Jetsettersblog

Presenting the Sanctuary Guide to 2012

January – Dry season for gorilla tracking in Uganda

Where better to be based for gorilla tracking than Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest? This UNESCO World Heritage site in Uganda is home to half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and recently welcomed two new gorilla families in June 2011.

This has allowed an increase in the number of daily gorilla tracking permits for guests, although due to the luxury camp’s unique location, many guests encounter the gorilla families without even leaving the grounds!

February – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with sky beds & star baths

The five suites at the intimate Sanctuary Baines’ Camp in Botswana all have private viewing decks where an intimate bath for two can be arranged. Guests also have the option to roll out their four-poster bed for a night under the stars, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Boro River.

March – First waters start to flood the Okavango Delta in Botswana

The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta, formed by the flooding of the Okavango River in the Kalahari Desert.

In March, guests at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp witness the first waters pushing through the Delta.

April – Celebrate Easter on the Yangzi in China

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer offers the finest and most personalized service on the river, carrying just 124 passengers. Easter cruises include special activities like Easter Egg painting, an Easter Egg hunt and dinner with the Easter Bunny!

May – Marvel at the Victoria Falls in full flow
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and rightly so! Spray from the falls typically rises to a height of over 400 meters, sometimes surpassing even that. It is visible from up to 50 kilometers away, hence the local name for the falls and the surrounding national park, Mosi-Oa-Tunya, “the Smoke that Thunders.”

Minutes away from Victoria Falls, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, is a collection of 12 tree houses situated on a dramatic bend in the Zambezi, providing guests with amazing views.

June – A walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa

The South Luangwa National Park is the birthplace of the walking safari and home to Sanctuary Retreats’ newest camp, Sanctuary Zebra Plains.

Guests can explore the pristine and unspoiled wilderness with one of the country’s most experienced guides.

The diversity of the surrounding habitat, home to large populations of zebra, elephant, buffalo, crocodile, puku, and over 400 bird species, provides some of the most spectacular walking in Africa.

July – See the Great Migration in the Masai Mara

From July to October, the Masai Mara is the stage for the Wildebeest Migration, one of nature’s greatest shows.

Guests staying at Sanctuary Olonana in Kenya can see millions of wildebeest and zebra journey between the Masai Mara and Serengeti in search of greener pastures.

August – Improve photography skills in the Galapagos

In August, Galapagos hawks court on Espanola and Santiago Islands, migrant shore birds begin to arrive, giant tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and Sanctuary Retreats is hosting a special photography workshop cruise with an award-winning photographer aboard the MV Eclipse!

September – Dry season for superb cheetah viewing in the Serengeti

With endless plains, the wildebeest migration, and countless big cats, the Serengeti is undoubtedly an epic safari destination. Sanctuary Kusini, the only permanently tented camp in the southern Serengeti, is located directly in the path of the seasonal cheetah movement, making it an ideal place to spot cheetah year-round.

October – Experience the Abu Simbel Sun Festival in Egypt

Twice a year, in February and October, the inner sanctum of the temple at Abu Simbel is illuminated by the sun’s rays.

It is believed Ramses II designed the temple to celebrate his ascension to the throne and his birthday. Guests can experience this wondrous sight aboard the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer.

November – Prime bird-watching in Tanzania’s Tarangire

Tarangire, in northern Tanzania, is known for its baobab trees and large herds of elephants. Additionally, the park is home to approximately 550 different types of birds, including many rare species. Sanctuary Swala offers both walking and night drives, providing countless opportunities for bird spotting.

December – Swap tradition for the exotic!
This year, why not celebrate the festive season by dining with elephants in the Okavango Delta? Or with a Maasai celebration in the Masai Mara? Or an exploration of ancient Egypt with a Nile cruise? The options are endless with Sanctuary Retreats.

