Ecoventura Announces 2012 Galapagos Itineraries

 Adhering to New Touring Regulations Stipulated by Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve

Fall 2011 and 2012 Early Bird Booking Promotions

 Include Discounted 14-Day Combination Nature Cruise and Live-Aboard Dive Itinerary

MIAMI, April 3, 2011 ˆ Ecoventura‚s environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos will be undertaking two itineraries instead of just one as of early next year. Effective Jan. 29, 2012, this visionary small-ship travel company (http://www.ecoventura.com/) will offer two completely different, alternating week itineraries of seven nights each in accordance with Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve regulations to help reduce usage on heavily visited sites.

Previously, Ecoventura itineraries followed weekly departures utilizing its fleet of identical 20-passenger expedition yachts, the M/Y Eric, Flamingo & Letty, which have been retrofitted to create the most sustainable presence possible on the water.

„This new arrangement of two distinct 2012 itineraries, with Week A cruising the Southern/Central route and Week B exploring the Western/Northern route, will assist conservation efforts. We do anticipate that many clients will ask for both itineraries for an extended 14-day program that features virtually no duplication in sites visited,‰ said Doris Welsh, Ecoventura‚s Director of Sales & Marketing.

Welsh went on to explain that passengers on Week A will visit Espanola, Floreana, Isabela, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Bartolome and northern San Cristobal.  Passengers on Week B will visit Tower, Bachas, North Seymour, Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago, Rabida, Santa Fe and Santa Cruz.

Passengers booking two consecutive weeks on the Eric, Flamingo or Letty receive a 5% discount applicable on any week (excluding holiday weeks). If the week is on another promotion, the greater of the two discounts will be applied. The 2012 7-night cruise rate starts at $3,550 per person, double occupancy.

Scuba diving enthusiasts who combine a week of live-aboard diving on Ecoventura‚s M/V Galapagos Sky with a week of land tours on Eric, Flamingo and Letty receive a 10% discount when the two weeks are booked consecutively on select departures in January and February 2012.  The 2012 7-night dive cruise rate on M/V Galapagos Sky starts at $4,795 per person, double occupancy including free NITROX and offers 16-18 dives and 2 land excursions per week.

Now through Jan. 22, 2012, will be the last time visitors to Galapagos can still experience both the Northern and Southern circuit Island highlights together in a 7-night itinerary under the existing comprehensive itinerary. During that time, Ecoventura is offering an Early Bird booking promotion that secures a sliding scale of discounts from 5% to 15% between Aug. 28 2011 and Jan. 22 2012.  Guests who confirm 180 days or more prior receive 15% discount, those who book 179-90 days receive 10% discount and those who book 89-days to departure receive 5% on selected departures only, subject to change at any time. See:

http://www.ecoventura.com/expeditionyachts/specialoffers.aspx.

About Ecoventura: Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard its fleet of three expedition vessels; Eric, Flamingo and Letty, identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts. The company also operates theM/V Galapagos Sky, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin.

To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura‚s 2011-2012 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail [Back to Press Releases Main]