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We are delighted to offer two 2018 departures featuring Jack Grove – world-renowned marine biologist, expedition leader, photographer, and author of The Fishes of the Galápagos Islands!

Jack has spent decades traveling and studying the oceans across the globe. His firsthand knowledge and his passion for the Galapagos make him the perfect companion for your trip aboard the MV ORIGIN with Ecoventura.

During each of these very special departures, Jack will accompany guests on all land and sea excursions to provide insights on the marine life and wildlife habitat. His evening lectures and photo sharing will allow guests to ask questions and to better understand the unique and precious environment of the islands.

About Jack Grove

A marine biologist and professional naturalist, Jack has spent much of the past two decades traveling on and lecturing about the world’s oceans. Jack is a leading authority on the fishes and marine environments of the eastern tropical Pacific. For more than twenty years he was a research associate in the Section of Fishes at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. For seven years, he lived in the Galapagos, where he served as an associate investigator for Ecuador’s National Fisheries Institute and was senior author of the only Ecuadorian publication on Galapagos fishes.

He continues to carry out extensive marine biological studies in this UNESCO World Heritage Site today. In 1997, Stanford University Press published his comprehensive volume “The Fishes of the Galápagos Islands”, and he received his Ph.D. from Pacific Western University.

A true adventurer, Jack is a fellow of The New York Explorer’s Club and he has led numerous expeditions to the remote corners of the world, participating in expeditions as a marine naturalist, photographer, and expedition leader, as well as working with noted scientists and explorers such as Dr. Jack Randall and Jean-Michel Cousteau. Jack is an avid scuba diver, certified dive master, and dedicated conservationist and a member of The American Association for the Advance of Science. In 2005 he gave a TED talk on strategies for the preservation of marine biodiversity called, “A Shifting Paradigm in the Galápagos”. He most recently contributed to the book the “Global Atlas of Marine Fishes: A Critical Appraisal of Catches and Ecosystem Impacts”, published in 2016.

When not traveling, he manages his own photography business in the Florida Keys.

Special Departure Details

Departure Dates:

• September 23rd through 30th, 2018 – Itinerary B Northern/Western – 5 cabins still available
• September 30th through October 7th, 2018 – Itinerary A Southern/Central – 6 cabins still available

Cruise Rate: $7,850.00 per person double occupancy per week

Guests can book one week for a 7 night cruise or both weeks back-to-back for a 14-night comprehensive cruise with Jack Grove on Itinerary A or B.

What to Expect: Travel in the company of an expert marine biologist and photographer – in addition to our naturalist guides. Enjoy evening lectures over “turtle hour” presented by Jack Grove. Guests will also participate in daily observations of fish behavior and identification directed by Jack in addition to all the scheduled Ecoventura daily activities.

Passengers will also receive a personalized copy of The Fishes of the Galápagos Islands, signed by Jack. This beautiful book is the result of seven years spent researching and exploring the Galápagos Islands. It details 437 species with photographs and illustrations and serves as an identification guide, comprehensive reference source, and baseline for future assessment. This is the first edition hard copy book and they are close to being sold out.  Limited quantities are available for those who sign up for the cruise first before our supply runs out (one per couple or cabin) and will be sent to your home 60 days prior to the cruise departure.

Included: Cruise accommodation on the MV ORIGIN; all meals/snacks and all beverages including open bar, 24/7 espresso, coffee, and tea; Captain’s welcome and farewell party, evening cocktail hour and lectures with Jack Grove; concierge services; guided shore excursions; use of wetsuits, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards; transfers between the airport and dock in Galápagos.

Not Included: International airfare, airfare to Galápagos, National park entrance fee ($100), transit control card ($20), premium alcoholic beverages, gratuities to guides and crew, purchases on board in our boutique and travel insurance (recommended).

Special Pricing & Incentives:  

• Book two weeks back to back and get a 5% discount.
• Confirm your cruise by 180 days prior to departure and get a 5% early bird discount off the cruise rate plus a two night’s hotel accommodation in Guayaquil at the Hotel Oro Verde.
• The first 12 guests to confirm will receive a free upgrade to business class seats on the flights to the Galápagos (only valid on the Avianca flight on Sunday to SCY AV 1636 and 1637).
  

Hear from Jack:

“During the coming decades, I’ve embraced the opportunities to guide literally thousands of travelers to the Islands, as expedition leader, naturalist and dive master. It is an exceptional opportunity to share my passion for natural history and marine life with those who join me on a Galapagos sojourn. Snorkeling is offered as often as possible in addition to the hikes and nature walks onshore and it is such fun to call out fish names in the midst of cavorting sea lions, sea turtles and penguins. Today, there are many companies that take visitors to these fabled islands that Darwin called a living laboratory of evolution, but those who have experienced the islands with Ecoventura will argue that we offer the most educational, enriching adventure possible. Come join me for an experience of a lifetime.” – Jack Grove

We hope to see you onboard for these very special 2018 departures with Jack Grove! Contact us anytime to book or for more information on these exciting expeditions. Prepare to learn about the archipelago from the man who literally wrote the book on the fishes of the Galapagos Islands!