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SHIP PROFILE
ABOUT THE M/V ERIC, FLAMINGO AND LETTY - in their own words:
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.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 crewmembers, 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.
QUICK FACTS |
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L.O.A.: |
83 feet / 25 meters |
BEAM: |
24 feet. / 7 ½ meters |
| DRAFT: | 6 feet. |
| GROSS TONS: | 240. |
| DRAFT: | 6 feet / 1.8 meters |
| CRUISING SPEED: | 10-12 knots. |
| ENGINES: | (2) 402 HP Caterpillar, 8-cylinder turbo diesel. |
| GENERATORS: | (2) Perkins 90 KW generators. |
| WATER CAPACITY: | 5,000 gallons. / 18,921 liters |
| WATERMAKER CAPACITY: | 2,530 gallons per day. / 9575 liters per day |
| FUEL CAPACITY: | 5,400 gallons. / 20,435 liters |
| NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT: | Highly sophisticated navigational and mechanical equipment meet the highest safety standards found in Galapagos including: 24 mile Furuno radar, Furuno Satellite Navigator, Electric compass, magnetic compass, clock, barometer |
| COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT: | VHFand HF-SSB radios. |
| SAFETY EQUIPMENT: | All equipment meets SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ISM standards including VIKING 25-person inflatable capsule lifeboat, 40 life vests with whistles and fluorescent markers, 10 circular buoys, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, Automatic radio buoy via satellite EPIRB (emergency position indicator radio beacon) All crewmembers are experienced and trained by ISM and in the regulations that local, Navy and National Park authorities require. |
CERTIFICATION OF VESSELS: |
ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) |
Voluntary ecological certification: |
SmartVoyager |
OTHER SERVICES and INFORMATION:
Galapagos Entrance fee
The Islands are part of the Ecuador National Park system and the entrance fee is $100.00 per person. Children age 11 and younger pay a reduced rate of $50.00. The fee is divided up among various entities including the GNPS, Marine Reserve, agriculture, municipalities, INEFAN and INGALA. The park tax is not included in the cruise rate. However, it will be added to your cruise invoice and prepaid by Ecoventura for your convenience. For any passenger who elects not to prepay the park tax to Ecoventura, their fee will be collected at the airport upon arrival in Galapagos by National Park authorities. The park only accepts cash in U.S dollars as a form of payment and is subject to change without prior written notification.Gratuities to guides and crew
Aboard our vessels, gratuities are not included. We prefer that our guests reward our crew based on their performance. Tipping is a personal matter and passengers are encouraged to tip an amount they find appropriate. For those passengers who inquire, we suggest they follow international guidelines of US $175.00 per person on a 7-night cruise. Gratuities are divided among all crew members including naturalist guides.Airfare to Galapagos
Flights to Galapagos for Ecoventura's passengers are serviced by AEROGAL Airlines from Quito and Guayaquil to Galapagos to San Cristobal . Seat reservations for confirmed passengers will be made by Ecoventura. Arrival and departure airports are subject to change according to our itineraries.Purchases on board
Every passenger has an open tab at the bar and boutique, which are paid the last day of the cruise. We accept cash (US Dollars), Travelers checks, Master Card, VISA, American Express and Diners.Bar
A well-stocked bar with beer (local and imported), wine, premium liquors and liqueurs are available at the bar area. A rate sheet is posted with drink prices.Boutique
A variety of items for personal care, souvenirs, film, post cards, etc. are available in the vessel's boutique.Library
Books, magazines and DVDs are available for passengers to use during their trip. If you want to take a book to your cabin, please advise the administrator or guide.Games
Board games of scrabble, chess, checkers, Monopoly are located in the lounge area and are available for passengers to use in their free time.Laundry service: Passengers on our 7-night itinerary will be offered laundry service provided by a local company in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz . On Friday, morning, passengers can arrange to have dirty clothes sent to be laundered. The laundry will be delivered in the afternoon when passengers return from the visits. All laundry bills must be paid directly to the company at a rate of $2 per kilo (subject to change).
Reserve a wet suit: Wet suits are available for passengers ro use during the cruise at no additional charge. Wet suits are most popular June to November when water temperatures are between 65 and 72 degrees. Passengers who would like to reserve a wet suit prior to the cruise may do so for a charge of $25.00 for the entire week. The fee will be charged to onboard account and paid at the end of the cruise. Reserved wet suits will be removed from the inventory and set aside for your exclusive use during the cruise. Passengers are entitled to use the remaining wet suits on board at no additional charge on a first come first serve basis.
In order to reserve a wet suit, we need to know your approximate size (size selection may cary by yacht):
Men: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Womens (US dress size) 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
Children: 10 (S), 12 (M), 14 (L)
Snorkeling equipment: There are many opportunities to snorkel during the cruise. Masks, fins and snorkels in average sizes are available on board free of charge for use during the cruise. There is no guarantee there will be all equipment available in your size. If you anticipate taking advantage of most of the snorkeling opportunities you may prefer to bring your own equipment (especially a mask and snorkel).
Sea kayaks: Each yacht carries two tandem and one single sea kayaks. They are available at five designated sites during the cruise at no charge on a first come first serve basis.
Scuba diving
Ecoventura offers an opportunity for certified scuba divers to dive on Friday and Saturday during the cruise for an additional charge. Diving is offered every week with a minimum of 2 divers on Friday and 4 divers on Saturday. The maximum number of divers we accept is 8. Each dive offers two immersions provided by a local dive shop and includes filled tanks, weight belt, weights, BCD, regulator, wet suit, boots and hood. Please inquire for full details and rates.
Satellite telephone communication:
Ecoventura has an IRIDIUM satelite phone with service available for passengers for an additional charge of $20 for a 5-minute virtual card. In an emergency, you can be reached on board your vessel by calling Ecoventura at 011-5934-2-207-177 Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm only. The yachts also have VHFand HF-SSB radios.Navigational equipment:
Highly sophisticated navigational and mechanical equipment meet the highest safety standards found in Galapagos including: 24 mile Furuno radar, Furuno Satellite Navigator, Electric compass, magnetic compass, clock and barometer.Safety equipment:
All equipment meets SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ISM standards including VIKING 25-person inflatable capsule lifeboat, 40 life vests with whistles and fluorescent markers, 10 circular buoys, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, automatic radio buoy via satellite, EPIRB (emergency position indicator radio beacon). All crewmembers are experienced and trained by ISM and in the regulations that local, Navy and National Park authorities require.Medical attention:
The yachts carry first aid kits and the guides are trained in first aid procedures. All vessels have radio contact with the mainland for any medical emergencies.Smoking policy:
Smoking is prohibited in enclosed areas aboard the vessels and on the Islands. Smoking is only allowed on the outer deck in a designated smoking area.Security for valuables:
We recommend that you leave all valuables at home as they are not appropriate for an adventure cruise. The cabins lock from the inside only and there are no safety boxes in the cabins.Drinking water:
Bottled water is provided in your cabin and at the bar at all times free of charge
Compliments of EcoVentura
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