Expedition Cruises for Fall/Winter 2011 in the Galapagos

Ecoventura Promises No Reductions in Its On-going Sustainability Program

That Distinguishes It as Eco-Travel Leader in the Region

MIAMI, Jan. 19, 2011 -- A sliding scale of discounts between now and next fall helps secure a bon voyage and sustainable travel for cruise bookings made directly with Ecoventura(http://www.ecoventura.com/) and its eco-friendly fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos Islands. Multiple departures beginning in late August and running through mid December are available with up to 15 percent off if booked 180 days out from departure. The „Early Bird‰ booking discounts are reduced as passage is booked closer: 10 percent if booked 179-90 days out and then 5 percent from 89 days out to the day of departure.

The 2011 cruise dates that fall under the Early Bird Booking Discount are: Aug 28-04 Sep, Sep 4-11, Sep 11-18, Sep 18-25, Sep 25-02 Oct, Oct 2-9, Oct 9-16, Oct 16-23, Oct 23-30, Oct 30-06 Nov, Nov 6-13, Nov 13-20, Nov 27-04 Dec, Dec 4-11, and Dec 11-18.

Doris Welsh, Ecoventura‚s Director of Sales & Marketing, says that September to early December is one of her favorite times to tour the islands.

„It‚s the best time of the year to see marine mammals: pilot whales, bottlenose and common dolphins; the water temps are cooler (we do have wet suits on board);and it‚s prime time for viewing spotted eagle rays, cow rays and sea turtles. Baby sea lion pups are being born and baby frigate birds, albatross and boobies are just hatching. Plus, it‚s our „slow time‰ and the Galapagos Islands can be less crowded (not that it is ever too crowded).‰

Welsh underscored that the Galapagos cruise discounts are designed to attract and secure additional bookings from adventure travelers who recognize and appreciate Ecoventura‚s passion and commitment to sustainable travel in this eco-fragile region.

„Frankly, the more business we have, the more dollars we can and will commit to our challenge of leading the region to a secure position ecologically,‰ Welsh said.

Also new for 2011, all passengers on Ecoventura‚s three expedition yachts Eric, Flamingo and Letty will be offered a complimentary glass of house wine or a local beer from Ecuador during dinner each night. This follows the company‚s commitment to locally-sourced products, food and beverages.

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 Galapagos Liveaboard diving offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin. All of its vessels have been purposefully retrofitted to meet or exceed the highest possible environmental standards.

To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura‚s 2011 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/.

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