galapagos photo tours

Ultimate Galápagos

Two weeks by luxury private yacht.

Straddling the equator 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador are  Las Islas Encantadas —the Enchanted Islands. Better known as the Galápagos Archipelago, it is one of the premier nature photography locations in the world, and a must-see for anyone who enjoys experiencing wildlife at close range, warm tropical weather, snorkeling with colorful fishes, and al fresco dining under the stars.

Participants see virtually all of the famous Galápagos wildlife specialties, and photograph many of the incredible and unique life forms that captivated Charles Darwin. One of the great joys of a visit to these islands is the remarkably unwary seabirds, which include such photogenic favorites as the red-footed, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, as well as the flamboyant magnificent frigatebirds with their scarlet throat pouches and aerial acrobatics. These birds of the open ocean allow human approach within a few yards during courtship and breeding. In addition there are elegant swallow-tailed gulls, handsome waved albatrosses, red-billed tropicbirds and flocks of resplendent American flamingos in their feathered finery.

Our extended tour includes the less-visited western side of the archipelago where we photograph, and possibly snorkel with, endearing Galápagos penguins and comical flightless cormorants—both of which are rare endemics of the archipelago. The islands are also home to those marvels of evolution, “Darwin’s finches,” as well as lumbering giant tortoises, marine and land iguanas, colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and abundant sea lions with their doe-eyed pups. Each island is its own microcosm, different from but integrally linked to, the others of the group.

Our comprehensive schedule is arranged for early morning and late afternoon photography—the best times for observing and photographing animals and shooting landscapes. Whenever possible between morning and afternoon shooting sessions, we take time to snorkel in the coastal waters of the islands, searching for green sea turtles and enjoying the myriad coral reef fishes that bejewel the clear water.

We have timed the trip to coincide with one of Nature’s busiest seasons in the islands. Early summer is a time when warm weather, calm seas, blue skies and occasional showers combine to stimulate elaborate courtship displays in the birds and cloak the desert landscape in greenery, Chick rearing has begun, and we will see chick feedings as well as frigatebirds chasing food-laden gulls, terns, pelicans and boobies. 

We cruise aboard the aptly named  M/V TipTop II —a safe, comfortable, and upscale catamaran that combines a casual barefoot cruising style with spacious cabins and common areas.  Like a floating safari lodge,  TipTop II  offers an excellent “platform” from which to base this exciting photo cruise.  Our roomy vessel provides plenty of outside deck space yet is small enough to reach secluded anchorages that only a smaller ship can provide.

This voyage has been designed as our Galápagos dream trip. Most trips to the islands are a week in length and confine themselves to the eastern half of the archipelago. These days, popular landing sites have restricted access to make the nature experience a wilder one. Therefore, on weeklong trips, many of the best photo locations may be excluded from an eastern-oriented itinerary to cut down on visitor traffic. Our route and landing permissions take us to all the best visitor sites in the east, but also include Fernandina Island and the western shore of Isabela. In addition to the penguins and cormorants we see there, the area offers great opportunities to shoot American flamingos and rugged volcanic landscapes. We go where the majority of tourists never go and see the islands as they really should be seen—with a small group, at a relaxed pace, and on a new and comfortable boat.

Join us for this exceptional opportunity to photograph all of the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos, without sacrificing time to relax, snorkel and get a true “sense of place.”

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 (May 29, 2024) Depart home for Quito, Ecuador. Arrive in late evening and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 Following breakfast, meet in the hotel lobby at 9 AM.  A comprehensive city tour of Quito provides opportunities to photograph regal metropolitan landscapes and pleasing architectural details in this beautiful colonial city nestled in the slopes of the Andes at 9,200 feet. (NOTE: The tour begins with a walk in the Old City.)

Those who would like to rest in lieu of the city tour can meet the group in the lobby at 7:30 PM for dinner at our hotel. (B, L on city tour, D)

Day 3 Fly to San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos, complete national park formalities and embark our comfortable vessel.  Following lunch, we make our first photography landing in the archipelago. (B at hotel, then all meals aboard ship)

Days 4–16 We have 13 days to photograph at the following productive sites:

Kicker Rock The remains of an eroded lava cone, two towering basalt monoliths rise 500 feet out of the sea—an excellent location for sunset photography.

Santa Cruz Island From the dock at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, we have two options—drive into the highlands or visit the town and Charles Darwin Research Station.

In the highlands we explore the lush  scalesia  forests, investigate volcanic craters and lava tubes, and visit a tortoise reserve to photograph these charismatic animals in the wild.

In the small city of Puerto Ayora, we spend time at the Charles Darwin Research Station, which plays a major role in the environmental monitoring of the archipelago.  Here we see rearing pens for giant tortoises from the different islands and have another chance to photograph the large reptiles at close range.  We usually end the day on Santa Cruz in town with time to shop before returning to our vessel for dinner.

South Plaza and North Seymour Islands The Plaza Islands are flat, gently-tilted, lava fault blocks uplifted from beneath the sea.  Our visit is particularly interesting because of several hundred land iguanas that live there among the island’s giant cacti.  Our landing beach is a whelping area for sea lions, and the steep wind-blown cliffs along the southern coast are one of the best locations in the islands to photograph flying red-billed tropicbirds with their elegant streaming tail feathers.

Genovesa Island Genovesa Island is the summit of a partially submerged volcano and circular caldera which has been breached by the sea.  Gentle slopes covered with sprawling  Opuntia  cacti and silvery  palo santo  trees rise 200 feet above the rugged shoreline.  We go ashore at dawn to explore a coral-covered beach and tidal lagoons.  This is the best spot in the islands to photograph great frigatebirds, yellow-crowned night herons and swallow-tailed gulls, as well as lava gulls.  With a total population of just 400 pairs, the sooty-plumaged lava gull is the rarest gull in the world.  In the afternoon we climb the spectacular cliffs of the caldera and hike through a  palo santo  forest, photographing Nazca and red-footed boobies, Galápagos doves and mockingbirds.  There are at least four kinds of Darwin’s finches and the possiblility of finding the endemic race of the elusive short-eared owl.

Close by is the the stark volcanic terrain of Sullivan Bay.  Two hundred years ago an eruption covered the area with molten rock leaving behind dramatic examples of ropy lava and spatter cones, all of which are a graphic photographer’s dream.  We also expect to find Galápagos penguins.

Rábida and Santiago Islands Rábida Island lies at the center of the Galápagos Archipelago.  The reddish sand beach always has clusters of sea lions lounging and loafing in the surf and brown pelicans commonly nest at shoulder height in saltbushes close by.  The island is a good location to search for Galápagos hawks, some of which may perch right over our heads.

A stroll along the intertidal rocks of Puerto Egas on Santiago Island reveals black sand beaches which were the site of a small salt mining industry in the 1960s.  A hike in the area should provide an excellent opportunity to see finches, doves and hawks.  Along the coast, basking marine iguanas, gaudy orange Sally Lightfoot crabs, and feeding American oystercatchers keep us busy until we reach a colony of Galápagos fur seals resting on the black lava rock at the end of our walk.  Snorkeling is good in the waters near our landing beach.

At Urbina Bay, we search for land iguanas and possibly more giant tortoises.  In the afternoon we explore the beautiful mangrove channels of Elizabeth Bay where we again encounter flightless cormorants.  The sheltered waters are an important mating area for green sea turtles, and snorkeling among the mangroves can be an exciting and novel experience.  At sunset we board pangas to explore three small islets known as Las Marielas ,  home to one of the largest concentrations of Galápagos penguins in the islands.

Punta Moreno is perfect for an afternoon outing.  The stark barren beauty of the lava landscape is dotted with brackish ponds where we search for “shocking pink” American flamingos, as well as ducks and a variety of shorebirds.

Floreana Island Floreana rises to a height of 2,100 feet and is studded with volcanic cinder cones. “Post Office Bay” is one of the key historic sites on the islands.  In the early 1800s, whalers in the area were the first to use an old barrel as a post box to send their mail home to family and friends.  The tradition continues today.  Search the barrel for mail directed to an address near your home, then deliver it when you return. You can also drop off a postcard to see how long it takes to be delivered to you!  Of course, as everywhere in the Galápagos, there is plentiful wildlife here as well.  Darwin’s finches abound and, in a small lagoon behind the beach, herons and shorebirds frequently rest in the vegetation.

An old, eroded volcanic cone offshore is called the Devil’s Crown, and is a roosting site for boobies, pelicans and frigatebirds.  The center of the “crown” provides some of the best snorkeling in the Galápagos.

At Punta Cormorant there are forests of  palo santo  and  scalesia  that harbor the endemic medium tree finch.  The pale green sand beaches and shallow lagoons are home to flamingos, as well as ducks.

It is hard to resist the antics of the lounging sea lion pups as they frolic in the shoreline surf, wrestle and play with each other, and pester their mothers at Gardner Bay.  All of this is set against a backdrop of turquoise water and azure sky.

Day 17 We return to San Cristóbal Island and visit Puerto Baquerizo Moreno’s Interpretation Center.  Our 10:05 AM flight takes us to Quito by 2:50 PM.  Meet in the hotel lobby at a time TBD to go to dinner in the hotel restaurant.  (B, L on the plane, D)

Day 18 (Jun 15) Depart for home. (B)

Please Note :  Participants should allow for flexibility due to changes in weather, natural history events or other logistical arrangements deemed necessary by our leaders. Final determinations are subject to permits issued by the Galápagos National Park Service.

Our Ship—Tip Top II

The luxurious 104-foot  Tip Top II  offers the elegance and amenities to make your cruise a comfortable and unforgettable experience. Six cabins have twin or king beds, large windows with expansive ocean views, private baths and air conditioning. There are two single cabins with large windows with expansive ocean views, private baths and air conditioning. The yacht’s spacious cabins are much more akin to cabins on a cruise ship rather than the small cabins with upper and lower berths featured on most vessels operating in the Galápagos.

There is a spacious air-conditioned dining room with an excellent dining experience, a well-appointed lounge area and bar, plus many decks—outstanding platforms for photography—with comfortable lounge chairs from which you can enjoy the relaxing sparkle of equatorial waters, discuss photography and natural history with our leaders and fellow travelers, as well as search for seabirds and whales.

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Tour Details

2024 Ultimate Galápagos: Easy Activity Level: Luxury yacht, bus, and commercial aircraft transportation. Hiking on sandy beaches, rough lava, and rocky trails. Generally short slow walks infrequently for up to two miles round-trip during a few landings. Transfer from boat to shore in “Zodiac-style” pangas. Occasional wildlife and landscape photography from the pangas. Our pace is relaxed and very conducive for photography, but Gálpagos regulations require the entire group must stay within sight of our local Galápagos guide, and not leaving designated trails. Snorkeling from the boat and beaches in chilly water usually requiring thin wet suits.

Special Terms and Conditions Apply

Tour Highlights

• Fourteen luxurious cruising days , with plenty of onshore time to explore virtually all of the most photogenic wildlife locations in the Galápagos, as well as the amazing “forgotten” islands of this famous archipelago
• Cruise in a comfortable and spacious vessel with just 14 photographers and two outstanding leaders.
• Catamaran provides plenty of outside deck space for photography
• Colorful boobies, albatrosses, gulls and frigatebirds in courtship display within a few feet of your camera
• Snorkel with Galápagos penguins, sea lions and spectacular colorful fish
• Trip includes all meals and shipboard lodging, three nights hotel accommodations in Quito, round-trip flights to from Quito to the Galápagos, Quito city tour, Galápagos National Park fees, Zodiac transportation, photo guides and instruction

Tour Leaders

Wayne lynch.

and local Galápagos naturalist guide

YouTube Video

Testimonials

If you love nature, close encounters with birds, seals, tortoises and flamingos (to name a few) and would enjoy staying on a luxurious yacht with all the amenities in one of the most unique and beautiful places on earth, this trip is for you! Photo ops were phenomenal, good times and memories outstanding! — B. & R.

Rarely does one take a trip in which the details are so totally handled that there is an environment provided for really creative photography. —E. J.

The Galápagos Islands are a must-see for any nature photographer. The trip with Van Os was outstanding in every way and provided incredible photo opportunities. —Peter. B

Trip Reports

Ultimate Galapagos 2022 Trip Report

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Tour Description

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Your Photography Adventure Starts Here!

Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris Enrollment Information

2024 ultimate galápagos.

May 29 – Jun 15 2024

ENROLLMENT CONDITIONS 1. REGISTRATION A deposit and completed and signed Registration Form are required to reserve a place on a Van Os Photo Safari.

2. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS All prices are quoted in US dollars and all payments must be paid in US dollars. For deposits only we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Final payment of the trip fee is due 120 days prior to departure and may be paid by check or bank transfer. If you wish to make your final payment with a credit card a 3% convenience fee will be charged.

We must receive written notice of your cancellation. Based on the cancellation date the following applies:

Trip deposits are non-refundable . 150-91 days before the trip start date: We will refund any payments made exceeding 50% of the total trip cost. 90-61 days before the trip start date: We will refund any payments made exceeding 75% of the total trip cost. Within 60 days of the start of the trip: No refund.

If, on the trip start date , your space has been resold and the tour is full—as designated by “Limit” number of travelers on the tour website page—we will refund your payment, minus the non-refundable trip deposit and any discounts given to resell your space.

No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason. Trips are sold as a package only. This policy also applies to tour extensions and independent travel arrangements. Cancellation fees are not transferable.

Emergency evacuation insurance is REQUIRED for this tour. Upon request, we can provide travel insurance options that includes the required medical evacuation insurance. Participants purchasing trip insurance on their own should confirm that emergency evacuation is included in their policy.

