a program of the stanford a lumni assoc iat ion

Ultimate Seychelles A T R O P I C A L P A R A D I S E

Januar y 13 to 27, 2012

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

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!

BRE T T S. THOMPSON, ’83, D IRECTOR, STANFORD TR AVEL /STUDY

Highlights S N O R K E L among hundreds of rainbow-hued fish and coral species, as well as impressive numbers of manta rays, spinner dolphins and giant clams.

V I S I T magnificent Aldabra Atoll where the world’s largest poulation of giant tortoises dwells – a place that even most locals have never experienced.

E X P L O R E La Digue by bicycle and enjoy a picture-postcard-perfect backdrop of pink granite boulders and white sugar-sand beaches.

G A P E in awe at the mammoth fan-shaped fronds of the rare endemic Coco de Mer palm tree on the shore-lines of Praslin Island.

BAT RAY, BUTTERFLY FISH

Victoria

S E Y C H E L L E S

MADAGASCAR

AMIRANTEISLAND GROUP

ALPHONSEISLAND GROUP

CurieusePraslin

La Digue

SAINTE ANNE MARINENATIONAL PARK

AldabraAstove

Poivre

Mahé

Cousin

I n d i a n O c e a n

AFRICA

ItineraryFRIDAY & SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 & 14DEPART U.S. / EUROPE

Depart the U.S. and arrive in Europe. Continue on independent overnight flights to the Seychelles.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 VICTORIA, MAHÉ ISLAND, SEYCHELLES

Arrive on Mahé, transfer to our hotel for brunch, and enjoy a day at leisure to relax. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner, followed by a briefing. LE MERIDIAN BARBARONS (B,D)

MONDAY, JANUARY 16 CERF ISLAND & SAINTE ANNE MARINE NATIONAL PARK / EMBARK CLIPPER ODYSSEY

Enjoy a day of snorkeling in Sainte Anne Marine National Park – a wonderful introduction to the Seychelles. This group of six islands was the first marine park to be established in the Indian Ocean, over 30 years ago. Its history evokes tales of pirates and buried treasure from centuries past. We enjoy

a traditional Creole lunch in the Park before returning to Victoria to embark our ship. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 PRASLIN & CURIEUSE ISLANDS

This morning we arrive at Praslin Island to visit enchanting Vallée de Mai National Park, a World Heritage site. Here we investigate the Park’s high-canopied, primeval palm forest, home to 4,000 Coco de Mer palm trees. These astonishing trees grow over 100 feet tall and live from 800 to 1,000 years. The palm bears the world’s largest nut, weighing 20-40 pounds. Several other endemic palm species, as well as the Seychelles flying fox, populate this magical valley. We may spot the rare Seychelles black parrot and other birds of notable interest, including the Seychelles blue-pigeon, cave swiftlet and Seychelles bulbul. Various walks lead us to other unique animals such as bronze-and-green day geckos, Seychelles skinks and two forms of endemic snails. In the afternoon we visit Curieuse, a

tiny island with a sanctuary for giant land tortoises. On nature walks through dense forest dotted with towering takamaka trees, we search for the free-roaming tortoises. We also have the opportunity to snorkel and dive at the surrounding reef. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 AMIRANTE ISLAND GROUP

During an expedition stop at Poivre Island, we take Zodiacs ashore for beachcombing, nature walks and a visit to the Poivre copra plantation. Snorkel or dive over coral gardens inhabited by brilliantly colored tropical fish as manta rays glide through the waters below and black-naped terns soar in the skies above. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 ALPHONSE ISLAND GROUP

In the Alphonse Island group we experience the beauty and serenity of the three islands that lie in the heart of the Seychelles Archipelago. Their remote location provides many opportunities for unspoiled exploration, including beachcombing on

powdery white-sand beaches, and snorkeling and diving to search for Madras snappers and the nine species of butterfly fish found here. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 SAILING THE INDIAN OCEAN

Relax at sea and enjoy lectures by our expedition staff preparing us for our time at Aldabra Atoll. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 & 22ALDABRA ATOLL

Spend two full days at magnificent Aldabra, a World Heritage site and a highlight of our voyage. With a perimeter of 70 miles, Aldabra is one of the largest atolls in the world, comprising four major islands separated by channels. Because of the atoll’s extreme isolation, many of Aldabra’s species are unique endemics. Giant Indian Ocean tortoises — which have been estimated to number over 100,000 — roam wild on the island. Tide permitting, we take Zodiacs through a narrow pass to a landscape of fascinating

