September 7, 2011
Snorkeling in the Galapagos
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 3 MIN.
MIAMI, FL - Ecoventura's environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos allows guests of this visionary small-ship travel company to experience the Galapagos from as many land and water perspectives as possible. This includes snorkeling.
"Guests often tell us that their most sensational and enjoyable wildlife viewing comes from behind a mask while snorkeling," said Ecoventura
In addition to guided shore excursions, guests can opt to snorkel or kayak at least once and sometimes twice daily in Galapagos waters. Small yachts (20 passengers) give guests more opportunities to snorkel as compared to bigger vessels that take more time with the logistics of loading and unloading larger groups.
"These are not-to-be-missed opportunities to snorkel with playful sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, graceful rays, tropical fish and even friendly sharks.� You may even be able to snorkel with dolphins or find yourself spectator to a friendly feeding frenzy," said Welsh, recommending Gardner Islet at Gardner Bay for tropical fish, sea lions, rays and sharks; Sombrero Chino for penguins; and Punta Espinosa for sea turtles.
Here are Ecoventura's tips on how to make the most of a snorkeling adventure in the Galapagos.
Welsh points out that "starting in 2012, due to new regulations for all cruise companies in the Galapagos, ships will no longer be in port for a full day during the cruise itinerary so the possibility of scheduling an optional 'dive day' will no longer be possible. However snorkeling, especially in deep water, will still provide a 'dive like' experience."
Ecoventura last year helped launch DivEncounters Alliance (http://www.divencounters.com/) to handle sales and reservations for the growing scuba dive market in the Galapagos and elsewhere. For scuba divers who want to combine diving in Galapagos with wildlife top side, the fleet's luxury dive live-aboard, Galapagos Sky
Ecoventura
The company also operates the M/V Galapagos Sky, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin.
To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura�s 2011-2012 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail [email protected]
To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.