The Sanctuary Sale:

Book before February 29, 2012 and save 25% in China, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. For more information on travel dates and conditions please visit: www.sanctuaryretreats.com/sanctuary_sale.cfm

About Sanctuary Retreats

Sanctuary Retreats’ collection of luxury safari lodges and explorer ships bring the boutique experience to guests with the added promise of authenticity. Each property is completely individual in its design and operated around the philosophy of “Luxury, naturally.”

All have the same aim: to allow guests to have a “real” experience and enjoy a more natural kind of luxury in properties that have a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism. The Sanctuary portfolio includes safari camps and lodges in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, as well as expedition cruise ships on the Nile, Yangzi and Galapagos Islands.

For more information about Sanctuary Retreats, please visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com,  email info@sanctuaryretreats.com  or call +44 (0)207 190 7739.

On A Spring Break Family Vacation

WATERTOWN, Mass.—Take your family to experience the rich culture of the Andes in Ecuador and the natural history of the Galapagos on this incredible family “Islands And Inca Ruins” spring break adventure by Thomson Family Adventures. The journey begins in the rolling highlands of the Ecuadorian Andes with visits to local villages and artisans, optional horseback riding, rock climbing at Cojitambo Mountain, a hike through Aguarongo Forest, and more.

The journey continues west into the Pacific for a four-night cruise through the Galapagos Islands, one of the planet’s most fascinating ecosystems. Highlights of this portion of the trip include two shore expeditions per day, wildlife viewing, tours led by professional naturalist guides, accommodation aboard the 293 foot Galapagos Explorer II, and much more.Each day we disembark on a different island to explore, swim and view the almost tame wildlife.

Optional extensions to Peru are available. Prices start at $4540. Dates available Feb-December.

Spring break departures are available in March and April.

www.familyadventures.com

NEW DESTINATIONS AND TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2012

Gecko’s Adventures are all about providing the best authentic experiences for passengers on a budget and in 2012 those experiences will include three fantastic new tours to the Galapagos, which will satisfy even the most insatiable wildlife enthusiast.

Galapagos Panorama – 10 Days
Highlights:
Isla Mosquera Island
Isla San Cristobal: Punta Pitt
Isla San Cristobal: Cerro Brujo and Leon Dormido
Isla Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station, Lonesome George and the Highlands
Isla Isabela: Tintoreras
Northern Island of Rabida and Cerro Dragon
Black Turtle Cove and Sombrero Chino

Galapagos Escapade – 7 Days
Highlights:
Isla Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station, Lonesome George and the Highlands
Isla Isabela: Tintoreras
Northern Island of Rabida and Cerro Dragon
Black Turtle Cove and Sombrero Chino

Glimpse of Galapagos – 6 Days
Highlights:
Isla Mosquera Island
Isla San Cristobal: Punta Pitt
Isla San Cristobal: Cerro Brujo and Leon Dormido
Isla Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station, Lonesome George and the Highlands
-ENDS-

For full details on all Gecko’s Adventures destinations please visit: http://www.geckosadventures.com

PlanetWildlife.com, a leading provider of diverse wildlife travel and tours around the world, presents Wildlife’s Hot Spots for 2012 – a month-by-month directory of what’s happening and when – and itinerary suggestions to inspire nature lovers to experience some of the seminal seasonal events of the natural world. To explore all the ideas and options available, visit PlanetWildlife’s Calendar presented on the website under ‘Travel’…..itineraries are all-inclusive from point of departure but do not include international flights.

January – India
January is the breeding season for the green sea turtles around the Galapagos Islands – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/galapagos-island-hopping-tour – is a five-day itinerary priced at £1,661/US$2,594 per person (pp)
This is also an excellent time of year to go tiger spotting in India when the clement weather facilitates close study of these rare and endangered big cats – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/classic-explorer-kanha-and-bandhavagarh – a six day safari itinerary including elephant rides in Central India priced at £756/US$1,180pp

February – Nepal
February is a good time to go trekking in Nepal with better than usual odds of spotting the famed Bengal Tiger – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/chitwan-explorer  is a nine-day itinerary in Chitwan National Park priced at £1,465/US$2,287pp. This is also an ideal month for tracking the rare and beautiful snow
leopard in nearby Ladakh, India – visit www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/snow-leopard-experience  for a 13-day trekking adventure priced at £2,163/US$3,377pp.

