Galapagos Charters in 2015 – Book Now

In this season when thyme creeps, so does time. Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations  suggests that families and groups planning a 2015 charter in the Galapagos will find the best small expedition ship “fit” by booking now. He also advises that charters spanning the Holidays be booked two years out.

Todd Smith, owner/founder of AdventureSmith Explorations, explains that a charter cruise secures an entire ship for one group. While group bookings offering savings for groups of 10 or more are also available (group bookings don’t offer the exclusive privacy or customization that a charter can offer).

“Consider a charter if your group is large enough and you want the intimacy of a private cruise. Consider a group booking if you prefer a larger ship and your group size is not enough for a full boat charter, but you still want per person savings,” he advises.  A charter cruise can save up to 30 percent off regular per-person cruise rates on a selection of yachts, sailboats and small ships.  Group bookings can see up to a 20 percent savings over individual bookings.

His company’s private Galapagos charters are designed for families and groups of 12 to 100 travelers. Charters are popular with extended and multiple families and friends, special occasion celebrations, corporate meetings, affinity groups (gay, lesbian, religious, photography, other), special needs and study groups, travel clubs and others.

In addition to securing the best vessel option for a specific group by booking a year or more out, the company also has time to arrange private outings and events for the party. .For example, Smith’s team can arrange tours of the Fausto Lorena Breeding Center led by students from at Ecology Project International.

“Our kids enjoyed listening to their peers more than the shipboard guides and they peppered the EPI students with questions about their research and what it is like to live in the islands,” recalls Smith who recently participated in a family Galapagos charter.

In partnership with Children of the Galapagos, a non profit working to improve the lives of children and families in the Galapagos, arrangements can be made to meet the kids of Canon Point Club that engages youth in adventure sports (surfing, skateboarding and mountain biking) so these kids can grow up to be the next generation of local guides.

Guests can add such activities as SCUBA diving, surfing and stand up paddleboarding to their charter trips, bring along a private chef (or nanny) and even a masseuse if the budget allows.

The Galapagos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, precludes the large cruise ships from accessing the islands.  Smith’s company also works with mega-ship companies to secure charters for their passengers wanting to see the Galapagos up-close and personal when they cruise through the region.

Passionate about preserving this endangered destination, Smith this summer was elected to the board of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), a nonprofit association of travel companies, conservation organizations and other groups that are dedicated to the complete and lasting protection of the Galapagos. Their mission is to preserve the Galapagos Islands as a unique and priceless world heritage that will provide enjoyment, education, adventure and inspiration to present and future generations of travelers.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. In 2012, owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious 14th Annual Travel Specialists List as the world’s expert on small ship expeditions. A distinction he received again in 2013. For information, availability and 2014-2015 reservations, Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com