Creates DivEncounters Inc. for Growing Dive Market
Launch Plans Include Exhibiting at Three Upcoming Consumer Dive Shows in Long Beach, Tacoma and Las Vegas
The visionary, small ship travel company Ecoventura (http://www.ecoventura.com/) announced recently that it has created a new company, DivEncounters, Inc., to handle sales and reservations for the growing dive market in the Galapagos and elsewhere.
Allison Seymour who has extensive prior experience in the destination and live-aboard dive industry has been named sales manager to oversee marketing outreach for a company-owned dedicated dive yacht, the soon to be renamed and upgraded M/Y Galapagos Sky (formerly known as Sky Dancer).
Santiago Dunn, president and owner of Ecoventura and DivEncounters, Inc., said that his company for years has maintained a dive operation that was affiliated with Peter Hughes Diving, Inc., but that establishing DivEncounters, Inc. is in line with his company’s mandate to manage as many elements as possible of a sustainable-minded vacation in the endangered Galapagos. Dunn explains that, “Effective June 13, 2010 Ecoventura will no longer be affiliated with Peter Hughes Diving.”
M/Y Galapagos Sky will offer seven-night dive trips year-round to the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin. Cruise rates from $4595 per person (double) include cabin accommodation, all meals, snacks, beverages, filled tanks, weights, weight belt, up to four dives per day on 5.5 days for 7-night cruise, land excursions, service of naturalist guides/dive masters, transfers in the Islands between airport and dock (on cruise dates) and all other customary services and amenities.
Accommodations include eight private en-suite cabins with two twin or one king size bed with window view or port light, private head/shower, mirrored cabinet and wardrobe, bathrobes, hairdryer and toiletries. M/Y Galapagos Sky is fully air conditioned and features a spacious lounge area and fine dining. Please see http://www.ecoventura.com/dive_live_aboard.aspx.
“We’re looking forward to announcing a number of vessel improvements and upgrades to M/Y Galapagos Sky,” said Dunn, adding that other comparable live-aboard and destination resort dive and snorkel offerings are also being developed.
DivEncounters, Inc. plans to exhibit at three upcoming major consumer dive shows: May 15-16, Scuba Show in Long Beach, CA; May 21-23, Dive & Travel Expo in Tacoma, WA; and Nov. 17-20 DEMA in Las Vegas, NV.
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 dedicated dive yacht along with their fleet of three expedition vessels; identical, 10-cabin, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts. All of its vessels have been purposefully retrofitted to meet or exceed the highest possible environmental standards.
For information on M/Y Galapagos Sky please email ali@divencounters.com. To receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2010 catalog, including dive trips, please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com.
To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto: http://www.ecoventura.com/.
Land-based vacation or a cruise? A Q&A from Santiago Dunn, President of Ecoventura, Leader in Sustainable & Responsible Travel in the Galapagos
The Galapagos, known for its wealth of highly visible living creatures, is also one of the most fragile and endangered ecosystems in the world. Following are questions many potential visitors ask, with answers from a leader in creating sustainable tourism programs for the region, Santiago Dunn, owner of Ecoventura, a private company that maintains a fleet of small, superior-class, expedition touring yachts.
Should I stay in a lodge or hotel and take day tours or select a multiple-night cruise?
Dunn: It’s less expensive to stay at a hotel and take coastal or inland day trips or hop between two or more island lodges; but your touring options will be limited to the central islands: Santa Fe, Daphne, Bachas, Floreana, Bartolome, San Cristobal and some nearby islands from Santa Cruz. It is difficult for a land tour to visit Isabela and impossible to visit Fernandina or Genovesa. Ironically, people will book a “land based” tour believing they will minimize sea sickness. Lodge-based guests, however, are more vulnerable to sea sickness as they are traveling between islands via a light fiberglass speed boat. On a week-long cruise you visit more islands. Plus, you usually have one morning activity and one afternoon activity – each day, usually at different locations, cruising at night so you wake up at a new island each sunrise.
Does the size of the ship matter?
Dunn: Boats in the Galapagos range in carrying capacity from 16-20 on the small range to a mid-large range of 48-100 passengers. There are over 80 registered tour boats transporting visitors throughout the islands. Large vessels that must anchor in deeper waters require more time getting passengers to and from shore excursions and back to their vessels. Guests on smaller ships have more time to be active on shore. Overall passenger capacity factors into the guide to guest ratio on land excursions. With a 16 passenger vessel you will usually have one guide for 16 passengers. On larger boats you will have several groups of 16 passengers per guide. A 20-passenger yacht has an advantage in offering a 1:10 guide to guest ratio. If prone to motion sickness, some people think a larger vessel is more secure; but the difference is marginal between a 90-foot boat and a 200-foot boat.
Do itineraries vary by vessel?
