Join myself and Terra Photography on a photography expedition to the Galapagos Islands, one of Earth's most iconic natural wonders. We’ve chartered a private yacht exclusively for our group to explore these magical islands on a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.
The Galapagos are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and probably need no introduction. They consist of thirteen large islands and their geographical isolation have given rise to a high degree of biodiversity with more than 45 endemic bird species, 42 reptile species, 15 mammal species and 79 fish species living there and coexist harmoniously with the local population. But these numbers can’t really communicate the magic of experiencing this place, of walking along beaches and snorkelling in waters teeming with life. These islands really are among the most stunning places in the world with an astonishing variety of wildlife that doesn’t see you as a threat and so is remarkably unbothered by the presence. We’ll photograph animals and birds on land, and dive beneath the ocean with snorkels to capture the abundant marine life in what will be one of the most incredible experiences of your life, aside from providing unmatched photographic opportunities.
This tour is limited to 12 participants with 2 photographic guides, and like all my workshops is designed to ensure that you can focus on photography while we take care of everything else. From the outstanding accommodation, great food and of course a tour that’s structured to maximize your opportunities to get great images whilst improving your skills as a photographer. In the field we’re on hand to provide as much support, advice or guidance as you want, and we’ll back this up with theory, critique and post-processing techniques.
Partners are absolutely welcome on this trip as this is the kind of experience that even someone who’s not interested in photography can enjoy, even the kind of partner that would never pick up any camera other than the phone. Aside from the excitement of having wildlife encounters and experiencing nature in its purest state, there are opportunities for snorkelling and swimming in the crystal clear ocean, watching the sunsets from the boat, and hikes across fascinating volcanic landscapes.
THE WEATHER
February offers a great opportunity to explore the Islands. It is characterized by warm days with calm seas. Tropical rains can be expected but we will dry out quickly when the sun inevitably comes out again. The temperature ranges between highs of 30°C (86°F), and lows of 21°C (70°F) and it really is one of the best time of the year to visit Galapagos!
FOOD
All main meals are included throughout the tour. Kindly be in touch with any dietary restrictions.
THE ACCOMMODATION
For our stay in Quito, we will be lodged in a quality hotel not far from the airport. In Galapagos, we will be staying in a well-equipped and comfortable yacht that has been chartered for our group. With ammenities like a jacuzzi on deck and incredible food you'll be able to relax with beautiful views.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND LOCAL ETHOS
Terra Photography Expeditions has a strict leave no trace policy.
IMPORTANT NOTE
This tour is different from my other tours in that due to the nature of the boat charter, we have limited time to sell it, and all bookings must be complete by Monday 6 May in order for it to be sustainable .
PRICE
$13,450
(Price is for shared occupancy. Unfortunately due to the nature of the accommodation single occupancy is only possible by purchasing two places)
GROUP SIZE
10-12
EXPERIENCE
All levels of photography, and non-photographing partners are also welcome. This is the kind of trip that can be “experienced” as well as photographed.
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
This expedition has a LOW EFFORT RATING. We can expect to be out around 7 hours per day with light trekking. Previous trekking experience is not necessary. More info about effort levels here.
WORKSHOP INCLUDES
Landscape and wildlife photography in unforgettable locations
Professional photographers & guides who know the islands
Guided walks by qualified guides
All breakfast, lunches and dinners (starting at dinner on day 1, and finishing with breakfast on day 9)
Snorkelling sessions and all snorkelling equipment
All park entrance fees (except the Galapagos Tourist tax that must be paid in person)
Post-processing workshops in Lightroom and Photoshop, with screen recordings which the participants can keep
Theory and critique sessions
All accommodations
Local transportation between the boat and Galapagos airport
Airport transfer to/from Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre, Quito Start: Quito - Ecuador, 16 Jun 2025,
End: Quito - Ecuador, 28 Jun 2025
NOT INCLUDED
Snacks and alcoholic drinks
Flights to and from Ecuador
Galapagos tourist tax (at the moment 100 USD paid in CASH only)
Insurance. All participants are required to have their own insurance appropriate for this tour such as health, accident, mountain rescue, repatriation, cancellation, personal liability, etc.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
EXPLORE THE ISLANDS ON A
private chartered yacht
STUNNING VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES
CLOSE UP WITH AN INCREDIBLE VARIETY OF WILDLIFE
SNORKEL ALONGSIDE CURIOUS MARINE LIFE
ITINERARY
DAY 1 | ARRIVAL DAY
All-day arrivals and pick-up from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador. On arrival, you will be transferred to our lodge not far from the airport. In the evening we will meet for a refreshing welcome drink, tour briefing, and welcome dinner. If you’re eager to explore Quito’s rich culture and history, consider arriving a couple of days early to check the beautifully preserved colonial Old Town, one of the most charming in all of South America.
DAY 2 | QUITO - GALÁPAGOS | EMBARKATION DAY
Our day starts early in the morning, with a short flight towards the Galápagos Islands. As we arrive on the islands, we will have a first glimpse of a unique array of wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. This living laboratory of evolution, which inspired Darwin’s groundbreaking ideas, is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its global ecological significance.
We will transfer directly to our comfortable private yacht, our home for the next days. After lunch, we’ll head out for a first exploration and get our cameras ready for our first shoot.
