Galapagos Conservation Photography Tour

• All profits support conservation efforts

• Work directly with local researchers

• Unique experiences

• Personalized service

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive to Quito

Fly from your home to Quito, Ecuador. We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the EB Hotel Quito Airport (1 night). We will have a welcome briefing and then dinner at the hotel. Meals: D

DAY 2: Fly to San Cristobal, Loberia Beach Snorkel

Let the photo adventure begin! This morning, the group will meet our local representative at the Quito airport to take a short flight to one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago, San Cristobal. We’ll land in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a coastal town and the administrative capital of the islands. After a quick check in to our hotel we will savor a buffet style lunch, allowing us to try some local dishes and snacks.

After lunch, we’ll head to Loberia Beach which is a short drive from town and an easy walk down the beach. Loberia is the perfect sandy spot to observe sea lions in their natural habitat. They play, nap and sometimes, they pose for pictures and play with you! Green turtles can also often be found here. Along the way, keep a lookout for marine iguanas that can usually be found lounging in the shade of the salt brush and other coastal flora. Tonight’s dinner is at a neighborhood restaurant where travelers can try classic Ecuadorian and Galápagos specialties. Overnight at Seaside Hotel (3 nights). Meals: BL

DAY 3: Kicker Rock Snorkel Tour

Today we travel by boat to Kicker Rock (León Dormido), one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Galápagos. This striking formation rises dramatically from the ocean as two towering volcanic cliffs, separated by a narrow channel formed by erosion over time.

The area around Kicker Rock is known for its deep waters and strong currents, which help attract a wide variety of marine life. Once in the water, you’ll snorkel along the vertical rock walls and, conditions permitting, pass through the channel between them.

These clear, open waters offer good opportunities to observe and photograph marine life such as sea turtles, rays, and schools of tropical fish. With a bit of luck, you may also spot reef sharks or larger species moving through the deeper sections. Between snorkel sessions, there will be time to take in and photograph the dramatic landscape from the boat. The scale and contrast of the rock formations against the open ocean make this a great setting for wide-angle shots. We’ll also stop at a nearby beach, accessible only by boat, where you can relax or swim before returning to town in the afternoon. Meals: BL

DAY 4: Flight to Isabela, Bay Kayak, and Breeding Center

This morning, we take a small aircraft flight to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galápagos. Formed by the merging of several volcanoes, Isabela is known for its dramatic landscapes, broad coastlines, and quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Flying low over the archipelago, you’ll have the chance to take in aerial views of lava fields, volcanic formations, and the island’s rugged coastline.

Upon arrival, we begin exploring the wetlands just outside Puerto Villamil. This network of lagoons, mangroves, and walking trails is home to a variety of birdlife, including flamingos, pintail ducks, and herons. Following these paths, we’ll make our way to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, where you can observe and photograph tortoises at different stages of development while learning about local conservation efforts.

In the afternoon, we head out onto the water for a relaxed kayak in the bay. The calm, sheltered conditions offer a different perspective of the coastline, with possible sightings of sea turtles, rays, and seabirds. With a bit of luck, Galápagos penguins may also be spotted along the shoreline or near the mangroves. Meals: BLD

DAY 5: Tintoreras & Free Afternoon

This morning, we visit Tintoreras, a group of small lava islets located just off the coast of Puerto Villamil. Formed by relatively recent volcanic activity, this area is characterized by jagged black lava, calm turquoise channels, and a surprising concentration of wildlife in a compact space.

A short walk along the trails takes you past colonies of marine iguanas, often seen basking on the dark lava rocks after feeding in the ocean. The contrast between the black lava and the iguanas creates great opportunities for photography, especially in the morning light.

Tintoreras is also known for its narrow lava channels, where white-tip reef sharks—locally known as “tintoreras”—can sometimes be seen resting in the shallow water. During our snorkel, you may also encounter sea turtles, rays, reef fish, and occasionally sea lions. With some luck, Galápagos penguins may also be spotted along the rocky shoreline.

The calm conditions here make for a relaxed and accessible snorkel, as well as a nice balance between land and water exploration. The afternoon is free—ideal for reviewing photos, enjoying the beach, or heading back out to explore more of Puerto Villamil at your own pace. Meals: BL

DAY 6: Tuneles & Free Afternoon

Today we visit Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa), one of the most unique and visually striking environments in the Galápagos. This area was formed when lava flows reached the ocean and cooled, creating a network of arches, tunnels, and sheltered pools both above and below the water. The result is a calm, protected marine environment that supports a wide variety of species.

