Wild Galapagos: Luxe Photo Safari                
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Wild Galapagos: Luxe Photo Safari

Ship-Based Photo Safari
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Wild Galapagos: Luxe Photo Safari

Ship-Based Photo Safari
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$175.00
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  Deposit: $5,000.00  
Start/End

Quito, Ecuador / Quito, Ecuador

Length

9 Days/8 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 1 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 14 Guests

Highlights
  • Luxurious Yacht: Sail aboard our brand new first-class yacht featuring two large suites and six convertible cabins for an intimate and luxurious experience, accommodating a maximum of 14 passengers.

  • Biodiversity Unveiled: Immerse yourself in the Galapagos' unparalleled biodiversity, guided by experts who will lead you to an exclusive photography experience.

  • Exclusive Island Exploration: Experience the Galapagos like never before with a flexible itinerary and small group, allowing for personalized landings and wildlife encounters.

  • All-Inclusive Elegance: Indulge in an all-inclusive experience where every detail is seamlessly taken care of. Focus solely on capturing extraordinary moments while enjoying the comfort and exclusivity of your journey.

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

Wild Galapagos: Discover Darwin's Enchanted Islands with Backcountry Journeys aboard a newly built, luxurious small ship. This is a journey crafted for those seeking adventure, comfort, and exclusivity.

Capturing the Galapagos's Biodiversity: Step into a photographer's paradise, learning from seasoned professionals who will guide you to capture the unique wildlife and landscapes that define the Galapagos Islands. From the iconic blue-footed booby to the giant tortoises, each moment is an opportunity to create unforgettable imagery. Our professional photographers will provide hands-on instruction, helping you refine your skills and make the most of every shot.

Sail in Luxury: Experience exclusive comfort aboard our newly motor yacht designed to be the perfect luxurious vessel for exploring the Galapagos Islands. With two large suites and six convertible cabins, the yacht comfortably accommodates a maximum of 14 guests. Enjoy panoramic views through large windows and stay connected with loved ones through onboard WiFi.

The Perfect Itinerary: Explore meticulously crafted itineraries that unveil the archipelago's natural wonders. From the pristine beaches of Bachas Beach to the renowned Isabela Island, each day brings new encounters with wildlife and geological marvels. 

Guided by Experts: Journey with certified bilingual naturalist guides and professional photographers who will unveil the Galapagos's most remarkable places. Benefit from their extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, and geological formations that make the Galapagos truly unique. Learn everything from the basics to more advanced photography techniques with 1:1 instruction and guidance. 

Chasing Perfect Light: Escape the constraints of larger ships as we craft each day to our photographic goals. Chase the best lighting conditions and wildlife sightings, ensuring every moment is captured in its full splendor. 

All-Inclusive Excellence: From your arrival at the airport to internal flights, every detail is taken care of in our all-inclusive package. Start your journey with an orientation dinner and seamless airport transfers. Internal flights within the Galapagos and national park fees are included, allowing you to focus solely on capturing extraordinary moments without the hassle of logistics.

Unforgettable Moments Await: Snorkel with white-tipped reef sharks, photograph amorous giant tortoises, and witness elegant red-billed tropicbirds in loquacious aerial duets. Be ashore for sunrise and sunset, capturing the magic of the Galapagos Islands. Our small group size ensures an intimate experience, allowing you to connect with the wildlife and landscapes in a profound way.

Join the Adventure: This is more than a trip; it's a rare opportunity to experience the Galapagos in an exclusive way that many only dream of. Join us for this trip of a lifetime!

Limited spaces available. Reserve your spot now for an intimate, all-inclusive Galapagos photo safari.

Note: Excellent snorkeling opportunities and underwater photography exist in the Galapagos. You can bring a true housing but even a GoPro will do. Snorkeling is optional, but there will be plenty of chances. Kayaking opportunities will also be available during the trip. 


What's Included
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • Airport transfers

  • Internal flights

  • All permits and park fees

  • Snorkeling gear & kayaks

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Gratuity for service staff

What's Not Included
  • Flights to and from Quito, Ecuador (UIO)

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (required) - see plans here.

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1 (D): Arrival in Quito - Orientation and Introduction


Your Galapagos journey begins with your arrival at Quito airport. Our team will be there to welcome you and ensure a smooth transfer to the hotel. Check-in to your comfortable accommodations and take a moment to relax. In the evening, join us for a special orientation and introduction session. Get to know your fellow travelers, learn more about the upcoming adventure, and have any questions answered by our knowledgeable team. Enjoy a welcome dinner as we set the stage for the incredible experiences that await you in the Galapagos Islands.

