Ecoventura suggests Pre and Post Land Extensions in Ecuador and Peru

Galapagos Small-Ship Cruise Operator, Ecoventura, Suggests Pre and Post Luxury Land Extensions MIAMI, FL, Feb. 14, 2013 – Ecoventura (http://www.ecoventura.com), that operates an environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition yachts in the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suggests pre and post luxury land extensions that can be combined with a seven-night Galapagos cruise throughout the year. See: http://www.ecoventura.com/expeditionyachts/ourmostpopulartripcombinations.as Land extensions in tandem with a cruise include the coastal city of Guayaquil, nine nights from $4,440 per person double; the Andean capital of Quito with Otavalo and Cotopaxi, 12 nights from $5,530 per person double; Sacha Rainforest Lodge, 14 nights from $6,030 per person double; and Cuzco and Machu Picchu in Peru, 14 nights from $6,277 per person double. Prices include both the cruise and the extension. Guayaquil has several new faces including Malecon 2000, a two-mile riverside complex and pier; Las Penas, a neighborhood of 400-year-old houses converted into art galleries and cafes; Parque Historico, a recreation site of the early 20th century including a zoo and the upscale Plaza Lago in the suburb of Samborondon with shops and theater. Cruise guests lodge at Oro Verde, the city’s only five star locally owned and operated hotel, a member of Leading Hotels of the World and the first to be certified by Smart Voyager. Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a preserved Spanish colonial city with cobblestone streets and gilded churches as well as a modern city and financial center with high rises and shopping malls. In the past decade, nearly $500 million was invested in the historical downtown area with the monasteries of San Francisco, Santo Domingo and La Compania, classic examples of Baroque architecture. There is a foodie revolution under way in Quito with tempting new restaurants opening, hot on the heels of their neighboring country Peru. Plaza Foch is the new hip area for trendy bars and restaurants. A gondola-style Teleferico offers a panoramic ride to the top of a 12,943-foot summit. The Guayasamin Museum displays art from Ecuador's most well-known living artist. Visits outside of Quito will appeal to nature lovers at Cotopaxi National Park; for indigenous cultures and handicrafts there is the Otavalo Indian market, the largest in South America. Ecoventura guests lodge at the luxury boutique Hotel Le Parc Quito that opened in 2007. Amazon rainforest - for the ultimate wildlife experience many cruise guests combine Galapagos with a lodge in the jungle. Sacha Lodge in Coca is a 30-minute flight from Quito. In groups of no more than six per guide, guests can walk high along a 900-foot canopy, climb a 135-foot observation tower, visit a butterfly farm, canoe down river to the Yasuni Clay lick to witness dozens of parrots, toucans and monkeys, fish for Piranha, swim in the lake, fly through the rainforest on a zip-line, take night walks and more. While in Quito guests lodge at Mansion del Angel, a mansion built at the turn of the last century by a tobacco tycoon. Ecoventura offers two extensions to Peru including a six-night program with the Casa Andina Private Collection hotels and the Inkaterra Pueblo and a seven-night five-star extension with the Westin and Libertador Luxury Hotels and Sumaq Hotel. The highlights of the trip are Machu Picchu ruins, Cuzco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. However, for those with limited hours and time only for a cruise, Ecoventura reports that a cruise can be accomplished with only two, and sometimes just one, forced overnights coming and going from the ship. With current flight schedules guests can return home the last evening the cruise ends. Ecoventura spokesperson Doris Welsh advises that the Feb. 20, 2013, planned opening of Quito's new airport, Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Tababela, about 20km east of Quito, will make Quito more accessible by accommodating more flights from an increased number of destinations. Travel time from the airport into Quito will range from 45 minutes or more in rush hour. However, because hotels in Quito will no longer offer complimentary airport shuttle service, travel time and transfer expense will increase. Ecoventura recommends that their passengers travel via the coastal city of Guayaquil for short or one night stays to avoid the hassle, at least until the highways are finished and hotels closer to the airport open, anticipated in about a year. 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 identical, 20-passenger first-class motor yachts, Eric, Flamingo and Letty, and the 16-passenger luxury dive live-aboard the MV Galapagos Sky. Departures are every Sunday from San Cristobal offering two unique seven-night itineraries. 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 Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Ecoventura.GalapagosNetwork Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GalapagosNetwor

