Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges is breaking new ground with island hopping land alternatives to what has traditionally been a cruise-only vacation destination
Quito, Ecuador, August 25, 2010 (PRESSbooth.ORG) -- Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges (http://www.redmangrove.com/), an up-and-coming hospitality company that is pioneering responsible, multi-island, land-based touring in the Galapagos, has secured PADI Dive Resort certification for its lodge operations. In so doing the company underscores its commitment to programming that supports sustainability in this fragile ecosystem.
Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges is the life work of native Ecuadorian Hernan Rodas whose passion for and commitment to the Galapagos led to the creation of the region’s foremost branded travel option for visitors who prefer a sustainable, land-based option to a cruise experience. Until Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges began offering multiple island hospitality in 2007, the Galapagos was primarily a cruise-only destination. Today the company is the leading lodge-to-lodge operation in the region, setting standards for quality and responsible tourism.
“The PADI programs give us yet another way to help our guests immerse themselves in the natural world here,” said Rodas. He noted that the dive environments close to the company’s lodges are as diverse as the islands themselves. “We encourage our visitors to island hop among our three lodges to experience the magnificent diversity of nature, scenery and, of course, people,” he said, noting that his is the only company in the Galapagos that can welcome guests to its doors on multiple islands while maintaining consistent quality and service throughout. Guests of Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges may choose from a selection of set itineraries of varying lengths or create their own private bespoke adventure. Daily activities include naturalist tours, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, mountain biking and more.
Red Mangrove’s certified PADI Dive operations offer the latest equipment, expert instructors and safety features. For divers, novice to advanced, Red Mangrove offers a wealth of options and packages (see: http://www.divingingalapagos.com/index.html). . Prices vary per length of stay, party size and chosen itinerary. 2010 rates for the popular 8 Day / 7 Night Full Adventure in Galapagos program start at $2,602 per person, double occupancy and include; 10% service charge, all meals noted in the itinerary, excursions with English speaking naturalist guides, boat transfers between lodges, free use of bikes when in Puerto Ayora and Isabela and all snorkeling gear.
There is a 25% discount for children under 10 years old. About Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges in 2007 introduced a land-based alternative to exploring the Galapagos that heretofore was a cruise-only destination. 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. Because it is land-based, Red Mangrove can offer a more extensive roster of activities and more flexibility than traditional cruise options. Red Mangrove walks the talk with habitat preservation and responsible stewardship.
Accommodations and operations adhere to and often exceed the most stringent environmental standards. Out of respect for the local community, Red Mangrove has helped native fishermen find alternative livelihoods through tourism by utilizing a fleet of former fishing boats for transportation and sightseeing. Other outreach projects include support of a Family Health Program initially serving families of Red Mangrove employees on the Island of Isabela, assisting a dental health program in public schools and a care program for at-risk horses associated with local tourism in Puerto Villamil.
See: http://www.redmangrove.com/our-involment/
The customary way to experience Red Mangrove’s 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 unique architectural design which blends its mangrove forest and seafront environments tastefully and responsibly. Its location boasts generous views of Puerto Ayora Bay. Separated from the ocean by a white sand, palm-lined beach, Isabela Lodge offers eight rooms outside the sleepy fisherman’s village of Puerto Villamil on one of the most volcanically active islands on Earth.
Red Mangrove Floreana Lodge is a romantic gathering of 10 private pine cottages just a five minute walk from the village of Puerto Velasco Ibarra (population 150).
Contact:
Phone: 1.888.254.3190/ 1.402.953.0261
Email Form: http://www.redmangrove.com/contact-us/
Website: http://www.redmangrove.com/
Sara Widness
802-234-6704
sara @ widnesspr.com
Dave Wiggins
303-554-8821
dave @ travelnewssource.com
Website: http://www.travelnewssource.com/
:: 
:: 
::
