Every year since 2015, Ecoventura has offered their guests the unique opportunity to participate in activities involving Ecology Project International (EPI). We have continued to support this phenomenal organization that develops conservation leaders to facilitate positive change in their community.
Ecology Project International’s Vision
Operating in only five countries worldwide, EPI’s mission is to improve and inspire global science education and conservation efforts through field-based student-scientist partnerships.
How does EPI operate in the Galapagos?
In the Galapagos Islands, EPI arranges for local high-school students to participate in a 4-10 day wildlife ecology course with a field science curriculum where they are trained to develop critical thinking skills and a conservation ethic. The students complete more than 25 hours of research in the company of Galapagos National Park rangers as well as 60+hours of coursework, exploring the natural features of these unique islands where evolution is witnessed first hand. In 2018, the total number of student participants was 283 from nine local schools.
The Ultimate Family Trip
Ecoventura is excited to announce their family cruise departures for the spring and summer in 2020 which will include one of two different programs operated by EPI in the Galapagos Islands. We strongly believe that these will enhance the experiences of our guests by not only giving them a fantastic opportunity to learn about local conservation efforts first hand but also by providing them with an interesting cultural experience getting to know the youth of the Galapagos Islands aka the Galapagueño teens!
Walking Excursion of Puerto Ayora
The first of these is a walking excursion of Puerto Ayora with EPI’s “Mola Mola Eco Club” where Ecoventura passengers will learn the secrets of human history on Santa Cruz Island directly from its people. Local high school students will show the highlights of their hometown while sharing stories, legends, and traditions of Galapagos. Guests will also participate in community conservation efforts by helping clean up the bay using a handmade net devised by students as part of a campaign to keep the beaches and bays safe for marine life.
Field Activity
The second activity enables guests to take more of an active role within conservation by rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty! Alongside EPI instructors and students, guests will explore the Pajaro Brujo Reserve located in the Santa Cruz highlands. Here they will see Giant Tortoises in their native habitat, hear about the reserve’s natural history, learn about seed dispersal research protocol and collect and analyze data including seeds from tortoise dung!
So Come See For Yourselves
Cruising the Galapagos Islands offers one of the best, if not the best, family holidays imaginable. Our luxury yachts Theory and Origin were the first expedition yachts in the Galapagos to become official members of the esteemed Relais & Châteaux collection – and therefore guests joining us can be sure they will enjoy the highest standard of hospitality possible.
From tumbling through waves with playful sea lion pups and gliding over coral reefs after graceful turtles, to hiking across lava fields and sea kayaking around secluded coves, this exotic and unique archipelago is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Yet conservation and sustainability needs to be at the heart of all of it, and that’s why Ecoventura are proud to announce we will donate between $600 – $1200 to Ecology Project International each time we offer one of their activities to our guests.
Contact us today with any questions about our special family cruises offered on Origin & Theory or the Letty and we would be delighted to have you on board!
