Scuba Dive, Motor Boat, Wildlife Viewing, Sea Kayak
Destinations:
Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands Travel
Min/Max group size:
4
-
20
Comfort:
First Class
Difficulty:
Easier
*Details may vary with dates. Select dates to see exact details.
detour Opinion: Is this trip for me?
Ecoventura is one of the premier agencies operating Galapagos trips. They have been leaders in sustainable tourism in the Galapagos Islands, and continue to add environmental initiatives to help protect the fragile ecosystem of the islands. They are well-known for providing top-quality Galapagos tours. Small guide-to-passenger ratio (one expert guide for every 10 passengers) ensures intimate visits on shore.
Their trips emphasize outdoor activities, such as nature walks, snorkeling, and kayaking, in addition to birdwatching and marine biology. All cabins onboard are outside-facing with a window or portholes, air-conditioning and private bath, hair dryers and beach towels.
Ecoventura is the only company in Galapagos that provides snorkeling equipment (masks, fins and snorkels), custom wet suits (in various sizes for men, women and children) and clear-bottom sea kayaks (two doubles per yacht) at no additional cost.
Great Value in First Class 20-passenger Yachts with Fabulous Itineraries
These identical Superior first-class 20-passenger motor-yachts, the M/Y Eric, Flamingo I and Letty, were custom-designed for Galapagos excursions. They offer tremendous value for superior comfort in spacious accommodations for small groups.
Built in 1991 and refurbished every year, each yacht features ten double outside facing cabins located on three decks with polished teak wood interiors, window view or portholes, fully air conditioned throughout, private bath facilities with fresh, hot-and-cold-water shower, hair dryer, toiletries, roomy closet and drawers, overhead storage, separate climate controls, ionizer (iguana and booby deck only), intercom system, life vests, bottled water and fresh towels. Public areas include a dining room, well-stocked bar and conference area with 29" flat screen television, DVD player, board games, library of books and DVDs. Stereo cassette/CD equipment is available on the bridge.
Picture windows surround the upper two decks and offer a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean and landscape. Enjoy sea breezes, sunshine or a sky full of stars on lounge chairs and recliners located on the sun deck and observation points.
A seasoned Captain, eight dedicated crew members, and two experienced English-speaking naturalist guides attend to the details of your Galapagos cruise. Each naturalist takes a group of no more than 10 passengers on all shore excursions and shares extensive insights into the Islands ' diverse wildlife. Small wooden boats, locally called pangas, ferry passengers to shore for Island visits.
Start each day with a casual breakfast buffet that includes fresh, exotic fruit juices, eggs cooked to order, toast, café con leche and a variety of cereals. At lunch, enjoy a buffet of crisp salads, healthy Pastas, assorted fresh vegetables, produce, meats and fish all creatively prepared. Unwind in the evening with creamy soups, ceviche, grilled seafood, roasted potato salad, unique deserts, and other delicacies both Ecuadorian and international cuisines.
Departures are all inclusive . There is no extra charge for beverages (mineral water, soda or juice). And, snorkeling equipment, custom wet suits, beach towels and sea kayaks are available at no additional cost.
Trips depart from San Cristóbal every Sundays and offer week-long, comprehensive itineraries to visit the islands' most spectacular sites.
There are three cabin categories available on each of these yachts.
Pricing listed is for the Iguana Deck. There are also cabins available on The Booby Deck and The Dolphin Deck. The Iguana Deck: cabins average 110 square feet and have have two twin lower beds and port lights. The Booby Deck: cabins average 90 square feet and cabins have one double bed and picture windows. The Dolphin Deck: cabins average 95 square feet and have two twin lower beds and picture windows, with one cabin having one double bed and picture window.
DOLPHIN DECK
Cabins #1,3 & 4 have two twin lower beds and picture windows.
Cabin # 2 has one double bed and picture window.
(cabins average 95 square feet)
BOOBY DECK
Cabins # 5 & 6 cabins have one double bed and picture windows.
(cabins average 90 square feet)
IGUANA DECK
Cabins #7 & 8 have two twin lower beds and port lights.
Cabins # 9 & 10 have two twin lower beds and one upper berth with port lights. These two cabins can be sold as triples.
(cabins average 110 square feet)
SINGLE cabins are assigned by Ecoventura to the best cabin available at the time of sailing.
WILLING TO SHARE FEMALE (WSF) OR WILLING TO SHARE MALE (WSM)
Same share gender requests are available on the Iguana deck only. Shares that remain unmatched 30 days prior to departure are subject to a 15% supplement.
There is a maximum of one share confirmed per sailing.
TRIPLE cabins are available on the Iguana deck only in cabins I9 and I1 ...view more details
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
Our signature fleet of three identical Superior first-class 20-passenger motor-yachts, M/Y Eric, Flamingo I and Letty, were custom-designed for Galapagos excursions. The sister yachts offer tremendous value for superior comfort in spacious accommodations for small groups.
We hold a solid reputation for delivering personalized service, value, and a high level of satisfaction.
At Ecoventura, we underscore the enchantment of the Galapagos with our dedication to details that make your journey fun, comfortable, and truly rewarding.
SCUBA DIVING
Occasional scuba diving offered onboard the Ecoventura yachts:
Ecoventura offers an opportunity for certified scuba divers to dive on Thursday and Friday during the cruise. Diving is offered every week with a minimum of 3 divers on Thursday and 2 divers on Fridays. The maximum number of divers we accept is eight. If you are the only person in your travel party that would like to dive, please inquire as we may already have other guests signed up for diving.
Thursday afternoon
Level: Intermediate
Dive site: Seymour, Mosquera or Daphne
Land visit you will miss: North Seymour
What you might see: sea lions, schools of reef fish, hammerhead sharks, giant manta rays, white- tipped reef sharks, sea turtles and invertebrates. Occasionally, whale sharks, humpback whales, eagle rays, morays, black coral, tuna, or dolphins swim in this area. If you are lucky, you may find the endemic fur sea lion.
Maximum depth: 80 feet
Minimum # required: 3 divers
Cost: $175.00 per person (2 tanks)
On Friday's we will offer one of two options; the first two divers to sign up will determine which dive will be offered that day as we cannot offer both dives simultaneously.
Friday morning and afternoon
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Dive site: Gordon's Rocks or Santa Fe
Includes: a snack lunch and visit to a tortoise farm after the last dive.
Land visits you will miss: Darwin Station & the Highlands
What you might see: this area is known for white-tipped, hammerheads, Galapagos shark, large moray eels, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, sting rays, fur sea lions, sea turtles, Amberjacks, reef fish, sponges and black coral. Dive with wahoo, tuna, sailfish and other big pelagic fish. Divers consider the wall at Gordon Rocks one of the best dive sites in the Central Islands.
Maximum depth: 100 feet (strong current at times) .
Minimum # required: 2 divers
Cost: $195.00 per person (2 tanks)
Friday afternoon
Level: Beginner
Dive site: Academy Bay
What you might see: Some of the sites at Academy Bay include Punta Estrada (sea turtle canyon), Caamano Islet (plenty of sea lions), Punta Nunez Cliffs (wall diving with a cave) and El Bajo Solmar (a submerged shoal).
Maximum depth: 45 feet
Land visit you will miss: Darwin Station
Minimum # required: 2 divers
Cost: $155.00 per person (2 tanks)
The dive fee includes a divemaster, filled tanks, weight belt and weights, BCD, regulator, wet suit, boots, fins and hood. Snacks, water and sodas are provided after the dives.
In order to participate in all diving activities in Galapagos, all divers must be open water certified and should be experienced with adequate skills. For the intermediate to advanced dives, we suggest all divers have sufficient experience with at least 20 logged dives or advanced dive certification due to strong currents, cold water, thermo-clines and large marine life. Galapagos is not suitable for infrequent divers due to strong currents, sea swells, surges, cool waters, up-wellings, poor visibility (at times), and large animals including the harmless Galapagos shark. Divers must have excellent buoyancy control and be totally self-sufficient to handle all gear. Note: All dives are dependant upon weather conditions and the skill level of all the divers.
Local Dive Operator
All diving is provided by a local dive shop in Galapagos; Sub-Aqua is the oldest dive center in the Galapagos Islands. The dive center is located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, and it opened for business in 1991 by Fernando Zambrano, founder of the company and currently its Executive Director, a professional instructor who has been diving since 1979. He is also an oceanographer, certified commercial diver and naturalist park guide. Today Sub-Aqua is the largest and most prestigious dive center in the Galapagos Islands and consists of an international team of professional dive masters and instructors who follow very high safety standards. They are also certified as PADI Resort under the number 17365 since 2001.