Day 2 (B,L,D): Transfer to the Galapagos - Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island

Our BCJ guides will escort you back to Quito Airport for our flights to the Galapagos Islands (Baltra). Once in Baltra, we'll be met by our ship crew. A seamless transfer to the yacht awaits, where you'll settle into your cabin, enjoy a delicious lunch, and receive a welcome briefing.

In the afternoon, we embark on our first exploration to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. This beach, with its remnants of the U.S. World War II presence, offers opportunities for swimming and encounters with flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and sea turtles.

Day 3 (B,L,D): Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island, and Bartholomew Islands

We start the day with a visit to Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. A short trail takes us through diverse environments, with rocky beaches perfect for snorkeling. Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, herons, blue-footed boobies, rays, and reef sharks.

As the adventure continues, your ship will set a course for Bartholomew Island, home to the famous Pinnacle Rock. This island showcases the stunning remnants of an extinct volcano, adorned with a diverse array of volcanic formations in red, orange, black, and even green hues. It is the landscape highlight of the Galapagos Islands.

Day 4 (B,L,D):Vicente Roca Point, Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island, Isabela Island

Vicente Roca Point, featuring two distinct coves, is a vast bay teeming with remarkable marine life. Be on the lookout for enchanting seahorses, graceful sea turtles, and the intriguing yet captivating Mola mola, also known as the sunfish.

In the afternoon, we explore Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island. A colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions welcome us before reaching the highlight: the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area is also home to the Galapagos hawk.

Day 5 (B,L,D): Tagus Cove, Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island

Our morning adventure takes us to Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, an anchorage spot since the 1800s. Trails winding by Lake Darwin offer breathtaking views, and encounters with penguins, flightless cormorants, and unique geological formations make this visit unforgettable.

In the afternoon, we explore Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island. Dinghy rides reveal penguins and blue-footed boobies on rocky islets, while snorkeling showcases marine life like colorful fish, sea lions, and, with luck, sharks.

Day 6 (B,L,D): Urbina Bay, Moreno Point, Isabela Island

Urbina Bay, located at the base of Alcedo Volcano, awaits our morning visit. This area experienced a significant uplift in 1954, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. It's an excellent place for snorkeling, offering encounters with land iguanas, hawks, coral reefs, and giant tortoises.

Our journey then takes us to Moreno Point, where the once-flowing lava has left craters forming crystal tide pools. Keep your eye out for flamingos, pintail ducks, and perhaps even white-tip reef sharks.

Day 7 (B,L,D): Sierra Negra Volcano and Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, Isabela Island

We'll take a short morning hike to Sierra Negra Volcano, boasting the largest basaltic caldera in the Galapagos. Witness stunning views, diverse finches, and evidence of recent volcanic activity.

In the afternoon, we visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, dedicated to the conservation of giant tortoises. Encounter juvenile and adult tortoises from various species.

Day 8 (B,L,D): Devil’s Crown, Floreana Island, and Cormorant Point

Start the day with a thrilling photography and snorkeling experience around Devil’s Crown, the rocky remains of an offshore volcano. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters, encountering a diverse array of marine species.

In the afternoon, we explore Cormorant Point, featuring a flamingo lagoon and distinct beaches named Green Beach and Flour Sand Beach. Witness flamingoes, common stilts, white-cheeked pintails, and unique sand compositions.

Day 9 (B,L): Daphne Island and Departure

Conclude your unforgettable Galapagos journey with a morning visit to Daphne Island. Although restricted for most tourists, it's a hub for scientific studies on Galapagos finches. Enjoy birdwatching, including the iconic Galapagos finches.

After this final exploration, we transfer you to Baltra Airport for your departure, leaving you with cherished memories of the unique encounters, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. We will conclude the trip once we return to Quito Airport. Flights home can be booked any time after 8 pm. We can help arrange a hotel room this evening if your flight schedule requires you to stay overnight in Quito.

Itinerary Notice: Our Galapagos itineraries are subject to change each year to provide the best experience based on seasonal wildlife patterns, conservation requirements, and evolving travel logistics. Rest assured, each journey is thoughtfully designed to capture the unique magic of the Galapagos, delivering unparalleled wildlife encounters, pristine landscapes, and unforgettable moments.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
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