Ecoventura Supports Pack with a Purpose ProgramTo Deliver School, Medical Supplies

To Underprivileged Youth in San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands

MIAMI, FL, Feb. 16, 2011 - Ecoventura http://www.ecoventura.com/, the green cruise company operating a fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos region, has teamed up with Pack for a Purpose www.packforapurpose.org, a charitable organization whose mission encourages travelers to save room in their travel luggage for five pounds of school or medical supplies that can make a difference to communities they're visiting.

What a traveler is recommended to bring is determined in advance with the tour operator.  Pack with a Purpose works with top tour operators from around the world. For example, in the Galapagos, Ecoventura�s team notes that one youth organization needs computer equipment, digital cameras, scanners, a sound system, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, rulers, English teaching books, English/Spanish dictionaries, software and ecology-focused teaching aids. Another organization for physically and mentally challenged children needs puzzles, rubber balls, crayons, modeling clay and colored pencils.

Doris Welsh, Ecoventura's Director of Sales & Marketing, said that participation in Pack with a Purpose is aligned with the company's community outreach and conservation mission programs.

"We invite people to ask us what they need to pack," she said, adding 400 pencils and five deflated soccer balls can add up five pounds to help poor communities. She suggested that through Ecoventura Yachts - Ecuador // Pack For A Purpose, travelers can also free up space while they're at the destination to purchase handicrafts they can bring home with them, thereby helping the economy and people in another way.

As one of the most ecology-minded and socially responsible tour companies in Ecuador, based in San Cristobal, Ecoventura has helped to support various initiatives that benefit the local population living in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal. With a population of 5,600, San Cristobal has the second largest population in the Islands after Santa Cruz.  It is the fifth largest island and the only Island with fresh water and an airport in town. 

Through the foundation "Gotitas de Esperanza" (Drops of Hope), Ecoventura has pledged to sponsor the salaries for teachers and physical therapists who work at the Alejandro Alvear School located on San Cristobal Island. During the day, the school provides therapy for children with Down�s Syndrome and other physical disabilities. In the evenings, the school serves the adult population of the Island through programs such as teaching sign language for the hearing impaired.

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. All of its vessels have been purposefully retrofitted to meet or exceed the highest possible environmental standards.

In 2008, Ecoventura was presented with the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism � Best in a Marine Environment Award. Distinguished judges noted Ecoventura�s contribution toward improving conditions for local people in Galapagos and for being among the first operators to be independently audited. In 2009, Ecoventura was honored with the Conde Nast World Savers Award as the top scoring cruise line. The panel of judges noted the company was exceptional in education, preservation, poverty and health. In November 2009, Ecoventura received Travel + Leisure�s 5th annual Global Vision Award for Green Cruising.

To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura�s 2011 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/.