All divers will need to fill out, sign and return an experience form as required by the local dive shop. This form will also request your approximate size in order to have the dive equipment ready for you.
The final sites will be determined by Sub-Aqua on the day of the service, taking into consideration the experience level of the divers and weather conditions including currents. Most dives are drift dives along the cliff faces of off-shore rocks and pinnacles.
Equipment provided
Divers are required to bring their own mask, snorkel and open water diving certification. The dive shop will supply you with filled tanks, weights and weight belt, a wet suit 5-7mm, hood, fins and boots, regulator and guages (depth and pressure) and buoyancy compensator vest. You may want to bring an underwater camera, computer, video camera and gloves.
Divers are required to sign an indemnity form stating that the operator of the dive boat is not responsible for any failure in the equipment which the divers use.
Galapagos dive guides
We will supply an expert dive Instructors and/or dive master. The guide is a qualified diver with essential knowledge of specific diving locations with their respective interest and dangers.
Marine Reserve and Park Regulations
The following rules have been established in order to preserve the Islands marine ecosystems. One should respect the marine environment and do not engage in any activities that might damage it. Control your movements while diving. Practice neutral buoyancy control during all dives. Catching or collecting marine life is strictly forbidden with few exceptions. Spear fishing is also forbidden. Any artifacts found on the bottom may not be removed.
Water temperature
From November to June, the water temperature averages 75 degrees ferenheit with February to April the warmest time. Water temperature from July to October averages 70 degrees ferenheit and can fall below 70 degrees in August and September.
Water Currents
There are several major currents that influence the water temperatures throughout the archipelago. It is a general rule that the northern islands (Wolf, Darwin, Marchena, Genovesa and Pinta) are the warmest. The central islands are cooler but highly variable, depending on localized upwelling (Santa Cruz, Santiago, Floreana, Espanola, Pinzon and Santa Fe). The coolest part is located on the western side (Isabela and Fernandina). Some currents run parallel to the coast and are greatly influenced by tidal change. They are also localized down currents and upwelling. Even though divers may be experienced, it is a good idea to take the advice of the Divemaster.
Insurance and safety
There is no insurance included in the programs and we highly recommend all divers to have their DAN (Divers Alert Network) insurance before going to the Galapagos (cost per year for Standard Insurance US$ 69 and for Master Insurance US$ 79 including the annual membership).
For more information, Divers Alert Network
Hyperbaric chamber fee: Located in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, a hyperbaric chamber has the most recent technology and trained professional medics to treat dive related illness.
Note: Sub-Aqua is the operator and responsible party of the diving programs available to passengers on the Eric, Flamingo or Letty. Ecoventura, S.A. and its affiliates act only as a coordinator in the organization of the services.
Cancellations
There is no penalty charged for cancellations received 60 days or more prior to departure. If two people signed up for diving and one cancels, we cannot provide diving for just one person as we have a two person minimum.
Cancellations received 59-30 days prior to departure receive 50% refund if there are 2 or more divers remaining to dive, otherwise there is no refund. There is no refund for cancellations received 29-30 days prior to departure.
DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS
The Galapagos Islands house many of nature’s most bizarre creations. Almost one quarter of the marine life in Galapagos is endemic to this archipelago - 17% of its fish and 35% of its marine invertebrates - are found nowhere else in the world. In fact, the marine community of Galapagos is one of the most unique and exotic places on earth. Here, penguins swim with tropical fish. Iguanas feed underwater. Sealions play like puppies in the waves and perform underwater ballet. The creatures of the sea exhibit the same bold curiosity and lack of fear characteristic of terrestrial wildlife.
Swept by both the cold waters of Antarctica and warm currents from the tropical Pacific, Galapagos’ colorful marine life is a bizarre mixture of species. Great schools of fish cruise the open water, at times, so thick they nearly block out the sun. And the reefs are an amazing profusion of invertebrate life. Galapagos is known for its “big stuff” including the giant manta ray, whale shark and schools of hammerhead sharks.
To visit these islands is an experience like none other - there is a mystical aura about them that captivates all visitors. Its remoteness, untouched landscape, native plants and animals and dramatic seascapes all combine to assure a most forgettable adventure.
