A small, visionary travel company, Ecoventura, that conducts small-ship cruises throughout the Galapagos, offers a 10-point program that it adheres to and hopes others will as well in order to support conservation efforts in this fragile ecosystem.

1) Keeps tour groups to 10 people or less per guide to reduce potential environmental impacts and wildlife harassment.
2) Hires naturalist guides to help monitor and enforce park regulations
3) Manages water and solid waste in an environmentally responsible manner.
4) Maintains the environmental certification SmartVoyager since 2000.
5) Supports locally managed projects that address conservation threats in the Marine Reserve.
6) Supports projects and hires local people in sustainable tourism, reducing their dependency on over fishing and other extractive activities
7) Provides scholarships to local children to study conservation education at the elementary, high school and college levels.
Gives clients a reliable means of donating to local conservation project
9) Reduces fuel consumption by installation of high performance oil filters.
10) Offsets the carbon emissions of all tour boats and sales offices

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 www.ecoventura.com.