Some photography trips are about going somewhere extraordinary.

Others are about being somewhere extraordinary at exactly the right moment.
Our newest Galápagos expedition is both.

We’re excited to quietly introduce Ring of Fire: Galápagos Wildlife & Eclipse; a special one-time photography expedition built around two remarkable subjects: the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos Islands and the January 26, 2028 annular solar eclipse.

This isn’t a standard Galápagos itinerary with an eclipse added along the way. The entire expedition has been designed around the opportunity to photograph this rare celestial event while exploring some of the most wildlife-rich islands in the western Galápagos.

Two Extraordinary Subjects. One Extraordinary Expedition.

The Galápagos have long been one of the world's great destinations for wildlife photographers.

Millions of years of isolation have created an ecosystem unlike anywhere else, with endemic species that are remarkably tolerant of people. During this expedition, we'll explore Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago and surrounding islands, photographing species including Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, sea lions, giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.
And then there is the sky.

On January 26, 2028, the Moon will pass directly in front of the Sun, leaving a brilliant ring of sunlight visible around its edge; the phenomenon known as an annular solar eclipse, or a “Ring of Fire.”

Rather than hoping to catch the eclipse from wherever a traditional cruise itinerary happens to be that day, we have built this expedition specifically around the event.

Our group will be positioned on land near Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, with special permission to go ashore early and establish our photography positions well before the eclipse begins. That gives us the opportunity to photograph the entire sequence from a stable vantage point, including the dramatic annular phase.

A Galápagos Experience Designed for Photographers

The eclipse may be the centerpiece, but it is only one part of the story.

We'll spend the rest of the expedition exploring the western Galápagos, where volcanic landscapes, nutrient-rich waters and remarkable concentrations of wildlife create an extraordinary range of photographic opportunities.

We'll visit places such as Espinoza Point on Fernandina, where marine iguanas gather along the shoreline and lava formations, and Vicente Roca Point, where dramatic cliffs, caves and sheltered coves provide opportunities for both wildlife and underwater photography.

We'll explore Santiago's black volcanic coastline, look for Galápagos fur seals and sea lions, photograph the brilliantly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs against dark basalt, and visit Rábida's distinctive red volcanic beaches.

There will also be opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking, bringing photographers into a completely different perspective of the Galápagos ecosystem.

And throughout the expedition, we'll have professional photography instruction and guiding to help make the most of the conditions, subjects and opportunities we encounter.

Your Floating Base: Solaris

For this special expedition, we'll travel aboard Solaris, a privately chartered yacht that will serve as our floating base throughout the journey.

That means we can move between some of the western Galápagos' most productive wildlife locations while returning each day to a comfortable, upscale vessel.

For photographers traveling solo, there's another particularly notable advantage: Solaris offers a limited number of single-occupancy cabins.

That's a rare option in the Galápagos and one that isn't available on our traditional Wild Galápagos departures, which are double occupancy only.

The expedition is limited to 14 guests, creating a more intimate setting for both photography instruction and exploration.

Why This Trip Is Different

There are plenty of ways to experience the Galápagos.
This one is different because of when we're going and why we're going then.

Late January brings the islands into their warmer, greener season, with active wildlife and breeding behavior among several species. Marine iguanas, in particular, are entering their breeding season, when males can display some of their most striking coloration.

Then, on January 26, everything changes for a few minutes as the Moon crosses the face of the Sun.
Wildlife photography, volcanic landscapes, marine environments, and a rare celestial event.

All within one carefully planned expedition!

A One-Time Edition of the Galápagos

This is not a regularly scheduled Backcountry Journeys departure.

Ring of Fire: Galápagos Wildlife & Eclipse is a special one-time edition, created specifically around the convergence of the Galápagos' extraordinary wildlife and the 2028 annular eclipse.

That's what makes this expedition particularly exciting to us.

The Galápagos will continue to be there. Its wildlife will continue to move through its volcanic landscapes and waters. But this particular combination of place, wildlife season, itinerary and celestial event creates a photographic opportunity that cannot simply be replicated by choosing another departure date.

For photographers who have dreamed of visiting the Galápagos, and for those who have always wanted to photograph an eclipse, this is an opportunity to pursue both in the same journey.

The Galápagos. A ship built for exploration. Extraordinary wildlife. And a Ring of Fire in the sky.