In order to protect this wealth of sea life against abuses by man, the Galapagos Marine Reserve, with waters totaling 27,000 square miles, was signed into law in 1986 to protect marine life 15 nautical miles offshore. As part of the Special Law of Galapagos, signed in 1998, the Galapagos Marine Reserve was extended to reach 40 nautical miles offshore.
FAMILY DEPARTURES
Travel with your family to Galapagos:
Ecoventura welcomes families with children ages seven and up on all expedition vessels throughout the year. This natural wonderland offers the best of a classroom zoo, science center, aviary, marine park and a cruise vacation all rolled into one. Our naturalists know how to bring these Islands they love to life and to balance learning with fun for the entire family.
Our designated family departures are geared towards families who prefer to travel with other families. Designated departures are offered over school breaks in the US and feature age-appropriate activities depending on the ages and number of children or teenagers on board.
We offer kid-friendly meals.
For breakfast: hot chocolate, milk, apple juice, orange juice, fruit loops, lucky charms or other kid cereals, pancakes, fresh fruit, bagels with crème chese, muffins.
For lunch: hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey or tuna sandwich.
For dinner: plain pastas, spaghetti with marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers, steak, French fries, baked potato, vegetables.
Desert: Ice crème, Jell-O, cakes
Snacks: pizzas, popcorn, pretzels, chips
Kids can visit the bridge and learn about astronomy, navigational charts and tie nautical knots with our Captain. Special parties including movies and popcorn, games with prizes, drawing contests, make your own ice cream sundae and our King Neptune costume party and talent show. We also have board games, books and DVDs on board that are suitable for children as well as snorkeling equipment, life vests and wet suits in child sizes.
2008 Family departures with cabins on the Eric, Flamingo or Letty: Aug 24-30, Nov 23-30.
2009 Family departures with cabins on the Eric, Flamingo or Letty: Jan 04-11, Feb 15-22, Mar 15-22, March 22-29, March 29-05 April, April 5-12 (H), April 12-19 (H), June 14-21, June 21-28, June 28-05 July, July 5-12, July 12-19, July 19-26, Aug 2-9, Aug 9-16, Aug 16-23, Nov 22-29, Dec 20-27 (H), Dec 27-03 Jan (H).
Child discounts: Children age 11 years and younger at the time of sailing are entitled to a 25% discount off the cruise rate. Children ages 12-14 years are entitled to a 15% 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. 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 7 years of age are not accepted unless the parents or legal guardians sign a hold harmless release. Children age 5 and 6 are permitted only on a designated family departure. Children under the age of 5 are only permitted on exclusive charter basis.
Other conditions: We allow only one child discount to be given per every adult fare paid. And, Ecoventura may limit the number of child discounts permitted on any one departure. Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 12 are not confirmed to Booby deck cabins. When children are accommodated in a triple cabin, the discount is calculated from the double iguana deck rate. ...view more details
Sunday: San Cristobal / Playa Ochoa / Leon Dormido
Upon arrival to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL Island, our crew is waiting at the airport to escort you to your anchored yacht. After the welcome briefing and safety drill we set sail for Playa Ochoa, where we have a chance to test our snorkeling equipment and at the same time swim with a small colony of sea lions. Behind the beach, there is a tidal lagoon where bird can be spotted including the rare Chatham mockingbird. At sunset, we cruise around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a vertical tuff cone formation that abruptly juts up almost 500 feet out of the ocean. On the cliffs, we find blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and magnificent frigate birds.
Monday: Darwin Bay/ Prince Philip’s Steps, Tower
We spend the entire day on TOWER (Genovesa), considered to be one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos for bird species. This morning, we have a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps. Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees and Nazca (formerly masked) boobies nest near the trail. In an open lava field, we find storm petrels in large numbers. If you are lucky, we will see the elusive short-eared owl.
After lunch, sea kayaks are available to paddle along the shoreline. Look for the beautiful red-billed tropic bird usually seen in a crevice. A snorkeling opportunity is offered along the inner rim of the volcanic crater. We land on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather near the tide pools. Enter a forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest. The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females as they fly overhead. The trail leads through a rich inter tidal zone where we find a wide diversity of animal life. Swim from the beach with sea lions.
