's Green List Honoree. National Geographic Adventure Magazine awarded our company as Best 'Do it All Outfitter' on Earth. www.gapadventures.com

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

Media Contact:
Marie Anne MacRae
Business Development & Media Relations Manager
Gap Adventures
Direct: 416 263-4675
[email protected]

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