Day 3 - 8 | EXPEDITION CRUISE
It’s hard to explain how magical the Galapagos really are, but the moment you set foot on the island you’ll see it and feel it. Stepping over reclining sea loins on the beach, pelicans that sit unconcerned as you walk past, and boobies diving in the water that you’re swimming in are experiences that only the Galapagos can offer. The animals here aren’t shy. With no natural predators, many species have little fear of humans, meaning you will often find yourself just a few feet away from your subject. This rare intimacy is what makes the Galápagos so rewarding for photographers: eye-level portraits of marine iguanas, close encounters with curious sea lions, and quiet moments with nesting seabirds.
Every day brings us to a new island with a new ecosystem. You will explore the islands on foot, by zodiac from our boat, and from in the water itself. Aside from the abundance of wildlife everywhere, land excursions reveal the textures and colors of the terrain, we’ll hike to viewpoints from where you can capture wide scenics of the craters that are the geological heritage of these volcanic islands, and wander the lava fields shooting abstract images of the black rock.
We’ll also have several snorkeling sessions, guided by our passionate local guide where you’ll find yourself immersed in the marine world below the surface. It’s common to find yourself swimming alongside sea lions, penguins and giant turtles, and amongst thousands of colourful fish - it’s a full-sensory experience and one of the most incredible experiences anywhere on the planet.
When we’re not on excursions we’ll relax on our comfortable boat. There’ll be lectures from our guide on the islands themselves, and talks on photographic techniques and post - processing from myself and Jonas. You’ll be able to relax on deck watching as we pass by the islands, and eat incredible meals prepared by the amazing crew. It really is an amazing trip in one of the most special places in the world
DAY 9 | GALAPAGOS - QUITO
We will enjoy one final outing before disembarking and saying farewell to the islands. A return flight will bring us back to Quito in the late afternoon. From there, you can catch an international connection or stay the night in the city. You’ll leave the Galápagos with incredible memories of one of the most unique places on the planet..
WHAT WE DO (AND WHAT WE WANT YOU TO GET FROM OUR WORKSHOPS)
Our aim is to take you to beautiful locations and give you every opportunity to get great images while improving your technique over the course of the workshop. We believe that spending plenty of time each day means that participants get into a shooting rhythm and can quickly put into practice new skills as they are learned. We ensure we spend plenty of time with everyone in the field so from the beginning of your time with us we can identify your photographic level and what you’d like to focus on. We can then tailor the sessions to your precise needs and provide each participant with plenty of one-to-one tuition both in the field and in the post processing sessions.
We believe that editing is an integral part of getting the absolute best out of an image but we understand that the range of participant’s skill levels and familiarity with post processing techniques varies greatly. Because of this we make the most of having small groups to provide 1-to-1 editing sessions in the morning that are tailored to each participant's skill levels, and which can potentially range from the basics of editing a RAW file in Lightroom to more complex techniques like using layers and luminosity masks in Photoshop.
Additionally, we’ll have sessions the theory behind photography in a dynamic way that directly translates into easily actionable processes in the field, as well as critique sessions towards the end of the trip.
Finally, we want to share with you our passion for nature and landscape photography in this incredible place. We’ll quickly build a great learning environment where people feel comfortable together and at ease with asking questions and making the absolute most of the trip.. We aim to make your experience here in the beautiful landscapes of the Amazon and Galapagos a memorable one and a trip from which, as well as getting some great images from amazing locations, you’ll also go home having had a true adventure with great company in a very special place.
TECHNIQUES COVERED IN THE EXPEDITION
IN THE FIELD
Understanding the light and choosing the best exposure
Composition. Balance and harmony, leading lines and creating depth.
Shutter speeds for wildlife photography
Lens choice. From the wide-angle vista to getting in tight with a telephoto lens
Selecting focus
Controlling light in scenes with a wide dynamic range using multiple exposures
Photographing in low light beneath the canopy
Shooting in the bright sunny weather
PROCESSING
Deciding which direction to take post processing according to the mood of an image
Using Lightroom to apply contrast locally
“Shaping” the light using contrast tools in Photoshop and Lightroom to bring attention to certain parts of the image
Different techniques for blending multiple exposures of the same image
Stitching multiple panoramas together
Finishing touches for processing to give images dramatic punch
Sharpening images
THE GUIDES
ANDY MUMFORD - CREATIVE GUIDE
Andy is a Lisbon based professional landscape and travel photographer. Andy grew up in the UK loving nature and travel and took up landscape photography over a decade ago. Since then he has travelled extensively photographing all over the world and his photography and articles have featured in publications and books worldwide. He is a passionate photographer teacher and has been leading both group and one-to-one workshops for five years.
He is a Fuji X Photographer and a brand ambassador for Fujifilm in Portugal, although he also has extensive experience with Nikon and Canon cameras
JONAS PAURELL - CREATIVE GUIDE & EXPEDITION LEADER
Jonas is the founder of Terra Photography Expeditions. He has been a photographer for well over 20 years. He is a certified International Mountain Leader (UIMLA) that has spent a lifetime exploring the world's wild areas. Jonas will be leading the expedition.
Jonas loves working with developing photographers to strengthen their technical foundation and support them to unleach their inner creativity. Jonas achieves this through engaging lectures, educative assignments and hands-on teaching in the field.
READ TESTIMONIALS FROM MY WORKSHOPS
REGISTRATION
To register for the workshop we require a deposit of 30% of the total amount.
The workshops is run through Terra Photography, my partner Jonas Paurell’s workshop company . You just need to complete the booking form on my his site by clicking the button below. Jonas or his wife Veronica will then get back you with details on how to pay the deposit.
Terra Photography’s terms and conditions can also be viewed by clicking on the lower button, and if you have any questions at all you can contact me via email here