Ecoventura Empowers Island Youth to Assume Environmental Stewardship

Galapagos Small-Ship Cruise Operator, Ecoventura, Empowers Island Youth to Assume Environmental Stewardship MIAMI, FL, December 5, 2012 – Ecoventura (http://www.ecoventura.com) that operates an environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition yachts in the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, announces two programs empowering Galapagos’ youth to become future environmental stewards of their islands. Through Ecology Project International, Ecoventura launched a new career shadowing program that allowed four students living in Galapagos to experience a week-long cruise on the MY Letty while observing and working alongside Ecoventura naturalist guides who served as mentors. Ecoventura also sponsored 12 local students who experienced 50 hours of hands-on field study in July 2012. “The impact these programs will have on the educational and professional skill development for these 16 local high school students this year is significant when considering the total population of the islands is just 24,000 residents. The goal is to motivate the students to assume leadership roles in dealing with the islands’ natural, social and economic resources,” said Doris Welsh, Ecoventura’s spokesperson. Nowhere is the impact of international tourism more of a conundrum than in the Galapagos Islands that harbor exotic wildlife species and flora and fauna in a remarkable ecosystem that in 2011 drew 185,028 international visitors (121,328 foreign and 63,700 Ecuadorians). With plans to expand the Baltra Airport, this number is projected to double in a few years. The conundrum is how to protect the goose that laid the golden egg. These high school student-focused programs are expected to begin to positively impact other issues on the islands, including a growing population of teenagers easily lured into lucrative and often illegal fishing activities. Bans against long-line fishing, shark finning and harvesting of sea cucumbers have created a powerful commercial fishing mafia that turns violent whenever restrictions are imposed. “The hope is that educational initiatives can diminish illegal pursuits by developing the ability of local people to fill technical and professional jobs,” said Welsh. “Empowering a population with new work skills through enhanced educational opportunities is the bottom line and a path to true sustainability in Galapagos tourism.” The career shadowing program is a combined initiative with Ecoventura and The Ecology Project International (EPI) a non-profit organization whose main goal is to inspire conservation in young people through education and field science programs. Through career shadowing, the selected students will get the chance to learn first-hand what a professional naturalist guide does on a typical work week. By observing the nature of the work and being able to ask questions of the mentors, students can acquire insight into a career field and determine the suitability of that profession. Furthermore, local residents rarely get the opportunity to visit many of the non-populated visitor sites in the archipelago. This program provides a valuable link to motivate and encourage local students to pursue a career in science, conservation/ecology, tourism or as a professional naturalist guide. Welsh said students’ experiences are influencing them to make new career choices. “This experience has greatly influenced my life. I have now decided to become a responsible and successful Naturalist guide. My goal is to finish my studies with the courses required for guiding and be able to work here in the Galapagos Islands. The most positive aspect is having the opportunity to show the natural environment of the place where you live,” said one student, Belen Cordova. Said student Walter Pisco, “This experience made a large impact on my outlook for the future. I would like to explore the possibility of studying to become a boat Captain and to study environmental sciences.” In July, Ecoventura sponsored twelve students in an ecology course conducted by EPI. A $400 donation makes the course possible for one student. Ecoventura encourages passengers who may also want to help to make donations at: www.ecologyproject.org/donate. The goal is to develop critical-thinking skills and a conservation ethic along with knowledge of the problems that threaten the sustainability of the islands. The field-based academic course focuses on experiential learning in three main areas: science, conservation and intercultural exchange. Course work includes Galapagos wildlife ecology, tortoise biology, island biogeography, Galapagos conservation, art and journaling. Thanks to this new study program, for the first time, Galapagos youth have participated in the park’s tortoise rearing program, connecting them to the namesake and heritage of their home. 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 the M/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 2013 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/. # # # For photos and/or more information on how Ecoventura is making a difference in the Galapagos Islands please contact: Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.com Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / dave@travelnewssource.com Website and Portfolio of Past Releases: http://www.travelnewssource.com/ Follow Widness & Wiggins PR on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BoulderDave Ecoventura Contact: Doris Welsh Email: doris@galapagosnetwork.com Website: www.ecoventura.com/ Phone: 800.633.7972

Romaning, Mating and Marrying with Ecoventura on a cruise in the Galapagos Islands

