Did you know that the Galápagos Islands have more endemic species of plants and animals than any other location in the world?

Bud and Bev Cole learned this fact first hand when they traveled to the Galápagos Islands in 2009. Bud referred to the Galápagos as a “bucket list trip,” because it was a place the couple had always wanted to visit.

Normally, Bud and Bev only travel to a destination once since there are so many places in the world they want to see. But something about the Galápagos was different; just one visit wasn’t enough. This July, experience the Galápagos for yourself and join the Coles as they lead a trip back to these incredible islands.

Bud describes the Galápagos as “a place everyone needs to be able to see and explore at least once in their life... The experience was so great; we just can't stop talking about it,” he said.

Bud is looking forward to all the new discoveries in store for the group when they arrive.  The Coles are passionate about birding and are excited to add new birds to their Audubon Life List Journal. He hopes to see albatrosses and Galápagos Penguins along with more Blue-footed Boobies and Frigate birds.

One of his favorite memories of the 2009 trip was when the ship stopped by Kicker Rock, a stone formation made of two vertical rocks rising 500 feet in the middle of the sea. To add to the breathtaking scenery, the group spotted a few whales swimming through the water.

As the trip leader, and a retired teacher, he aims to instill knowledge in the participants. For Bud, the trip feels like an extension of his teaching career since he is able to continue educating others.

Both Bud and Bev are graduates of the Safari Club International’s American Wilderness Leadership School, located near Jackson, Wyoming. The couple turned their love of nature and appreciation for the outdoors into second careers as co-owners and directors of the Three B’s Mobile Nature Center and as adjunct professors of adult and youth outdoor education at Northampton Community College. They have been leading educational adventures for more than 25 years.

There is plenty of opportunity for learning and exploring on this trip to the Galápagos. Professional guides accompany you throughout your time on the ship, on the islands and in the towns. Bud refers to these guides as traveling “encyclopedias of all the experiences you are seeing.” The guides are all native islanders with degrees in the island’s history, geography, ecology and more.

“It will be an experience that [you’ll] never forget. Many of the birds and the reptiles on this trip you will never be able to see anywhere else,” Bud said.  “If you have an adventurous personality, I don't think you can go to a more interesting destination.”

To check out the itinerary for this trip and sign up to embark on this once in a lifetime voyage, please visit http://holbrooktravel.com/dated-departure/budcole or call Sandy Schmidt at 800-451-7111.