February also sees the gathering of hundreds of thousands of spectacular pink flamingos on Lake Nakuru in Kenya, Africa – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/simba-safari  is a seven-day safari priced at £2,027/US$3,164pp.

March – the Arctic
When the days start to lengthen and become milder in the Arctic region, this is an ideal time to spot Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – and a cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this natural wonder – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/lofoten-aurora-borealis through Norway is an eight-day journey on the schooner ‘Noorderlicht’ priced at £1,979/US$3,090pp.

April – Galapagos
April presents another excellent opportunity to go bird-watching in Galapagos where enthusiasts can spot blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gullies, frigate birds and red-billed tropic birds amongst others. www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/galapagos-island-hopping-tour is a five-day itinerary priced at £1,661/US$2,594pp).

May – India – Ladhak and Karnataka
In India, the weather is perfect for an extensive trek around Ladhak in the Himalayas – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/amazing-leh-community-service-trek – presents an unusual 13-day itinerary and the opportunity to become involved in local community service in the villages of Spango Valley while learning about and tracking the elusive snow leopard – priced at just £569/US$888pp.

This is also an opportune month to visit Karnataka in India and the Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve, the natural habitat of Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants and hyenas – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/classic-explorer-karnataka  is a five-day itinerary including the fascinating cities of Bangalore and Mysore and priced at £1,330/US$2,076pp.

June – Rwanda
Head to Rwanda this month to witness a unique baby gorilla naming ceremony, “KwitaIzina” – an annual ceremony attended by hundreds of local villagers but international visitors are also welcome – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/gorillas-wildlife-and-chimpanzees is a comprehensive seven-day adventure through some of Uganda’s best national parks of Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi and is priced at £4,457/US$6,958pp.

July – Costa Rica and Brazil
Latin America is the destination to head for this month to spot the endangered green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beautiful Caribbean beaches of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. The park is also home to manatees, crocodiles, tropical gar, jaguars, sloths and basilisks, amongst other exotic wildlife – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/forests-and-volcanoes-costa-rica  is a 15-day excursion round Costa Rica and the Caribbean priced at £3,662/US$5,717pp.

Alternatively, in Brazil’s Pantanal area this is the best time of year for jaguar sightings and for close study of many other endangered species including the hyacinth macaw and the maned wolf – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/voyage-heart-amazon  is an eight-day voyage to the heart of the Amazon and is priced at £2,940/US$4,590pp

August – Kenya
Head to Kenya this month to be amongst the first to witness one of nature’s greatest shows – the annual Great Migration sees thousands of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras make a dash across the Mara River risking death from predators such as the crocodile – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/simba-safari  is a seven-day safari priced at £2,027/US$3,164pp

September – Botswana
This is an ideal time to ravel to Botswana and explore the wilderness of Chobe National Park and the Okavango delta and take in the full majesty of the famed Victoria Falls – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/best-botswana-chobe-and-okavango  is an eight-day itinerary commencing in Maun and finishing at the Victoria Falls prices at £2,664/US$4,159pp

October – Madagascar
During this dry month off the coast of Africa, lemurs are particularly active and playful on the island of Madagascar – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/magical-madagascar  is an exciting eight-day adventure combining lemurs and bird-watching as well as interaction with tribal villagers and is priced at £1,713/US$2,674pp.

