Eric, Letty, Flamingo

This fleet of three identical 20-passenger motor yacht, M/Y Eric, Flamingo and Letty were built in 1990 and 1992/the 83 feet long and 24 feet wide customized yachts were designed to exclusively sail the Galapagos Archipelago.

Cruising at 12 knots, the sister yacht’s possess highly sophisticated navigational and mechanical equipment, as well as meeting the highest safety standards found in Galapagos.

Fully air-conditioned throughout with ample public areas; dining room, bar/lounge area and conference room including TV, VCR and stereo equipment. Large picture windows surround the upper two decks providing panoramic views of the Galapagos landscape. A sun deck with lounge chairs and an observation area provides enjoyment of the sun and ocean. 10 double outside cabins are located on all three decks. Each has a private bathroom with twin shower (fresh hot and cold water). All cabins have either two lower beds or one double bed, ample closet, separate thermostat control and intercom system.

Three meals are served daily in the dining room featuring both international and Ecuadorian specialties. Throughout your trip, you’ll be attended by its crew of 10 members, including guides.

DAY 03 Tuesday: Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA PM Tagus Cove (SN, PR, KY), ISABELA

DAY 07 Saturday: Punta Suarez, Espanola (HOOD) PM Gardner Bay (SN, PR, KY) Espanola (Hood)

SAMPLE AIRFARE: From Miami to Quito or Guayaquil and to Galapagos is approximately US$920 to $1,100 (low to high season) via American Airlines (from Quito to Galapagos via Tame Airlines). Have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours for further information and add-ons from more than 100 other USA cities.

2012 NEW Itineraries M/Y Eric, Flamingo I & Letty Effective: Jan 29 2012 - Jan 30 2013

Itinerary A Southern/Central Route & Itinerary B Western & Northern Islands

Itinerary A – Southern/ Central Route

8 days / 7 nights

Sunday: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL (airport) Playa Ochoa (SN), Leon Dormido, SAN CRISTOBAL

Monday: Punta Pitt, (SN, PR, KY) SAN CRISTOBAL Cerro Brujo (SN, PR, KY) SAN CRISTOBAL

Tuesday: Punta Suarez, ESPANOLA (Hood) Gardner Bay (SN, PR, KY) ESPANOLA (Hood)

Wednesday: Punta Cormorant (PR, SN), Devil’s Crown (SN), FLOREANA Post Office Bay (PR, SN), FLOREANA

Thursday: Humedales & Muro de Lagrimas or Tintoreras, ISABELA Sierra Negra Volcano, ISABELA

Friday: Bachas or Mosquera (PR, KY, SN), SANTA CRUZ Bartolome (SN, PR)

Saturday: South Plaza Island Darwin station or highlands of SANTA CRUZ

Sunday: Interpretation Center, SAN CRISTOBAL (airport)

The order of visits may vary slightly depending on the yacht assigned. SN = snorkel, KY = kayak, PR = panga (dingy) ride (passengers must often chose just one activity per site or as time permits).

2012 "A departure dates:

JAN 29-05 FEB, FEB 12-19, FEB 26-04 MAR, MAR 11-18, MAR 25-01 APR, APR 8-15, APR 22-29, MAY 6-13, MAY 20-27, JUN 03-10, JUN 17-24, JUL 01-08, JUL 15-22, JUL 29-05 AUG, AUG 12-19, AUG 26-02 SEP, SEP 9-16, SEP 23-30, OCT 7-14, OCT 21-28, NOV 04-11, NOV 18-25, DEC 02-09, DEC 16-23

6 day/ 5 night cruise option (Sunday to Friday) – available on itinerary A only*

Passengers can disembark on Friday in Baltra for a shorter, 5 night cruise. This is available on seasonal departure dates only. The 5-night rate is a 20% discount off the 7 night cruise rate and cannot be combined with any other promotional or child discounts. For those passengers departing itinerary A early, there is an additional charge of $15 per person (2 pax minimum or $30) to provide a transfer to Baltra. The return flight from Baltra is subject to availability and confirmation is requested at the time of booking.

Itinerary B – Western/ Northern Route

Sunday: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL (airport) La Galapaguera Cerro Colorado, SAN CRISTOBAL

Monday: Prince Philip’s Steps (SN, PR, KY) GENOVESA (Tower) Darwin Bay (SN, PR, KY), GENOVESA (Tower)

Tuesday: Bachas Beach or Mosquera (SN) North Seymour (SN, PR)

Wednesday: Punta Espinosa (SN), FERNANDINA Elizabeth Bay or Punta Moreno (PR, KY) ISABELA

Thursday: Urbina Bay, ISABELA (SN, PR) Tagus Cove, ISABELA (SN, PR, KY)

Friday: Puerto Egas, SANTIAGO (SN) Rabida Island (SN, PR, KY)

Saturday: Darwin Station of Highlands of SANTA CRUZ

Santa Fe Island (SN, PR, KY)

Sunday: Interpretation Center, SAN CRISTOBAL (airport)

The order of visits may vary slightly depending on the yacht assigned.

SN = snorkel, KY = kayak, PR = panga (dingy) ride (passengers must often chose just one activity per site or as time permits).

2012 "B" departures dates

FEB 05-12, FEB 19-26, MAR 04-11, MAR 18-24, APR 01-08, APR 15-22, APR 29-06 MAY, MAY 13-20, MAY 27-03 JUN, JUN 10-17, JUN 24-01 JUL, JUL 08-15, JUL 22-29, AUG 05-12, AUG 19-26, SEP 02-09, SEP 16-23, SEP 30-07 OCT, OCT 14-21, OCT 28-04 NOV, NOV 11-18, NOV 25-02 DEC, DEC 09-16, DEC 23-30

7 day/ 6 night cruise option (Sunday to Saturday) - available on itinerary B only*

Passengers can disembark on Saturday in Baltra for a shorter, 6 night cruise. This is available on seasonal departure dates only. The 6-night rate is a 10% discount off the 7 night cruise rate and cannot be combined with any other promotional or child discounts. For those passengers departing itinerary B early, there is an additional charge of $90 total when there are 3 or less passengers to provide a transfer to Baltra with a guide. For 4 or more passengers, there is no additional charge. The return flight from Baltra is subject to availability and confirmation is requested at the time of booking

FULL ITINERARIES A & B M/Y Eric, Flamingo & Letty – Itinerary A Southern/Central route

SUNDAY: Upon arrival to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL Island, our crew is waiting at the airport to escort you to your anchored yacht. After the welcome briefing, buffet lunch and safety drill, we set sail for Playa Ochoa where we have a wet landing. Here, we can test our snorkeling equipment and at the same time swim with a small colony of sea lions. Behind the beach, there is a tidal lagoon where bird can be spotted including the rare Chatham mockingbird. At sunset, we cruise around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a vertical tuff cone formation that abruptly juts up almost 500 feet out of the ocean. On the cliffs, we spot Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and Magnificent Frigate birds.

MONDAY: This morning, we visit the northeast tip of San Cristobal, PUNTA PITT, a tuff formation that serves as a nesting site for many sea birds including Blue footed, Nazca and Red-footed boobies, Frigate birds, Swallow-tailed gulls and Storm petrels. Punta Pitt is considered to be a first class site for birds and equal to Genovesa (Tower) Island. This afternoon we visit CERRO BRUJO, a breathtaking white power-sand beach, said to be one of the most spectacular in Galapagos and have an opportunity to snorkel or kayak right from the beach.

TUESDAY: This morning we have a dry landing at Punta Suarez, ESPANOLA, where we witness the highest rate of endemic species in Galapagos. Sea lions noisily green us as we land on their beach. Curious Hood mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. From April to November, the waved albatross, found only on Espanola, perform their wild mating ritual. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in "sky-pointing" to show off for potential mates. Nazca boobies busily care for their young. Stunning swallow-tailed gulls are the only nocturnal gulls in the world. Red-billed tropicbirds take shelter under the cliffs. We also find Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks. Observe a unique specie of marine iguana identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful sally light-foot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous "blow hole".

In the afternoon, we have a wet landing on Gardner Bay, ESPANOLA (HOOD). Walk along seemingly endless stretches of this white sandy beach where you’ll find large colonies of sea lions. There is no trail to follow so this is a chance to explore and you may find a Galapagos Hawk, Darwin’s Finches or Hood Mockingbird. Swim with sea lions right from the beach, explore by kayak or just relax. There’s an excellent snorkeling site off Gardner Islet with a colorful diversity of sea life near Tortuga Rock, explore caves covered with invertebrates.

WEDNESDAY: This morning we step ashore at Punta Cormorant, FLOREANA (Charles). one of the few populated islands in the Galapagos. Floreana presents a rich history with mystery and intrigue. Set food on a green-sand beach alive with the sounds of sea lions. Follow a trail to a brackish lagoon, home of the pintail ducks, common stilts, and the pinkest Flamingos in the world. Wind your way past a rich variety of plants including Morning Glory, Cut Leaf Daisies, Palo Verdes and Scalesia leading to a beach with power soft sand. Sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand dunes and rays swim in the shallow water. After the walk, we have an opportunity to snorkel at Devil’s Crown, a shallow sunken crater colonized by a brilliant array of colorful fish and corral. This afternoon we visit Post office Bay, not the most scenic, but probably the most famous sites in Galapagos. Here is where a post barrel was put into use in the late 18th Century by English whaling vessels. You are invited to leave a post card and to pick up any mail from your home area.

THURSDAY: This morning we visit a hidden gem on Isabela Island called Los Humedales and Muro de Lagrimas which translates to "wetlands" and "wall of teams". This area has trails from which you find all four species of mangroves, secluded sandy beaches with rocky shores lava tunnels and natural pools View migratory birds including Whimrels, Short-billed Dowitchers, Wilson’s Pharlarope, Common Tern, Osprey, Semi-palmated Plovers as well as mating Flamingos. The national park has released young tortoises from the breeding center in this area so you may encounter tortoises in the wild. The Wall of Tears was constructed between 1946-1959 when Isabela was a penal colony. In the afternoon, we visit Sierra Negra Volcano, located in the Southwest portion of Isabela, and considered the oldest and largest volcano on Isaleba. From Puerto Villamil, we travel by motorized vehicle to Santo Tomas. From here, we continue by horseback to the rim of the

caldera, traversing a lava field through a series of craters and fumaroles until we reach Volcan Chico. Along the way, you will usually spot the vermillion flycatcher, Galapagos Martins, Whimbrels, Egrets, Galapagos Hawks and possibly the Dark-billed Cuckoo.

FRIDAY: This morning we visit Mosquera, a tiny islet between Baltra and North Seymour with a long narrow beach and large population of sea lions. After a wet landing, we will have time for swimming and snorkeling on this volcanically-formed islet. This afternoon we visit Bartolome, where it seems like we are walking on the moon. This young Island is inhospitable to most plants and animals. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up stairs leading to the summit of a once active volcano. Along the way, we pause to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top of the wooden stairs, we can gaze out across the island for a panoramic view of the island and "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Crystal clear water is an invitation to snorkel from the beach or Zodiac with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos Penguins.

SATURDAY: This morning, we visit SOUTH PLAZA, a small geological uplift with tall cliffs offering spectacular views. After a dry landing, the trails lead us through Prickly Pear cactus or Opuntia and Sesuvium. Here we can find the Galapagos Land Iguana feeding on the cactus leaves. Toward the end of the hill, we encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions. The dominant bulls are in various stages of recovery from battles lost over prime beach territory. We also find Swallow tailed gulls, Shearwaters and Red-billed tropicbirds who build their nests along the cliffs. Travel by bus to the highlands of SANTA CRUZ Island. The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. Here, we visit the tortoise reserve at one of the private farms in the highlands where we encounter giant tortoises In their natural habitat. We visit Los Gemelos, Spanish for "The Twins", a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. We stop at "the tunnels", the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos.