As we explore by boat, you’ll navigate through these natural formations, with opportunities to observe seabirds such as blue-footed boobies often resting or nesting on the lava. The contrast between the black lava, turquoise water, and open sky makes this a particularly scenic location.

Snorkeling here is generally done in shallow, clear water, making it easier to observe marine life. You may encounter sea turtles feeding or resting, rays gliding along the sandy bottom, and a variety of reef fish. With some luck, it’s also possible to spot seahorses tucked into the reef or white-tip reef sharks resting in protected areas. The calm conditions and visibility often make this one of the more accessible and rewarding snorkel sites in the islands. We’ll return to town in the afternoon, with free time to relax, review photos, or explore further at your own pace. Meals: BL

DAY 7: Sulfur Mines & Boat Transfer to Santa Cruz

This morning, we head into the highlands of Isabela to visit the Sulfur Mines (Minas de Azufre), located on the slopes of Sierra Negra Volcano. The journey takes us through changing landscapes—from coastal vegetation to more barren, volcanic terrain. Once at the site, the environment feels quite different from the rest of the islands. Steam vents, mineral deposits, and bright yellow sulfur formations create a stark and otherworldly setting, shaped by ongoing geothermal activity.

As you walk through the area, you’ll notice the contrast between the dark lava fields, offering interesting opportunities for landscape and detail photography. While wildlife is less common here, the focus shifts to textures, patterns, and the raw geological forces that formed the islands.

After the excursion, we return to town and prepare for the boat transfer to Santa Cruz Island. The crossing takes around two hours, and along the way there may be chances to spot seabirds or passing marine life, depending on conditions. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and settle in for the evening. Meals: BLD

DAY 8: Highlands Giant Tortoises & Darwin Research Station

Today we explore the Santa Cruz Highlands, a lush, green contrast to the drier coastal areas of the island. This cooler region is one of the best places to observe giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural environment. We’ll visit a highland reserve, where tortoises can often be seen feeding, resting in mud pools, or slowly moving through the vegetation. Photographing them here offers a different perspective from the breeding centers, with opportunities to capture both the animals and their habitat.

We’ll also visit nearby lava tunnels, formed by ancient volcanic flows. Walking through these underground passages gives a sense of the island’s volcanic origins and offers interesting opportunities for low-light, texture, and perspective photography.

In the afternoon, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, an important center for conservation and scientific work in the Galápagos. Here, you’ll learn about programs supporting giant tortoise recovery, habitat restoration, and the protection of native species. This evening, we’ll enjoy a final dinner together and reflect on the journey through the islands. Meals: BL

DAY 9: North Seymour Day Tour or Bartolomé day tour

Today we visit North Seymour Island, widely regarded as one of the finest wildlife photography destinations in the Galápagos. Although relatively small, North Seymour supports one of the archipelago's largest seabird breeding colonies. Walking the island's trails, you'll have outstanding opportunities to photograph magnificent frigatebirds displaying their bright red inflatable throat pouches during courtship, as well as blue-footed boobies performing their famous mating dance.

The island is also home to swallow-tailed gulls, yellow land iguanas, lava lizards and large colonies of sea lions along the shoreline. The open terrain and close proximity of wildlife make North Seymour an exceptional location for behavioural and portrait photography.

Following the land visit, weather and sea conditions permitting, there is usually an opportunity to snorkel, where you may encounter sea turtles, rays, reef fish and playful sea lions. After returning to Santa Cruz, we enjoy our farewell dinner and celebrate an unforgettable journey. Meals: BLD

*Please note if the day tour to North Seymour is not available, we will visit Bartolome Islands instead. 

DAY 10: Return to Quito

This morning, we transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Quito. The journey begins with a short drive across Santa Cruz Island, followed by a ferry crossing over the Itabaca Channel to reach Baltra. From there, it’s a brief transfer to the airport where your guide will assist with check-in.

As you depart the islands, this is a final chance to take in the unique landscapes that have defined your journey—from volcanic terrain to coastal ecosystems—and reflect on the wildlife encounters and moments captured along the way. Meals: B

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