November – the Falkland Islands

Head to the bottom of the world to the Falkland Islands (classified under the Antarctic zone) to watch five different species of penguins breed at this special time: the King, Rockhopper, Gentoo, Magallanic and Macaroni penguins – the islands also present a chance to spot the rare black-browed albatross – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/antarctic-peninsula-weddell-see-falkland-islands  is a 14-day cruise from Ushuaia in Argentina to the Falklands priced at £8,995/US$14,041pp

December – Sri Lanka
In southern Sri Lanka, this is the best time of year to spot one of the natural wonders of the world – the Blue Whale….nowhere else do they come as close to the land as they do near the coast of Sri Lanka. The www.planetwildlife.com/trave/itineraries/blue-whale-and-leopard-experience  is a nine-day itinerary commencing in Colombo which combines blue whale and dolphin spotting with safaris in Yala, home to elephants and leopards – priced at £2,520/US$3,934pp.

For further information, please visit www.planetwildlife.com  or contact a PlanetWildlife office (listed on the website). PlanetWildlife is as a leading international provider of diverse wildlife and safari tours with over 300 creative itineraries in 26 countries around the world catering to a wide range of interests and budgets.

About PlanetWildlife:

PlanetWildlife is an international travel company based in India with sales offices in UK, India, Australia, Hong Kong and Sweden. It is backed by highly successful entrepreneurs and managed by a professional team who are passionate about wildlife and have been involved in a variety of nature conservation activities over the years. The www.PlanetWildlife.com website features over 300 itineraries to Africa, India, and South America comprising a diverse range of photography safaris, hiking expeditions and bird-watching adventures, including ocean cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.

Most tours offer daily departure dates and each is well-organised, competitively priced, environmentally responsible and tailored to suit the requirements of group or individual travellers. In all instances they are led by highly qualified and experienced leaders. Respected travel industry professionals and wildlife experts work in consultation with PlanetWildlife and are instrumental in designing each themed itinerary Via the website, a comprehensive and continuously expanding reference library on species and destinations is readily accessible and is regularly updated to ensure its usefulness to travellers, students, wildlife enthusiasts and bloggers.

PlanetWildlife is committed to responsible tourism, and in particular: minimising negative environmental impact; contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural heritages and embracing diversity; providing rewarding experiences for visitors through meaningful interaction with local communities to the economic benefit of those communities; and promoting a greater understanding and respect for local cultural, social and environmental issues. It is part of PlanetWildlife’s corporate policy to fund selected awareness drives and wildlife conservation programmes and welcomes suggestions from the public in this regard.

The travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships announces that is offering effective March 2012 five new itineraries in Central and South America thanks to the re-launch of newly renovated M/V Sea Voyager.

AdventureSmith Explorations,

www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/

brings this 60-passenger expedition ship into its fold at a time when demand for travel to Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador is on the rise, said Todd Smith, founder / director.

He noted that the ship that provides both an experienced crew and affordable rates was a winner in Condé Nast’s 2009 Best Small Ships Awards.

Smith has worked with many of the newly assembled A-team representing the ship’s parent company, Sea Voyager Expeditions (SVE), and its partner Global Voyages Group. Among them are Michael Lomax, Brand Director Global Voyages Group, whom he met through Glacier Bay Tours & Cruises in the 1990’s; David Giersdorf, President & CEO Global Voyages Group, whose father gave Smith his first job as a naturalist guide; Dave Randon, Senior Sales Manager Global Voyages Group, who has joined Smith on Antarctic and North Pole expeditions; and Captain Jorge Murillo whom Smith met back when the ship was operated by Lindblad Expeditions.

”While I have not personally met Denise Landau, President & CEO Sea Voyager Expeditions, I am familiar with her because of her work at IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators),” Smith noted, adding that Landau is also noted as an eco-tourism advocate and expert.

Fares, priced seasonally, begin at $365 per day, per person, double cabin for 8 to 12-night cruises. Included are all meals, pre-post hotels, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees.

Plus, travelers can save up to $2,000 per couple if they book their cabin on any of the M/V Sea Voyager departures by Jan. 31, 2012. Discount amount is dependent on time of year, cabin type and itinerary.

While cruising guests will venture with naturalists and guides into rainforests and sea in pursuit of land and marine life that is among the world’s most diverse.