Dunn: Of course. But another consideration is that the companies licensed with the newest vessels such as the two-hull catamarans may also have the less desirable itineraries. Companies with vessels that have been around for 20+ years are grandfathered in with the most comprehensive itineraries available. This leads to an overall better quality experience.
How many days should a visitor spend in Galapagos?
Dunn: Perhaps the question should be rephrased to ask: How does a traveler get best value for the vacation dollar? Many companies offer traditional seven-night cruises with the option of three- or four-night cruise. The downside is that passengers on the full week itinerary must return to port in the middle of the cruise to pick-up and drop-off the shorter-stay passengers. This ultimately breaks up the continuity and spirit of camaraderie between the passengers on board. Of course if you are on a tight budget or limited in time a shorter trip can be a viable option.
Does a higher price tag on a cruise mean a better experience?
Dunn: Like the old song, isn’t it truly “a gift to be simple?” how important is luxury in a fragile ecosystem? You’ll probably spend most of the week in t-shirts, bathing suit and sandals. How sustainable are the Jacuzzis and monogrammed bathrobes? Galapagos is the type of place where nature and simplicity rule and less is often more. The high-end, ultra-soft, 16-passenger yachts and a handful of the larger luxury vessels charge $5,000 or more per person for a one week cruise. The budget-minded, larger capacity ships, half that. For 2010, Ecoventura’s rates are $3,225 to $3,925 per person with discounts for children age 7-17 on designated family departures, early bird booking discounts and other promotions.
Are there ecological considerations to staying on land or taking a cruise?
Dunn: A cruise actually leaves a smaller ecological footprint because you are not contributing to the construction of hotels, bars, roads and restaurants on these fragile islands. The United Nations and the government of Ecuador have both recognized that growing land-based tourism is a threat to the islands and their delicate eco-systems. In the fall of 2008 Ecoventura launched the first hybrid-energy vessel in the Galapagos, the M/Y Eric. The installation of 40 solar panels and two wind turbines now provide enough power to replace approximately 18 percent of the energy previously produced by two diesel generators. We look for more of this “greening” to take place within the cruise industry.
About Ecoventura: Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the Galápagos cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard a fleet of three expedition vessels; identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts with 10 double cabins. The company also operates the Sky Dancer, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard 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.
In 2009 Ecoventura was the recipient of Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Award for Green Cruising and Conde Nast Traveler’s 15th Annual World Savers Award in the category of Cruise Lines.
To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2010 catalog please call 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto www.ecoventura.com
Travel + Leisure Names Galápagos Small Ship Expedition Company Ecoventura Winner of 2009 Global Vision Award for Green Cruising
Ecoventura has been singled out for the second time this year by one of America’s most prestigious travel publications to receive accolades for its trend-setting commitment to sustainable tourism.
In the fifth annual edition of Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Awards, Ecoventura (http://www.ecoventura.com/) is the recipient of the 2009 award for Green Cruising. The company is one of 17 winners named in a variety of categories. Following the Oct 19 announcement, the 2009 Global Vision Award winners will be featured online at http://www.travelandleisure.com and in the November issue of Travel + Leisure magazine.
This award follows on the heels of Conde Nast Traveler’s 15th Annual World Savers Award given to Ecoventura in September, also in the category of Cruise Lines.
Both publications recognize Ecoventura’s ongoing mission to be the pacesetter for responsible tourism in the Galápagos Islands.
“It’s gratifying that today’s opinion makers are seeking out companies like ours that understand it takes an unwavering commitment to sustainable change and purpose instead of blind profit,” said Santiago Dunn, Ecoventura president.
“Ironically,” said Dunn, “booming tourism in the Galápagos has added to the challenges and problems faced by those looking to restore and protect the island’s native species and ecological balance.”
The annual Global Vision Awards recognize the latest and best efforts at cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and community building through tourism.
About Travel + Leisure: Travel + Leisure and its website propel readers to travel now, travel smarter, and travel often. With an eye for the authentic, the innovative, and the irresistible, T+L fuses expert reporting on style, culture, food, and design with stunning photography to transport its readers to the places—and the experiences—that matter most. The long-standing authority in its field, Travel + Leisure has the largest, most affluent audience of any travel magazine and is an indispensable read for today’s global citizen.
About Ecoventura: Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the Galápagos cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard a fleet of three expedition vessels; identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts with 10 double cabins. The company also operates the Sky Dancer, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard 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 2009-2010 catalog please call 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto http://www.ecoventura.com/.
Ecoventura’s Green Vessel
Small Ship Expedition Company Ecoventura Rolls Out First Green Vessel of its Kind in the Galapagos
The visionary, small ship travel company, Ecoventura, announces that one of its fleet of four superior-class motor yachts now sports a new sustainability technology heretofore applied only to small private boats.
