Wild Galapagos: Luxe Photo Safari Photo Workshop & Photo Tour                

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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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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:

Step into a world where time slows down, wildlife comes within arm’s reach, and every horizon holds a story waiting to be told through your lens. Our Wild Galapagos: Luxe Photo Safari is a carefully curated expedition designed to immerse you in the raw beauty, biodiversity, and surreal landscapes of one of the planet’s most legendary destinations. With a luxury yacht as our base and exclusive access to remote islands, this trip offers unparalleled opportunities to photograph wildlife and landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.

The Galápagos Islands are a photographer’s dream — an ever-shifting canvas of volcanic terrain, turquoise waters, and iconic species. From the moment we board our yacht, the Galápagos Angel, we’ll explore a diverse array of islands, each offering unique photographic subjects. Think lava-sculpted coastlines, green and black sand beaches, cactus forests, and ancient calderas. Bartholomew Island's famed Pinnacle Rock provides one of the most stunning vistas in the archipelago, while the Sierra Negra Volcano presents a sweeping view of one of the world’s largest basaltic calderas — a true natural marvel.

But the real stars of the Galápagos are the wildlife. This is one of the few places on Earth where animals show no fear of humans. Marine iguanas bask in the sun beside your camera bag, blue-footed boobies perform their quirky courtship dances just feet away, and sea lions playfully swim circles around your snorkel mask. You'll have the chance to photograph elusive creatures like the flightless cormorant and Galápagos hawk, along with giant tortoises, reef sharks, penguins, rays, sea turtles, and hundreds of tropical fish species — both from land and underwater.

We’ll venture to remote islets and volcanic shores, including wildlife havens like Fernandina, Floreana, and Isabela Islands. These islands offer rare access to mangrove ecosystems, lava fields, tide pools, and nesting sites, allowing you to capture intimate images of flamingos, pintails, and even the occasional orca off the coast. From the crystalline waters of Elizabeth Bay to the sun-drenched slopes of Urbina Bay, every location is handpicked for its photographic potential.

In addition to field sessions, we’ll incorporate meaningful storytelling and visual coaching to help you elevate your photography, whether you're capturing sweeping landscapes, fast-moving wildlife, or the subtle textures of a volcanic shoreline. You'll also have the chance to visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center — a behind-the-scenes look at conservation in action — and take part in the unique Galápagos tradition of “postcard swapping” at historic Post Office Bay.

With expert guides, a small group of like-minded photographers, and nonstop inspiration at every turn, the Wild Galapagos: Luxe Photo Safari is more than a journey. It’s an invitation to slow down, see deeply, and create images that speak to the soul of one of Earth’s last true Edens.

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: Arrival in Quito (D)
Everyone will arrive in Quito where we’ll be transferred to our hotel in Quito. Our group will meet for a dinner later that evening followed by orientation.

Day 2: Bartholomew Island (B, L, D)
After a morning flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos, we’ll meet the Galapagos Angel staff for transfer to our yacht. Once onboard, we’ll enjoy a welcome briefing and settle into our cabins before heading to Bartholomew Island. Known for its famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew Island features striking red, orange, black, and green volcanic formations. A hike up the island’s extinct volcano rewards you with one of the best views in the Galapagos. The surrounding beach is perfect for snorkeling, offering opportunities to swim alongside penguins, reef sharks, rays, and vibrant marine life.

Day 3: Isabela & Fernandina Islands (B, L, D)
We’ll begin the day exploring Vicente Roca Point, a large bay with abundant sea life where we might encounter sea turtles, rays, seahorses, and even the elusive Mola mola. Later, we’ll cross the Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island and visit Espinoza Point. This site is a wildlife haven featuring marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Both land and underwater views are impressive, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and wildlife observation.

Day 4: Isabela Island (B, L, D)
Today’s visit will be at the historic Tagus Cove, an anchorage site for ships since the 1800s, where a trail leads up to Darwin Lake and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Later, we can explore Elizabeth Bay, which is home to a diverse range of marine life. The mangrove forests and clear waters provide ideal conditions to spot penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and an array of colorful fish.

Day 5: Isabela Island (B, L, D)
Our journey continues where we’ll explore Urbina Bay, located at the base of Alcedo Volcano. Volcanic activity has raised the land here, creating a fascinating landscape with land iguanas, hawks, and giant tortoises. In the afternoon, we will visit Moreno Point, an area of lava flows with tide pools. The brackish pools host pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and sea turtles, making it an excellent spot for hiking and snorkeling.

Day 6: Isabela Island (B, L, D)
Today we’ll embark on a scenic hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has one of the largest basaltic calderas in the world. The trek offers impressive views and a chance to spot finches and other unique wildlife. Later, we can visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, where tortoises from different parts of Isabela Island are bred in captivity. This conservation site offers insights into the efforts to preserve these iconic Galapagos species.

Day 7: Floreana Island (B, L, D)
This morning will include a snorkel around Devil’s Crown, a partially submerged volcanic crater with diverse marine life, before visiting Cormorant Point, known for its flamingo-filled lagoon and unique olivine green beaches. We’ll continue to Post Office Bay, where we can participate in the Galapagos' unique tradition of placing a postcard in a historic barrel for hand-delivery by future visitors.

Day 8: Mosquera Islet (B, L, D)
We conclude our journey on Mosquera Islet, a small reef between Baltra and North Seymour Island. This islet boasts one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galapagos and is an excellent spot for shorebird sightings. On occasion, orcas can also be spotted here. After a final morning of exploration, we’ll be transferred to Baltra Airport for our departure flight back to the mainland. Airport transfers will take us to our overnight accommodation in Quito.

Day 9: Departure (B)
After a final breakfast where we’ll bid farewell to the friends we’ve made on this trip, airport transfers will take us to the airport for our flights home.


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 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 2025

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 2025
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