Tuesday: Bachas Beach/ North Seymour
This morning, we visit Las Bachas, which is the Spanish translation for “barges”. There is a long stretch of a soft white-sand beach and interior lagoons where we find the Greater Flamingo. There is also a wonderful chance to snorkel here from the beach. Remnants of the U.S. presence from World War II – a floating pier - is found here.
This afternoon, we disembark on North Seymour, a small geological uplift. After a dry landing, we follow a trail that leads us to swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and the endemic land iguanas. Visit the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds found in Galapagos. As we stroll along the beach, sea lions body surfing the northern swells.
Wednesday: Tagus Cove, Isabela / Punta Espinoza, Fernandina
This morning, we visit Tagus Cove, located on the western Island of ISABELA. Six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest Island in Galapagos. On our walk, we discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations. Graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore the Cove in pangas or sea kayaks to find Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Canal. Be on the look out for whales and dolphins riding the bow wave.
We disembark at Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA, the youngest and most pristine Island found in Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. A snorkel here provides opportunities to see many sea turtles.
Thursday: Puerto Egas, Santiago/ Bartolome
This morning, stroll along the shore at Puerto Egas, SANTIAGO (James) looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, there is a snorkeling opportunity with loads of tropical fish.
On Bartolome, it seems like we are walking on the moon. This young Island is inhospitable to most plants and animals. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up stairs leading to the summit of a once active volcano. Along the way, we pause to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top of the wooden stairs, we can gaze out across the island for a panoramic view of the island and "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Down below, crystal clear water is an invitation to snorkel with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos Penguins. On the other side of the Island, encounter sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.
Friday: Darwin Station / Highlands, Santa Cruz
Friday is feeding day at the tortoise corals at the Charles Darwin Research Station. We visit all three tortoise corals and the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. We also visit the Van Straelen Hall where there are exhibits and a short video presentation. Visitors can now see the pen of Lonesome George, the last surviving member of the Pinta Island subspecies.
After lunch on board, we travel by bus to the highlands of SANTA CRUZ Island. The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. From June to January, we can find giant tortoises on a private farm in the highlands. We visit Los Gemelos, Spanish for “The Twins”, a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. We stop at "the tunnels", the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos. Stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora (population: 15,000) the largest town in the Galapagos. Buy souvenirs, mail postcards or kick back at an internet cafe in the social heart of the Islands.
Saturday: Gardner Bay / Punta Suarez, Espanola (Hood)
This morning, step onto Gardner Bay, ESPANOLA (HOOD). Walk along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach where you’ll find large colonies of sea lions. There is no trail to follow so this is a chance to explore and you may find a Galapagos Hawk, Darwin’s Finches or Hood Mockingbird. Swim with sea lions from the beach. There’s an excellent snorkeling site off Gardner Islet with a colorful diversity of sea life near Gardner Islet and Tortuga Rock with caves covered with invertebrates.
This afternoon, we disembark at Punta Suarez, ESPANOLA, where we witness the highest rate of endemic species in Galapagos. Sea lions noisily green us as we land on their beach. Curious Hood mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. From April to November, the waved albatross, found only on Espanola, perform their wild mating ritual. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in “sky-pointing” to show off for potential mates. Nazca (formerly masked) boobies busily care for their young. Stunning swallow-tailed gulls are the only nocturnal gulls in the world. Red-billed tropicbirds take shelter under the cliffs. We also find Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks. Observe a unique specie of marine iguana identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful sally light-foot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous "blow hole". This is the scene most people envision when they decide to visit Galapagos and is a glorious finale to your Galapagos cruise.
Sunday: Interpretation Center/ San Cristobal
This morning, we drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL. We visit the Interpretation Center opened in 1999. Here we gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we head straight to the airport for our flight back to the mainland.
Almost all passengers visiting the Galapagos Islands must overnight in mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil) both before and after their cruise. Ecoventura has chosen the highest quality hotels in both cities offering comfort, convenience, charm and also value.
Rates at the Swissotel and Oro Verde include:
One night hotel accommodation including tax and service, welcome drink and buffet breakfast. Shared airport transfer service is provided by the hotel’s shuttle van according to each hotel’s own time schedule.