3. TRIP INSURANCE We strongly encourage you to protect your travel investment and purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage.     We can provide travel insurance options, or it can be purchased online. A CANCEL FOR ANY REASON policy is available. Trip participants without travel protection insurance are considered “self-insured.” Without insurance you assume all risks and losses for any conditions requiring your cancellation.

4. HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS Van Os Photo Safaris are within the capabilities of average people in good health. Some of these trips require the capability of walking for several miles over uneven trails, stepping from a small boat to a wave-washed rocky beach, flying in small planes and helicopters, and occasionally hiking at high elevations—all while carrying an assortment of camera equipment. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please inquire with our office before reserving a space. By forwarding a signed Registration Form and trip deposit, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you, or other trip participants and you agree to inform our office in writing if changes in your health, including viral illnesses, occur any time prior to the tour. We reserve the right to request a doctor's statement of good health. The company's or trip leader's judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual's ability to embark upon or to continue a trip. Once a trip has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. We assume no responsibility for medical care or for special dietary requirements. Tour members are asked to refrain from smoking with or near the group.

5. CONTACT SCHEDULE Participants will receive three emails before the trip departs: 1. Initial Tour Information sheet confirms the deposit and provides pre-departure information. 2. Invoice/Practical Information provides clothing and photo gear recommendations, climate data, and applicable health advisories. Visa information will also be included (if applicable). 3. Final Tour Information includes arrival instructions, itinerary revisions (if any), hotel addresses, trip telephone contact information and participant list. We provide the trip leader's telephone number(s) and/or email address with final documents so you can inquire about special photographic questions you may have regarding your trip. We welcome your calls or email messages to [email protected].

6. PHOTO SAFARI TRIP FEE INCLUSIONS Information supplied upon enrollment describes the specific details that are included in your trip fee. Generally, these include lodging in double room occupancy, all meals (specified in the itinerary as BLD denoting breakfast, lunch, or dinner), ground transportation during the trip in vans or small busses, internal tour air transportation as specified, meal and baggage tipping, and guide services provided by the trip leaders. Not included are airfare or other transportation from your home to the trip staging location, airport departure taxes, insurance, alcoholic beverages, and bar expenses (plus bottled water and soft drink expenses on international tours outside of North America), tips and gratuities to local guides, phone calls, passport or visa expenses, laundry, or items of a personal nature. Gratuities to Van Os Photo Safaris trip leaders are optional and always appreciated. Rates are based on group tariffs; if the trip does not have sufficient registration, a small party supplement may be charged.

Most of our trips are priced in double occupancy (shared) accommodations. Single accommodation is available for a supplemental cost in many locations; see the pre-departure trip information or call our office for details. You will be charged the single supplement fee if you desire single accommodation or if you wish to have a roommate, but one is not available. In some remote locations, clients with single rooms are infrequently compelled to share a room due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, appropriate per diem refunds will be made reflecting the direct cost of the single room at the facility where clients are required to share. There is no additional single supplement fee on ship-based cruises if you request a roommate and one is not available.

Cost increases may occur unexpectedly due to rising costs of airfares, ground transport, fuel surcharges, accommodations, and currency fluctuations, among others. Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. may be compelled to amend prices, and we reserve the right to do so without prior notice. An increase in trip prices shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of funds paid for the trip other than as determined by the terms of our cancellation policy.

7. LOGISTICS Whenever possible, our trip participants are lodged in comfortable, modern hotels. We select among the best available accommodations but refrain from extravagance. Some interesting photographic destinations are far removed from modern amenities, however, and where necessary we will be accommodated in rustic country inns, cabins, or tented camps.

Meals are always a special part of our trips for the camaraderie they engender and the opportunity they provide to try new foods from different areas. Depending on the trip and specific locale, participants order restaurant meals from the full menu or, less frequently, table d'hôte. Some trips include picnic lunches in the field. Fruit juice for breakfast and coffee or tea is included with the meals. Soft drinks are included with meals on tours within North America. Participants are responsible for their own bar tab (including bottled water, soft drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages on tours outside of North America) at restaurant lunches and dinners.

Our itineraries are intended as examples only. Participants should allow for flexibility due to changes in weather, natural history or cultural events, or other logistical arrangements deemed necessary by Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., or our leaders.

The second tour leader (and any subsequent additional leaders) listed for each trip on the website will be added as the group size warrants. If only one space remains on a trip, and logistics permit, we accept two people traveling together, even if it exceeds the trip maximum.

8. RESPONSIBILITY Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. and/or their Agents act only as agents for the passenger (trip participant) in regard to travel including, but not limited to, sightseeing, meals, lodging, transportation, and all other services whether by railroad, motor coach, automobile, van, boat, ship or aircraft or any other conveyance, and they assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts, bankruptcy or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the trip.

They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay, cancellations or changes in flights or other tour services, and by force majeure including sickness, weather, strike, war, volcanic eruption, terrorist acts, political unrest, quarantine, epidemics, pandemics and outbreaks, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as trip fees provide for arrangements only for the times and locations stated. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.

The right is reserved to 1) substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary, or caused by changes in flight schedules or equipment substitution; 2) cancel any trip prior to departure due to low enrollment, in which case full refund of the paid trip funds will be given, but Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. is not responsible for any other trip preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees, travel insurance premiums and medical related expenses; 3) At the company’s sole discretion, suspend or postpone any trip due to force majeure or disease outbreak in which case the trip may be rescheduled, or a refund issued less any non-refundable deposits paid to tour component providers on behalf of the passenger, or a travel credit given, but Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. is not responsible for any other trip preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses; 4) substitute trip leader(s) for the leader(s) originally specified, in which case the substitution is not a basis for participant cancellation or refund other than provided by our normal cancellation policy; or 5) accept or retain any person as a member of any trip.

Trip prices are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of publication and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein.

A signed Registration Form with the Enrollment Conditions and Release and Assumption of Risk sections must be returned by each participant prior to the commencement of the trip. Participation by any trip member will be declined in the absence of the signed Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section, with no trip fee refund. No modification to the Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section will be accepted.

Should Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney's fees and any costs to enforce this agreement, the enrolling trip participant(s) agree(s) to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. In the event a lawsuit is filed, the enrolling participant(s) agree(s) to do so solely in the County of Lewis in the State of Washington.

ENROLLMENT CONDITIONS AGREEMENT & RELEASE & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I have read, understand, and agree to the terms, conditions, and provisions of the enrollment information, as stated on the Van Os Photo Safaris Inc. website and the Enrollment Conditions section of this form, especially noting the policy on cancellations, refunds, and limitations on responsibility.

I am aware that during any trip or tour that I am voluntarily participating in under the arrangements of Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., a Washington corporation, and its employees, agents and associates, certain risks and dangers exist while traveling in the United States, foreign countries, and wilderness areas in any country or territory that include the possibility of property damage, bodily injury, and death. There is a possibility of accident or illness occurring without access to immediate or timely medical treatment or facilities. There is a risk of tropical or communicable diseases that may require quarantine and removal from the tour at my expense, food-related illnesses, the risk of personal injury and property damage or delay or inconvenience by forces of nature, wildlife or wildlife models, quarantine, political instability, acts of terrorism, strikes, government restrictions or regulations change, thefts, and the risk of accidents during travel while on foot or by aircraft, train, automobile, van, bus, boat, ship, or other conveyance. I understand that such risks cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of this trip or tour.

In consideration of, and as part payment for the right to participate in such trips, tours and/or other activities and services arranged for me by Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., its employees, agents and associates, I have and do hereby assume all risks, and hereby release Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., its employees, shareholders, agents and associates, and will hold them harmless from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, debts, claims, and demands of every kind and nature, howsoever caused, which I now have or which may arise of or in connection with any of my trips or tours and participation in any activities arranged for me by Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., its employees, agents and associates.

Should Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this Agreement, I agree to indemnify them and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. In the event any lawsuit is filed, I agree to do so solely in the County of Lewis in the State of Washington and further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict-of-law rules of that state. The terms hereof shall serve as a release and assumption of all risk for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, and for all members of my family.

Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. may take photos and video during your photo tour and use them for promotional purposes. By making a trip reservation with us, you agree to let us use your name and likeness in any images and video in which you may appear, for our promotional materials, website, or advertising. We may also use any written reviews or photos and video you may provide us with for use on our website and in any advertising and all other forms of publicity. If you prefer to be excluded from this proviso, please let your tour leader know at the beginning of your trip.

If any part, article, paragraph, sentence, or clause of this Agreement is not enforceable, the affected provision shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to bring it within the requirements of the law, and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property is damaged during my participation in this activity, I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., its employees, shareholders, agents, and associates, based on any and all claims from which I have released them.

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Don Mammoser Photo Tours

Galapagos Photo Tour

Galapagos photography tour.

April 6-15, 2024

SOLD OUT – I am not running this tour in 2025, or 2026. Check back for possible 2027 dates.

Download the Galapagos PDF Here

Incredible Wildlife

This is a unique Galapagos photography tour – planned and led by a professional. The stunning and World-renowned Galapagos Islands are best visited by small yacht which can cruise to outer islands in order to be amongst the incredible displays of tame and awesome wildlife. There’s nowhere like the Galapagos Islands. This is truly a trip of a lifetime!

Immersive Experience

During this Galapagos photography tour, we’ll live aboard a 16 passenger yacht while being catered to by a wonderful crew of 9 including a licensed Galapagos park guide.  I promise you amazing photo opportunities and a completely unique experience as we cruise the Galapagos Islands and photograph everything.

The itinerary you choose in the Galapagos is by far the most important aspect of any trip there. You can certainly find a boat and subsequent itinerary which caters to those wishing for a week of crowded sunbathing beaches, or parties and nightlife.

For photographers, however, I know well that we all want an itinerary which gives us the best possible chance to interact with and photograph the highest number of interesting and unique species and island scenes. And we don’t want to be crowded out by other people and/or boats while trying to get our photos.

Yes, you can get a spot on an everyday Galapagos boat for less than the cost of my trip, or you can get on board a budget priced ‘cattle-call’ boat (or not-so-budget-priced, i.e. “name-brand” boat) with hundreds of other passengers, but as a photographer, you don’t want that. I have worked hard with my contacts in Ecuador, a boat crew, and a naturalist/guide to come up with the best possible 8 day cruise for maximizing our time among photogenic animals, good snorkeling sites, and scenic island locations. This is a Galapagos itinerary made by a photographer for photographers.

We will live aboard a “tourist superior” class yacht for this Galapagos photography tour. The yacht holds just 14 participants in 7 comfortable cabins (plus myself in a cabin). You’ll find the accommodations onboard are not overly opulent, but they are very clean, modern and comfortable. Each 2-person cabin has its own bathroom with shower and hot and cold water. The food will be ample, fresh, varied, local and delicious. Our guide will take us to locations a bit earlier or we’ll stay a bit later than most other tours because she knows that we are interested primarily in getting great photos. And we visit places that not every boat goes to and that certainly the larger ships can’t even get close to.

Below is the itinerary I have worked out for my group. This trip visits the best of the best of what makes the Galapagos so unique. It is by far, the best 8 day Galapagos photography tour itinerary I could ever have dreamed of. I can’t wait to share these places with my clients! 

Galapagos Photography Tour Quick Menu

This is an itinerary made by photographers for photographers

April 6, 2024 : Arrival day into Ecuador: Guayaquil, Ecuador Arrive today on your flight from the USA to Guayaquil’s Jose Joaquin De Olmedo Airport. ( A irport code GYE ) This airport is very close to the downtown area of Guayaquil. Because many flights from the USA to Guayaquil arrive in the evening, and since our flight to the Galapagos Islands departs early tomorrow morning, we’ll simplify things by staying very close to the airport tonight. Our hotel is just a 5-10 minute drive from the international airport. Our hotel has a 24 hour ($3/person) airport shuttle. Meet and greet, dinner and relax tonight.

April 7, 2024 : Day 1 – Arrival in Galapagos and transfer to boat: Early morning transfer from the hotel to the airport for our flight to the Galapagos. Airplane will be a ‘typical’ 3 rows per side/aisle in the middle, aircraft. (Airbus A320 or similar). Baggage allowance is 66 lbs. total (44 lbs. check in and 22 lbs carry on). Pass Galapagos customs (US $100 cash only payment required), park entrance formalities, etc., then transfer to our yacht.

North Seymour Island Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lavas containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.

Highlights: Land & marine iguanas, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions; snorkeling: rays, reef sharks, fish, garden eels. Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hiking (1.5 mi/2.5 km) Type of Landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Moderate/difficult

April 8, 2024 : Day 2 – First Location: Sombrero Chino One of the most recognizable Galapagos Islands, its name means “Chinese Hat.” It’s easy to see why: this islet off of Santiago is shaped like an old-fashioned Chinaman’s hat, a gently sloping cone rising out of the clear Galapagos water. In spite of its good location, Sombrero Chino receives fewer visitors than other Galapagos sites. This is because it’s semi-protected by the Park service.

Highlights: Marine iguanas, Sally lightfoot crabs, Sea lions, Lava cactus, Wading birds, views; snorkeling: reef sharks, fish, Galapagos penguins Activities: Snorkeling, hiking (1 mi/1.6 km) Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Moderate

April 8, 2024 : Day 2 – Second Location: Bartholomew Island Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.

Highlights: Pinnacle Rock, panoramic view, moonlike landscape, penguins, pioneer plants, lava cactus; snorkeling, reef sharks, rays, and great colorful fish. Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling & hiking (1.25 mi/ 2km) Type of Landing: Dry and wet landings Difficulty: Moderate/difficult. Walk to the top of volcano 114 meters, 375 wooden steps

April 9, 2024 : Day 3 – First Location: Genovesa Island – Darwin Bay This white sand coral beach has a half mile trail (0.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view from a cliff.

