We cruised the Galapagos with Ecoventura earlier this year and loved it. If the famed islands are on your travel wish list, check out this budget-friendly travel deal…

Book a Galapagos Yacht Cruise by Aug. 31st for Travel in 2012 or 2013 and save.

Sally lightfoot crab, the Galapagos Islands. ©Ellen Barone.

Environmentally friendly Galapagos cruise company, Ecoventura, is offering a special ten percent discount on some seasonal departure dates through mid-December 2012. In addition, guests booking a trip now for 2013 (excluding holiday weeks) can lock in 2012 cruise rates. This promotion can also be combined with a 5 percent Early Bird discount for selected departure dates 180 days out from booking date.

The 2012 seasonal departures that apply are July 29-Aug. 5, Aug 19-26, Sept. 2-9, Sept. 16-23, Sept. 23-30, Sept. 30-Oct. 7, Oct. 21-28, Nov. 4-11, Nov. 18-25, Dec. 2-9 and Dec. 9-16. 

Seven-night/eight-day cruise rates start at $3,550 per person, double occupancy before any discounts are applied. Additional discounts are available for children. All cruises run Sunday to Sunday. 

Ecoventura’s three identical superior first-class sister yachts accommodate 20 guests and feature three decks of spacious staterooms with polished teak interiors trimmed with brass fittings. Accommodations include 10 double cabins with a window or porthole view and are appointed with one double bed or two twin lower beds, air conditioning, private bathroom (hot and cold water showers), bio-degradable soap/shampoo dispensers, hair dryer, closet, drawers, intercom and separate climate controls. There’s a dining room, well-stocked bar and conference area with a flat screen TV, library and panoramic picture windows, plus a partially covered upper sun deck with ample chairs for lounging and star gazing.

The company operates two different itineraries, both offering two guided land excursions daily, snorkeling, dingy rides and kayaking, together optimizing opportunities to see iconic species of wildlife that make Galapagos famous: giant tortoises, penguins, frigate birds, boobies, flamingos, Darwin Finches, albatross, flightless cormorant, marine and land iguanas, lizards, many varieties of sea birds, whale, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and sea lions.

Guests who book two consecutive weeks back to back for a complete Galapagos exploration are eligible for a 5 percent discount applicable any week (excluding holidays).

About Ecoventura: Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard its fleet of three expedition vessels; Eric, Flamingo and Letty, identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts. 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 2012 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/.