Swissotel Quito *****
The elegant Swissotel is located in a beautiful residential and commercial area and offers 240 oversized guest rooms featuring modern décor, two telephones with direct dial and voice mail, data port for internet, cable TV, minibar, coffee maker, CD-player and in-room safe. The Swissotel is part of Raffles Hotels & Resorts and considered to be Quito’s most luxurious hotel. Choose from five international restaurants including an American steak house, Japanese, French, Swiss and a 24-hour coffee shop. Special features include a heated indoor and outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, and Amrita Spa with 13 treatment rooms, steam, sauna and state-of-the-art fitness facility and aerobics studio.
Superior Double: $165.00
Superior Single: $150.00
Triple (additional bed + breakfast) $225.00
Deluxe Junior Suite: $250.00
Maximum 1 child under 12 years can stay free in room with parents (breakfast not included for child), Dinner rates a la carte starting at $30.00 per person including tax/ tip.
Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil *****
Located in the heart of the commercial and banking district, the Hotel Oro Verde is the only member hotel of The Leading Hotels of the World in Ecuador. At the Hotel Oro Verde, guests can experience the most modern and elegant five star hotel in the city. The hotel was completely renovated in 2004 changing the entrance and lobby . The guest rooms and suites are appointed with cable television, internet connection, facsimile, connection for PC, direct dial telephones, mini bar and safety boxes. There are three restaurants, Le Gourmet, La Fondue and El Patio Cafe, gourmet deli, El Capitan bar, international casino, gym, sauna and swimming pool. The Oro Verde is a locally owned and operated hotel and well-known for their European service and warm Ecuadorian hospitality.
Superior Double: $165.00
Superior Single: $150.00
Triple (additional bed + breakfast) $225.00
Deluxe Junior Suite: $250.00
Children under 12 can stay free in their parents room (max 4 per room/breakfast not included)
Day room rate: $105.00 (5 hours max)
Dinner El Patio Cafe $25.00 (casual), La Fondue $35.00, Le Gourmet $50.00 inc tax.
Additional hotel
Rates include one night hotel accommodation, hotel tax and service and do not include breakfast or airport shuttle unless otherwise noted.
QUITO
Hotel Mercure Alameda ****
The Mercure has 146 rooms including 9 suites, 64 junior suites, and 73 standard rooms, a gourmet restaurant, 24-hour coffee shop and Deli, VIP lounge and lobby bar. All guest rooms have hair dryer and phone extension in the bathroom, cable TV, minibar, radio, safety boxes, direct international dialing, adapters and Internet. For dinner at the Mercure (add $ 22.00 per person).
Standard Single or Double: $110.00 Triple: $140.00
Junior Suite: $130.00 Luxury Suite: $155.00 (includes airport shuttle service)
Patio Andaluz ****
Located in the heart of the Old Historic Center of Quito, surrounded by churches and museums, this unique hotel offers visitors a colonial experience of San Francisco de Quito. This charming hotel has 30 rooms and suites, lecture room, lobby, bar, patio restaurant, Olga Fisch gift shop and spa.
Double or Single $ 125 Duplex: $ 175 Triple: $150
Hostal de la Rabida *** boutique
Hostal de la Rabida is an old traditional house recently restored into a first class hotel. With only 11 exclusively decorated rooms and a charming atmosphere with private bathroom, cable TV, telephone and safe box. Enjoy a delicious breakfast with fresh tropical fruit juice, home-made marmalade, eggs, bacon, ham, yogurt and granola in the small private garden (not included). In the evening, you can rest near the fireplace with a glass of wine in the reading room or have dinner in the restaurant serving Italian and international cuisine. Breakfast is additional ($ 4.27 per person).
Single: $ 65.00 Double: $ 85.00 Triple: $ 100.00
Request these additional services when you check availability above
What's Included
- cabin accommodations
- all meals and snacks and
- non-acoholic beverages, mineral water, Captains welcome and fairwell cocktail
- guide services
- shore excursions
- use of wet suits, snorkeling equipment and sea kayaks
- transfers in the islands between the airport and the dock.