Highlights: Nazca boobies, red- footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, mangroves, coral pebbles beach, snorkeling: rays, colorful reef fish and hammerhead sharks Activities: Hiking (0.9 mi/1.5 km), snorkeling, & dinghy ride Type of Landing: Wet landing. Difficulty: Easy/moderate

April 9, 2024 : Day 3 – Second Location: Genovesa Island – El Barranco Also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, El Barranco’s steep, rocky path leads up to a high cliff-face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.

Highlights: Red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, storm-petrels, Galapagos doves Activities: Hiking (0.9 mi/2 km) Type of Landing: Dry, difficult landing Difficulty: Moderate

April 10, 2024 : Day 4 – First Location: Santiago Island – Egas Port Also known as James Bay, Egas Port is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.

Highlights: Fur sea lions, Galapagos sea lions, tidal pools and “grottos”, Galapagos hawks, oyster catchers, marine iguanas, finches; snorkeling: reef sharks, turtles, rays, nice underwater formations. Activities: Snorkeling, hiking (1.25 mi/2 km) Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Easy /moderate

April 10, 2024 : Day 4 – Second Location: Rábida Island Rábida Island (Jervis) is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago and a great snorkeling site. Its famous maroon sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.

Highlights: Finches, Galapagos hawks, white-cheeked pintail ducks, penguins; Snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lions, brackish water lagoon Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & short hike (0.6 mi /1 km) Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Easy/ moderate

April 11, 2024 : Day 5 – First Location: Santa Cruz Island – Charles Darwin Station The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Sub-species of tortoises interact with one another and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans, stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.

“Turtles” live in water and “tortoises” live on land. You cannot touch the tortoises (or any other animals) in the Galápagos.

Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity Activities: Walking Type of Landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Easy

April 11, 2024 : Day 5 – Second Location: Santa Cruz Island – Santa Cruz Highlands Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the Scalesia trees, creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.

Highlights: Lava tunnels, wild tortoises, tortoise breeding center. Activities: Hike (1.5 mi/ 2 ½ km) Type of Landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Moderate (long)

April 12, 2024 : Day 6 – First Location: Española Island – Gardner Bay Gardner Bay, on the eastern side of the island, is the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. It has an ample white sandy beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Its rocky shores make this site a great place for diving and snorkeling.

Highlights: White sandy beach, breeding albatrosses, sea lions, mockingbirds; snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lion nursery Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride, short hike of (0.6 mi/1 km) Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Easy

April 12, 2024 : Day 6 – Second Location: Española Island – Suárez Point This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. A beautiful site on the oceanfront, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities.

Highlights: Hood mockingbird, Nazca boobies, waved albatross, red-billed tropicbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawk, blue-footed boobies, blow hole, amazing landscape Activities: Hike (1.9 mi/3 km) Type of Landing: Dry Landing Difficulty: Difficult

April 13, 2024 : Day 7 – First Location: Santa Fe Island Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.

Highlights: Land Iguanas, giant Opuntia cacti Activities: Hiking Type of Landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Moderate

April 13, 2024 : Day 7 – Second Location: South Plaza Island This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.

Highlights: Land iguanas, sea lion colony, Audubon´s shearwaters, swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, amazing landscape with cliffs Activities: Hike (2 ½ km /1.55 mi) Type of Landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Moderate

April 14, 2024 : Day 8 – First Location: (and then transfer to airport for flight to Guayaquil) Santa Cruz Island – Black Turtle Cove Black Turtle Cove is situated in the northern part of Santa Cruz. This inlet is surrounded by mangroves and is only accessible by dinghy. The shallow cove is a safe haven for young marine life. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.

Highlights: Hammerhead shark babies, rays, sea turtles, sea birds Activities: Dinghy ride Type of Landing: No landing Difficulty: Easy

April 14, 2024 : After Galapagos Flight from Galapagos to mainland Ecuador, then transfer to our familiar Guayaquil hotel again. Optional final group dinner or get-together. You may also choose to fly home this day after 8pm.

April 15, 2024 : Final Goodbyes Morning breakfast and goodbyes to those leaving on flights elsewhere today. 

• Tour begins and ends in Guayaquil, Ecuador (airport code GYE).
• You should arrive into Guayaquil as early as possible on April 6th in order to attend the initial meet/greet at 6pm that evening.
• Our hotel in Guayaquil has a 24 hour shuttle service ($3) to take you to the hotel. They will meet you just outside the arrivals area.
• Round-trip airfare from Guayaquil to the Galapagos islands is included!
• A travel Visa is not currently required for citizens of the US or Canada to visit Ecuador as a tourist.
• Outbound flights should be booked for April 15th anytime.
• You can download a detailed Galapagos Photo Tour PDF Here.
• All photo locations require walking over uneven pathways or up boardwalks with lots of steps. The longest hike is 2.0 miles, but we never move very quickly and always take LOTS of time to photograph or learn abou the natural history of what we are witnessing along the way.
• Trails can be wet and slippery – bring proper hiking footwear.
• Tropical heat can be tiring for those not acclimitized.
• Drinking plenty of water or energy drinks helps. – Bring a refillable water bottle.
• Variable skies, some sunny, some cloudy, some rainy with daytime temperatures in the 80’s Fahrenheit.
• Early morning/nighttime temperatures generally in the 70’s Fahrenheit.
• Rainstorms can (and will) hit anytime in the tropics, and this means wet, slippery trails, boardwalks and walkways.
• Digital camera body or 2 in order to have a backup
• Wildlife zoom lens such as a 200-600mm, 100-400mm or similar
• Wide angle scenic lens such as a full frame equivalent of 17-40mm or 28-200mm
• Small tripod (optional) or perhaps a monopod but most photography is easiest handheld
• Polarizing filter for your wide angle lens
• Extra batteries and battery charger – the yacht has the same type plugs for electrical equipment as those in North America
• Plenty of memory cards – you might shoot up to 5,000 images/day
• 9 nights accommodations* as follows – 2 nights in Guayaquil, Ecuador (1 before and 1 after the nights on the yacht)                      
• 7 nights aboard the tourist superior-class yacht “Angelito”.
• Round-trip airfare from Guayaquil, Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands.
• All meals, snacks, water, tea, coffee while on board the yacht.
• Semi-private (2 persons/cabin) berth with full en-suite bathroom with hot water shower aboard the yacht, 1 or 2 beds depending on cabin configuration.
• No bunk beds.
• All cabins have air conditioning and ample storage for gear.
• Services of yacht crew of 9 professionals including licensed naturalist/guide.
• Use of a wetsuit and snorkeling gear while on board the yacht.
• Photography expertise and leadership from Don Mammoser.
• All guided activities such as island walks, natural history lessons, and snorkeling while on board the yacht.

*Accommodations are based on double occupancy. For those not traveling as a couple I will accommodate you with a participant of the same sex. Rooms in Guayaquil have 2 beds. Cabins aboard the yacht have 2 beds (or 1 larger bed for couples if preferred).

Not Included

• Air fare to Guayaquil, Ecuador (Airport code GYE)
• Meals or optional activities while in Guayaquil
• Airport Transfer ($3/per one way)
• Passport or visa fees (visas are not required for US or Canadian citizens)
• Galapagos National Park entry fees of $100 USD payable upon arrival in cash only
• TCT card upon arrival in Galapagos – $20
• Travel insurance
• Gifts and items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc. 
• Gratuities to yacht crew and guide

Images From Galapagos Photo Tour

Galapagos Photo Workshop, West Islands Route | Small-Group Galapagos Photography Tours

In Galapagos Photo Workshop , Upcoming Workshops by Matt Shetzer May 26, 2022

April 24 - May 2, 2025 (SOLD OUT)

Important Details

• $7,995 USD per person
• Single supplement (private cabin) option of $2,995 USD.

Deposit: $1,000 USD

Group Size: Max. 14 guests with 2 guides

Duration: 9 days, 8 nights. 8 day, 7 night cruise

Skill Level: Beginner to pro

• Non-photographers get $250 USD off!
• Extend your adventure at a special rate. Stay an extra week in the Galapagos or join an Ecuadorian hummingbird tour and save $500 USD!

Trip Leader: Matt Shetzer

The incredible diversity of the Galapagos Islands will amaze you. It’s unlike any other location on the planet!

The animals have little fear of humans or other predators, providing nature photographers with up-close and personal opportunities to encounter the species that call this amazing place their home.

Galápagos West Islands Route: Photo Tour Highlights

• The Galapagos Islands, a small archipelago, have been preserved to the highest conservation standards. They’re a pristine environment where life flourishes, famous for inspiring Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection during the legendary voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle.
• Many species are only found in the islands’ untouched beauty, such as the Galapagos Penguins and Sea Lions and the prehistoric-looking Marine Iguanas .
• During the day, we’ll take the yachts’ two zodiacs (pangas) and land at multiple island locations to find the best photo opportunities. Our destinations have no signs of civilization — just wildlife photography as it should be. These efficient boats quickly get us to the locations, maximizing our time ashore.
• We’ll visit many locations during the week to photograph a wide range of animals, such as the Galapagos penguin, the only one in the Northern Hemisphere. We’ll also get chances to shoot beautiful beaches and volcanic landscapes.

Why Choose Our Galapagos Workshop?

• Each day, you’ll receive expert guidance from professional nature photographer Matt Shetzer in the field and learn from him in the evenings during our workshops.
• Our Galapagos photography tours are limited to 14 guests, with two photography guides and a naturalist so that everyone gets personal attention from our instructors and crew.
• Photography is our priority, and we schedule our shoots for the best light and conditions to get you those award-winning images.
• Smaller tours, like ours, are better for wildlife photography. They reduce the impact on the animals and produce superior images.
• Our naturalist on the yacht will share information about the island’s geology, history, and the animals we photograph. They’ll also guide us on the islands to help protect the wildlife, find the best locations, and follow all the rules that keep the Galapagos such a magical and natural place.

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Over 90% of Our Clients Are Repeat Customers

Here’s why.

Wildlife images worth sharing and beyond: Matt tailors his expert guidance to your needs

Matt is that person who exceeds at providing a well-organized photographic expedition … he guides you through his evening classes, nightly photo reviews, and on the scene attention in order for you to get the right exposure and composition resulting in photographs that you will want to hang on your wall at home or share with friends and relatives. If you’re looking for workshop that encompasses all the minute details to get the photos you want to be proud of, then Matt Shetzer is the photographer you want to sign up with!

from Nebraska

Elevate your skills and get stunning shots: Matt’s hands-on help makes his tours worth the investment!

Matt is tireless in making sure all his guests are well accommodated and that they are getting good photos. He makes it easy to get good shots. He conducts very useful workshops in the evening that help prepare you for getting the best possible photos. The trips are dedicated to photography which means lots of time shooting at the best sites … But the most important measure of the success of the trips is the large number of excellent photos I got, which exceeded my expectations!

from California

Clients rate our photo tours five out of five stars on Google .

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What Photography Skills You’ll Gain

• While in the field, you’ll have hands-on photographic instruction to help you obtain the best possible images.
• Once the sun sets, we’ll spend our evenings in photo workshops, discussing techniques for photographing the wildlife and landscapes we see each day. We’ll discuss camera settings, compositional ideas, and different techniques to create those stunning, once-in-a-lifetime images.
• As the week progresses, we’ll focus on image post-processing techniques that help you get the most out of your images.

Wildlife Photos From Our Galapagos Photo Tour

Wildlife photography here is spectacular. We get so close to the wildlife, sometimes just feet away, that you don’t need long lenses for this photography tour.

If you join us snorkeling, you’ll be amazed at the colorful underwater wildlife. Large marine creatures, such as sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays, and colorful tropical fish, swim right by you.

The West Route Species List

The islands have the highest level of endemic species of any location on the planet. Endemic species exist only in one geographic region and can be found nowhere else on Earth.

The islands’ endemic species include 22 birds, 19 reptiles, and seven mammals. In addition to all the endemic species, many species found elsewhere are native to the Galapagos. And they live naturally without any human influence.

• Galápagos Penguin (endemic)
• Blue-footed booby (native)
• Greater flamingo (native)
• Galápagos mockingbirds (endemic)
• Darwin’s Finches or Galápagos Finches (endemic)
• Flightless cormorant (endemic)
• Galápagos Green Turtle (endemic sub-species)
• Giant Tortoises (endemic)
• Galápagos Sea Lion (endemic sub-species)
• Galápagos Hawks (endemic)
• Great frigatebird (native)
• Magnificent frigatebird (native)
• Galápagos flycatcher (endemic)
• Vermilion flycatcher (endemic sub-species)
• Land Iguana (endemic)
• Franklin’s gull (native)
• Galápagos Dove (endemic)
• Galápagos Gull or Swallow-tailed Gull (endemic)
• Galápagos heron or Lava heron (endemic)
• Smooth-billed ani (introduced)
• American oystercatcher (native)
• Brown Pelican (native)
• Brown Noddy (native)
• Galápagos Petrel (endemic)
• Yellow-crowned night heron (native)
• Sharp-beaked ground-finch or Vampire finch (endemic)
• Warbler-finch (endemic)
• Lava Cactus
• Marine Iguana (endemic)
• Sally Lightfoot Crabs
• Lava Lizards (endemic)
• Elliot’s Storm Petrel (native)
• Galápagos martin (endemic)
• Galápagos petrel (endemic)
• Galápagos shearwater (endemic)
• Great blue heron (native)
• Lava Gull (endemic)
• Semi-palmated plover (migrant)
• Whimbrel (migrant)
• Wilson’s phalarope (migrant)
• Sanderling (migrant)
• Bottle-nosed Dolphin
• Short-finned Pilot Whale
• Spotted eagle rays
• Lava cactus
• Hermit crabs (native)
• Yellow warbler (endemic)

Trip Itinerary Caters to Photographers

From the moment you arrive in Quito, Ecuador, we take care of everything. You can concentrate on your photography and have a fantastic time in the wildlife photographer’s dream location.

