Missoula, MT - Two long-standing international organizations are partnering their knowledge and programs in the Galapagos Islands for the benefit of eco-travelers and Galapagos locals. Travel company, and ATTA member, Adventure Life and conservation education nonprofit Ecology Project International (EPI) are offering travelers a unique opportunity to participate in hands-on science research projects that contribute to conservation, such as giant Galapagos tortoise nest monitoring and marine species counts while snorkeling. These local student-led half and full-day excursions range from $85 - $1250 and can be booked as extensions to Adventure Life Galapagos cruises and tours. To learn more about the Galapagos trips in this partnership call Adventure Life at 800-344-6118 or visit: http://www.adventure-life.com/galapagos/tours/day-tours
On the Galapagos Service Project trips, Adventure Life travelers spend the day with EPI students participating in conservation service projects such as tortoise nest monitoring, bay clean-ups, plastic collection, and other hands-on efforts to protect the wildlife of the Galapagos.
On the Tortuga Bay Conservation Project, travelers have the chance to snorkel and take part in a marine species count on the beautiful beach at Tortuga Bay where EPI students conduct research on nesting green sea turtles in collaboration with the Charles Darwin Research Station.
The EPI and Adventure Life partnership includes a total of 14 half and full-day excursions that can be added onto Adventure Life cruises and land-based trips in the Galapagos. Adventure Life offers over 50 different small ship and sail boat expedition cruises and hundreds of land-based tours in the Galapagos that be customized from 4 days and beyond at prices from $1,200 - $25,000.
These two organizations are part of a community of ecologically-minded people with a focus on the local experience. EPI is a conservation organization that partners youth with scientists working in the field. More than 70% of EPI’s participants are local teens who live near their project sites. These students learn conservation techniques and develop critical thinking skills to become the next generation of conservation leaders for their communities. Wherever Adventure Life travels, they make sure to have a positive impact on the people and places encountered along the way by joining with local tour operators, conservation professionals, educators, and local communities. Their passion for sharing the world with others comes from years of immersing themselves and their travelers in the vibrant colors of a place, leaving both guests and hosts enriched by the experience.