While on board passengers enjoy air-conditioned comfort in 31 outside staterooms with ample storage and private bath. On board are a lounge, bar, fitness and massage rooms, library with WiFi, dining room, buffet, fore and aft deck space and a platform for getting on/off Zodiacs. See: THIS LINK.

While other small ship cruises may be limited to Panama and the Pacific side of Costa Rica, traveling only November through March, M/V Sea Voyager will operate year round with itineraries inclusive of the Pacific and Caribbean side of Costa Rica, both sides of Panama and Panama Canal visits and coastal Columbia and Ecuador.

The five new itineraries are:

Panama to Costa Rica Pacific Cruise – 9 Days; Balboa/Panama City to San Jose/Costa Rica

Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean Cruise – 10 Days; Panama City/Panama to San Jose/Costa Rica

Panama to Colombia Caribbean Cruise – 9 Days; Panama City/Panama to Cartagena/Colombia

Columbia Caribbean Cruise – 9 Days; Cartagena/Colombia to Santa Marta/Colombia

Panama to Ecuador Pacific Cruise – 13 Days; Balboa/Panama City to Quito/Ecuador

About Adventure Smith Explorations

AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore.

The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.

In moving through exotic natural environments and exploring vibrant native cultures seldom associated with more mainstream cruise itineraries, AdventureSmith Explorations dedicates its efforts to small footprint, sustainable travel and has launched a carbon free cruising initiative. Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Columbia, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Panama, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, Asia, and Australia.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775.

Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com  or visit: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com

QUITO, ECUADOR – Travel Ecuador, a leader in South American adventure travel for 18 years, now offers programs in the mountain city of Cuenca. Ecuador’s third-largest city and cultural capital, Cuenca was largely inaccessible to the rest of the world until the mid 20th century, when a national highway opened the city to travelers.

Through historical, architectural, and adventure tours, Travel Ecuador hopes to guide clients off the beaten path to one of South America’s true cultural gems.

A cultural center

Cuenca is also called Santa Ana de los 4 rios, because the city is nestled in a valley where four mountain rivers merge.

The city and region have been prized by travelers for nearly all of recorded history; Inca Emperor Atahualpa was known to vacation in the town long before Europeans ever reached American shores. Now, the city is well known for its French and Spanish colonial architecture, and its people for their strict adherence to Catholic tradition.

Travel Ecuador offers guided tours of the city’s many cathedrals and museums, and to the open-air marketplaces that line its cobblestone streets.

The city was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been recognized as International Living Magazine’s #1 Retirement Haven.

An outdoor adventure destination

Thanks to myriad options surrounding the city, Cuenca is also emerging as an adventure travel destination. Through Travel Ecuador, travelers can experience the region’s hiking, biking, horseback riding, and rafting, all of which can be reached within an hour of their hotel.

The mountains surrounding Cuenca are home to the Pumapungo Incan ruins, remote villages where daily life remains deeply rooted in Andean tradition, and a beautiful rose plantation.

Also nearby is El Cajas National Park, which boasts some of the most impressive scenery in the country.

Thanks to recent improvements in Ecuador’s infrastructure, adventurers can travel from Cuenca to the Galapagos Islands in a single day.

About Travel Ecuador

Travel Ecuador specializes in designing and operating completely custom tour programs for their distribution partners, enabling their partners to provide exclusive Ecuadorian travel experiences for their clients.

Juan Rodriguez, founder of Travel Ecuador, has been conceiving, planning and operating high-quality custom trips throughout South America for over 18 years. Juan has always preferred to work with North American travel companies, which allow him to focus on creating amazing, exclusive experiences that meet the high standards of his partners and their clientele.

Travel Ecuador is part of South Expeditions, a leading travel group with over 18 years of experience arranging a wide array of high-end customized trips and excursions for individuals, families and groups in Latin America. Their three companies, Travel Ecuador, Chile Expeditions and Galapagos Endurance are committed to designing and providing unique and wonderful experiences that will create lasting memories for their guests.