SUNDAY: We visit the Interpretation Center opened on San Cristobal Island in 1999. Here we gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we spend time in port before heading to the airport for our flight back to the mainland departing noon time on Aerogal.

M/Y Flamingo & Letty – Itinerary B / Northern & Western route

SUNDAY: Upon arrival to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL Island, our crew is waiting at the airport to escort you to your anchored yacht. After the welcome briefing, buffet lunch and safety drill, we travel by bus into the interior of San Cristobal to visit LA GALAPAGUERA CERRO COLORADO, where the National Park has established a breeding program for the tortoises and set up an information center for visitors. Along the trail, we find the San Cristobal (Chatham) mockingbird and Calandrinia plant, both endemic to this island. Here, you will see the terrestrial tortoises living in their natural habitat but also learn about their origin, evolution and threats by introduced animals.

MONDAY: We spend the entire day on TOWER (Genovesa), considered to be one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos for bird species. This morning, we have a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps. Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees and Nazca Boobies nest near the trail. In an open lava field, we find Storm Petrels in large numbers. If you are lucky, we will see the elusive Short-eared owl. After the walk, our kayaks are available to paddle along the shoreline. Look for the beautiful Red-billed Tropic bird usually found in the crevices. This afternoon, we have a wet-landing on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where Swallow-tailed and Lava gulls gather near the tide pools. Enter a forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves where colonies of Great Frigate birds nest. The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females as they fly overhead. The trail leads through a rich inter tidal zone where we find a wide diversity of wildlife. After the walk, we can swim and snorkel from the beach with sea lions in these northern warmer waters. .

TUESDAY: This morning we visit, Las Bachas, which is the Spanish translation for "barges". There is a long stretch of a soft white sand beach and interior lagoons where we find the Greater Flamingo. There is also a wonderful chance to snorkel here from the beach. This afternoon, we have a dry landing at North Seymour, a small geological uplift. We follow a trail that leads us to Swallow-tailed gulls, Blue-footed boobies and the endemic Land iguanas. Visit the largest colony of Magnificent Frigate birds found in Galapagos. As we stroll along the beach, we find Marine Iguanas and sea lions body surf the northern swells. After the walk there is a snorkeling opportunity offered in deep water.

WEDNESDAY: This morning, we have a semi-wet landing at Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA, the youngest and most pristine Island in Galapagos. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. Hundreds of Marine Iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Chanel where we often spot whales and dolphins riding the bow wave.

Our afternoon excursion is a zodiac ride at Elizabeth Bay, ISABELA that begins with a visit to a secluded cove, lined with large red mangrove trees. Here, turtles, rays, and shore birds can be seen. We motor to the rocky islets known as "Las Marielas", where a colony of nesting Penguins, Flightless Cormorants and giant Marine Iguanas are found. At the base of Alcedo Volano,

THURSDAY: This morning we disembark at Urbina Bay ISABELA, where we find four miles of its coastal seabed, with marine life exposed due to a dramatic uplift in 1954 when the volcano erupted. The marine remnants of coral skeletons, some of them waist-high, are visited after a wet landing on the beach. The Brown Pelicans and Flightless Cormorants nest here. Giant Marine Iguanas are seen along the coast.

This afternoon, we have a dry landing at Tagus Cove, located on the western Island of ISABELA. Six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest Island in Galapagos. During the walk, we discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations. Graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore the Coves by Zodiac or kayak to find Galapagos Penguins, Boobies, Pelicans and other seabirds. An excellent snorkeling opportunity is

offered here after the walk. After dinner, a sky full of stars beckons to go out on deck and observe the galaxy.