Romancing, Mating and Marrying with Ecoventura On 7-Night Cruise Itineraries Through Galapagos National Park MIAMI, Jan. 25, 2012 – Ecoventura’s (http://www.ecoventura.com) environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos always wraps hospitality around its cruising guests and will host vows ceremonies for couples who have obtained legal paperwork in advance in Quito or Guayaquil. The process is simpler with no red tape required for those just wishing to renew their vows or hold a mock wedding after legally getting hitched at home. Honeymoons are also an Ecoventura specialty. The ceremonies, advised Doris Welsh, Ecoventura spokesperson, are held on the sundeck at sunset with the captain officiating and guides assisting. The crew can arrange for a wedding cake and champagne to be shared with passengers who also enjoy decorations, dancing and music. Appropriate to a mating ceremony in the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve is that old cowboy classic: “Do not forsake me, oh my darlin’, on this our wedding day.” While mating for life may be any couple’s intent, it doesn’t always happen with humans or with the islands’ native inhabitants. Anyone who’s been left jilted can sympathize with the male Flightless Cormorant left to tend young in the nest created of seaweed and detritus he presented to his female before she flew off to find another suitor. And sometimes birds may be smarter than humans because the Galapagos Penguin that mate for life only breed when there is plenty of food and then producing just one chick at a time. There’s good reason Waved Albatross stick it out until a mate dies. Who wants to go through this courtship ritual again? Dancing and fencing with each other with their beaks, partners bend, face each other and rapidly slap their beaks back and forth. In another step, each faces the other in an upright posture, sometimes poising with beak wide open. Their beaks are then shut with a loud clap. Sometimes the birds will clatter their beaks rapidly. The dance also involves bowing, and parading around one another with the head swaying side to side in an exaggerated sway, accompanied by a nasal "anh-a-annhh" sound. The dance is longer and more involved when a new pair of Albatross meet, or in pairs that have failed to breed in the previous season. Blue-footed Boobies also have a very elaborate mating ritual. The male raises one blue foot in the air, then the other, as he struts in front of the female. His movements make him appear to be dancing as he stamps his blue feet up and down on the ground. Both the male and the female stretch their necks and point their bills to the sky. The male spreads his wings and whistles. The female may tuck her head under her wing. If guests see a splash of red, it may well be a male Frigate Bird blowing up his bright red throat pouch and squawking loudly as females pass over head. When a female chooses her desired red throat, the male responds by spreading his huge wings around the female to protect her from his competition. Ecoventura’s three 20-passenger sister yachts, MY Eric, Flamingo and Letty are charged with helping protect and preserve the fragile eco system of the islands while engaging guests in the wildlife habits and splendors of the Galapagos archipelago. Cruises depart weekly throughout the year and rates start at $3,550 per person double occupancy per week. Shorter options are sometimes available on seasonal departure dates only for a 5 or 6 night cruise. 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 the M/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 2012 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/. # # # For photos and/or more information on how Ecoventura is making a difference in the Galapagos Islands please contact: Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.com Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / dave@travelnewssource.com Website and Portfolio of Past Releases: http://www.travelnewssource.com/ Follow Widness & Wiggins PR on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BoulderDave Ecoventura Contact: Doris Welsh Email: doris@galapagosnetwork.com Website: www.ecoventura.com/ Phone: 800.633.7972

Ecoventura reports booming business for Family Travel

Brad and Angelina Travel with Their Brood to Galapagos Resulting in Booming Business for Family Travel, Reports Ecoventura That Hosts on Three Eco-Friendly Yachts MIAMI, FL, May 22, 2012 – Ecoventura’s (http://www.ecoventura.com) environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reports that its family business is booming, in part because Brad Pit and Angelina Jolie brought their brood here recently and also because the company has a 15-year track record of embracing children on all of its year-round departures and offers some families-only pre-set departures. “Our surveys show that parents want to give their children authentic experiences over hedonistic escapes,” said Ecoventura spokeswoman Doris Welsh. “We help them do this by providing accommodations on 20-passenger, environmentally certified motor yachts and then adding to the mix eco-sensitive programs led by top naturalist guides.” (NOTE: please see quotes from family travelers at the end of this release.) Welsh said that in particular its family departures for teenagers, which begun in 2003, have withstood the recession. “It seems families with teenagers realized they do not have the option to put off traveling with their teens for a year or more until the economy recovers, because then the kids will be either in college or stuck in a job, essentially off on their own,” she said. It also helps that at least one of its yachts (Eric, Flamingo or Letty) is designated exclusively for families on every school break. After 15 years the family business accounts for close to 30 percent of the company’s overall bookings. On family teen departures guides (one guide per 10 passengers) offer longer, more challenging guided walks on the trails and take advantage of every opportunity to snorkel from the beach and also in deeper water. “We are the only boat owner/operator in Galapagos to offer designated departure dates exclusively for families traveling with teens and give a discount of 15 percent for children age 12 to 17. Several companies in Galapagos do offer family departures; however these are often geared more toward younger children and they offer limited departure dates of three to four weeks the entire year and offer discounts to children only up to age 11,” Welsh noted. From now through winter 2012, Welsh reports that family teen departures are still available. Seven-night/eight-day cruise rates start at $3,550 per person double occupancy with 15 percent discount for children age 12-17 and a 25 percent discount for ages 5 to 11. http://www.ecoventura.com/expeditionyachts/additionalservices/family_departures.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 the M/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 2012 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/. # # # For photos and/or more information on how Ecoventura is making a difference in the Galapagos Islands please contact: Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.com Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / dave@travelnewssource.com Website and Portfolio of Past Releases: http://www.travelnewssource.com/ Follow Widness & Wiggins PR on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BoulderDave Ecoventura Contact: Doris Welsh Email: doris@galapagosnetwork.com Website: www.ecoventura.com/ Phone: 800.633.7972 Addendum: Quotes from families who have traveled recently with Ecoventura Guest Julia Simpson: “The naturalists, Alexis and Pepe, were amazing. The Flamingo had a wide range of passengers, from a 7 1/2 year old to a 65 year old, and yet they were able to explain things in a way that was interesting for everyone. Their knowledge and interaction was fun and kept the group interested. They were kind to everyone and made sure that each passenger had an amazing experience.” Guest Patricia Perkins: “The trip was FABULOUS and far exceeded our expectations at every level! The Letty was so comfortable and inviting that we didn't want to return to land. We were really pleased and impressed with how you managed to get us on a boat where every family was traveling with teens. Our sixteen year old LOVED having so many other kids her age on board. They played cards to the wee hours while Jorge provided them with drinks and snacks.” Guest Robin Mayes: “They were able to explain everything from biology and geology to human history and conservation efforts. My whole family has never had so much fun while learning so much. We are all absolutely recommending Ecoventura to our friends!” Guest Arnold Miller: “Ivan and Jaime were sensational. They really are Galapagos naturalists rather than guides. Their knowledge of the islands and its fauna and flora was outstanding. Their patience and ability to get along with everyone was remarkable. They gave you the feeling that they were seeing things for the very first time—even though they obviously had led many trips. Ivan particularly had a personality and sense of humor that is rare and refreshing. This aspect alone was worth the price of admission!”

