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The Galapagos Island TripsFor my experience, I decided to choose Metropolitan Touring (MT) as the most reliable travel company promoting quality and ecological oriented Galapagos trips. Why?... Because of their 50 years of experience and the extreme high quality service they offer, it is as simple as that. This travel company offers environmentally friendly programs aboard its recently refurbished and new vessels, the M/V Santa Cruz the luxury Yacht Isabela II and the all new Yacht La Pinta that will provide you with unforgettable experiences that quite possible may well be the most fascinating journey of your lifetime. MT also offers Galapagos Land Tours with high security and quality standards. What is a Glass-Bottom Boat in the Galapagos Islands?For their Galapagos Island trips they have incorporated a new concept of exploring the islands' ecosystems by focusing in educational experiences with high natural history content.This has allowed them to remain as pioneers in these kind of adventure voyages. Some years ago MT realized that the marine world is a highlight for Galapagos' visitors, but only snorkelers where appreciating such experiences. Then, in 1998 and in 2000 MT added aboard the M/V Santa Cruz and Yacht Isabela II, a new way of discovering the underwater world but for everyone: the Glass-Bottom Boat (a.k.a. GBB). The reasons for appreciating the Galapagos marine world: Marine Reserve, Whale & Shark Sanctuary, and Natural Heritage for Mankind. Galapagos is the Earth's second-largest Marine Reserve. It is operated by one boat driver (panguero), and led by a Naturalist. The goal is to take the boat early than the rest of the more speedy boats to the aquatic site, check for visibility conditions, current, etc, and assess where the best area is found. In MT Galapagos Island trips after signing up at the reception, you will have 2-3 shifts to choose from, based on the overall program and your own choices. Each shift lasts 30 minutes approximately, and a Naturalist will interpret all that is seen underwater. For your convenience the boat has a sun roof, and takes a maximum of 10 participants. The visual and interpretative aids include fish charts and abundant descriptions of Galapagos Marine Life One of MT's guests described the glass-bottom boat experience as "the driest snorkeling ever experienced". The Chief Naturalists of the Yacht Isabela IIThey are willing to revolutionize Tours to Galapagos with their initiatives and projects, and these will be shared with all of you along the year. Let's get to know these gentlemen a little better: Alejandro Villa and Celso Montalvo are Galapagos Naturalists who, besides leading groups ashore, have the high responsibility of commanding the Expedition. They are the perfect link between you, the Islands, and the operation. Their permanent contact with the local authorities, on board Officers, and our offices in the mainland, allow them to generate out-of-the-ordinary operative standards which for our guests translate into rewarding experiences. Alejandro was born in Galapagos, while Celso is a permanent Galapagos resident since 1998. They have both followed the strict training at the National Park Service, and their constant interest in knowing more about the natural world is evident in their daily explanations. Certainly, they are a strong feature in the positive comments the Expedition regularly obtains. They are very keen in assessing the balance between environmental interpretation and conservation. Their passion for the Islands is evident, their commitment to the Islands' future is remarkable, and we are glad to have them as heads of the Galapagos trips Expedition Department of Yacht Isabela II. Recommended Galapagos Reading:The Diving Guide: Galapagos Islands The Galapagos Islands, is world renowned for adrenaline-charged diving and unique, fearless wildlife. These "Enchanted Islands" beckon both divers and non-divers from around the globe who come to dive with whale sharks and walk with giant tortoises. (This is the best diving guide I've ever read) A Traveler's Guide to the Galapagos Islands
Economic Galapagos Trips  Custom Search If you have any questions about our Galapagos Island trips or if you'd like to request more information regarding MT's Galapagos Islands Holidays specials to visit this Archipelago, You can Contact us here
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