Led by Dave Van Wylen ’80, Professor Emeritus of Biology, St. Olaf, and Principal, Office of Possibilities, Hope College, and Pat Van Wylen ’80, P ’10, ’11, ’16, Retired Visiting Scholar Coordinator, St. Olaf
Plunge into the Amazon, the world’s most biodiverse rainforest, and the Galapagos, a unique environment where you can encounter a variety of animals in their natural habitats, unfazed by your presence. See the Overview to the right for more information on what we’ll see, do, and learn.
There’s a pulse to the Amazon, an undercurrent. Inky waters backed by layers of green forest. Wild bird calls fill the air. A leafy branch shakes to reveal a troop of clamoring monkeys. The river water levels can rise by feet overnight, creating new networks of tributaries in what used to be only forest. With nimble, custom-made skiffs we’ll explore this flooded forest, venturing into new places. With the exquisite Delfin II as our base camp, we’ll experience the pristine upper reaches of the legendary Amazon in style.
If you choose the pre-tour option in Galapagos, you can experience the best of these islands in one action-filled week aboard the new National Geographic Islander ll. Witness the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution by natural selection, snorkel pristine waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands. As with Lindblad Expeditions’ classic, 10-day expedition, honed over more than 50 years, this 7-day voyage is crafted to offer a diverse perspective of the archipelago with multiple adventures daily on land and undersea.
See all the details below and use the REGISTER NOW button to join us for Galápagos. Or add your name to the waitlist for Amazon.
Dave and Pat Van Wylen are veteran group travel leaders, having led both student and adult study travel programs. Their first venture with adults was in 2015 when they led a sustainability-themed activity-based (mostly biking) program in the Netherlands. More recently, they led programs in Spain in 2023, Patagonia in 2022 and in New Zealand in 2017 and 2019. With students, they have led semester abroad programs in Asia (1998), the Middle East (2008), and Australia (2013). Dave has also taught three January interims in Peru (Peruvian Medical Experience), six interims of Cardiac Surgery and Research at Emory University in Atlanta, plus a summer Tanzania Global Health experience. Pat assisted on most of these interims as well as on an interim Health Care and Culture course in Hawaii/Micronesia.
Dave (Biology) and Pat (International and Off-Campus Studies) worked for 21 years at St. Olaf before moving to Holland, Michigan, where Dave initially served as the Dean for Natural and Applied Sciences at Hope College and now directs Hope’s Office of Possibilities. Pat coordinated Hope College adult travel programs and now runs her own business, A Little Assist, working with seniors.
Dave and Pat graduated from St. Olaf College. Dave later received his Ph.D. in physiology from the University of Michigan (Go Blue) and Pat completed master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia in health administration and exercise physiology. They are delighted to lead another learning and activity-rich St. Olaf adult study travel program.
Below are links to day-to-day itineraries. For full details on each tour, see below.
Get ready for a truly unparalleled adventure! The Amazon never stops moving and it will awaken your senses. If you choose the pre-tour option in Galápagos you’ll encounter animals in a way you never have before — in the wild but unafraid.
Click on these links for full details on each tour, including the itinerary, information about the ship, cabin categories and fees, and inclusions, exclusions, and cancellation policy.
Use the REGISTER NOW button above to join us in the Galápagos, and send us an email to join the waitlist for Amazon.
Amazon Travelers – Make A Payment
Galapagos Travelers – Make a Payment
Pay close attention to the Go Message.
Read the Terms & Conditions – Amazon and Release & Waiver – Amazon, and Terms & Conditions – Galápagos and Release & Waiver – Galápagos.
Review the latest information on recommended immunizations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Look at the International Travel section of the U.S. State Department, including Before You Go, Country Information, While Abroad, and Emergencies.
Check your passport: ensure that it has at least 6 months’ validity past the tour return date and at least one blank visa page. It is not necessary to secure a visa prior to departure for either Ecuador or Peru.
Take time to Prepare for your adventure by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, a safety overview, and more.
Book your Flights. See the Go Message above and our Booking Your Flights page for tips and suggestions.
General
Traveling with Lindblad-National Geographic
Photography and Binoculars
Staying Connected
galÁpagos
Arrival and Departure Guidelines from Lindblad
But see also St. Olaf’s Go Message
Expedition and Packing Guide
Ship Guide National Geographic Islander II
Wellness Aboard the Fleet
amazon
Arrival and Departure Guidelines from Lindblad
But see also St. Olaf’s Go Message
Expedition and Packing Guide
Ship Guide, Delfin II
Our ship in the Amazon is now full. Send us an email to add your name to the waitlist at no obligation.
Or use the button above to register for Galápagos.
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