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Galápagos

The Enchanted Islands

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Located on the equator, 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador, are Las Islas Encantadas—the Enchanted Islands. Better known as the Galápagos Archipelago, the Galápagos are a world apart—an untamed sanctuary where wildlife have evolved in isolation, producing species found nowhere else. In the absence of natural predators, animals here are astonishingly fearless, offering rare and intimate photographic opportunities. From volcanic landscapes shaped by fire to brilliant turquoise waters teeming with marine life, every island tells a story of adaptation and survival.

2026 Galápagos

Our adventure begins in Quito, Ecuador, before flying to Baltra and setting sail to Mosquera Islet, one of the smallest islands in the archipelago. Surrounded by coral reefs and rich in marine life, this islet is inhabited by one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the Galápagos. As the sea lions sprawl along the sandy shore, Blue-footed Boobies dive with precision, and bright Sally Lightfoot Crabs scurry across the black volcanic rock, a dazzling contrast of color and texture.

We journey to the otherworldly lava fields of Sullivan Bay, with its billowing lava formations frozen in time from an eruption just two centuries earlier. Nearby Rábida Island glows with its iron-rich red sands and teems with life; Galápagos Hawks soar above and Brown Pelicans nest undisturbed along the shore. These islands, untouched by mainland predators, allow birds and reptiles to thrive in remarkable abundance. On Fernandina Island, the youngest and most volcanically active island in the archipelago, marine iguanas gather in droves, basking on sun-warmed lava flows. Flightless Cormorants, expert divers and an evolutionary marvel—nest along the coast. We drift through the secluded mangroves of Elizabeth Bay, a vital breeding habitat for Galapagos Penguins.

Isabela Island is shaped by six volcanoes and is an evolutionary haven. Isabela provides shelter to multiple subspecies of giant tortoises, land iguanas, and fourteen species of “Darwin’s finches”, including the highly endangered Mangrove Finch, found nowhere else in the world. At Tagus Cove, once a pirate hideout, the cliffs are etched with centuries-old carvings and ships’ names, marking the passage of sailors who once roamed these remote waters.

Santiago’s Puerto Egas offers striking black sand beaches, while Bartolomé Island boasts one of the most breathtaking views in the Galápagos—Pinnacle Rock rising from the sea. If we’re fortunate, we may witness sea turtles nesting beneath the stars. At Sombrero Chino, Galápagos Penguins dart through crystalline waters, while on Cerro Dragón, we might capture dream-like images of yellow land iguanas blending into a landscape of towering prickly pear cacti. A nearby hypersaline lagoon shimmers pink with red algae and reflections of flamingos wading through its shallows.

We wander beneath Scalesia, or Giant Daisy Tree forests—a unique ecosystem found only in the Galápagos—as we ascend into the misty highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The Charles Darwin Research Station offers a closer look at conservation efforts, where giant tortoises, once near extinction, are reared and re-introduced to the wild.

2026 Galápagos

A large population of Magnificent Frigatebirds await us on North Seymour Island. During the breeding season, males inflate their brilliant red throat pouches in an elaborate display to attract mates. As we walk among the nesting sites, we watch Blue-footed Boobies performing their slow-motion courtship dance, lifting their sky-blue feet in exaggerated steps. Along the cliffs, swallow-tailed gulls perch at the edge, while below, sea lions haul themselves onto the rocky shore, joining marine iguanas who blend seamlessly into the dark, weathered stone.

The Galápagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth—an open-air museum of evolution, where each island reveals a new chapter in a story millions of years in the making, and where nature unfolds before your lens in vivid, unforgettable detail.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
June 11
Arrive Quito in the afternoon and transfer to our hotel. A group dinner is planned for this evening. (D)

Day 2

We fly to Baltra in the Galápagos, complete national park formalities and set off to sea aboard our comfortable yacht. Our first photographic landing is at Mosquera Islet, a reef of rocks and coral, formed by geologic upheaval. This small islet is an excellent location to closely observe and photograph one of the largest populations of Galápagos Sea Lions. With luck, we may even see the world’s rarest gull, the black-feathered Lava Gull. (BLD)