AdventureSmith Explorations is offering five new Central and South American cruises, thanks to the relaunch of renovated Sea Voyager, starting in March.

The 60-passenger expedition ship will offer eight- to 12-night cruises from a per diem of $365 per person, double.

Included are all meals, pre- and post-cruise hotels stays, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees.

In addition, travelers can save up to $2,000 per couple if they book their cabin on any of the Sea Voyager departures by Jan. 31.

The discount amount depends on the time of year, the cabin type and the itinerary.

Onboard are a lounge, a bar, a fitness and massage rooms, a library with Wi-Fi, a dining room, a buffet, fore and aft deck space, and a platform for getting on and off of Zodiacs.

The five new itineraries are a nine-day Panama to Costa Rica Pacific cruise, a 10-day Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean cruise, a nine-day Panama to Colombia Caribbean cruise, a nine-day Columbia Caribbean cruise, and a 13-day Panama to Ecuador Pacific cruise.

International Expeditions has dropped the single supplement on eight Galapagos adventures, amounting to a savings of $1,200 per person. The offer targets the nearly 16 million U.S. single travelers, according to the U.S. Travel Data Center, who add up to 22 percent of all the nation’s travelers.

The single supplement fees will be waived on IE’s Feb. 3 and 17, March 16 and 30, May 11 and 25, and Oct. 12 and 26 Galapagos Island cruises.

“Over the past five years, we have seen larger numbers of single travelers looking for safe, escorted travel to the world’s wildlife-rich regions,” said IE President Van Perry. “IE has made every effort to make our journeys open and inclusive for all travelers, and that includes keeping single supplements as low as possible and waiving the fees throughout the year — not just at the last minute.”

The 10-day Galapagos Islands cruise travels on International Expeditions’ 32-passenger yacht M/V Evolution to the islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The small group size allows for easy access to the wildlife and more personal attention than guests find aboard larger cruise ships. In addition to daily snorkeling and hiking through deserts, rainforests and volcanic terrain, other highlights include a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, famous for its tortoise breeding programs; and an exploration of Santiago Island, a haven for finches, doves and Galapagos hawks.

Highly trained Galapagos naturalist guides enhance travelers’ experiences by sharing their knowledge and bringing them to giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins and other animals. Prices for the Galapagos Islands vacations start at $5,098 in 2012, and include accommodations, all excursions, most meals, transfers and tips to porters and waiters for included meals. For more information, call 800-633-4734.

South America adventure travel specialists Andean Trails has four exclusive deals to bring extra cheer to the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Anyone liking their Facebook page before December 19 is automatically entered into a prize draw for six bottles of fine Argentinian Malbec.

If that whets your appetite for travel to South America, then all entrants are also eligible for a five per cent discount on any land tour (flights excluded) booked before Jan 31, 2012.

And Antarctica travellers are urged to look at their exclusive discount deal with the Antarctic Dream.

Book an 11-day cruise before January 15, 2012, – and get 10% off sailings departing on January 21 and 28, February 5 and 15, 2012.

Meanwhile, trekkers get 15% off their 13 day and 15 day Patagonia Adventure tours, which run December 24-January 5 and December 24-January 7.

Spaces will fill up quickly, so please contact info@andeantrails.co.uk to start planning your South America trip as soon as possible.

Website: www.andeantrails.co.uk

Contact: info@andeantrails.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andean-Trails-wwwandeantrailscouk/63308976046?ref=mf

and Land-Based Multi-Island Accommodations
To Enhance Novice-to-Expert Scuba Diving Experiences

Red Mangrove Lodges now largest producer of PADI dive certifications in the Galapagos

QUITO, ECUADOR– Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges http://www.redmangrove.com/  the region’s leading hospitality company for active adventure, suggests that recreational divers, novice to expert, consider Darwin’s magical archipelago as the destination for a wide variety of official PADI dive certification programs.

Hernan Rodas, founder and director of Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges reports that the Red Mangrove’s Dive Center accomplished more diver certifications in 2011 than any other operation in the Galapagos.