CURIEUSE ISLAND

eroded limestone topography. The tides have sculpted small islets into fantastic formations known as champignons, or “mushrooms.” Hundreds of lesser and great frigatebirds soar overhead as we search the terrain for the rare, flightless Aldabra white-throated rail. Robber crabs, whose claws are strong enough to crack coconuts, scamper across the turf. Enjoy a drift-snorkel through the pass, where we may spot coral gardens teeming with life, into a lagoon populated by turtles and eagle rays. Visit the small scientific research station on Picard Island and photograph the mighty tortoises of this magical, isolated island that few travelers ever have the opportunity to visit. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D—BOTH DAYS)

MONDAY, JANUARY 23 ASTOVE ATOLL

We land by Zodiac on a sandy beach bordered by lush vegetation on this deserted island, part of the Aldabra Group and formerly inhabited by African slaves who escaped a Portuguese ship in 1760.

A former copra plantation, the island’s houses, drying sheds and other buildings are in various states of disrepair since being abandoned in the 1980s. Mature casuarina and Indian almond trees host the finely woven pendant nests of the local sunbird. Along the atoll’s vertical reef wall, enjoy the opportunity to snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters populated by turtles, clouds of tropical fish and colorful corals. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 SAILING THE INDIAN OCEAN

Watch from our vessel’s decks for whales, dolphins and porpoises cruising the waters as we head northward through the Indian Ocean. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 EXPEDITION STOP

Make an expedition stop at one of the many low-lying coral atolls that comprise the Seychelles’ outer islands. Snorkel or dive among pristine reefs or partake in some beachcombing along powdery white-sand shores. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 COUSIN & LA DIGUE ISLANDS

Our ship anchors at Cousin, an island nature reserve owned by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation and administered by Birdlife International. The reserve protects endangered species, notably the Seychelles fody, brush warbler, magpie robin and Seychelles blue-pigeon. The rocky hills of the nearly uninhabited island are the breeding place of thousands of fairy terns. The birds are densely clustered and unafraid, making this site like no other on Earth. We may also encounter the resident group of giant tortoises. In the afternoon we stop at La Digue, an island whose beauty surpasses the imagination. Famed biologist Sir Julian Huxley once described the Seychelles as an untouched Garden of Eden. No island could be more deserving of this description than La Digue, where huge granite boulders and swaying palms frame the picture-postcard-perfect pink-and-white-sand beaches.

Only about 2,000 people live in this paradise, where ox and cart are the traditional mode of transportation. Traveling at the leisurely pace of the locals, on foot or by bicycle, along picturesque sandy roads, we pass quaint, balconied houses and shops, a vanilla plantation, and a copra operation to reach the small Veuve Nature Reserve. Here we might catch sight of the endangered Seychelles paradise-flycatcher in its native habitat. Also watch for the yellow bittern, cave swiftlet and common waxbill. End our amazing day relaxing on one of the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful beaches, Anse La Source d’Argent. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 VICTORIA, MAHÉ ISLAND / DISEMBARK / U.S.

Disembark in the early morning and transfer to the airport for independent flights homeward, arriving back in the U.S. on the same day.

CURIEUSE ISLAND LA DIGUE ISLAND

Clipper OdysseyThe 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey is ideally suited for exploring the 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 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 viewing the passing scenery, a 70-meter jogging track on the Sun Deck, pool, gym, library/game room, boutique and clinic with a full-time physician. The ship is fitted with the latest in telecommunications, navigation and stabilization systems for smooth sailing. A fleet of motorized Zodiacs allows guests to make beach landings on small islands.

Clipper OdysseyThe 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.

DeckPlan

Program Costs*Rates per person, based on double occupancy

Category 1 A-Deck $10,980

Category 2 Main Deck $11,780

Category 3 Main Deck $12,580

Category 4 Lido Deck $13,580

Category 5 Bridge Deck $14,780

Category 6 Bridge Deck $15,980

Suite Bridge Deck $18,780

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.

CLIPPER ODYSSEY

A-DECK MAIN DECK LIDO DECK BRIDGE DECK

D A T E SJanuary 13 to 27, 2012 (15 days)

S I Z ELimited to a total of 110 participants, including travelers from Stanford and Zegrahm Expeditions

I N C L U D E D1 night of deluxe hotel accommodations 11-night cruise aboard the Clipper Odyssey 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Bottled water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and ship crew for all group

activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure

days Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

N O T I N C L U D E DInternational and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as email, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services

A I R A R R A N G E M E N T SInternational and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare from San Francisco to Victoria, Mahé, in the Seychelles is approximately $2,290 as of January 2011 and is subject to change without notice. Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent by our designated agent.