Day 3
We visit the surreal terrain of Sullivan Bay, where a dramatic eruption left behind a vast expanse of hardened lava. Striking formations of ropy lava and spatter cones comprise a graphic photographer’s dream landscape. We may also find an occasional shy Galápagos Penguin here, the world’s northernmost penguin species. Later in the day we travel to Rábida Island which lies at the center of the Galápagos archipelago. Here clusters of sea lions lounge on the red sand beachs. Brown Pelicans commonly nest at shoulder height in saltbushes along a nearby trail, which leads to a secluded saltwater lagoon. The island is a good location to see Blue-footed Boobies, Galápagos Doves and to search for endemic Galápagos Hawks, some of which may perch directly over our heads. (BLD)

 

Day 4
Fernandina Island lies on the westernmost edge of the archipelago and is bathed by the cool waters of the Cromwell Current. Our landing site at Punta Espinosa is our best chance to photograph Flightless Cormorants. The gin-clear waters are rich in nutritious algae and host the largest colony of marine iguanas in the archipelago, both in numbers and in physical size. In the afternoon, we explore the mangrove channels of Elizabeth Bay, which is a core breeding area for rare and endemic Galapagos Penguins. At the mouth of Elizabeth Bay, you are likely to see sea turtles, Eagle Rays, Flightless Cormorants and photogenic penguins foraging. (BLD)

Day 5
Continuing our exploration of the west side of Isabela Island, we will land today in Urbina Bay for a walk through the forest in search of large land iguanas, finches, warblers and flycatchers.  This is also a reliable place to see giant tortoises. After lunch, we motor north to Tagus Cove, watching enroute for pods of dolphins and pilot whales. Here, we plan to take a panga ride along the cliffs in search of penguins, Brown Noddies, Flightless Cormorants and marine iguanas soaking up the sun. Tagus Cove is a former refuge of pirates and whalers on the western shoreline of the island. (BLD)

Day 6
A stroll along the intertidal rocks of Puerto Egas on Santiago Island reveals black sand beaches and opportunity to see endemic Galápagos Finches, doves and hawks. Along the coast, photography might include wave-splashed marine iguanas, gaudy orange Sally Lightfoot Crabs, and feeding American Oystercatchers, Lava Heron and Yellow-crowned Night Heron.  We eventually reach a colony of Galápagos Fur Seals sleeping under the rocky crevices along the shore. Later, we travel to Bartolomé Island, a small islet with sweeping white sand beaches, skirting rugged, craggy slopes. Activities here include swimming, snorkeling, and a climb to the summit of the island for one of the archipelago’s most breathtaking views. If the day is sunny, there are backlit vistas of extraordinary volcanic cones on nearby Santiago Island in the distance. (BLD)

Day 7
After breakfast, we land on the rugged basalt shoreline of Sombrero Chino. This small islet is named for its distinctive shape. This is an excellent location to observe marine iguanas, Galápagos Penguins and Eagle Rays. The stunning landscape and crashing waves make for an exhilarating morning of landscape photography. We return to the boat for lunch.  In the afternoon, we make a dry landing on Cerro Dragón, or Dragon Hill, named for its breeding colony of land iguanas that burrow into the rocky terrain. Here you can photograph the iguanas among the Opuntia cacti, which provide them with both food and moisture during the dry season. We walk to a hypersaline lagoon—saltier than the ocean—where we may spot American Flamingos, Black-necked Stilts, or White-cheeked Pintail Ducks. Along the way, we might also see several species of endemic Darwin’s finches with their specialized bills, Galápagos Mockingbirds and other native birds. Before returning to the yacht for dinner and our nightly orientation, there will be time for an optional swim or snorkel. (BLD)

Day 8
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, we explore the lush Scalesia forests, investigate volcanic craters and lava tubes. We may visit a tortoise reserve to photograph these charismatic animals in the wild. In the small city of Puerto Ayora, we spend time at the Charles Darwin Research Station, which plays a major role in the environmental monitoring of the archipelago. Here we see rearing pens for giant tortoises from the different islands and have another chance to capture the large reptiles at close range. (BLD)

Day 9
June 19
Morning photography on North Seymour Island, with its low-flat profile and small forest of silvery Palo Santo trees. At this time of year, Magnificent Frigatebirds and Blue-footed Boobies engage in dazzling courtship displays and nest along the trail. Sea lions and marine iguanas share the rocky shoreline, while Swallow-tailed Gulls fly overhead. Later, we return to Baltra for our included internal flight to Quito. Arrange for flights home in the evening. (B)

Please Note:
Participants should allow for flexibility due to changes in weather, natural history events or other logistical arrangements deemed necessary by our leaders. Final determinations are subject to permits issued by the Galápagos National Park Service.

Tip Top II

The luxurious 104-foot Tip Top II offers the elegance and amenities to make your cruise a comfortable and unforgettable experience. Upper Deck cabins have private balconies, twin or single bed options with private bath. Main Deck cabins have twin or single bed options, large windows with expansive ocean views, private bath. All cabins are air-conditioned. The yacht’s spacious cabins are much more akin to cabins on a cruise ship rather than the small cabins with upper and lower berths featured on most vessels operating in the Galápagos.

There is a spacious air-conditioned dining room with an excellent dining experience, a well-appointed lounge area and bar, plus many decks—outstanding platforms for photography—with comfortable lounge chairs from which you can enjoy the relaxing sparkle of equatorial waters, discuss photography and natural history with our leaders and fellow travelers, as well as search for seabirds and whales.

Tour Details

Jun 11 2026 – Jun 19 2026
Register Now
Fee: $11,995 - $14,495 from Quito, Ecuador
Deposit: $3,000
Limit: 14 participants
Activity Level: Easy
*Fee notes: CABIN FEES per person
Upper Deck Cabin: $12,995
Main Deck Cabin: $11,995
Single Cabin: $14,495
» Terms and Conditions

Tour Highlights

  • Luxurious cruising, with plenty of onshore time to explore the most photogenic wildlife locations in the Galápagos
  • Cruise in a comfortable and spacious vessel with just 14 photographers
  • Catamaran provides plenty of outside deck space for photography
  • Colorful boobies, gulls and frigatebirds in courtship display within a few feet of your camera
  • Snorkel with Galápagos penguins, sea lions and spectacular colorful fish
  • Trip includes all meals and shipboard lodging, hotel accommodation in Quito, round-trip internal flights, Galápagos National Park fees, photo guide and instruction

Tour Leaders

Melissa Scott

Melissa Scott
» Learn more about Melissa and see Melissa's upcoming tours and trip reports.

Testimonials

The Galápagos Islands are a must-see for any nature photographer. The trip with Van Os was outstanding in every way and provided incredible photo opportunities.
—Peter B.

One of the best trips we’ve taken! Organization, guides,boat staff and itinerary exceeded our expectations!!
—Linda C.

Trip Reports

Ultimate Galapagos 2024 Trip Report

Ultimate Galapagos 2024 Trip Report

by Wayne LynchView Report

Get Your Free Ebook!

Adobe lightroom book
Learn how to organize your images with Adobe Lightroom. Editing, processing, and storage. Renowned nature photographer John Shaw shares his tips and workflow.
See Additional Photos »
ASK A QUESTION

Tour Highlights

  • Luxurious cruising, with plenty of onshore time to explore the most photogenic wildlife locations in the Galápagos
  • Cruise in a comfortable and spacious vessel with just 14 photographers
  • Catamaran provides plenty of outside deck space for photography
  • Colorful boobies, gulls and frigatebirds in courtship display within a few feet of your camera
  • Snorkel with Galápagos penguins, sea lions and spectacular colorful fish
  • Trip includes all meals and shipboard lodging, hotel accommodation in Quito, round-trip internal flights, Galápagos National Park fees, photo guide and instruction

Tour Details

Jun 11 2026 – Jun 19 2026
Register Now
Fee: $11,995 - $14,495 from Quito, Ecuador
Deposit: $3,000
Limit: 14 participants
Activity Level: Easy
*Fee notes: CABIN FEES per person
Upper Deck Cabin: $12,995
Main Deck Cabin: $11,995
Single Cabin: $14,495
» Terms and Conditions

  • Tour Description

    Tour Description

    Located on the equator, 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador, are Las Islas Encantadas—the Enchanted Islands. Better known as the Galápagos Archipelago, the Galápagos are a world apart—an untamed sanctuary where wildlife have evolved in isolation, producing species found nowhere else. In the absence of natural predators, animals here are astonishingly fearless, offering rare and intimate photographic opportunities. From volcanic landscapes shaped by fire to brilliant turquoise waters teeming with marine life, every island tells a story of adaptation and survival.