FRIDAY: This morning, we have a wet landing at Puerto Egas, SANTIAGO (James). Stroll along the shoreline looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, there is a snorkeling and kayak opportunity. This afternoon, we disembark on RABIDA ISLAND (Jervis), located off James Island. Rabida sports the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the islands and is considered the geographic center of Galapagos. The dark red sand beach originated from the erosion of volcanic stones. Follow a trail that leads to a salt water lagoon, and observe Greater Flamingos as they feed. Brown Pelicans nest in the mangroves at the far side of the lagoon. After the walk, there is time for snorkeling.

SATURDAY: We visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. We visit all three tortoise corals and the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. We also visit the Van Straelen Hall where there are exhibits and a short video presentation. Visitors can see the pen of Lonesome George, the last surviving member of the Pinta Island subspecies. This afternoon, we visit SANTA FE (Barrington), a volcanic uplift, and we start with a wet landing at a beach with sea lions. Here, we can observe one of the few remaining land iguanas of the species endemic to Santa Fe Island. Some of these iguanas can be 5 feet long and have very pronounced spines along its back. We also find a forest of giant prickly pear cactus.

SUNDAY: We visit the Interpretation Center opened on San Cristobal Island in 1999. Here we gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we spend some time in port before heading to the airport for our flight back to the mainland departing noon time.

Itinerary stipulations

Starting January 29, 2012, the Ecoventura fleet will alternate two unique full week 7 night itineraries approved by the Galapagos National Park. The change is a result of park efforts to reduce the impact on erosion, reduce the pressure and possible stress on wildlife at the 14 most popular visitor sites in the archipelago, by redistributing visitor numbers across more sites. All tour boats in Galapagos must comply with this new regulation which will ultimately enhance visitor experience.

Prior to January 29, our 2011 itinerary will still be followed.

You will be able to combine the two itineraries for a comprehensive 15 day itinerary as no visitor site can be repeated twice. Guests who book two consecutive weeks back to back are eligible for a 5% discount applicable any week (excluding holidays). For scuba divers who want to combine diving in Galapagos with wildlife top side, we offer one week on our dive vessel, the Galapagos Sky combined with one week on Eric, Flamingo or Letty with a 5% discount on selected departure dates.

Please check our web site Special Offers for details.

Passengers will be assigned by Ecoventura to any of the three identical sister yachts Eric, Flamingo or Letty at the company’s discretion. On a 7 night itinerary, passengers are scheduled to visit twelve visitor sites. The first and last day of the cruise are transportation days and there is no guarantee of a land excursion. Visits scheduled for the first and last day may change due to schedule changes or delays.

Ecoventura reserves the right at its sole option and discretion and that of the Captain of the vessel without liability for damages or refund of any kind to deviate from the vessel's advertised or ordinary itinerary. Itineraries are subject to change at any time for any reason including mechanical failure and without prior notice. Ecoventura will not be held responsible for any refunds whatsoever for changes to the printed or scheduled itinerary. All passengers will be given a cruise ticket that contains the terms and conditions of our transportation agreement at the airport in Guayaquil or Quito. In order to review the terms before you leave home, a copy of the transportation agreement can be requested any time from your travel agent or Galapagos Network or you can download the form from our web site.

We suggest that all passengers traveling to Galapagos allow two nights in mainland Ecuador prior to their cruise to allow for potential flight delays and misconnection. This is particularly important for passengers traveling over holidays when flights are more likely to be overbooked and delayed caused by bad weather conditions. Passengers who miss the flight to Galapagos on Sunday morning will not be able to meet up with the yacht until later in the week provided seats are available and will need to hire a private speedboat (at their own expense) to transport them to the vessel. Delivery of delayed baggage can be arranged during the cruise for an additional cost of $40 for up to 3 pieces of luggage. We highly recommend passengers purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy to protect their travel investment from any potential loss.