Ecoventura Tests New Concept in Parent-Teen Travel

Ecoventura, a small-ship operator in the Galapagos, tested a new concept in parent-teen travel. The company invited 10 teens and 10 parents to join a June graduation cruise aboard the Eric that departed Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the Island of San Cristobal on June 7, returning to port eight days later.

Over the week the yacht crossed the Equator four times, visiting the islands of Genovesa, Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago, Santa Cruz, Espanola and San Cristobal.
Planned activities included snorkeling with penguins and sea lions, naturalist-guided wildlife hikes, nature photography, lava tube exploration, star gazing, and a night out on the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest settlement in Galapagos.

Unplanned events included moonlight card games, diving off the upper deck to storm a nearby ship at anchor, and a graduation party with dancing and live musical entertainment courtesy of the captain, crew and guides.

Ecoventura has scheduled 2010 “Graduation Celebration” teen/parent cruises for May 30 to June 6, June 6 to 13, and June 13 to 20. Per person, all-inclusive rates start at $3,150. This does not include air or a national park entrance fee.

The company also offers family departures throughout the year geared toward teens and children as young as 7, with discounts of 25 percent for ages 7 to 11 and 15 percent for ages 12 to 17.

In addition to wildlife viewing, snorkeling, kayaking and hiking, on these trips kids can visit the bridge and learn about navigational charts and tie nautical knots with the captain. There are also family-centered events such as drawing contests, ice cream socials and a special King Neptune costume party and talent show.

Remaining seven-night family trips for 2009 depart July 26, Aug. 2, Aug. 9, Aug. 16, Aug. 23, Nov. 22, Dec. 20, and Dec. 27. For 2010, the departure dates are Jan. 3, Feb. 14, March 14, March 21, March 28, April 4, April 11, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 4, July 11, July 18, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 15, Aug. 22, Nov. 21, Dec. 19 and Dec. 26.

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-plus passengers annually aboard a fleet of three expedition vessels –identical 20-passenger motor yachts with 10 double cabins. The company also operates the Sky Dancer, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering seven-night itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin.