Raúl García, known as “El Capi” is the founder and CEO of Anakonda Amazon Cruises, the only cruise line in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. In the early 1970s, El Capi began both his naval and travel experiences in the renowned Galapagos Islands. In the mid 70s, he travelled to the Ecuadorian Amazon to embark on a whole new adventure as the General Manager of the first Ecuadorian Amazon cruise-vessel in history. In 1992, Raúl founded the travel agency Advantage Travel. He launched his own river cruise, the Manatee, in 2002. In 2013, he launched the Anakonda, his most ambitious project and the product of nearly half a century of navigation in Ecuadorian waters and in the summer of 2017, a new Manatee was launched to replace the older model and create the only cruise line in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest.
The Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest is a unique living treasure. The ecosystems in this paradise harmonically interact with each other to maintain the natural balance of the environment. The habitat has been threatened by invasive industries whose constant exploitation has endangered many wildlife species, almost to the point of extinction.
Anakonda Amazon Cruises is taking the initiative to conserve and restore this area through the preservation of endangered species and the surrounding environment, the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. Through programs with local communities, our cruise line is working to save charapas turtles and pink river dolphins. Along the way, Anakonda Amazon Cruises are helping their guests learn about conservation and giving them an opportunity to participate directly in the protection of this unique living treasure.
DOLPHIN EXPERIENCE
In 2010, through a collaboration with the Kichwa community of Martinica in the Cocaya region, Anakonda Amazon Cruises designated this region as a protected area for pink river dolphins and has worked together to protect them and keep their population stable. Dolphins are, of course, allowed in and out of the region, but there is no hunting of the dolphins permitted. Having areas like this within the Amazon is crucial to the survival of the species.
Since the program has started, the number of visible dolphins within the region has increased from 4 to 10.
CHARAPAS TURTLES EXPERIENCE
In 2010, Anakonda Amazon Cruises started a collaborative program with the Wildlife Conservation Society Ecuador (WCS) and the local communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin to protect the charapas turtles. The purpose of the program is to protect the existing turtles and repopulate this endemic species.
Through controlled, protected breeding, the charapas are able to survive. The local communities along the river protect the river banks where the charapas lay their eggs. Community members take care of the eggs and hatchlings until they are old enough to be released. Their work is supported by the tourism industry.
Amazon Sustainability Circle
For three decades, Anakonda Amazon Cruises have consolidated the development of an incredible model of sustainability in ecotourism. Through the operation of our cruises in the Ecuadorian Amazon, we consistently work towards sustainable development. By seeking the commitment of all actors involved with conservation, and preserving the environment through our operation.
There is also support for the local communities in different parts of the Amazon and in special itineraries.
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