Not Included
- Flights and travel tax to and from Galapagos
- Galapagos entrance fee ($100 US adult, $50 US children)
- Government fuel surcharge ($125)
- alcoholic beverages
- gratuities to guides and crew
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Overall Rating:
7 customer reviews
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4.4
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4.3
Guides & Service:
3.7
Provider Rating: 7 trip reviews
Equipment:
4.4
Food:
4.3
Guides & Service:
3.7
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
4.3
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Fantastic Trip on the Flamingo I
by badger1, Experienced,
Nov 19, 2008
Our tour of the Galapagos Islands on the Flamingo I was a trip of a lifetime. We went in mid-September, which is the low season in the Galapagos Islands, because the temperatures are a bit cooler (highs usually in the mid-70s) and the open seas are a bit rougher than at other times of year. But we found it to be a wonderful time to visit, and a great trip. At that time of year the blue footed boobies were not mating, so we did not see their dance, but frigate birds on one island were mating, so we saw their inflated pouches on their necks. And we saw amazing wildlife of all other sorts. On land we saw thousands of marine iguanas, along with a much smaller number of land iguanas, as well as turtles and sea lions. We also snorkeled and dove with playful sea lions, saw innumerable red footed boobies, blue footed boobies, frigate birds, herons, penguins, flightless cormorants, finches, hawks, and other birds. Snorkeling and diving we saw not only the sea lions, but also swimming penguins, more colorful tropical fish than I expected, schools of eagle rays, manta rays, eels, many, many turtles, and probably about a dozen sharks (white tip reef sharks, black tip reef sharks, galapagos sharks, and some in our group saw hammerheads), among other things. While on the Flamingo I we were also very fortunate to see whales on several occasions, and twice we saw pods of dolphins.
This trip has a particularly attractive itinerary, compared to some of the other itineraries offered by other companies. In addition to the usual islands visited by most companies, Ecoventura boats travel to some of the more distant islands, including Genovesa and Fernandina. Genovesa was the only place we saw red footed boobies, and had some of the best up-close encounters with large numbers of birds. Fernandina is a very beautiful island with huger numbers of marine iguanas, impressive lava formations, and lots of sea turtles. I would not want to miss either island.
The boat and crew were fantastic. The boat is very spacious and comfortable. Our cabin was on the dolphin deck, which is the top deck. Our cabin was clean and attractive, and had a large picture window that offered beautiful views. The public areas--including the ship-top decks and the bar, lounge, and dining areas, were also attractive and comfortable. The crew was friendly and a lot of fun, including offering some surprise entertainment that was a lot of fun. The food was always delicious, abundant, and presented beautifully. Our guide was knowledgeable and spoke English well, even though it obviously was his second language. I have noted that other reviewers have not been fully satisfied with their guides. I did not have that experience, but do note that the guides in the Galapagos are not regular employees of the various trip providers. Rather, they are all independent contractors who move around from boat to boat. Therefore, I don't think you can get a guarantee of a good or a bad guide on any of the trips with any of the companies. On our trip, we had good guides.
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Galapagos on the Eric
by Judy W., Proficient,
Jun 02, 2008
Ecoventura offered exactly the itinerary we were interested in. We saw the
islands we wanted to see with excellent interpretation from our guides. The
hiking and snorkeling were first rate. The food was excellent and abundant,
the crew was friendly and helpful.
We would have preferred not to have been in the farthest forward cabin on
the lower deck - we kept being awakened by the slapping of the waves against
the bow. Also, when the anchor was raised or lowered it was VERY loud!
However, that didn't interfere with our total enjoyment of the trip. The
small size (20 passengers) was ideal. Ecoventura representatives in
Guayaquil were very helpful in getting us on our flight to the islands. We
also really appreciate the environmental consciousness of this company.
Katie French with Detour was very helpful to us in booking our trip. It was
a great experience all the way around!
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The Letty Galapagos Cruise
by Wendy K., Proficient,
Apr 14, 2008
We had a great time on the Galapagos Cruise. Our guides were very engaging and informative and everything was timed just right. We had the right amount of activity, food and leisure time every day. We are not "cruising" people and were apprehensive at first about being stuck on a boat for 7 days but we didn't feel "stuck" given the number of excursions we had each day and the fact that we snorkeled at least once or twice a day. We also extended our trip on the Islands and stayed at a hotel but definitely would recommend a cruise over staying on the islands. The islands gets very hot and there are lots of mosquitoes but on the boat there is shade, wind and no bugs! Great amount of variety of animals and geography we saw. Sad to leave!