Ecoventura’s M/Y ERIC becomes the first hybrid energy tour boat in the Galapagos following a $100,000 installation of 40 solar panels and two wind turbines on the upper deck. The work that began in October 2008 also included replacing canvas awnings with a hard fiberglass top for structural support. The goal is for the solar panels and wind powered generators to provide enough power to initially support approximately 17 percent of the energy formerly produced by two carbon fuel-based generators. This project was financed through a partnership with Toyota, a supporter of the World Wildlife Fund. The target goal is to have full fleet implementation by 2011.
“We want to give our passengers the assurance that Ecoventura has taken every measure to ensure that they enjoy a safe, thrilling adventure without harming the unique wildlife or the fragile environment of the Islands. We all live in this world and breath the same air; the least we can do is try to preserve it for our children and the generations to come,” says Santiago Dunn, president and owner of Ecoventura.
“The Galapagos Islands are a fragile and threatened ecosystem. Ecoventura continues to break new ground in responsible tourism in the Galapagos with its new hybrid energy technology. It is the hope that other cruise and tour companies will see the successful results and follow suit,” Dunn says. In summer 2007, UNESCO put the Galapagos on its World Heritage sites risk list, citing alien species and pollution from tourists and immigrants as key issues.
Toyota’s involvement with the Galapagos Islands began in 2001, when the company partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to help conserve the Islands’ unique ecosystem. Toyota has since supported and/or funded many projects and programs in the Galapagos Islands. These include a redesign of the main fuel-handling facility on Baltra, renewable- energy teacher education workshops, oil and municipal recycling programs and the refitting of Ecoventura’s expedition touring yacht, M/Y Eric with solar panels and wind turbines. Community education and outreach have been key components of all projects.
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 a fleet of three expedition vessels; identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts with 10 double cabins. The company also operates the Sky Dancer, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard 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 2009 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail mailtinfo@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto www.ecoventura.com.
On Nov. 12, 2008, at a ceremony hosted at World Travel Market in London, Ecoventura was awarded with the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award for Best in a Marine Environment, one of 13 overall categories. Distinguished judges noted that Ecoventura contributes to scholarships for education and helps local women develop micro-businesses. Ecoventura was also recognized to be among the first cruise operators to be independently environmentally audited. The award was presented to Santiago Dunn by Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com, organizers and founders of the Awards and by Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor. In accepting his award, Dunn stated, “We as a company are both humbled and energized by this prestigious award. It is wonderful to be recognized for our past efforts, but our groundbreaking work on setting the bar for responsible tourism in Galapagos has just begun.”
Ecoventura reduces carbon emissions in 2008
In 2006, Ecoventura became the first company in Galapagos to offset carbon emissions. The company was successful this past year in reducing total emissions by 10% and currently offsets 4000 short tons of carbon-based emissions per year through clean energy credits purchased through Native Energy.
While afloat and offshore the minutiae of human footprints, both foreign and indigenous, and their impacts are assessed by Dunn who believes it’s possible to elevate consciousness levels around the world by allowing privileged travelers to see places like The Galapagos and in so doing learn how important it is to protect the environment.
In summer 2007 UNESCO put the Galapagos on its World Heritage sites risk list, citing alien species and pollution from tourists and immigrants as key issues.
Dunn views this as a positive step “because it will raise awareness so that corrective measures are taken.”
Meanwhile he is modifying the engines on his fleet of four expedition yachts to create hybrid boats that will run by diesel and solar/wind energy. This ground-breaking technology will charge all electric/lights/appliances/bridge equipment and reduce fuel consumption by 10-20 percent. This conservation is in addition to the energy savings already realized though an operation policy that reduces engine RPMs.
“This very new technology has only been used to date on small private boats and not yet on commercial vessels,” he says, noting that $100,000 was budgeted for a one year test/trial on one of his yachts before refitting his entire fleet. The target goal is to have full implementation by 2011.
This project and other work he has done offer a case study in best environmental practices. His mission for Ecoventura, that annually transports nearly 4,000 passengers, is to inspire others, including his passengers, to be part of the solution for the issues facing tourism in The Galapagos.
“We want to give our passengers the assurance that Ecoventura has taken every measure to ensure that they enjoy a safe, thrilling adventure without harming the unique wildlife or the fragile environment. We all live in this world and breath the same air; the least we can do is try to preserve it for our children and the generations to come,” says Dunn.
Following is a brief chronology of Dunn’s accomplishments:
- Since 1999, through a series of targeted projects, he has led Ecoventura to become the pacesetter in establishing the standard for responsible and sustainable environmental practices.
- In 2000 Ecoventura became one of the first recipients of SmartVoyager, a voluntary environmental certification developed by New York-based The Rainforest Alliance and Corporacion y Desarollo from Ecuador. The program gives a “green seal of approval” to tour boats that comply with requirements to tread lightly on the area’s fragile eco-system.
