Darwin’s Expedition with EcoVentura

8 days/ 7 nights with Ecoventura, the Galapagos Network

About the Trip

A visit to the Galapagos Islands, birthplace of Darwin’s theory of evolution, is truly an adventure opportunity of a lifetime. Known for stunning beauty, and plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth, the Galapagos Islands offer a unique natural history experience. It’s all yours with this wonderful 8 day cruise.

Includes:

• 7 nights cruise aboard first class expedition vessel
• Certain costs such as international airfare to Ecuador, airfare to Galapagos, hotel accommodations before and after the cruise, gratuities to guides and crew, governmental fees and park taxes are not included.

About Ecoventura

Ecoventura operates a fleet of (3) first class, 20-passenger motor yachts, Eric, Flamingo & Letty. Your cruise includes your cabin accommodation, all meals and snacks, mineral water and beverages, guided shore excursions and briefings, transfers from dock to ship in the islands, use of snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks and wet suits.

A visit to the Galapagos Islands, a quintessential natural history destination, refreshes your sense of awe. Each year, Ecoventura carries thousands of nature enthusiasts to this extraordinary archipelago scattered across the western-equatorial Pacific Ocean where species of plants, birds, reptiles, and marine organisms thrive; many of them live nowhere else on Earth.

As Ecoventura enters its second decade of operation, we reflect back to 1990 when boat builders outfitted our first two 20-passenger vessels, Eric and Flamingo. In 1994 we also launched our third sister yacht, Letty. In 2001 we launched the M/Y Sky Dancer, our custom-designed dive live-aboard.

We hold a solid reputation for delivering personalized service, value, and a high level of satisfaction.

Certification:

In 2000, Ecoventura was one of the first companies to be certified by Smart Voyager, designed to measure the environmental and social impacts of passenger boats in the Galapagos.

Tourism traffic in the Galapagos has grown from 46,000 in 1994 to over 100,000 in 2004. More traffic usually means more pollution and erosion, more illegal fishing and the introduction of alien species. But SmartVoyager-certified boats like those of Ecoventura demonstrate how to vastly reduce environmental impact while contributing to sustainable economic development of tourist destinations. The boats use only TBT- and lead-free paints and biodegradable soaps, recycle and treat their wastes, run on fuel-efficient engines, employ refueling safeguards, and manage supplies to guard against alien species.The crew members are provided with advanced training, better living quarters and health care. Ecoventura is a leader in a growing movement to make ecotourism accountable to strict standards and inspection regimes.

Green Practices

• A waste disposal management system was implemented on every vessel including garbage recycling bins on each deck to separate organic, paper, glass and plastic waste. Signs are posted in all cabins to remind guests to conserve, reuse and recycle.

• Desalination units (water makers) and water purification systems have been installed on all vessels to provide abundant fresh water. We ask passengers to refill their plastic-bottled water that we provide in each cabin. In order to conserve energy, only the towels that are placed on the floor of the cabin are replaced. Bio-degradable soaps and shampoos are provided in passenger cabins.

• All outboard motors on the digny’s or pangas were changed from two stroke to four stroke engines. Four stroke engines are more ecological because they are 70% quieter than two-stroke engines, emit virtually no fumes and use 50% less fuel consumption. This is good news for both passengers and the wildlife.

• The paint used on the hull of our boats is TBT- free and the paint on the superstructure of the boats is lead-free. The exterior walkways on the boats are free of varnish and have been replaced with natural teak wood. Please note: the Corinthian and Eric now apply with this requirement. The Flamingo and Letty will comply following their dry dock maintenance set for April and May, 2001.

• Exterior lights have been replaced with yellow lights that do not attract insects. The cooling elements used in the refrigeration and air conditioning systems on board are gas free to prevent gases that could escape and add to the green-house effect.

• The living quarters of the crew members were significantly improved. Each employee receives life and health insurance including prescription medicine for themselves and up to five family members at no cost to the employee.

• Our new brochures and marketing materials were printed on premium environmentally-friendly, recycled, wood-free paper.

• In 2000, Ecoventura was one of the first companies to receive the green seal of approval that was developed by the Rainforest Alliance together with Corporacion y Desarollo from Ecuador.

Recent Awards

• Santiago Dunn, President of Ecoventura, was presented with its prestigious Individual Sustainable Standard-Setter for making a significant contribution to environmental conservation and sustainability. Presented by The Rainforest Alliance during their 15th Annual Gala on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

• This unique evening recognized the accomplishments of leaders in the fields of sustainable agriculture, forestry and tourism while bringing together environmentalists, progressive companies, celebrities and leaders in the business and diplomatic communities.

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