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A gem for nature lovers
by Jamie B., Proficient,
Apr 11, 2008
This trip was a gem for people like us who like nature, hiking and
snorkeling. It had 20 guests on board with eight crew. The ship was very
well laid out with room for sunning or shade. The guides were
EXCEPTIONAL!!! They set the tone of the tour. They were fun, knowledgeable
and tried to make your trip a pleasure. Please understand the ship is not a
luxery cruise ship, but it was clean, comfortable and able to get us in
close to all island destinations. From there we would take a zodiak raft to
shore. With just 20 passengers this was accomplished very quickly. The
islands were everything we had imagined and more. There were tons of birds,
reptiles and fish to see. All the time. The snorkeling was a great way to
see some that you see on land operate in the ocean, ie: penguins, sea lions
and marine iguanas. The fish were large, in large schools and many
beautiful colors. In short, we would highly reccommend the destination and
the ship too.
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Fabulous Trip
by Stacy A., Proficient,
Mar 04, 2008
The trip was fabulous. I appreciated that the boats were divided up by age. Our group was well matched and we got along very well. The activities were great fun and the staff were a part of the fun. They got along well and enjoyed each other which made our trip even better. Loved the snorkeling and the animals. So amazing. Thanks for such a great trip!
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Galapagos on the Eric
by Penny M., Proficient,
Feb 07, 2008
We made this trip with another couple who are friends of ours, and all of us felt that the boat, its crew, the crew's service were excellent, and the islands were an incredible place to visit. However, we had two guides - neither of whom were very proficient in English. We therefore received a minimal amount of information (sometimes repeated over and over) and were frequently confused about where we were going, what we were seeing, doing. Sometimes we received different answers to the same questions. It was hard to tell whether or not they had a true passion for islands because their English language skills were so poor. I applaud the effort of Ecoventura to hire and support local guides, but they should be sure the guides are prepared. We learned more about the islands, birds, the environmental concerns of Ecoventura and the science community at large from the brochure in our cabin than we did during the 7 days of our trip.
I have travelled with other tour companies, and have experienced different degrees of excellence in guiding, from average to superior. I believe an excellent guide can make a poorly operated trip into a fantastic experience, and the reverse can hold true as well. These two guides with Ecoventura were the worst guides I have ever experienced, and although we enjoyed the trip despite them (mainly because the destination was so remarkable and the rest of the crew were so good), I could not recommend this company to other travellers.
As an aside, we were sent an itinerary before we departed which the boat was not able to follow because the San Cristobal airport had not yet opened. If possible, it would have been a thoughtful addition if we had received some type of notification regarding this prior to our arrival. It is always nice to feel as though one is being updated.
We chose this company on Greg Findlay's advice, and it did appear as though the guides on the other Ecoventura boats were better, and the passengers more active, but I do believe you all should know that there are potential problems with Ecoventura. By the way, my rating of their social responsibility is based on the lack of information we received from anyone on board. It appeared that an effort was being made to be socially and environmentally responsible, but other than the brochure, we received no information in this regard.
Having given this negative review, I must say that we enjoyed ourselves in spite of the poor guides. It helped to have friends accompanying us, and we were lucky to have no complainers on board. Besides, the food and wine were great!
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The Galapagos on The Eric
by Merrily B., Proficient,
Feb 07, 2008
The captain and crew aboard The Eric were excellent. The food was wonderful and the crew all worked very hard to keep us safe and comfortable. Our two guides, Adrian and Lolly, were supposed to be
"naturalists". Although they were very proud of their country and had great enthusiasm for their jobs, they both had very little command of the English language. They tended to just repeat phrases over and over again and
if asked a specific question would just repeat the phrases again. It was unclear as to how much knowledge they actually had on the geological formations and all of the wildlife. I found that I got more clear information by reading my own guide books. They were very personable and somewhat friendly, but I realized at the end of the trip - they had no idea who any of us were. There was no attempt made at learning our names or anything about us. Lolly, in particular, would say, "Ok, lady..." We had a wonderful trip and enjoyed all the people on board, but after paying what we did for the trip, I expected way more from the naturalists/guides. That is why we went with Ecoventura - They were recommended to us by acquaintances that had travelled with them and said that the guides were top notch. They were also highly recommended in the guide books. And this was not our experience. So, it is difficult ot say that we would recommend Ecoventura to friends who are planning to travel to The Gallapagos.
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Galapagos Islands on the M/Y Eric, Letty and Flamingo I