Ecoventura Helps to Launch Study of Effects of Galapagos Marine Reserve

Galapagos Small-Ship Cruise Operator, Ecoventura, Helps Launch Study of Effects of Galapagos Marine Reserve Company’s Live-Aboard Dive Boat, The Galapagos Sky, Assists Scientists who Need to Examine Habitats and Habits of Sharks MIAMI, FL, Jan. 17, 2013 – How do the experts know if a conservation project is fulfilling its goals? This is the question posed by scientists of the Galapagos Science Center and the Galapagos community concerning the Galapagos Marine Reserve established in 1998 on a provisional basis because at the time there was a lack of scientific information on the local biodiversity. Fourteen years later, a barometer of the reserve’s success is how well – or not – the sharks are doing. Ecoventura (http://www.ecoventura.com), that operates an environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition yachts in the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recently volunteered one of its four yachts, The M/V Galapagos Sky, a live-aboard dive boat, to participate in the beginning phase of a shark conservation analysis that engaged the ship in late December and early January 2013. The goal moving forward is to gather data on the diversity, abundance and distribution of focal species. The data will help guide the design of a new zoning scheme for the reserve based on determinations of spatial extensions of key habitats for Galapagos’ flagship species, including sharks. Elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) are top predators and keystone species in their ecosystems and therefore serve as sentinels for the general health of the ecosystem and its community. In January 2012, the shark acoustic telemetry project outlined plans to began working with the Galapagos Science Center and the Galapagos National Park to investigate habitat use and movement patterns of juvenile Blacktip sharks. The research project is calling on local volunteer professionals, including students, who in turn will educate and facilitate next-generation biologists and conservationists. The resulting data is expected to reveal where Blacktip sharks migrate alter leaving their nursery grounds and where and how extensive the nursery habitats are in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Scientists concurrently, using underwater photo and video equipment, studied, among others, the impacts of humans on sea turtle populations and the abundance and distribution of cetaceans (whales and dolphins). A spokesperson for Ecoventura, Doris Welsh, said that guests on board with the scientists “shared a high interest in conservation issues and research projects. Divers were happy to know that by booking with the Galapagos Sky they indirectly supported conservation projects in the Galapagos Islands, through Ecoventura’s collaborations and through their park entrance fees.” Welsh noted that research findings are still being analyzed. The principal scientific investigator is Maximilian Hirschfeld working with collaborating researchers Leandro Vaca Pita, Juan Pablo Munoz Perez and Jens Mayorga Molina. 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 Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Ecoventura.GalapagosNetwork Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GalapagosNetwor

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

Ecoventura achieves Rainforest Alliance Verification

Galapagos Expedition Cruise Company Ecoventura
Achieves Rainforest Alliance Verification

MIAMI, FL, Dec. 7, 2011 – Ecoventura (http://www.ecoventura.com), the company that cossets guests sailing with its environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos, announces that it has earned Rainforest Alliance verification in recognition of its commitment to conserving the environment and supporting local communities.

Rainforest Alliance verification is an assurance that a hotel or tour operator has met comprehensive social, environmental and economic standards that conserve natural resources, protect wildlife and help local communities thrive. Rainforest Alliance verification is aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s criteria, the gold standard for sustainable tourism.

“Displaying the Rainforest Alliance VerifiedTM mark in Ecoventura messaging will help bring the urgency of sustainability issues to the consumer,” said Santiago Dunn, Ecoventura president.

Dunn said his company is a natural fit because of its long-standing, mission-driven leadership in protecting the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. “The Rainforest Alliance was one of our original mentors when we started our journey to green the operation in the late 1990's, being part of this new initiative makes us proud to continue the tradition and further our commitment to sustainability.”

Recognition for its visionary work in sustainable travel is not new for Ecoventura. The company was one of the first recipients (2000) of SmartVoyager, a voluntary environmental program developed by the local NGO Conservacion & Desarollo in Ecuador. This program gives a “green seal of approval” to tour boats that comply with requirements to tread lightly on the area’s fragile ecosystem.

In 2006 Ecoventura became the first fully Carbon Neutral operation in the Galapagos Islands. In 2008, the company was presented with the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism – Best in a Marine Environment Award. Distinguished judges noted Ecoventura’s contribution toward improving conditions for local people in Galapagos and for being among the first operators to be independently audited. In 2009, Ecoventura was honored with the Conde Nast World Savers Award as the top scoring cruise line. The panel of judges noted the company was exceptional in education, preservation, poverty and health. And In November 2009, Ecoventura received Travel + Leisure’s 5th annual Global Vision Award for Green Cruising.

“The Rainforest Alliance verification program helps transform the business practices of tourism companies and motivates tourists to support these efforts,” said Ronald Sanabria, vice president of sustainable tourism at the Rainforest Alliance. “Our long-term goal is to help the industry become socially and environmentally responsible as well as profitable, promoting tourism practices that protect ecosystems and improve the lives of individuals and communities.”

The Rainforest Alliance’s sustainable tourism program helps tourism professionals improve the sustainability of their businesses through training workshops and on-site technical assistance. Initiatives include adopting ecosystem and water conservation measures, reducing energy use, supporting local economies, hiring from within the community and reducing costs.

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 www.ecoventura.com/.

The Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travellers. From large multinational corporations to small, community-based cooperatives, businesses and consumers worldwide are involved in the Rainforest Alliance’s efforts to bring responsibly produced goods and services to a global marketplace where the demand for sustainability is growing steadily. For more information, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org. For media queries, contact Anna Clark at aclark@ra.org or 646-452-1939.

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Ecoventura Company Contact:
Doris Welsh / doris@galapagosnetwork.com / Phone: 800.644.7972

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 / d.wiggins@comcast.net
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