• We’ve designed the workshop to put you in the best locations, with superb comfort and fantastic food during the trip.
• Our nine-day, eight-night photography tour includes eight days and seven nights aboard our specially chartered catamaran. For those who get a little queasy, a catamaran is the best option, as it does not pitch and roll like a monohull.
• When we visit the islands each day, beach landings will be easy and quick. The ship sports a pair of ten-person Zodiac pangas (dinghies) with eco-friendly Yamaha engines.
• When we have clear skies at night, enjoy the rare equatorial chance to see Northern and Southern Hemisphere stars in the sky overhead.
• In addition to photography, we offer many other activities, such as hikes and snorkeling, making this trip ideal for both couples and non-photographers.

Your Floating Hotel for the Week: Luxury Meets Adventure for a Unique Experience

Our yacht for the week blends luxury and comfort. With only 14 guests and eight crew, the ship provides excellent service, accommodations, and fine dining over the course of the trip.

The crew of 8 includes a captain, first mate, machinist, two sailors, cook, auxiliary cook, and naturalist, mostly locals from the islands.

The yacht has ten cabins, all with private bathrooms, hot water, and air conditioning.

On the top floor of the yacht is a roomy sundeck, where you can take in the views and relax in the warm sunshine. Next to the dining room is the comfortable main salon, which doubles as our workshop meeting room.

More Nature Images From Our Workshop

Ready to Start Your Photographic Adventure?

This workshop is a can’t-miss experience for wildlife and nature photographers. It’ll surpass your expectations and help you capture your dream images with thoughtful, expert guidance.

Join us at one of the best wildlife photography locations in the world, for our nine-day, eight-night Galapagos photo workshop!

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Upcoming Photography Workshops

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[email protected] | +230 452 3731

Galapagos Photo Tours

The galapagos islands have some of the most interesting birds and reptiles on the planet. the good news is – most of them are very approachable and easy to photograph.

The archipelago is teeming with wildlife, both above and below the water. This will most definitely give us great encounters and full memory-cards. ORYX Photo Tours has extensive experience in the archipelago and has customized this trip for photographers to provide for some extraordinary days in this paradise in the middle of Pacific Ocean.

We have selected the best local guides, and the best ship for our purpose, so that we will enjoy some very special photography and unique opportunities. On most days we will do early morning landing and evening landings, as well as snorkeling activity in the middle of the day. We expect to see all the land animals found on the islands and a vast variety of the marine wildlife as well.

There are currently no set departures to Galapagos. Please contact the ORYX office at [email protected] and we will be delighted to tailor-make your dream Photo Tour to Galapagos.

Galapagos Photography Tour Gallery

Destinations

• Argentina & Chile
• Papua New Guinea
• South Africa
• South Georgia

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Tour: 14-Day Galapagos Photo Tour

• Hands-on photography workshop
• Sunrise and sunset activities
• Snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles and marine life
• Daily photography critiquing by expert photographers
• Visits to San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela, Santa Cruz and Seymour Islands

Tour Itinerary

Dinner is Provided.

Arriving from all over the world, you and your fellow travellers will come together for an evening meal and official briefing with Ivan Kashinsky and Karla Gachet. If you arrive early, you can use your free time to get aquatinted with one of the highest capitals in the world sitting at just over 9,000 feet above sea level. The city is nestled in a long, narrow valley of the Andes and flanked by the Pichincha Volcano to the west. For a great view and a little exercise, Pichincha is easily accessible for a day trip.  If you’re in a cultural mood, head to the Old Town to stroll through the magnificent cathedrals and take in the colonial architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf,' is located high atop a hill in the Old Town and is a major Quito attraction boasting a panoramic view of the city. Museums are scattered throughout the New and Old Town as well as local artisan markets that are great for picking up souvenirs. The New Town is teeming with cafes and restaurants and is a vibrant mix of locals, expats, and fellow travelers. New Town and Old Town are easily accessible by trolley or taxi. If you’d prefer, we’d be happy to help arrange these pre-tour activities for you. We can also assist in booking any accommodation you may need if arriving earlier or staying later in Quito. 

NOTE: Quito, like most major cities, is not without its pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Leave your valuables and passports in your room or hotel safe and only carry what you need just to be safe. See our  Travel SMART  section for more safety tips.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Provided.

Let the photo adventure begin! You will be picked up at the hotel this morning to head off to the Galapagos. Typically a morning flight, you can expect to arrive in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno around lunchtime. For lunch, you'll be treated to a typical island meal at a family-run restaurant.

A visit to the Interpretation Center starts off your afternoon, where you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the human and geological history of the islands. Afterwards, a walk along a vegetation-lined path to Tijeretas will keep you busy looking for lava lizards and unusual cacti formations. 

As the sun gets closer to the horizon, you will spend time at Carola Beach, home to plenty of inquisitive (and sometimes noisy) sea lions.

Photography Presentation: Light

Breakfast and Lunch Provided.

Taking advantage of early morning light, the day begins with a boat ride out to visit Kicker Rock, also called Leon Dormido. You’ll start the morning with a calm, introductory snorkel along the coast. It is common to spot blue-footed boobies and pelicans diving for fish, as well as photogenic sea lions swimming below surface. From there, you’ll continue on to Kicker Rock. Here, you may see a variety of seabirds on the sheer cliffs of this compacted ash formation. Put on your snorkel gear and dip into the ocean for your first deep-water snorkel to see what waits below the surface. Kicker Rock is a popular destination for spotting sea turtles and sharks.

Optional activity: For anyone who is interested in diving, the option to dive at Kicker Rock (instead of snorkeling) may be available. Divers will visit Kicker Rock separately from the snorkelers and re-join the group after lunch. Please inquire in advance.

After lunch on board in a stunning, sandy bay, you'll head back to port and enjoy free photography time in the afternoon.

Photo Presentation: Working with People

If you want to get up early today, an optional sunrise kayak can be arranged.

In the morning, you'll head into the highlands of San Cristobal. Stopping at Soledad, you'll be perched high above the coastline, overlooking Leon Dormido / Kicker Rock.

Continuing on, you will visit a highlands farm, to see first-hand how the farmers of the islands live. A surprising variety of fruit and vegetable crops are grown in the lush highland soil on San Cristobal Island, creating an opportunity for capturing colorful images.

After your farm visit, it is free time in the afternoon to review your photos or explore town.

In the evening, we head to La Loberia before sunset. Don't be surprised if your sunset time on the beach is shared with sea lions, marine iguanas and birds such as blue-footed boobies, yellow warblers and finches.

Photo Presentation: Composition

As you speed away from San Cristobal Island towards Floreana Island, keep your eyes on the ocean as dolphins, jumping rays and whales have frequently spotted during this crossing.

Back on dry land, you'll have time to enjoy lunch and wander around the beach or tiny town of 200 people, looking for subjects to photograph. In the afternoon it is off to the highlands by chiva, the open-air transport vehicles used on the islands. If you're feeling adventurous, you may be able to ride on the roof and get a 360 view of the surrounding countryside.

In the highlands you'll find a lush forest that is home to a giant tortoise sanctuary as well as some interesting historical 'hideouts'. You'll learn a bit about the pirate history of the island and visit some old pirate caves before heading back down to Puerto Velasco Ibarra for some evening photography around town.

Photo Presentation: Point of View

A morning walk to the Loberia brings you to a seaside area that is commonly frequented by marine iguanas and sea lions. It also provides you with a great backdrop for some morning shooting.

As Floreana is easily the 'sleepiest' small town of the Galapagos Islands, be sure to get some final town shots, as you'll be heading to Isabela Island after breakfast.

A visit to the giant tortoise-breeding center is on the schedule this afternoon. The facility on Isabela Island breeds a number of species and is your best opportunity in the Galapagos Islands to see tortoises at all ages and stages of development – from month old babies to 70 year old adults.

Your first day on Isabela will end at the beach in town, where you'll enjoy some sundowners and dinner at Beto's Beach Bar.

Optional activity: Time permitting, you can sneak off in your free time for a visit to the Wall of Tears. Built by convicts in the 1940’s and 1950’s, this landmark is a remnant of Isabella’s penal colony past. Prisoners were forced to build a lava rock wall and what remain today is approximately 100 meters long and 7 meters high. Make sure you watch your step – this is an area where juvenile giant tortoises have been reintroduced to the wild.

The path to the Wall of Tears is a lovely walk or bike ride even if you don’t go all the way. There are several stop offs that look into the brackish lagoons like Poza de las Diablas and tucked away beaches like Playa del Amor.

Photo Presentation: * Tonight there will be no presentation. If you haven’t decided on your final project theme already, tonight’s the night to make a decision! Tomorrow you’ll schedule your one-on-one session with the photography leader.

Get your hiking boots / shoes ready today, as you'll be hiking up and around the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano, which last erupted in 2005.

The path can be slippery and muddy as the crater rim is usually shrouded in mist in the mornings. Hiking along the one edge of the crater, you'll stop at various lookout points along the way. On clear days you can see across most of the Sierra Negra crater, which is the second largest volcanic crater in the world (after Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania).

You'll trek onwards to Chico Volcano, where you'll cross fields of lava and small lava tunnels. Both ah-ah and pahoehoe lava flows have occurred here, creating an otherworldly looking landscape. On a clear day, you may catch a glimpse of Elizabeth Bay and the Alcedo Volcano in the distance.

Colorful minerals can be found in some lava rocks here and volcano vents dot the landscape. It's a good trek to get here, as the crater rim trail is roughly 9km in length, so the hike back down is done at a leisurely pace. Watch for birds in the shrub lands and trees on your way down as the Vermillion Flycatcher and other rare species may be spotted here.

After your trek and a filling lunch, you have free time back in town to explore Puerto Villamil. Head to the beach, wander the streets or take a boardwalk trail out past some brackish lagoons, where flamingos, ducks and other bird species live. Your evening is free to explore, photograph and dine where you desire.

Photo Presentation: Portraits

Today you're off to one of the most amazing places in the Galapagos Islands – the Tunnels. Arches, tunnels and other interesting rock formations are found here, remnants of past volcanic activity that formed this island. The water in this area is also usually exceptionally clear, making it an ideal location for water and underwater photography.

Depending on what activities you enjoyed on previous days, your afternoon can be spent enjoying free time at the beach, visiting the Wall of Tears or catching up on photo editing.

Photo Presentation: Editing

Breakfast Provided.

Your day will start around sunrise with a pre-breakfast kayak around the sheltered bay area of Puerto Villamil. Galapagos penguins, sea turtles and rays frequent these shallow waters and frigate birds or pelicans may be seen resting in some nearby mangrove trees.

Once you're done kayaking, a well-deserved breakfast will be provided. With your photography lessons and tour more than half over now, this is the day for catching up and re-visiting any assignments you wanted to practice more.

You’ll find that Isabela is the most welcoming island in terms of taking time to get to know the locals, so spend some time taking in a soccer game or wandering around the town square and market. Today’s task is about using your photographic eye and taking photos that your typical “tourist” would never capture.

If you haven’t made it to the Wall of Tears yet, this is your last chance!

Photo Presentation: Think Outside the Box

*Most one-on-one private sessions will be scheduled for today.

In Santa Cruz, the tourist capital and most populated island in the archipelago, your guide will give you a briefing of the town to help you get your bearings, and then you're free to explore the streets and shops. A popular stop that may be of interest is the fish market, which attracts all sorts of wildlife and birdlife as fisherman come in with their daily catch.

The scheduled activity for this afternoon is heading to one of the finest beaches in the Galapagos – Tortuga Bay!

It is a bit of a walk to get to Tortuga Bay from town, yet the reward is well worth it. A leisurely 45-minute path leads to the beach area and along the way you may spot lava lizards and birds in the surrounding trees. Upon arrival at the first soft, white sandy beach, you'll be greeted by some rough surf that is home to marine iguanas and blue-footed booby birds.

Further along, past this beach you can reach Tortuga Bay, a calm bay that is sheltered by mangroves and perfect for swimming or snorkeling.

Photo Presentation: Future of Photography

Wake up early to visit the market for some unique photo opportunities, or take it easy and relax before your scheduled visit to the highlands.

The Highlands on Santa Cruz are home to some immense farms where giant tortoises still roam free. This is the only place where you can easily see them soaking in mud pools, munching on grasses and enjoying their natural habitat. Photography options are endless. Nearby are also some huge lava tunnels that you can walk down into to gain a better appreciation of the natural forces that created these islands.

As your evening and sunset hours are free today, you may want to head to the popular Charles Darwin research Station. It is an enjoyable walk to the outskirts of town with some great prickly pear cactus along the way. The CDRS is not only home to Giant Tortoises (this is where Lonesome George lived), there is also a Land Iguana breeding program here.

Optional activity: Saturday mornings is market day in Santa Cruz. You can venture toward the fruit and veggie market for some pre-breakfast photo opportunities if you’re keen to see the locals in action. Located on a small street that’s shut down nightly and turned into open-air dining, Saturday evening is also the most popular night for the street kiosks.

Photo Presentation: * Tonight there will be no presentation. Tomorrow is the final project show and tonight is yours to finish selecting and editing your final project.

If you’re keen to get an early start today, you have some time to do a sunrise visit to Tortuga Bay, otherwise enjoy your early morning before we head to Seymour Island for a day trip.

A small island, Seymour Island is a place where frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls and blue-footed boobies are found in great numbers. On your final full day of exploring and photographing the Galapagos Islands, you may also come across a new animal not usually seen on any other islands you've visited -– the Galapagos Land Iguana!

Your time on Seymour will be spent meandering along a pathway about 2km in length, taking you along rocky coastlines and across the island. The plant life here may also be of interest, especially the prickly pear cactus, a favorite food of the land iguanas.

A day of exploring Seymour Island will also have you enjoying a final snorkel in the Galapagos. If lucky, sea lions and sharks may join you in the water. If you're looking for some final images to complete your photography project, Seymour is the perfect place to capture some unique images and round out your Galapagos photography portfolio. 

You’ll return to Santa Cruz late afternoon to enjoy your last night in the Galapagos admiring the images captured by the group and your photography guides, Ivan and Karla.

Photo Presentation: Final Project Presentations by the Group, Show off your Images!

After spending more than 12-days exploring the Galapagos Islands and gaining a deeper understanding of the art of photography, it is time to head back to Quito. You'll leave the islands with a new network of passionate photographer friends with whom you'll be able to share ideas and photography tips. 

Most flights depart around midday, so you may have an hour or two of free time in the morning to pick up some souvenirs and bid farewell to the people and animals of the Galapagos. Your transfer to the airport will take 60-90 minutes depending on local bus and ferry crossing schedules.

Upon arrival in Quito, you'll be transferred to your hotel and have some time to explore the city before your Farewell Dinner in the evening.

Today is the last day of the photography workshop tour. If your flight home is scheduled in the morning, an included transfer to the airport is provided for your convenience. Alternatively, if you are spending more time in Ecuador, you may want to book a day tour or excursion to see another part of the country.

• 13 Nights Accommodation
• All activity fees
• All meals, except where indicated
• Daily photography workshops
• Drinking water
• Internal flights to and from Galapagos
• Tips for local support crew
• Transportation between and on islands
• $100 pp park entry fee - cash only
• $20 pp Ingala fee - cash only
• 3 evening meals (budget $5-$15 per person per meal)
• Drinks other than water
• Optional Diving (Please inquire in advance)
• Tip for tour leader/guide

Four of the islands in the Galapagos are inhabited, yet the first inhabited island has the smallest population!

Tortoises live in the water and turtles live on land?

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Galapagos Photography Tours

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: Extraordinary wildlife photography in the footsteps of Darwin

Our Galapagos photography tours are the perfect way to see and photograph the wildlife of this fascinating natural laboratory of evolution. Our itineraries in the islands are very carefully crafted and offer superb encounters. You can be certain to return from one of our Galapagos photography tours with numerous nature and landscape shots that you will treasure forever.

A remote archipelago to the west of Ecuador in South America that inspired Charles Darwin when he visited in 1835, many of the Galapagos Islands are still largely untouched and, with their tame creatures, a wildlife photographer’s paradise.

The special Galapagos photography tours that we offer include all the best landing sites for getting great shots of the islands’ most iconic animals, including Marine and Land Iguanas, Sealions, Giant Tortoises, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, the charismatic Waved Albatross and the many endemic birds, including the Darwin’s Finches that inspired Darwin to evolve his own theories and which led directly to his greatest work, ‘The Origin of Species’.

For the photographer, the most awesome aspect of the Galapagos for wildlife photography is the sheer tameness of its inhabitants, which are often completely fearless. During our Galapagos photography tours you will be able to walk right up to nesting boobies and frigatebirds that nest right beside the official walking paths, heedless of visitors. Mockingbirds may perch on temporarily discarded backpacks or lenses, or even on your boots! Heaps of Marine Iguanas sun themselves close by and albatrosses display just a few metres away. Combine this with the stark but beautiful volcanic island landscapes and you have a truly marvellous and unforgettable experience.

Adventure Photography Photo Tours 720-838-4236

We'd love to have you join us.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS PHOTO TOUR

March 24-April 3, 2022 **See itinerary below.

• 10-day land and cruise program to the Galápagos Islands, including Quito & Guayaquil, Ecuador.
• SIGN UP EARLY (very limited singles available on cruise): Maximum 14 passengers to optimize your photographic experience.
• Price includes Quito/Galápagos Islands/Guayaquil Airfare and Galápagos National Park Fees.
• 7-night/8-day cruise aboard First Class 16-passenger yacht. The small boat experience provides the most in- depth and personal way to experience the islands. Twins (no bunkbeds) available for sharing.
• Features of the yacht include safety, comfort, eight air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, hot water, library, dining inside and out, bar, sundeck, use of kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel equipment.
• Enjoy a city tour of Colonial Quito and time on your own in Guayaquil to explore the Santa Ana Hill or walk along the Malecon for the last of your photography sessions.

$7,695 Deposit: $750 Run in conjunction with Strabo Tours. Sign up here: Strabo Tours Galapagos

888-875-9453

[email protected]

with Kevin Loughlin & guest co-leader John Sterling

Galapagos 2025-08: wildlife & photography adventures.

TOUR FOCUS / BIRDS & PHOTO

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Book Your Trip

Scheduled tours.

2025 :: August 30 - September 10

TRIP LEADERS

Kevin loughlin, pedro guaycha, john sterling.

From: $10,500  (See details) Cost is per person, double occupancy from Quito, Ecuador (UIO)

8 - 14  Participants

AVAILABILITY

14 Spaces Available

PRIVATE TOUR OPTION

This tour is available as a private trip for any size group. The tour cost will vary with the number of people and any custom requests.

• Tour Name * If not already completed, please enter the tour name above.
• Your Name * First Last
• How many people? *
• In what month(s) would you like to travel? *
• Questions or requests *
• Yes, please add me to your email list!

TESTIMONIALS

We had extremely high expectations, and they were easily exceeded. We loved everything about the trip. Probably what impressed us the most is the way Kevin and his folks made sure everyone’s interests were a point of focus. As birders, we felt like we received all the help we could have asked for, and I’m sure the photographers felt the same way.

We didn’t just see, or tour, the Galapagos Islands with Wildside Nature Tours…we experienced the Galapagos Islands with all five senses, such that it will live in our memories as vivid as it was those magical twelve days of August, 2017, aboard the our yacht…may we yet again be so fortunate as to undertake such an adventure.

The best trip ever! The birds, animals, geology, and plant material are totally unique to the area and amazing. Kevin Loughlin, Pedro Guaycha, and John Kricher were wonderful leaders who were very knowledgeable, patient, and fun to be with. The yacht was extremely comfortable and the crew could not be more accommodating. In summary this was a great trip and would not change anything about it.

You know how much this trip meant to me. It was so much more than I would have ever even imagined. I was a little worried that I would be disappointed because I held Galapagos on such high expectations. I feel silly for even thinking that!

I never felt so close to nature in my life. From the Sea Lion that happily played with us in the water to the Mockingbirds coming right up to my camera to the Boobies who had no worry about us passing right by, even when they had young with them. The s(…)

I took the Galapagos trip that began June 16, 2019. The trip exceeded my expectations and they were already pretty high. Everything was praiseworthy–the logistics, the ship, the crew, the food, and the guides. Kevin Loughlin, Pedro Guaycha and John Kricher are all so experienced and knowledgeable, and fun to be with. Kevin is a very relaxed but efficient leader, so the atmosphere is always enjoyable. The photo opportunities were of course spectacular.

The pace was not leisurely! Early m(…)

A small group tour of the Galapagos on a private boat is definitely the only way to go. To visit these enchanted islands with a leader as experienced as Kevin Loughlin means that you will almost always be in the right place at the right time to catch all the action at the best times of day in the best light.

The Galápagos Islands are a unique destination that requires an experienced tour company to expose you to all its wonders. Kevin of Wildside Tours knows this place as well or better than anybody! You will be totally immersed in the wildlife and scenery-a sensual experience that will have you re-telling your trip over and over to friends and family. It couldn’t get any better than what we experienced. My wife says NOTHING will ever top this as a birthday gift. Wildside is the best!!

I was not sure what I was getting into with this tour, as this was my first guided trip. I feel that I had gotten pretty far with photography on my own, and have built a bit of a following. That said, I also felt I’ve hit a bit of a plateau with processing and creativity in the field.

Working with Kevin in the field and seeing what he was able to create in the situations given was inspiring to say the least. This gave me a bit of re-kindled spirit towards(…)

The trip exceeded my expectations. The leaders [Kevin Loughlin & Pedro Guaycha] were patient and answered all questions. The yacht crew were attentive and well trained. Food onboard was well prepared and satisfying. The time passed too quickly and every day brought new adventures.

This is our fifth trip with Wildside. All five trips were fabulous and Kevin and his guides are terrific. This trip to the Galapagos is in a class of it’s own and the trip every birder and nature photographer must do!! Kevin Loughlin, Pedro Guaycha and John Kricher were exceptional guides and hosts. The new boat, staterooms, staff and fresh food were all first class. I cannot recommend this trip enough. The wildlife was up close and amazing. We even got to snorkel with sea turtles, sea lion(…)

Highlights of GALAPAGOS 2025-08: Wildlife & Photography Adventures

• Enjoy our spacious, first class yacht, the Solaris.
• All cabins above deck with ocean view and NO bunk beds!
• Limited single cabins available, too!
• You’ll get personal attention from two tour leaders PLUS our local Galapagos naturalist
• Kevin has been to the Galapagos 40+ times and knows the best yachts and itineraries
• Wildside spends more time on the islands than any other company
• Our groups typically arrive 90 minutes before any other boat and stay long after they leave
• We visit the islands at the best times of day for wildlife activity and good light for photography

Description of GALAPAGOS 2025-08: Wildlife & Photography Adventures

Everyone should visit the Galapagos Islands… the experience is magical! During our adventure we will seek out the endemic species of birds and other animals of the Galapagos. Some of the bird species include Darwin’s finches, Galapagos Penguin, Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Dove, Swallow-tailed Gull and Waved Albatross—doing their wonderful courtship dance! Other creatures we will see include Land Iguanas, Marine Iguanas, Lava Lizards and two endemic species of butterflies.

Galapagos Photography

Photography opportunities abound as each day will include land excursions on different islands. Most days will also include snorkeling opportunities to enjoy swimming with sea lions, sea turtles and hundreds of species of fish… so bring an underwater camera, too. We will also fit within our schedule mini photography workshops to help you get the best images of each location we visit while learning more and improving the quality of your photography.

Galapagos Bird & Wildlife Observation

Seeing birds and wildlife in the Galapagos can be easy… however, the slower we go the more we will see. Bird and nature enthusiasts will enjoy quiet observation as we enjoy our incredible surroundings. While taking our time, we will seek birds as well as Galapagos wildlife like butterflies, reptiles and mammals.

NEW BOOK AVAILABLE!

Please help your local book stores by ordering through BookShop.org [ ORDER NOW! ]

A richly illustrated nature tour of Galápagos–now expanded, thoroughly updated, and with more than 650 color photographs

Galápagos experts John Kricher and Kevin Loughlin have thoroughly revised the original text, bringing all the taxonomy up to date and adding a wealth of new information. Individual chapters cover geology, ecology, human history, Darwin’s finches and how Darwin came to his theory of natural selection from his visit to the islands, Galápagos tortoises, marine and land iguanas, mammals, seabirds, landbirds, marine life, and conservation challenges and initiatives. The concluding chapter covers each of the individual islands, including landing sites, unique plant and animal species, and points of interest, and serves as a wonderful guide for visitors as they move from island to island or plan a trip to Galápagos.

With its combination of rich text and splendid photos, Galápagos is essential reading for the ecotraveler and nature enthusiast alike.

Length of Tour

12-days/11-nights

Basic Galapagos Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Quito

Day 2 – Hummingbirds (and other species) of the Andes.

Day 3 – Fly to Galapagos – Baltra / Santa Cruz

Day 4 – North Seymour & Mosquera

Day 5 – genovesa.

Day 6 – South Plaza / Santa Fé

Day 7 – San Cristóbal

Day 8 – española, day 9 – floreana, day 10 – isla santiago / bartolomé.

Day 11 – Black Turtle Cove / Baltra / Quito

Day 12 – Return to USA

Detailed Galapagos Itinerary

Day 1 – arrive quito.

Arrive in Quito at any time. Our representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel.

Day 2 – Papallacta Pass and Guango Lodge hummingbirds

Today we will drive east through Papallacta Pass at nearly 13,000ft where we have seen Andean Condors on occasion. Continuing east we will arrive at Guango Lodge to enjoy Hummingbirds in their gardens and at their feeders. Incredible photo opportunities abound as we try to capture images of these wonderful creatures. We will have lunch at the lodge and enjoy a walk along the river before we return to Quito for dinner.

Day 3 – Baltra / Santa Cruz

Early flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival meet our naturalist guide who will assist with the transfer to our yacht, the Solaris.

The national park charges a visitor fee of $100 USD, payable on arrival, which funds Park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador’s other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

Our first excursion, after lunch, will be to the highlands of Santa Cruz to enjoy the amazing Giant Tortoises in the wild. Here we will also explore the beautiful Scalesia Daisy Tree Forest to seek many of the endemic finches.

North Seymour Island, flat and rocky, is littered with Blue-footed Booby nests, and these birds can often be seen doing their comical courtship dance! In the surrounding saltbush we can find nesting Great and Magnificent Frigatebirds, males often with their bright red throat pouches inflated.

After a bird ID class and/or photo workshop on board the yacht, we will explore Mosquera, a tiny spit of land perfect for practicing what we learned as boobies and frigates fly by while shorebirds, sally lightfoot crabs and sea lions line the beach and rocks.

Land at Genovesa Island, an old imploded volcano, to observe the massive colonies of Frigate Birds, Boobies and other seabirds as well as striking volcanic cliffs rising from the ocean.

Well to the north of the main Galapagos Island group, Genovesa is the shape of a horseshoe given it’s volcanic history. The island has a volcanic caldera whose wall has collapsed, forming the Great Darwin Bay, surrounded by cliffs. Lake Arcturus, filled with salt water, lies in the centre, and sediment within this crater lake is less than 6,000 years old. Our first excursion in Darwin Bay provides us some fantastic snorkeling opportunities within the a partially eroded crater.

In the afternoon there will be an excursion to “El Barranco,” otherwise known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, on the southern tip of the island. This is an extraordinary path that leads through a seabird colony full of life, up to cliffs that are 75ft high. At the top, the trail continues inland, passing more seabird colonies in a thin palo santo forest. Storm-petrels nest here and can sometimes be seen avoiding their chief predator, Short-eared Owls.

This island is also known as Bird Island, because of the large and varied bird colonies which nest here, and the whole ecology is made of birds and marine iguanas, no mammal. There are an abundance of frigatebirds and it is the best place to see Red-footed Boobies in the Galapagos.

DAY 6 – South Plaza / Santa Fé

One of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, South Plaza has one of the largest populations of Land Iguanas. A large colony of noisy sea lions has its prime habitat on these smooth rocks. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation. The small cactus forest is populated by land iguanas, which can be seen sunning themselves or feeding on opuntia pads and fruits. Swallow-tailed gulls, which nest on the rugged southern cliffs, are usually seen, along with Red-billed Tropicbirds and Galapagos Shearwaters. During the garua season you can see the sesuvium turn bright colors of red, orange and yellow, like an Autumn day in New England.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore Santa Fé, a fairly small and dry island. Also called Barrington, Santa Fé Island is well-known as a great place for watching (and swimming with) sea lions. Santa Fé was formed from an uplift (rather than a volcano) giving the island a relatively flat surface rather than the typical conical shape of the other islands. Introduced goats were eradicated in 1971, and Santa Fe is now home to a number of endemic species, which have bounced back from the outside threat, including: Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Snake, Galapagos Rice Rat, Galapagos Mockingbird and a variety of finches.

Hiking towards the cliffs along the island’s northern shore you can view the forest of giant Prickly Pear Cactus. A member of the cactus family their name comes from the pear shaped fruit the plant produces. Santa Fe is home to an endemic Land Iguana. Once back at the beach there is normally plenty of free time to snorkel back in the lagoon. Playful sea lions pups and bright-colored fish make for fascinating company.

We will pass by Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), which is a magnificent rock in the middle of the sea, set in a shape resembling a sleeping lion (or for the not-so-creative, a shoe. Hence the english name Kicker Rock). The rock rises nearly 500ft above the ocean surface and is divided into two parts by a narrow channel navigable by small vessels. We also visit Cerro Brujo, where there is a chance to go hiking, swimming and snorkeling. The sandy beach is home to Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Brown Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies and many sea lions.

The town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal is the capital and administrative centre of the Galapagos Islands. From here, in the afternoon, we will visit a newer site near Cerro Colorado where we can find the San Cristobal variety of saddlebacked Giant Tortoises.

At Gardner Bay on Española Island (also called Hood Island) we’ll walk along one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. Sea lions and bird life will keep us very occupied, but there will also be the opportunity to go snorkeling.

Punta Suarez on the western side of Española is spectacular: gargantuan waves break on jagged cliffs and large bird colonies thickly populate the interior of the island; there is a distinct feel of desolate wilderness here. The Waved Albatross is seen here from April to December during its mating/nesting season. This bird leaves land between January and March each year to make its annual odyssey far out to sea. Amazingly, Española is the nesting site to virtually the entire world population of this species, with more than 12,000 pairs residing here. Large numbers of Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies are also found here, Red-billed Tropic Birds dash madly through the air, and both Marine Iguanas and sea lions are common. A huge blowhole, where the surf is forced through a natural rock formation spouting seawater 50 or more feet into the air, adds to the island’s impression of untamed beauty.

Make our way to Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana. The landing is on a beach of greenish sand, colored by olivine crystals, volcanic-derived silicates of magnesium and iron. The trail leads to a lake normally inhabited by flamingos and other shore birds and continues to a beach of fine white sand particles known as “Flour Beach”, an important nesting site for turtles. Around the point, Devil’s Crown derives its name from the broken remains of a partially submerged volcanic cone. This is a perfect spot to go snorkeling from the boat, as the waters are home to a multitude of colorful fish and sea lions. Please make sure you are a comfortable swimmer, however, as despite the protection from the open sea provided by the “crown,” the water here can be rough and the currents strong.

Later in the afternoon we stop at Post Office Bay. A barrel was placed here in the late 18th century by English whaling vessels to be used as a post office. Passing ships would stop to leave mail for loved ones, collecting at the same time any mail destined for ports on their itineraries. Today the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. The remains of a Norwegian canning factory are the only evidence of the Island’s history prior to its designation as a protected area.

The history of Floreana Island (also called Charles) has gradually evolved to reach near mythic proportions. The story begins when a baroness and her two lovers, a German doctor and his mistress, and a German couple and their young son all came to settle on this land. Their dalliances and disasters, shrouded in mystery, were chronicled in John Treherne’s book The Galapagos Affair. Descendants of the German family, the Wittmers, still live on the island in the small community of Puerto Velasco Ibarra. Mrs. Margaret Wittmer has also written a booked entitled “Floreana.”

Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island offers striking lava formations. Very few plants have managed to survive on this island due to the harsh environment and relatively new lava floe, about 110 years old.

Bartolomé Island has two main areas of interest. A hike to the summit of the island provides a clear perspective of the islands’ not-too-distant volcanic origins, and the panoramic view is one of the best among the islands. From here are visible the double-sided beach of Bartolomé directly below, the volcanic tower rising out of the water next to it, and Santiago in the distance. After the summit hike, stop at the beach to relax in semi-tropical tranquility. There is great snorkeling among the submerged volcanic rock and around the base of the tower. A short hike to the beach on the opposite side is worth the minimal effort. It is not unusual to see sharks in these shallow waters.

Day 11 – Black Turtle Cove / Baltra / Quito

Early morning we’ll visit Black Turtle Cove, a nursery area for not only Green Turtles but many sharks and rays as well. We will motor through the mangroves enjoying views of many birds as well. After our visit we will disembark at Baltra and transfer to the airport for our flight back to Quito.

In Quito we will have our final evening meal together .

Day 12 – Return Home

Departures throughout the day…

Cost Details

Cost is $10,500 per person, based upon double occupancy, from Quito, Ecuador (Airport code UIO. This trip ends in Quito, Ecuador (Airport code UIO).

Single Cabins, Shared Cabins & Suites

Our yacht for this tour, the Solaris, has three single cabins available as well as two suites with queen-sized bed and four shared cabins with two beds.

PRICED PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY – 4 Twin share standard cabins – 2 beds in each: $10,500 per person [4 cabins/8 spaces available] – 2 Suites: $11,250 per person (double occupancy) – 1 ‘matrimonial bed’ in each suite, plus a sofa/sitting area [2 suites/4 spaces available]

SINGLE CABINS PRICED PER PERSON SINGLE OCCUPANCY – 2 Single cabins: $11,250 each – includes single hotel room as well [2 cabins/2 spaces available]

Additional Costs

– $200 Galapagos Islands National Park Fee (subject to change) – $300 (Recommended Gratuities) $200 for Boat Crew & $100 for local naturalist – $75 Wet suit rental (mask & snorkel are free)

Minimum Number

If fewer than the minimum number of required participants are registered, we may still be able to run the trip by adding a small-group supplement fee, per person, determined by the number of participants registered.

Tour Costs Include

Local Galapagos/Quito flights, Tourist Card fee ($20), all airport transfers, all accommodations (hotel and yacht), all meals from breakfast on Day 2 through dinner on Day 10, all permits, all land transportation.

Tour Costs Do Not Include

International flights, passport and/or visa fees, additional hotel nights, additional snacks or bottled drinks, alcohol, laundry, phone calls or anything of a personal nature or not specifically mentioned as included.

Deposit Requirements

A $1,500 deposit per person is required to hold each space on this tour. Deposit may be made online by clicking the "Book Your Trip Now" button and using any credit card. If you prefer, you may call us at 888-875-9453 to pay by phone. You may also mail us a check, however, remember that all space is held on a first come-first served basis as deposits are received.

How to Book

In order to hold your space, click the "Book Your Trip Now" button above and complete the deposit process, including payment of the deposit through our Paypal portal using ANY CREDIT CARD. Upon completion of deposit, please visit our secure, online CLIENT INFORMATION FORM to complete your registration.

Final Payment

For all land-based tours: full payment by check is due 120 days prior to the departure date.

For all boat-based adventure cruises of 7-days or longer: full payment by check is required 180 days prior to departure.

NOTE : If you prefer to use credit card for final payment, a 3% fee may be added to cover the credit card merchant fees we incur.

Accommodations

Garden hotel san jose de puembo.

In Quito we will enjoy the wonderful Garden Hotel San Jose de Puembo, located only 15 minutes from the new airport near Quito. Spacious rooms and an excellent restaurant sit in a small town surrounded by rolling hills. Birds, llamas and beautiful flowers can be found in the hotel’s gardens. While here, enjoy the relaxing hot tub.

SOLARIS YACHT (Click for yacht web site)

Category – First Class motor yacht

Length – 118 ft

Beam – 29 ft

Capacity – 16 passengers

Accommodations – All cabins are all above deck with doors that open outside to the deck. Each has private bath, hot showers and air conditioning. A top sun deck and large bow and stern area offer great pelagic viewing. Comfortable bar and lounge areas with TV and projector for presentations round out our boat.

Crew – Captain, 5 sailors, 2 chefs and 2 mechanics plus our National Park naturalist/guide.

Electricity – Two 110v/220v generators, standard USA three-prong receptacles throughout the yacht.

Activity Level

Activity level rating:  3  (note: 1 is easy and 5 is difficult).

• Some trails on the Galapagos will be very rocky. • We will need to board and disembark from zodiacs to the yacht as well as to shore.

Skill Level and Photo Equipment Recommendations

Gear for birding and wildlife viewing in the galapagos.

• Be sure to bring good, waterproof binoculars. Yes, much of the wildlife is close, but some is not, especially when viewing sea birds from the yacht.

• Spotting scopes are not typically needed as there will only be a couple locations where migrating shorebirds may be too distant for binoculars. None of the Galapagos endemics will require a scope. We will have a scope for use on our pre-Galapagos Hummingbird Day.

Photography Gear for the Galapagos Islands and Hummingbird Day

The best camera is the one you have with you! That said, we will help you get great photos no mater what camera you use.

For those with DSLR or Mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, here is what we recommend that you bring two bodies to reduce changing lenses and just in case of accidental damage to one.

Recommended Lenses

• 24-105mm (or equivalent) • 100-400mm (or equivalent)

In addition you may also want to have an ultra-wide lens equivalent to about 16-35mm.

Other Accessories

• Tripod for longer exposures and steady video • Rain cover for camera • Weather resistant Camera Bag (Backpack style is best) • Polarizing Filters • Batteries and chargers • Lots of memory cards! • Laptop or other downloading device

Additional Information

GALAPAGOS: A NATURAL HISTORY by John Kricher and Kevin Loughlin

This is one of the best books to get to know the islands well before your visit.

Kevin’s favorite guide to the flora and fauna of the islands.

Purchasing Flights

Do not purchase your flights until the trip has been confirmed to go.

Detailed Trip Information

Upon notification that final payment is due (120 days prior to departure for land based tours / 180 days for boat based tours), you will receive a trip package of detailed information for your tour.

Any additional information about the trip, including lodgings, contacts, participants, meeting locations, etc., will sent about 2 weeks prior to the trip departure, or after final payment is received for late registrants.

Travel Insurance

As with all tours, we recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to help cover your investment, for covered reasons. Please see our section on Travel Insurance .

Passport & Visa

US Citizens may require a visa to enter certain foreign countries. See above for any required visa information.

Participants arriving to the USA from a foreign country may need to get a travel visa to enter the United States. Be sure to check the requirements for your country of origin.

Itinerary Changes

The trip itinerary is developed many months ahead of time. Occasionally, despite our best planning, changes may occur during the trip, or we may be forced to alter our plans. Changes may occur because of weather, road conditions, safety concerns or other circumstances. In these situations, it is the leader(s) responsibility to carefully consider and implement appropriate alternatives. Any additional costs incurred because of changes will be the responsibility of each individual participant. Refunds will not be issued as a result of itinerary changes.

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At Photo Tour Galapagos Islands, we are a team who has a passion for capturing life's most precious moments. We have the experience and knowledge to help you produce stunning photographs that you will cherish for years to come.

Our Approach

We understand that everyone has unique needs and preferences when it comes to photography. We work closely with you to ensure that every detail is perfect and take 

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• I'm a professional photographer with 30 years of experience in Advertising photography and a REI photographer for more than 20 years. I have published the following books about the Galapagos Islands since 1998.
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Galapagos Photography Cruises

Capture the magic of your lifetime adventure on a safari-style cruise with Quasar

• Year-Round 8 & 15 Day Departures
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As a traveler aboard Quasar Expeditions’ photography cruises, you will learn how to capture the beauty of Galapagos from the best in the industry. Guided through the archipelago by renowned professionals like Tui de Roy and Harry Skeggs, you will be reliving your journey through exceptional photographs for years to come.

From otherworldly wildlife to breathtaking scenery and extraordinary underwater landscapes, the Galapagos is an internationally-renowned destination for photographers. Whether you’re an amateur or budding professional, a photo cruise is an adventurous way to sharpen your skills with hands-on guidance from landscape and wildlife photography specialists.

A lead photographer accompanies you on daily excursions to offer techniques and narratives.

From professional tips on lighting to photographing elusive wildlife, you’ll see what others don’t.

Dive deeper into your areas of interest through small-group workshops and evening lectures.

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EXPLORE TRIP EXTENSIONS

Offered on all Quasar departures, guests of any experience level are invited to explore the ins and outs of Galapagos. From crystal clear waters to calm inlets, sea kayaking offers insider access to secluded coves, mangrove estuaries, and beautiful beaches.

Experience the Galapagos by foot, guided by naturalist guides with 15+ years of experience touring the islands. With colorful plantlife, inspiring wildlife encounters, and other-wordly terrain, Guests of any age enjoy land excursions on every island.

Explore the vibrant underwater world of the Galapagos from the ship or shore. One of the most renowned daily activities in Galapagos, snorkeling requires no prior experience and can be enjoyed immensely by guests of all ages.

At Quasar Expeditions, our vision is to create authentic, meaningful land and sea experiences for our fellow travelers – unforgettable dining experiences included. The sustainably-sourced, thoughtfully-prepared cultural cuisine we serve pays tribute to the unique history, gastronomy, people, and agriculture of our destinations.

Feast on freshly caught tuna, sip on locally-grown coffee, and enjoy Ecuadorian flavors brand new to your pallet. Our menus are carefully crafted by celebrated chefs to nourish our Guests and fuel your Authentic Experiences and Lifetime Memories.

Each of our naturalists have over 15 years of experience providing Guests with an insider understanding of the Galapagos. All are level-3 certified, the highest level of guide expertise attainable in the archipelago.

The most knowledgeable, friendly team of local experts and hospitality specialists in the region has been selected to enhance your M/Y Grace experience. Prepare to be delighted by the friendliness and great service of one of the best crew teams in the Galapagos.

Bird watchers delight in daily opportunities to see some of the most rare, bizarre, and exotic bird species in the world. Keep a lookout for the quirky Flightless Cormorant, which due to the lack of predators, has lost its ability to fly.

Galapagos skies are starry and bright. Enjoy star-gazing experiences during several nights of your cruise, led by our experienced naturalists guides.

The location of the archipelago right at the equator, combined with the absence of light pollution, makes Galapaogs skies ideal to witness the constellations of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

An internationally famous photography destination, the Galapagos Islands are packed with unique landscapes, captivating wildlife, dramatic sunsets, and otherworldly terrain. Kodak moments await around every twist and turn.

Scuba diving is offered as an additional activity for those guests seeking full Galapagos immersion. With vibrant marine life encounters and radiant coves, this world-class experience is a Guest favorite.

Please inquire for full details on how to book a dive trip directly with island based diving outfitter.

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• Galapagos Islands Tours
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Trip Highlights

Explore a Diversity of Islands from Our Chartered Yachts

Spend a Night with Giant Tortoises at Our Private Camp

You Won't Find a Smaller Group or Better Guides

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All Galapagos Tours Are Not the Same! Why Choose Us?

• Small Groups Ensure Intimate Nature Encounters With just 14–16 guests aboard our private chartered yachts, and each departure led by two highly trained, national park-certified Nat Hab Expedition Leaders, you'll explore the Galapagos in a small group with no more than 7–8 other travelers.
• The Best Guide-to-Guest Ratio in the Galapagos The typical ratio is 16 or 20 guests to one naturalist guide—that’s what most boat tours in the Galapagos provide. Our ratio is 7 to 8 guests per guide.  This makes a big difference! It allows us to explore in a more intimate context, and we can offer different activities at the same time: for instance, one group can snorkel while the other opts for a panga ride. And with two Expedition Leaders, you get a full interpretive experience: a naturalist guide accompanies each panga when we go out with two smaller boats for close-up exploring. 
• Private Chartered Yachts Keep Operations Within Our Control Rather than sending you through a local ship-owner who takes bookings from many sources, we run every element of our Galapagos trips—from meeting you on arrival in Quito through the chartering of our small ships to escorting you to the Quito airport for your homeward flight. Only by managing each step of our operations can we ensure that your trip is superlative—and we don’t settle for less!
• An Exclusive Stay at Our Private Tortoise Camp on Santa Cruz For Nat Hab guests alone, we offer the chance to spend a night at our private  Tortoise Camp in the highlands of Santa Cruz, where wild tortoises roam freely over this remote parcel of private land overlooking the distant Pacific Ocean. Unique accommodations, rustic but comfortable, are in raised safari-style canvas tents and elevated treehouses (all en suite), surrounded by nature, with a communal dining room and lounge space warmed by a log fireplace.
• The World's Finest Naturalist Guides Natural Habitat Adventures is known worldwide for employing the highest-quality guides in the industry. Our group of elite Galapagos Expedition Leaders averages more than 15 years’ guiding experience each. Additionally, they receive training and resources from WWF’s world-renowned scientists. Our philosophy on this is pretty simple: A nature adventure is only as good as the guide, so we simply must provide the best!  See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
• Secluded Snorkeling Experiences Snorkeling is the highlight for many Galapagos visitors. Inquisitive sea lions, sea turtles, penguins and schools of vividly colored fish provide endless excitement in the islands’ clear waters. But it can be disappointing if you’re traveling aboard a big ship to find dozens of fellow snorkelers surrounding you, interfering with your experience. In our small groups accompanied by two Expedition Leaders, marine life is front and center, and you’re the sole audience. 
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding for Close-Up Wildlife Encounters Come eye to eye with a sea turtle as you paddle a kayak, and look down at a marine iguana gliding past from your perch on a stand-up paddleboard: our chartered yachts are equipped with all the special modes of exploration to get you as close as possible to the captivating creatures of the Galapagos. And of course, our ships carry Zodiacs, too, so we can get close to wildlife on shore from our inflatable motorized rafts.
• The Itinerary Makes a Difference As WWF’s conservation travel partner, we're privileged to have some of the world’s top wildlife biologists helping us develop our nature adventures. WWF is especially active in the Galapagos, and our itineraries are specifically designed to provide our small groups with the best close-up wildlife viewing experiences in the most personalized manner possible.
• Experience More of Ecuador with a Stay in Quito Ecuador, though small in size, is one of the world's most geographically and culturally diverse countries. As a complement to your Galapagos immersion, we include a guided visit to Quito—a richer cultural experience than just flying in and out of Guayaquil, as many trips do. Experience a slice of Ecuador that is distinctly different from what you'll encounter in the Galapagos as you explore Quito's complex colonial history, including its well-preserved 16th-century Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding Galapagos Experience With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee, clearly stating that we will meet the lofty expectations we set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company.  Read our important promise.
• Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

Read what travelers are saying about our Galapagos Discovery: The Nat Hab Experience

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Galapagos Adventure Tours

A curated selection of top cruise routes.

Finding the best deal for a Galapagos adventure cruise is essential for maximizing your experience in one of the planet's last untouched ecosystems. One effective strategy is to remain flexible with your travel dates, as this can significantly increase your chances of securing better rates. The remote nature of the Galapagos, combined with visitor restrictions, often leads to fluctuating prices. By being open to various travel dates, you may uncover excellent discounts.

Our custom search filter is a valuable tool for comparing different itineraries and finding the perfect Galapagos cruise for your schedule and budget. This feature allows you to explore various routes and select the best options that align with your travel needs. If you're open to last-minute travel, you might discover some fantastic deals—don’t hesitate to contact us for exclusive offers!

When selecting your cruise, consider the type of ship that best meets your objectives. If your primary focus is observing remarkable wildlife, such as sea lions, land iguanas, and the unique ecosystems at the Charles Darwin Research Station, a small ship may be the ideal choice for you. However, if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a special occasion, opting for a more luxurious cruise ship can greatly enhance your experience in South America.

In summary, a well-planned Galapagos adventure cruise can provide you with unforgettable encounters with diverse wildlife while ensuring you receive the best value for your investment. Whether you choose budget-friendly options or indulge in luxury aboard a cruise ship, the beauty of the Galapagos Islands awaits you!

How to discover your ideal itinerary

When planning your Galapagos adventure, it’s essential to consider what specific activities excite you the most.

For instance, if you're eager for more snorkeling opportunities, focus on routes that prioritize the southern islands. These areas like Española, or Floreana island, are renowned for their vibrant underwater ecosystems, teeming with an array of marine life, including colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and playful sea lions. Snorkeling in these waters allows you to immerse yourself in a world of biodiversity, making each dip into the ocean a thrilling experience.

On the other hand, if you have a passion for birdwatching, you might want to opt for itineraries that include Genovesa Island. This island is a true paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering a stunning variety of avian species. Here, you can observe the iconic red-footed and blue-footed boobies, as well as frigatebirds and Nazca boobies. The unique landscapes of Genovesa, with its dramatic cliffs and diverse habitats, provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable birdwatching experiences.

By aligning your specific interests with the right routes, you can effectively tailor your Galapagos experience to create cherished memories and enriching encounters with the diverse wildlife that inhabits these remarkable islands.

How to discover the ideal length of your trip

Galápagos tours come in various lengths, ranging from short 4-day cruises to longer 14-day expeditions. Shorter trips typically provide a quick overview of a few key islands and their highlights, making them ideal for travelers with limited time. These condensed itineraries allow you to sample the beauty of the Galapagos, but they may not provide enough time to truly appreciate all that the islands have to offer.

In contrast, longer excursions allow for a more comprehensive exploration of multiple islands, offering you the chance to discover diverse ecosystems, unique wildlife habitats, and breathtaking scenery at a leisurely pace. This extended duration gives you the opportunity to engage in various activities, from hiking and kayaking to snorkeling and wildlife watching.

While all trip lengths have their advantages, we particularly recommend an 8-day cruise. This duration strikes an ideal balance between time and experience, allowing you to enjoy a deeper exploration of the islands without feeling rushed. An 8-day itinerary also offers the flexibility to participate in a wider range of activities, ensuring that your Galapagos adventure is as fulfilling and unforgettable as possible.

Get in touch with us to assist you in booking the perfect Galapagos adventure tour!

Explore traveler reviews and testimonials.

Galaxy Galápagos Cruise

September 2024

I had a great time cruising the Galapagos Islands on the Galaxy. The food was incredible and abundant. The crew was so nice and cared for us well. Fernanda was a fantastic guide. Our group had beaches and snorkeling spots almost to ourselves, rarely overlapping with other groups. It was a special trip.

Alia Galapagos Cruise

Absolutely mind-blowing trip! Couldn't recommend it more highly. The scenery and the animal interactions were awesome, the vessel was truly 5 star and the crew provided an impeccable experience.

El viaje fue perfecto. Estaba repleto de actividades. Me salté 1 caminata y 1 snorkel pero eso era perfectamente aceptable. El guía (Chris) y el equipo hicieron todo lo posible para que el viaje fuera seguro y sin preocupaciones. La comida estaba deliciosa. Mi único comentario sobre la comida - que sería bueno tener una opción no pescado para las cenas. Los almuerzos podrían haber sido más sencillos, se me antojó un sándwich de pavo. Fue agradable tener espacios en las terrazas y balcones para pasar tiempo en familia. El tiempo y los animales cooperaron - vimos todos los animales que esperábamos. La asistencia en los aeropuertos fue muy bienvenida para navegar por el proceso de permisos. ¡Un viaje increíble!

Monserrat Galapagos Cruise

Increíble viaje en las Islas Galápagos. Muchas actividades: snorkel, kayak, senderismo, clase de cocina. Todo ello a bordo en el hermoso Monserrat.

Edward McGuirk

Galapagos Legend Cruise

They say that the Galapagos is a land that time forgot. I would add to that the Galapagos is a land that you will never forget! Our ship, the Legend, was a comfortable ship with amenities suited for this type of tour. Our licensed guides were incredibly knowledgeable! We were kept busy at each island we visited, including nature hikes where we were made aware of all of the flora and fauna found there and had numerous opportunities for snorkeling. The highlight was being able to snorkel in waters that teemed with wildlife, including sharks, sea lions, manta rays, penguins, and many species of fish. Oh, and the food and the service: top notch!

Michael H aus Zürich

Tip Top II Galápagos Cruises

August 2024

Meine Anfrage war recht kurzfristig, dafür war die Beratung perfekt. Mit der Unterstützung im Rückruf von Galapatours konnte ich schnell die für mich passende Yacht und Tour finden und buchen. Mit den Reiseunterlagen und der Packliste konnte ich mich ideal vorbereiten. Während der Tour war auch alles perfekt. Die Flüge waren pünktlich und auch die Transfers einfach zu erreichen. Leider kam eine 2. Gruppe verspätet an, weshalb wir mit der Abfahrt 2 Stunden verspätet waren, was jedoch nicht weiter schlimm war. Die Route ist genial ausgewählt. Die Überfahren Nachts sind teilweise etwas "rau", dafür ist man morgens bei der nächsten Insel und kann früh die erste Tour starten. Unser Guide Rojelio kannte alle Details der Inseln und der Tierwelt, weshalb wir extrem viel gelernt und gesehen haben. Insgesamt ein rundum gelungener Trip.

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Why You Should Consider a Land-Based Galapagos Trip

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As I stared through the small opening of a cave-like structure, I spotted a small brown barn owl perched on a beam with its eyes squeezed shut. I was on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos archipelago , just outside a lava tube formed by a volcanic eruption long ago. I was expecting to see animals—sea lions, penguins, tortoises, and blue-footed boobies—but a barn owl was not on my list. But my guide, Mario, informed me that this was also a special species endemic to the islands: the Galapagos barn owl is one of the world’s smallest and can only be seen here.

Had I been on a cruise of the Galapagos, it’s unlikely I would have seen this special owl. We had been tramping around Santa Cruz island all day, spending much more time here than most visitors do because our hotel, Pikaia Lodge, is located on the island. All Galapagos guides, including Mario, are freelance, but Pikaia Lodge requires them to have 15 years’ experience and thus, they seem to know all the land-based hidden gems and secret animal hideouts better than most. In all, 98 percent of Pikaia’s staff are from Santa Cruz.

A view of Pikaia Lodge from the entrance path.

Like many people, a trip to the Galapagos has been on my bucket list for years. I’m an animal lover, and the idea of seeing multiple endemic species up close, in a protected area, was thrilling. However, I’m not a boat person. Though I can enjoy a short sail or kayak, I’m also prone to seasickness. The mere thought of being and sleeping on a boat for days on end makes my chest tighten. Therefore, I assumed I would probably never see the Galapagos—or at least not without a lot of medications. It never occurred to me that I could do a land-based trip, so when I learned about Pikaia, I knew I had to go.

A twin queen room at Pikaia Lodge.

Pikaia Lodge is one of several hotels on the island of Santa Cruz, which is one of the four inhabited islands of the Galapagos along with San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana—all of which also have hotels. But Pikaia is known as the most luxurious, and it’s the only Relais & Chateaux member in the archipelago. This means that at Pikaia—which has 14 gorgeous rooms with stunning views of a plant-filled crater, an award-winning restaurant featuring locally sourced food (not a thing on a cruise), and a breathtaking spa that gave me one of the best treatments I’ve ever had—guests can experience ultimate comfort and luxury as well as complete control over their itinerary. Pikaia Lodge is the only hotel with its own yacht (other hotels contract out to local boat owners) so each guest is given a luxe cabin to rest in for the day.

The spa at Pikaia Lodge.

After all, even a land-based Galapagos trip should involve at least some island-hopping. The Galapagos Archipelago consists of nineteen islands, and as Darwin discovered, each one has several unique, endemic species. With Mario, I spent time on Bartolomé and North Seymour islands, as well as Santa Cruz, where we snorkeled with Galapagos species of sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and penguins; observed blue-footed boobies with their babies and frigate birds performing a mating dance; spotted lava lizards, marine iguanas, and lightfoot crabs; and saw and learned all about giant land tortoises. I definitely got my typical Galapagos wildlife trip—but I also got so much more.

A trip to Bartolomé.

While a land-based Galapagos excursion is arguably more sustainable (travelers who sleep in island hotels have a lower carbon footprint than those constantly at sea), it also offers travelers the ability to connect with and support local people and businesses. Land-based visitors tend to engage more with locally owned restaurants, shops, and outfitters, and can learn more about the local culture and communities—yes, people really do live in the Galapagos.

Indeed, some of the best parts of my visit were exploring Santa Cruz, the most populous island of the archipelago: I spent one morning at the Charles Darwin Research Station, which focuses on giant land tortoise breeding, and an afternoon discovering the charming town of Puerto Ayora.

The town of Puerto Ayora.

I ambled the streets, popping into shops like Chocolapagos, which uses Ecuadorian-grown cacao beans in its tortoise-shaped chocolates. As owner and chocolatier Juan Daniel Navarro plied me with samples, I learned that he sources locally grown beans from places like Hacienda Victoria in Guayaquil, the mainland gateway to the Galapagos, which works to protect the Ecuadorian Cacao Nacional Arriba bean, and Costa Esmeraldas Cacao Co., an award-winning estate in Esmeraldas that works to rehabilitate cattle pastures and single-crop plantations into diverse agroforestry systems where cacao is planted alongside fruit and local trees, in order to improve soil structure and resiliency while providing diversified income for farmers.

Did I expect to learn about and taste Ecuadorian cacao in the Galapagos? It hadn’t occurred to me. But it certainly enriched my trip.

When I wandered into Samay, which sells beautiful handcrafted items by local artisans, I was thrilled to discover paintings by Santa Cruz residents Tatjana Angermeyer, Magno Bennett, and Nina Lempenauer. In addition to paintings, the store carries everything from handmade hats, sweaters, and leather bags to wooden utensils, jewelry, and sculptures. Owners Paola and Martin Leguisamo first owned a gallery in town for 20 years before opening this shop in 2020.

Later, I stumbled on the (tiny) local fish market. Customers chatted as the bold resident pelican and two lounging sea lions waited for scraps. Two land iguanas stalked by as pedestrians avoided stepping on them.

On my last day, after we left the secret barn owl, we headed to Tortuga Bay, a local beach only accessible via hike, ensuring its pristine waters remain clear. At the beach, we kayaked, picnicked, and swam with the locals—both human and marine.

The beach at Tortuga Bay.

At the end of the day, we were handed baby scalesia trees by the entrance to Pikaia. The lodge, which was formerly a cattle pasture of only grass, has been planting the native trees since 2010, and there are now over 11,000 of them, creating a new endemic forest on the island. As I sank my hands into the soil and nestled my tiny tree into the shallow hole, I felt a sense of connection to the land and community. I wasn’t just floating around it on a boat, I was digging in.

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Palouse Photography Tips: A Guide for Visitors

Jeff Stamer

• July 22, 2015
• Pacific Northwest USA / Photo Tips and Guides

The Palouse is a remote farming area in southeastern Washington state and western Idaho.  The endless softly rolling hills are home to vast wheat fields, scattered small towns and friendly folks.  It’s the type of place that evokes memories of the “Norman Rockwell” America we imagine it was long ago.

You’ve probably never heard of the Palouse…unless you are a wheat broker, a local resident or a landscape photographer.

Why landscape photographers?  Well, those hills I mentioned are blessed by a soft, flowing, nearly sensuous beauty when viewed thru a camera.  As a result, photographers from across the world flock there during the summer when the fields are covered by colorful waves of wheat.   Images of this area captivated me for years and I finally had the chance in June to experience it for myself.

And here’s what I found:

What do you think?  Unreal?  Surreal?  I’d never seen anything like it but for some odd reason when I first gazed upon the Palouse landscape, I was oddly reminded of a painting by Dali …

I thought Dali was Spanish but maybe he spent some time in western Washington before he started painting?

The Palouse seems to encourage random, strange thoughts like that…it just doesn’t seem real somehow.   It is all just so pretty…so green and the people are just so incredibly nice.  Boy, I thought the folks in my town were friendly …but the Palouse?  Have you ever had one of those road-workers that holds the “Slow/Stop” signs actually walk up to your car and start talking to you?  This happened to me twice in the Palouse.  If this occurred in some other parts of the country, I’d be rolling up my windows and frantically looking for a way to get away…but here it didn’t seem odd or threatening.  It quickly became clear that the locals just don’t seem to have the ‘shields’ that those of us from urban areas take for granted.

Okay…okay…enough with my ramblings about how the Palouse made me feel.   What does it look like?

Well, first of all the landscape is best appreciated from the vantage point of height.  Fortunately, there is a tall hill (butte) smack dab in the middle of the best part of the Palouse.  It is called Steptoe Butte and as part of the Washington State Park system, it is open to the public.    In the hours before dusk and after dawn, the low angle of the sun creates wonderful shadows around all those curvy hills.

Well, you will also notice the 58 turbines of the Palouse Wind Farm built in 2012.  They are a good distance north of the butte so they don’t look huge but they are actually about 500′ tall and produce quite a bit of electricity.

Every direction you look reveals more details and different perspectives:

If you come down from the Butte, the perspectives from ground level are still captivating…just not jaw dropping.

So, if you ever want to travel back in time to a simpler, friendlier time while being surrounded in a landscape that only a crazy Catalonian surrealist artist could envision, make your way to the Palouse next summer.  It will be a memorable experience.

Tips and suggestions for my Fellow Photographers:

When to visit.

May and June are usually peak for the yellow and green of the fields.  A very different look can be seen in July and August when the wheat turns gold and brown. Harvesting usually begins in late August.

Where to stay?

Colfax is the town closest to Steptoe.  It is about 30 minutes south and you can choose from 4 or 5 hotel/motels.

Where should you go for your shots?

Steptoe Butte   As mentioned, Steptoe Butte is the primo place to be in the Palouse.

The best light is near sunrise and sunset.  Be on Steptoe for both….the same features can look totally different at the opposite ends of the day.  Plus, by visiting twice you will increase your chances of photographing during partly cloudy conditions when dappled sunlight accentuates the incredible shadows created by the low angled sunlight.

When you first get to Steptoe, pay your $10 at the unattended kiosk (or you can buy a full year pass online for $30), then drive to the summit. There is a large parking area just below the actual summit and many folks pull in here mistakenly thinking they are at the top.  The actual summit is accessed by a narrow (a little wider than a single car), unmarked road on your left as you pull into the larger pullout.  It looks like a service road used to get to the cell towers on the summit.  Once you get to the top, scout out your potential shots by using your binoculars.  Look for nice perspectives and find the farm houses, barns and silos that you will want to incorporate into your shots.

Don’t stay at the summit the whole time.  There are a number of pullouts along the road that winds around the butte and they will give you significantly different perspectives.  It only takes a few minutes to drive from one to the other and you will be surprised how different your shots look from the lower elevations.

The park is officially open from dawn to dusk but I’ve never had an issue being there earlier or later than the posted hours.

During the day, drive around:   Get off the paved roads, slow down and just drive.  There are some wonderful vignettes to be found.  Be respectful of private property and be aware that some big farm equipment rolls down the gravel roads.  Also be aware that most of the roads around here have sharp drop-offs right at their edge….you can’t just pull over everywhere.  You may have to drive a bit further and hike back a short ways.

Dahmen Barn:   Located in Uniontown (about an hour south of Steptoe) this is an antique barn that is now a co-op for local artists.  Photographers adore the fence that surrounds the property which is made from hundreds of old metal tractor wheels, gears, etc.  Here is a link with more info and directions.

T.A. Leonard Barn:   You will see a lot of quaint red barns in the Palouse, but how many round barns have you ever seen?  This beautifully restored gem is 40 minutes south of Steptoe in Pullman right off of Old Moscow Road.  It’s a private farm and not open for tours but you can photograph it from the road.  This site will give you more info and directions.

Palouse Falls:   About an 90 mile drive west of Steptoe is the magnificent 197′   Palouse Falls .  Perhaps best seen at sunset, you can also take wonderful Milky Way shots here.  I’ll be writing a full article about this location later in the fall.

Other locations:   Teri Lou, a local photographer has put together a detailed map  showing locations of barns, old cars and other photographic points of interest.  She sells the map via the internet for $25.  It is quite detailed and worth your money if you are going to visit.  Here is a link .  And no, I don’t get a commission!   Short of hiring a full time local guide, this is the best resource I’ve found to help visiting photographers find potential locations

How long should you visit?

If your time is tight, you can cover the highlights in a day.  That will give you a sunrise and sunset on Steptoe and the middle of the day to explore the countryside.  Of course, the Palouse is a big area, so you would need to spend much longer to cover it thoroughly.  If you do decide to take a few days, I’d suggest you hire one of the local photo guides or book a photo tour.  Many of them have relationships with the farmers who will allow you to access to locations on private property that would otherwise be unavailable to you.

Lenses: When you think of landscapes, you naturally think of wide angle lenses and they will come in handy when you are driving around the farm roads.   But on Steptoe, you need long lenses.  As I reviewed my photos taken on the butte, I noticed that nearly all of them were taken somewhere between 300-500mm on a full frame camera (450mm to 750mm on an APS-C crop sensor camera).

Polarizer:   You will often have some haze on Steptoe and a polarizer will help reduce that issue and make your colors ‘pop.’

Post processing

Dynamic Range :  Full frame cameras, HDR, blending layers in Photoshop….many of us work hard to show the full dynamic range in our shots.  Oddly enough, the Palouse is one of those venues where that might not be necessary..or even preferred.  Those dark shadows contrasted by the brilliant crests of the hills seems to me to be a big part of the beauty of the Palouse.  Do yourself a favor and try processing some shots where you can’t see every detail in the shadows…you might like the result.

Haze:   I found that I had to use the clarity slider in Photoshop liberally to combat this issue.

Palouse Photography Tips:  A Guide for Visitors

Related Images:

This post has 8 comments.

Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you truly are interested in a tour of the barn and taking pictures from the surrounding hill side. I will gladly return to Pullman, as we still have family in the area. Take time to look at the “Leonard Round Barn” Web page. We have one visit to the farm scheduled in the Spring, 1920. Exact date still not determined. [email protected]

Hi Peggy, Thanks so much for your kind offer! I’m not sure when my schedule will allow me to visit the Palouse again, but I’ll pop you note when I do. Thanks again, Jeff

Johnny Boyd

This worth a read concerning the Chamber’s map. http://palousemap.blogspot.com/

Hi Johnny, I already have a link to Teri Lou’s map and that article in the paragraph titled “Other Locations.” Teri Lou did a great job creating the map and I certainly want to make sure she gets full credit and fair compensation for her work!

Rod Schwartz

Jeff, I’ve really enjoyed reading your tips and will post a link to this site at PalousePics.com, to give you exposure to a wider audience. You’re right about the Pullman Chamber’s brochures. I should also mention their “Picture Perfect Palouse” Facebook page, which has become a great magnet for visitors and locals alike to share their images. Next time you’re in the area, give me a shout. I’m easy to find. Keep up the great work! -Rod

Hi Rod, Thanks for the exposure…never hurts! Plus I will definitely take you up on your offer next time I make it out to your beautiful Palouse!

Thanks for the very valuable information. I am considering a visit in early April due to my own birthday and Spring Break for my son. We will be spending a few days. You suggested contacting a local photo guide for better access, etc. Sounds really good. How do you suggest I look for one?

Thanks again.

Hi Farzad, Since I haven’t actually toured with any of the companies that have tours in the Palouse, I’d suggest just doing a Google search. Another option is to check TripAdvisor, since they will give you reviews of the tours. I wish I could be more help! Jeff

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