“In all of Ecuador there were 1,489 diver certifications issued in 2011. Red Mangrove’s team of licensed instructors and master divers accounted for 160 of them, making us the largest producer of diver certifications in the Galapagos,” Rodas said.

Rodas suggested that would-be divers seeking certification do classroom and required pool work at home, either with a local dive shop or recreation center or online through PADI’s website (accessed via Red Mangrove’s dive website: http://www.redmangrove.com/diving-in-galapagos/diving-classes/.)

To complete the third and final stage of the certification process divers are then required to perform open water check-out dives with an instructor.

“This is when many beginning divers look to warm and exotic waters so they can combine their requirements with an extended vacation,” explained Rodas.

“We have packages with just that in mind, allowing a diver to be certified during the first two days of their stay and then enjoying all the islands have to offer during the rest of the week.”

“We’re finding more and more dive instructors bringing their students here as a group for certification,” said Rodas, adding that a new instructor incentive program is being developed that will provide lodging incentives for the instructor who brings with him/her four paid students.

According to Rodas, many divers travel with non-diving companions and family members which also makes Red Mangrove’s land-based multi-island programs attractive.

Year-round certification programs and vacation packages can be combined to accommodate diver/non-diver groups.

There’s a staff of five PADI approved dive instructors available with an equal number of dive masters to accompany divers on recreational outings.

Two modern dive boats take guests to 45 dive and snorkel sites available off of Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela islands.

A popular package for beginner divers is Darwin’s Land and Sea Adventure, 6 days and 5 nights (with eight dives) priced from $2,291 per person, double occupancy.

See: (http://www.redmangrove.com/diving/land-and-sea-adventure.html).

Certification is extra starting at $350 per diver on up according to the type of program (PADI certifications include Open Water Diver / Referral, Advanced, Rescue Diver, Dive Master, Specialty Certifications and Emergency First Responder).

Another option for guests who have never been diving but would like to try it is to sign up for the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience for ages 10 and up.

Guests will watch a 45 minute video followed by time in a pool with an instructor.

When comfortable, participants then head out to a specially chosen spot with an instructor for an open water dive.

A PADI instructor leads the course that is $250 per person including introduction, equipment and in-water instruction.

Visit this link.

About Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges

Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges in 2007 introduced a land-based alternative to exploring the Galapagos that heretofore was a cruise-only destination.

While it may be best known for its upscale lodging and dive operations in the Galapagos, recent expansion has made it a leader in mainland Ecuador hospitality as well.

With upscale waterfront lodges strategically situated on Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana, it is the only company offering high quality, branded accommodations and services on multiple islands in the Galapagos and across mainland Ecuador.

Because it is land-based, Red Mangrove can offer a more extensive roster of activities and more flexibility than traditional cruise options.

The customary way to experience Red Mangrove’s Galapagos hospitality is to spend a number of nights on each island accessed by small boat and/or aircraft. With 14 guest rooms, Aventura Lodge on Santa Cruz is distinguished by its architectural design which blends its mangrove forest and seafront environments tastefully and responsibly. Separated from the ocean by a white sand, palm-lined beach, Isabela Lodge offers eight rooms outside the fisherman’s village of Puerto Villamil on one of the most volcanically active islands on Earth. Red Mangrove Floreana Lodge is a gathering of 10 private pine cottages just a five minute walk from the village of Puerto Velasco Ibarra (population 150). Red Mangrove Divers Lodge Santa Cruz has 11 rooms near the Red Mangrove Dive Academy. Red Mangrove Isabela Divers Lodge features 5-rooms adjacent to scenic Puerto Villamil. On the mainland coast of Ecuador Samai Lodge with 11 rooms is an inn-and-spa suited for recollection, relaxation and wellness surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and surf.

Contact Information:
Phone: 1.888.254.3190

http://www.redmangrove.com/contact-us/

 Website: http://www.redmangrove.com/