Galapagos Eco Tour

ANOUSH DADGAR – INSTRUCTOR

Even as he prepares to embark on his seventh trip to the Galápagos Islands, tour leader Anoush Dadgar’s excitement is palpable as he describes what makes the Islands such a remarkable place to visit and one of the natural wonders of the world. Among many breath-taking sights, seeing a school of dolphins at night – visible only in silhouette due to the florescent dinoflagellates clinging onto their skin – stands out in his memory.

“I have traveled the globe and I rarely return to the same location more than once – except for the Galápagos Islands,” he says. “I remember when I visited the islands and the last remaining tortoise subspecies of Pinta Island – ‘Lonesome George’ – was the rarest living creature in the world. Seeing participants take pictures and marvel at his presence was memorable, especially since it was a symbol of the conservation efforts on the islands.”

The Galápagos is an ideal destination for the biologist, who spearheaded educational travel tours in Continuing Studies 18 years ago.

“After running my first field study, I became convinced that it was the best place for students to learn,” he says. “The ability to touch, smell, see, and hear nature while being educated about it is irreplaceable.”

While the Galápagos are known for their remarkable geology and exotic animal life – from blue-footed boobies to gigantic tortoises – students don’t need a scientific background to enjoy or benefit from the trip. Anoush believes that visiting spectacular locations and seeing amazing animals up close are only part of what makes the trips worthwhile. The opportunity to gain knowledge from experienced tour leaders and the bonds that form when travelling in a small group also makes these excursions ‘trips of a lifetime’. “I see a change in the participants after the trip,” he says. “They have a different insight into life on our planet and a greater appreciation of its diversity.”

For Anoush, the appeal of leading another Galápagos Eco Tour in May 2018 is driven by both the opportunity to once again experience the amazing environment and the chance to share his considerable knowledge with a new group of participants. “My passions are teaching and travel,” says Anoush. “I consider myself very lucky to be doing both as a job.”

Anoush Dadgar teaches biology at Langara. The next Galapagos Eco Tour will run May 1-11, 2018 with registration closing in January 2018.