Benefits of a Cruise vs Land-based trip to Galapagos

In Galapagos Today’s Split Between Cruise vs. Land-Based Visitors Reflects New, Demanding Environmental Regulations MIAMI, FL, June 5, 2012 – The most frequently asked question on Trip Advisor about vacationing in the Galapagos is, “Should I take a cruise or do a land-based tour?” According to recent visitor statistics released by the Galapagos National Park, during the first quarter of 2012, 42 percent of the 31,780 foreign visitors to the Galapagos chose hotel based, port-to-port or island-hopping tours; the other 54 percent selected a live-aboard cruise, reports Doris Welsh, spokesperson for Ecoventura’s (http://www.ecoventura.com) environmentally friendly fleet of 20-passenger yachts. This playing field reflects two scenarios: an increase in island-based accommodations over the last few years, the main cause for most of the recent growth of tourism to the islands, plus new governmental controls on where, when and how tour boats can operate in the region. “Ecuador’s concern over this collection of islands that is a world treasure has pointed the cruise business in this region in new and far better directions,” says Welsh whose company since 1991 has guided visitors through the fragile eco system of the Galapagos that is a national park as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Welsh notes that Ecoventura’s three expedition yachts are among the 80-plus live-aboard yachts and cruise ships that continue to receive licenses to sail in these waters with passengers who number from 16 to 100 per journey, depending on the vessel’s capacity. While cruising may not be for everyone, those who do enjoy being on the water reap a more bountiful harvest of experiences, Welsh believes. For starters, the most spectacular islands of Espanola (Hood), Genovesa (Tower) and Fernandina aren’t available to land-based guests. According to most guide books, these are the “must see” islands in the entire archipelago, with the highest level of endemism and the largest colonies of sea birds with the most diverse species; including waved albatross, red-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants. Other benefits of cruising that she outlines include being able to avoid populated towns, time-consuming small plane or ferry transport between islands and packing and unpacking at different hotels during a multiple lodge, island hopping itinerary. On a land based tour one often experiences more of the human population than wildlife. She notes that it is a generally accepted fact that the best guides in the region are those employed by live-aboard yachts. All are naturalist-certified by law. In the case of Ecoventura, cruise-related activities such as shore excursions, snorkeling and kayaking are always escorted and included in the cost of the cruise, as is all the equipment needed. Ecoventura maintains a maximum of 10 guests per 1 guide on all shore walks, one of the most generous guide-to-guest ratios of any land or sea-based tour. “And our food is superior to that available in most land-based kitchens here,” Welsh says. “The Ecoventura chefs attend regular training classes and low fat, nutritious, healthy and flavorful recipes and menu items are constantly being added. We take special care to prepare meals for vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies. Providing gluten-free and/or low sodium choices are getting easier every day.” 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 the M/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 2012/2013 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/. # # # For photos and/or more information on how Ecoventura is making a difference in the Galapagos Islands please contact: Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.com Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / dave@travelnewssource.com Website and Portfolio of Past Releases: http://www.travelnewssource.com/ Follow Widness & Wiggins PR on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BoulderDave Ecoventura Contact: Doris Welsh Email: doris@galapagosnetwork.com Website: www.ecoventura.com/ Phone: 800.633.7972