F U E L C O S T SIn the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of operation of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge.

W H A T T O E X P E C TThe tropical Seychelles Islands are warm and sunny during the month of January with occasional afternoon showers. The islands enjoy an equatorial climate; temperatures typically range from 75°F to 85°F. For most activities, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for excursions ashore; staff will be on hand to assist. Snorkeling and diving activities may begin from the Zodiacs or from beaches. There will be opportunities for drift-snorkeling and diving, exhilarating ways to experience the underwater realm. For shore excur-sions, you must be able to walk moderate distances unaided along beaches and over rough terrain. Opportunities will be available for leisurely beach and village strolls, as well as optional hikes requiring more exertion.

Deposit & Final PaymentA $1,000 deposit is required to hold space for the Ultimate Seychelles. Complete and return the enclosed reservation form or sign up online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure.

Cancellations & RefundsDeposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days before departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you.

InsuranceStanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are travel-ing on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes a special Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency and Terrorist Acts if you postmark your insurance payment within 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter.

EligibilityWe encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members’ price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/membership or call (650) 725-0692.

Scuba DivingLimited to 16 Advanced Open Water (AOW) certified scuba divers. You must complete two open water dives within the 12 months prior to the trip’s departure.

ResponsibilityThe Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrange-ments and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motor-coach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. It is understood that the ship’s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in January 2011 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability.

© COPYRIGHT 2011 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.

Information Terms & Conditions

California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50

equatorial climate; temperatures typically range from 75°F to 85°F. For most activities, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for excursions ashore; staff will be on hand to assist. Snorkeling and diving activities may begin from

excur-sions, you must be able to walk moderate distances unaided along beaches and over rough terrain. Opportunities will be available for leisurely beach and

MR. / MRS. / MS.MISS / DR. / PROF.

MR. / MRS. / MS.MISS / DR. / PROF.

NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS

NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS

ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP

HOME PHONE WORK PHONE

CELL PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

Ultimate Seychelles Januar y 13 to 27, 2012

Stanford Faculty LeaderJ O E L S I M O N , ’ 74 , B S ’ 7 5 , M S ’ 7 7 – 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.

NaturalistJ A C K G R O V E – A marine biologist and professional naturalist, Jack has spent much of the past two decades traveling on and lecturing about the world’s oceans. Cofounder of Zegrahm Expeditions and research associate in the Section of Fishes at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Jack is a leading authority on the fishes and marine environments of the eastern tropical Pacific. For seven years he lived in the Galápagos, where he carried out extensive marine biological studies; and in 1997 Stanford University Press published his comprehensive volume, The Fishes of the Galápagos Islands. A true adventurer and Fellow of The Explorers Club, Jack has led numerous expeditions to the remote corners of the world. He is an avid scuba diver, certified dive master and dedicated conservationist.

“The Seychelles are jewels, and Stanford brought them to us in a way we never could have ourselves.” C H A R L E S G AY L O R D U LT I M AT E S E Y C H E L L E S E X P E D I T I O N , 2 0 0 8

Reservation FormSIGN UPONLINE!

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them. Signature: ________________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________ I am/will be an AOW certified scuba diver and I intend to dive on this program.Signature: ____________________________ I am/will be an AOW certified 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 __________________________OR I’d like to know about possible roommates.

CATEGORY PREFERENCE: 1st choice: ____________________________ Twin Beds Queen Bed

2nd choice: ____________________________ Twin Beds Queen Bed Here is my deposit of $_______ ($1,000 per person) for ____ space(s) on Ultimate Seychelles.

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

CARD # EXPIRES

AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE

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

7278

“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 E G Z W E I B A C K A N D Z A C H WA S S E R M A N ’ 7 2 , U LT I M AT E S E Y C H E L L E S E X P E D I T I O N , 2 0 0 8

Stanford Travel/StudyFrances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center326 Galvez StreetStanford, CA 94305-6105(650) 725-1093

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

P A I DStanford Alumni

Association

alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy

Ultimate Seychelles A T R O P I C A L P A R A D I S E

Januar y 13 to 27, 2012

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y