- In 2005 he received the prestigious Individual Sustainable Standard-Setter award for making a significant contribution to environmental conservation and sustainability.
- In 2006 Ecoventura, in partnership with NativeEnergy, became the first Carbon Neutral operation in Galapagos (and Ecuador).
- In 2007 Ecoventura partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to create the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund which targets environmental education and marine conservation by strengthening the local communities’ ability to manage natural resources.
Megan Epler Wood of Burlington, VT, head of EplerWood International, a consulting company that advises regions around the world on sustainability issues, notes that Santiago Dunn has made Ecoventura one of the most environmentally conscious travel companies in Ecuador, one which is admired by its passengers and travel companies globally.
“By partnering with NativeEnergy to offset carbon emissions, he is investing in the future of our planet by bringing corporate travel industry dollars directly to the development of new wind turbines on native lands and other renewable energy sources,” she says. “What is really significant,” she adds, “is that Dunn is not waiting for his passengers to “opt-in” to an offset program; he is paying the full amount for offsets upfront to ensure his company is carbon neutral. “
To receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2009 catalog as well as information on tours to the Galapagos Islands, call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto www.ecoventura.com/.
New Partnership Assists The Galapagos
Protecting Where the Wild Things Are
That is Goal of New Galapagos Partnership
With Ecoventura and World Wildlife Fund
MIAMI, Florida, April 30, 2008 — Where the wild things are is often where inquisitive travelers congregate, potentially setting up a love-it-to-death dynamic in the visited environment.
A small, visionary travel company, Ecoventura, has announced a new partnership with the environmental heavy hitter, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to reduce the detrimental effects of growing tourism in the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands.
This new collaboration, called The Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund (GMBF), will target environmental education and marine conservation by strengthening the local communities’ ability to manage natural resources.
“It’s the paradise being pushed to the edge concept,” says Doris Welsh, Ecoventura’s Miami-based Director of Sales and Marketing. “Our partnership mission is to safeguard the Galapagos environment so that we can continue to bring conservation-minded visitors here for generations to come.”
GMBF funds support the refit, maintenance and deployment of the “Tiburon Martillo,” a permanent floating surveillance and patrolling station within the Galapagos Marine Reserve. It’s from here that park patrol boats will target, among other things, illegal industrial shark finning and long-line fishing.
Funds are also allocated to refurbish and maintain a speed boat that patrols the Bolivar channel between the western Islands of Fernandina and Isabela.
The GMBF has also allocated funds to benefit families of local fishermen by supporting a microenterprise for the fisherman’s wives to manage. This will provide an alternate means of income and also set an example to create other tourism related businesses and reduce the need to fish in waters already impacted by over-harvesting.
A scholarship component for local children of fishermen from San Cristobal Island grants scholarships for two years to study Tourism, Environmental Science or Natural Resource Management at the University of San Francisco campus in the Galapagos.
To fund the GMBF, Ecoventura has pledged to raise close to $250,000 over the next three years. Passengers on its 7-day Galapagos cruises are also encouraged to donate to the fund during their trip. During each Ecoventura cruise, a local representative from WWF meets with passengers and gives a brief educational talk followed by questions and answers.
Welsh says that while serving the interests of the environment the partnership also empowers local residents through employment, education and related opportunities.
Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. All of its guides are Ecuadorian nationals; 65% are Galapagos residents and 25% are native Galapaguenos. Of 61 crew members, including guides and captains, 37% reside permanently in the Galapagos Islands and of those, 15% are native Galapaguenos. The rest live in different cities in mainland Ecuador. As part of its compensation package, Ecoventura offers medical insurance to its employees and their families as well.
The company maintains a warehouse and manager on the Island of San Cristobal and hires only locals to handle its Galapagos-based operation. Approximately 27% of its total food supplies come from local vendors on San Cristobal Island, including all fresh fish and some vegetables. Dairy products and meats are purchased on the Island of Santa Cruz further benefitting the local community.
In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 3,000+ passengers annually aboard a fleet of four expedition vessels that have been purposefully retrofitted to highest possible environmental standards. In recognition of these pacesetting efforts, in 2005 the Rainforest Alliance presented Ecoventura President Santiago Dunn with its prestigious Individual Sustainable Standard-Setter award for making a significant contribution to environmental conservation and sustainability. In 2006, Santiago was awarded the first annual Sustainable Travel Award from the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA).
In 2006, Ecoventura also became the first Carbon Neutral operation in the Galapagos (and Ecuador). Carbon emissions from the company’s four yachts (and offices including business travel) are reduced, and then offset by contributions to a portfolio of projects through the US-based company NativeEnergy.
To receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2008 catalog as well as information on tours to the Galapagos Islands please call toll-free 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto http://www.ecoventura.com/.
