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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Ecuador Tours and Travel

Eric, Letty & Flamingo Galapagos Cruises

For the past 20 years, these ships have provided an authentic experience with good value to individuals travelers and small groups in the Galapagos Islands. Theycater primarily to the English-speaking upscale active adventure traveler offering comprehensive 7-night itineraries including the outer, most spectacular islands in the archipelago. Small guide-to-passenger ratios (one naturalist guide for every ten passengers) ensures intimate visits on shore. Kayaks, wet suits and snorkel equipment are provided at no additional charge.

Family departures scheduled over school breaks are our most popular trips. They offer age-appropriate activities geared toward children and teens 7-17. We also offer designated trips for women only, teen family graduation departures and optional scuba diving.

We are a recognized leader in sustainable tourism in Galapagos since 2000 when we became one of the first recipients of the Smart Voyager ecological certification. More recently, we became the first company to offset carbon emissions, reduced emissions by 10% and installed alternative energy sources (solar panels & wind generators), making the ERIC the first hybrid yacht in Galapagos. We have created the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund administered by the World Wildlife Fund to support environmental education and marine conservation through funding scholarships for local students, micro-enterprises for families of fishermen and control of illegal fishing activities through a permanent floating station and refit of park patrol boats. In 2008, we were awarded with the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Best in a Marine Environment award and in 2009, with the Conde Nast Traveler World Saver award in the category of Best overall Cruise Line.

M/Y Eric, Flamingo I, and Letty are yachts with identical characteristics. A seasoned captain, 8 dedicated crewmembers, and 2 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.

Outfitted in 1990, the fleet of three 20-passenger first class motor-yachts ERIC, FLAMINGO I, and LETTY are 83' long with 24' beams each and exclusively custom-designed for Galapagos excursions, with spacious accommodations for small groups.

Polished teak wood interior features:

• Fully air-conditioned cabins
  
• Public spaces
  
• Dining room
  
• Well-stocked bar
  
• Conference area with television, VCR, stereo cassette/CD equipment, and book and
• video library

Accommodations include ten cabins located on three decks, each with:

• A large private bathroom with
  Fresh, hot-and-cold-water shower
  
• Either two twin lower beds or one double bed
  
• A roomy closet + Overhead storage
  
• Separate climate controls + Intercom system
  
• Bottled water, Toiletries, Fresh towels
  

Start each day with a casual breakfast buffet that includes:Toasted bread and a wide array of cereals, Milk, tea, and coffee, Fresh exotic fruit juices, Eggs cooked to order

At lunch, enjoy a buffet of:Crisp salads, Pastas, Assorted fresh vegetables, Meats and fish all creatively prepared

Unwind quickly in the evening with: creamy soups, ceviches, grilled seafood, roasted potato salad, unique deserts, and other delicacies both Ecuadorian and international cuisines.

Trips depart from San Cristóbal on Sundays and and offer 7 or 5 night, comprehensive itineraries to visit the islands' most spectacular sites. Twenty passengers and two guides per yacht ensure that each guest enjoys a personalized voyage. Snorkeling equipment, wet suits, sea kayaks, and beach towels are provided at no additional charge.

See more photos and info

M/Y Eric, Letty & Flamingo - 8 Days / 7 Nights continuous

SUN : San Cristobal/ Cerro Brujo/ Leon Dormido
MON : Darwin Bay/ Prince Philips Steps, Tower
TUE : South Plaza/ North Seymour
WED : Tagus Cove, Isabela / Punta Espinoza, Fernandina
THU : Puerto Egas, Santiago / Bartolomé
FRI : Highlands / Darwin Station, Santa Cruz
SAT : Gardner Bay / Punta Suárez, Espanola (Hood)
SUN : La Galapaguera/ San Cristóbal

Note: 6 day/5 night itineraries (Sun.-Fri.) are available for most weeks

We welcome families with children ages seven and up on all expedition vessels throughout the year. 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 on board- from supervised water games and instruction in snorkeling and sea kayaking to briefings geared toward the younger set and kid-friendly meals. 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 special King Neptune costume party and talent show.

Children - No child under 7 years old unless special pre-arranged conditions are met. On Regular departures, Children 11 years under younger are entitled to a 50% discount off the cruise, airfare and park tax. Children ages 12-14 years are entitled to a 25% discount off the cruise rate only. The discount is taken from high season rates, even during low season departures.

RATES INCLUDE: Cabin accommodation, all meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, limited bar, shore excursions, guide services, use of snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks and wet suits, transfers in the Islands between the airport and dock.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to Galapagos, Galapagos entrance fee, alcoholic beverages, gratuities to guides and crew, purchases on board, travel insurance

GALAPAGOS PARK TAX: The entrance fee to the National Park of $100.00 is not included in the cruise rate, however, this charge will be added to your cruise invoice and prepaid by for your convenience.

AIRFARE and FLIGHT SCHEDULE to Galapagos: Aerogal Airlines serve the passengers from Mainland Ecuador to San Cristobal. One checked suitcase (maximum 44 lbs.) and one carry-on are allowed per passenger. Check-in time is one hour prior to departure. On the day of departure, please be at the airport -Quito or Guayaquil- at least one hour prior to departure for check-in. Please meet our representative next to the AerogalAirlines ticket counter.