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60 dives. Once in the water, they will find excellent diving, Tandazo
said. Sighting large sea animals such as whale sharks, sea
turtles, hammerhead sharks, is practically guaranteed, and several
native species such as the Galapagos marine iguana and
Galapagos shark are on display. Penguins and whales are also
sighted, although Tandazo said only a 7 mm wetsuit is necessary.
“For experienced divers, the Galapagos is a must,” he said.
The Galapagos chain is made up of 13 main islands, six minor
ones and dozens of volcanic cays, a layout that has lent itself to
cruising. But many independent travelers are looking beyond.
Tandazo also noted Suretrak is offering hotel-based island-hopping
packages, which allow visitors to spend more time in the islands.
While only four islands–Santa Cruz, Floreana, San Cristobal
and Isabela–have hotels, there are no plans to open other islands
to hotel development. “The Galapagos have always been offered
in a very traditional manner by cruising,” said Gray Line’s
Irigoyen. He said Gray Line is now planning home stays and
camping in the islands, part of its efforts to sell packages with
more experiential tourism in Ecuador. “We’re trying to give
tourism to Ecuador a new focus,” he said. Indeed, Ecuador is
stepping up its tourism promotions for the entire country, said
Mariano Proaño, under secretary of tourism. He noted Ecuador
has tripled its resources for marketing and promotion in the U.S.
for 2010 as part of the country’s 2010-2014 marketing plan.
For further information call the Ministry of Tourism-Ecuador
Tourism Promotion Fund at 593-2-250-7560; E-mail fmpt_americas@turismo.gov.ec;
or visit www.ecuador.travel/en
$ 2000 ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS
Marnella Tours is selling a seven-day
Ecuador: the Galapagos Passport, aboard the M/Y Coral I & II
starting at $2,000 per person double on departures from August
through Sept. 10. Included are: RT airfare to/from the
Galapagos Islands from Quito/Guayaquil; three nights aboard
the M/Y Coral I & II, meals & two tours daily on ship, three
nights at Quito’s Four Points Sheraton with complimentary
breakfast daily, a city tour of Quito, all hotel taxes & service
charges, roundtrip airport transfers, as well as the Galapagos
National Park Tax ($110) and the cruise fuel surcharge ($78).
Standard cabins start at $2,000 per person double; $3,400 for
single standard cabins. International airfare is additional. Call
866-993-0033; www.marnellatours.com
Cruising Galapagos with Adventure Associates
Adventure Associates is offering a 10-day Galapagos Islands,
Ecuador: Wilderness Cruise Package. The 7 night / 8 day cruise on
an 83’ yacht includes all meals, and is accompanied by certified local
naturalist guide. Also included are two nights lodging in Guayaquil
or Quito; round-trip flight from Guayaquil or Quito to Galapagos; all
airport transfers; and two breakfasts. With a guide, clients spend
eight exciting days cruising the islands, snorkeling with colorful fish
and taking short day hikes through one of the world’s greatest
wildlife and volcanic island environments. An optional diving package
is available. Packages start at $3,625, and represent a $500 savings.
Visit www.adventureassociates.net; 888-532-8352
FEBRUARY 2010 WWW.JAXFAX.COM SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA 65