G.A.P. Adventures launch superior class catamaran to cruise the Galapagos Islands

G.A.P Adventures, the world’s leading small group adventure tour operator, announces an expansion of its Galapagos cruising programme in Ecuador with the introduction of the ‘GAP Adventurer VI’, a 16 berth superior class catamaran that will be sailing among the islands from December 2008.

“As the Galapagos are one of the most sought after destinations by adventure travellers, we have further enlarged our fleet of vehicles to meet the needs of those travellers requiring a more upmarket-style cruise experience,” explained Bruce Poon Tip, G.A.P Adventures’ CEO. “In collaboration with a local Ecuadorian boatyard, we have designed and built a ship that will set a new benchmark for those wishing to see these magnificent Islands in a more intimate and comfortable group environment.”

The ship will be sailing year round offering travellers the choice of 6, 7 and 10 day tours. Accommodation comprises 8 spacious double occupancy cabins, each with a porthole, lower berths and private bathrooms with hot water. There are even special amenities such as a hydro-massage 4 person Jacuzzi and spacious outside decks for relaxing. As with all G.A.P Adventures boat tours, the onboard crew includes a certified naturalist, ensuring visitors are in good hands both onboard and on land.

Leading the clamour for water-based adventures are the British. “I was not surprised the UK ruled the waves at the Olympics: Britain is becoming a nation of marine trip enthusiasts. Considering this year’s dramatic increase in the number of British travellers choosing this type of holiday, I fully expect to see the first wave of passengers for our new Galapagos ship being from the UK.” said Bruce Poon Tip.

Aside from the Galapagos, G.A.P. Adventures have expanded their marine program, launching new trips including: Tall Ship sailing in Brazil , visiting the Greek Islands on a yacht, taking a traditional schooner around the Indonesian Islands or a sailboat around the Thai Islands. G.A.P Adventures also offer expedition trips to the Antarctic and Arctic regions on their ship MS Expedition.

For more information, please visit www.gapadventures.com and www.planeterra.org.

About G.A.P Adventures

G.A.P Adventures is a world leader in the adventure travel industry offering small group adventures on all seven continents and beyond to more than 70,000 travellers from all over the world. The award-winning trips, which focus on culture, nature and active travel, are ideal for those with a sense of adventure – people who want to leave the beaten path and authentically immerse themselves in a local culture or environment to experience the real world in a sustainable manner. Demonstrating its ongoing cultural, social and economic commitment to responsible tourism, G.A.P Adventures established the Planeterra Foundation, as a way the company and its passengers can give back to the communities visited.

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