Expertise and Specialisation

Ecoventura’s fleet of identical expedition vessels – Eric, Flamingo & Letty – are superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts; each features ten double cabins with polished teak interiors.

Extremely comfortable and spacious and the Captain and crews strive for the highest levels of service and cuisine that appeal to the English-speaking adventure traveller.

Departures are every Sunday and offer a comprehensive 7-night itinerary including the outer, most spectacular islands. In small groups of ten guests per guide, passengers can enjoy an intimate visit on shore while treading lightly on the environment while involved in activities including nature walks, snorkeling, kayaking, photography, birdwatching and scuba diving.

Licences and Associations

Classifications: ABS, SOLAS, ISM

AFFILIATIONS

World Wildlife Fund - Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund

The Rainforest Alliance - Smartvoyager

Native Energey Travel Offsets – Carbon Neurtal

MEMBERSHIPS

The International Ecotourism Society

International Galapagos Tour Operators Association

South America Travel Association

Latin American Travel Association

Responsible Travel

Ecoventura’s goal is to safeguard the environment by offering environmentally friendly cruises that minimize the environmental impact of its operations. Through various strategies Ecoventura addresses critical issues, reversing ecological damage and is conserving Galapagos for the future. Its efforts, along with those of many other Galapagos supporters, will help ensure that this global treasure remains prosperous and thriving with life.

All Ecoventura yachts were certified in 2000 as SmartVoyager, and comply with the environmental regulations developed by the Rainforest Alliance and Corporacion y Desarollo from Ecuador.

Ecoventura became the first Carbon Neutral operation in the Galapagos Islands in 2006 when we offset our carbon emissions from the company’s four yachts, offices and operations including business travel.

Ecoventura partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to create a new fund in support of Galapagos National Park programs. The Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund or GMBF targets environmental education and marine conservation by strengthening the local communities ability to manage natural resources.

Guided nature walks

Season: Year round

Follow marked trails along lava flows or on beaches with our naturalist guide.

Snorkelling

Season: Year round

Gear up and snorkel with penguins and sea lions.

Scuba

Season: Year round

Optional dive package available for minimum of 2 divers offering 4 dives during the week.

Family

Season: Apr, Jul, Aug, Dec

Dedicated family departures available during school breaks.

Kayak

Season: Year round

Two clear bottom kayaks available.

Photography

Special photography trip new for 2008.

Food and Beverages

All meals and snacks are included as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Start each day with a casual breakfast buffet including fresh, exotic fruit juices, eggs cooked to order, toast, café con leche, and a wide array of cereals. At lunch, enjoy a buffet of crisp salads, pastas, assorted vegetables, roasted potatoes, fresh produce, meats, seafood and fish all creatively prepared. Unwind quickly in the evening with creamy soups, ceviche, choice of two entrees, unique deserts, and other delicacies both Ecuadorian and international.

Accommodation

Ecoventura’s fleet of identical expedition vessels – Eric, Flamingo & Letty – are superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts. Built in 1991 and refurbished every year, they are extremely comfortable and spacious and the crew strive for the highest levels of service and cuisine that appeal to the English-speaking adventure traveller.

Accommodations include ten cabins located on three decks, each with a large private bathroom and a fresh, hot-and-cold-water shower. Either two twin lower beds or one double bed, a roomy closet, drawers, overhead storage, separate climate controls, intercom system, bottled water, hair dryer, toiletries, and fresh towels grace the inside of each cabin.

Transport

We custom-designed each of these identical yachts exclusively for Galapagos excursions. Eighty-three-feet long with 24-foot beams, the yachts offer spacious accommodations for small groups. Twenty passengers and two guides per yacht ensure that each guest enjoys a personalized voyage.

The interior is designed in polished teak wood and feature fully air conditioned cabins, public spaces, dining room, well-stocked bar, conference area with television, VCR, stereo cassette/CD equipment, and book and video library. Picture windows surround the upper two decks and offer spectacular panoramic views of the sea and landscape. Enjoy ocean breezes on sun-deck lounge chairs and at observation points. Snorkeling equipment, wet suits, sea kayaks, and beach towels are provided at no additional charge.

Local Guides

Overview of any local guides employed by you. Detail experience, expertise, training, reliability, first aid qualifications etc.

Age Restrictions

Our designated family departures are geared towards families who prefer to travel with other families.

Designated departures are offered over school breaks and feature age-appropriate activities depending on the ages and number of children on board– from supervised water games and instruction in snorkeling and sea kayaking to briefings geared toward the younger set and kid-friendly meals.

Child discounts: Children age 11 years and younger at the time of sailing are entitled to a 25% discount off the cruise rate. Children 11 years and younger are entitled to 50% discount off the airfare and park tax with photocopy of the child’s passport showing date of birth. Children ages 12-14 years are entitled to a 15% discount off the cruise rate only. Child discounts are applied to cabins on the iguana deck unless not otherwise available. No child discounts are permitted on holiday departures (H) over the Christmas, New Year and Easter holidays.

Age restrictions: Children under 12 years of age are only accepted on designated family departures. Children age 5 and 6 are permitted only if parents sign a waiver.

Children under the age of 5 are only permitted on exclusive charter basis.

What to Bring

Dress is casual and comfortable, and informality is basic to all activities. We recommend you pack in a soft-side suitcase and securely lock your checked bag for your security.

Clothing: long pants that are lightweight, shorts, short sleeve shirts, T-shirts Windbreaker or sweatshirt (July to Nov only)

Shoes: walking shoes or light hiking boots, rubber soled shoes or boat shoes, Sport sandals with a Velcro strap (Tevas)

Other: wide brimmed hat, bandana, bathing suits (2), sunscreen, sunglasses, small backpack, plastic water bottle, camera, film/ batteries,

waterproof bag, small binoculars, underwater camera

Beach towels and hair dryers are provided and therefore it is not necessary that you bring these items.