Tuesday, November 20, 2012

With more than 15 years of experience in travel exploration and arranging high quality tours and cruises to the Galapagos Islands, we are the leading Galapagos cruise operator; we guarantee you an unforgettable experience on the enchanted islands. Our goal is to enhance our guests' interest and to communicate an appreciation for the cultural and natural wonders of the places that we visit. Our organized and tailored tours combine nature excursions and cultural expeditions with exceptional, knowledgeable guides who focus on conservation. This attribute makes all of our excursions and land expeditions a fun, enriching, and educational experience.
With Exclusive Galapagos Cruises you will explore natural wonders and discover interesting cultures in Ecuador, all on private tours. Our expedition naturalist and diving cruises are specialized for the Galapagos Islands. They are very well organized and take you to all corners of the archipelago in luxury vessels, yachts or catamarans. These vessels provide great comfort and exclusive service along with bilingual guides. With their company you will see the diverse wildlife that exists on the islands; definitely a place for nature lovers.
You can have a complete tour of Ecuador or even South America, as well, by adding any of the following tour extensions to your cruise; the Ecuadorian Andes tour, the Cusco and Machu Picchu Cultural tours, and even Amazon Rainforest tours and cruises. Comfortable lodges and hotels, with upscale service, await you all while exploring the most exhilarating destinations!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

SIGNS OF PROGRESS IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS


While much remains to be done to preserve Galapagos for the future, the combined efforts of organizations at work in Galapagos and individuals and organizations in the US and other parts of the world have resulted in important signs of progress:
Endemic plant and animal populations previously on the brink of extinction are recovering through pioneer giant tortoise and land iguana repatriation programs, large-scale island restoration initiatives, and targeted invasive species control.
Thanks to Project Isabela, an area the size of Rhode Island will soon be free from feral goats and pigs. As a result, Galapagos rails are thriving, petrels are nesting in previously degraded areas, and vegetation such as tree ferns and endemic Scalesia arebecoming re-established.
The local population in Galapagos is becoming more engaged in conservation through the participatory management mechanisms and a range of environmental education initiatives. Efforts to identify sustainable economic alternatives for local fisherman are gaining momentum.
Nearly 1,000 domestic dogs and cats have been spayed and neutered as part of a pet population control program. If remained unchecked, out-of-control pet populations would pose serious problems for fragile ecosystems, spreading disease and preying on native birds and reptiles.
Surveys of numerous marine and terrestrial species have been conducted. This work has supported red listing of endemic flora, rediscovery of "extinct" species, and implementation of emergency measures to protect critically threatened populations.
A giant tortoise was spotted at Punta Suarez on Espanola Island. Tortoises had not been seen there for more than a century, and this sighting indicates that Espanola tortoises are achieving sufficient numbers to expand their movements over the entire island.
The successful release of the Australian Ladybug, the natural enemy of the invasive cottony cushion scale, is controlling this pest which has threatened native and invasive plant species.
If you wish to read more about the conservation in the Galapagos Islands please follow this link: