Exclusive Family Eco-Adventure with Jean-Michel Cousteau Offered by The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

June 29, 2012 (Santa Barbara, CA) – The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is offering an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for families to meet and engage with Jean-Michel Cousteau, renowned explorer, environmentalist, educator, and film producer. On Saturday, August 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 16 special guests will join Jean-Michel Cousteau on a private eco-adventure to Salt Creek Beach where they will enjoy a Land to Sea Discovery. Guests will explore the sandy beach and the tide pools and learn from Jean-Michel just how fragile our beaches and oceans are.

Following the excursion, guests will receive Jean-Michel’s book, “My Father, My Captain,” personally signed for each participant during an intimate reception in the Ambassadors of the Environment Indoor Learning Center. Guests will also have the opportunity to listen as Jean-Michel shares stories of his childhood and growing up as the son of Jacques Cousteau. He will also talk about his newest film project ---“One Water Cycle, Everything is Connected.” Participation is $199 per person and includes a photo with Jean-Michel. The adventure is limited to 16 guests and guests must be age 12 or older. For reservations, please contact Ambassadors of the Environment at 949-240-5072.

For more than four decades, Jean-Michel Cousteau has dedicated himself and his vast experience to communicate to people of all nations and generations his love and concern for our water planet. Since first being “thrown overboard” by his father at the age of seven with newly invented SCUBA gear on his back, he has been exploring the ocean realm. The son of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, Jean-Michel has investigated the world’s oceans aboard Calypso and Alcyone for much of his life. Honoring the pioneering work of his father, Jean-Michel founded Ocean Futures Society in 1999 to explore our global ocean, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and Jean-Michel Cousteau partnered to bring eco-adventures to the Laguna Niguel community through Ambassadors of the Environment educational program that promises to open guest’s eyes to Southern California’s unique ecosystems, and open their hearts to their connection to the larger global systems. Led by expert naturalists, participants can choose from 15 different excursions, dedicated to showcasing Southern California’s natural wonders. Throughout these unique eco-tours, the Southern California surroundings become a natural classroom and living laboratory in which adults, families and kids learn while having fun. Through exploration and active study, Ambassadors have meaningful experiences that imbue them with a deep appreciation and respect for nature, as well as an understanding of how to live more environmentally responsible lives. At the heart of these Southern California adventures are four principles: everything is connected; there is no waste in nature; everything runs on energy; and biodiversity is good. Kids, youth and adult adventures are a discovery experience that transforms the way guests appreciate and value the planet that sustains us.

About Ocean Futures Society
Ocean Futures Society (OFS) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization. With the motto, “Protect the ocean and you protect yourself.” The mission of OFS is to explore our global ocean, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean's vital importance to the survival of all life on our planet. OFS is based in Santa Barbara, California, with offices in Paris, France; Lucca, Italy; and São Paulo, Brazil. For more information, visit www.oceanfutures.org.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel premiered as the first luxury resort along coastal Orange County in August 1984. Today, the resort is a re-imagined surfside retreat that awakens guests’ senses with its unique ocean-front setting and remarkable service heritage. The resort is the premiere destination for travelers who desire a playful approach to Southern California luxury. The resort has been the recipient of many awards over the years, but is proud to boast earning AAA Five Diamond status for the 27th year, the longest in California. The resort offers many extraordinary luxury experiences including RAYA, enoSTEAK, 180blũ, The Market Place, Bar Raya, and The Spa. For more information or reservations call 800-241-3333, the hotel directly at 949-240-2000, a travel professional or visit the web site at www.ritzcarlton.com/LagunaAmbassadors.