    2026 Galápagos

    Our adventure begins in Quito, Ecuador, before flying to Baltra and setting sail to Mosquera Islet, one of the smallest islands in the archipelago. Surrounded by coral reefs and rich in marine life, this islet is inhabited by one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the Galápagos. As the sea lions sprawl along the sandy shore, Blue-footed Boobies dive with precision, and bright Sally Lightfoot Crabs scurry across the black volcanic rock, a dazzling contrast of color and texture.

    We journey to the otherworldly lava fields of Sullivan Bay, with its billowing lava formations frozen in time from an eruption just two centuries earlier. Nearby Rábida Island glows with its iron-rich red sands and teems with life; Galápagos Hawks soar above and Brown Pelicans nest undisturbed along the shore. These islands, untouched by mainland predators, allow birds and reptiles to thrive in remarkable abundance. On Fernandina Island, the youngest and most volcanically active island in the archipelago, marine iguanas gather in droves, basking on sun-warmed lava flows. Flightless Cormorants, expert divers and an evolutionary marvel—nest along the coast. We drift through the secluded mangroves of Elizabeth Bay, a vital breeding habitat for Galapagos Penguins.

    Isabela Island is shaped by six volcanoes and is an evolutionary haven. Isabela provides shelter to multiple subspecies of giant tortoises, land iguanas, and fourteen species of “Darwin’s finches”, including the highly endangered Mangrove Finch, found nowhere else in the world. At Tagus Cove, once a pirate hideout, the cliffs are etched with centuries-old carvings and ships’ names, marking the passage of sailors who once roamed these remote waters.

    Santiago’s Puerto Egas offers striking black sand beaches, while Bartolomé Island boasts one of the most breathtaking views in the Galápagos—Pinnacle Rock rising from the sea. If we’re fortunate, we may witness sea turtles nesting beneath the stars. At Sombrero Chino, Galápagos Penguins dart through crystalline waters, while on Cerro Dragón, we might capture dream-like images of yellow land iguanas blending into a landscape of towering prickly pear cacti. A nearby hypersaline lagoon shimmers pink with red algae and reflections of flamingos wading through its shallows.

    We wander beneath Scalesia, or Giant Daisy Tree forests—a unique ecosystem found only in the Galápagos—as we ascend into the misty highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The Charles Darwin Research Station offers a closer look at conservation efforts, where giant tortoises, once near extinction, are reared and re-introduced to the wild.

    2026 Galápagos

    A large population of Magnificent Frigatebirds await us on North Seymour Island. During the breeding season, males inflate their brilliant red throat pouches in an elaborate display to attract mates. As we walk among the nesting sites, we watch Blue-footed Boobies performing their slow-motion courtship dance, lifting their sky-blue feet in exaggerated steps. Along the cliffs, swallow-tailed gulls perch at the edge, while below, sea lions haul themselves onto the rocky shore, joining marine iguanas who blend seamlessly into the dark, weathered stone.

    The Galápagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth—an open-air museum of evolution, where each island reveals a new chapter in a story millions of years in the making, and where nature unfolds before your lens in vivid, unforgettable detail.

    Tip Top II

    The luxurious 104-foot Tip Top II offers the elegance and amenities to make your cruise a comfortable and unforgettable experience. Upper Deck cabins have private balconies, twin or single bed options with private bath. Main Deck cabins have twin or single bed options, large windows with expansive ocean views, private bath. All cabins are air-conditioned. The yacht’s spacious cabins are much more akin to cabins on a cruise ship rather than the small cabins with upper and lower berths featured on most vessels operating in the Galápagos.

    There is a spacious air-conditioned dining room with an excellent dining experience, a well-appointed lounge area and bar, plus many decks—outstanding platforms for photography—with comfortable lounge chairs from which you can enjoy the relaxing sparkle of equatorial waters, discuss photography and natural history with our leaders and fellow travelers, as well as search for seabirds and whales.

    Click to view larger image

  • Itinerary

    Tour Itinerary

    Day 1
    June 11
    Arrive Quito in the afternoon and transfer to our hotel. A group dinner is planned for this evening. (D)

    Day 2

    We fly to Baltra in the Galápagos, complete national park formalities and set off to sea aboard our comfortable yacht. Our first photographic landing is at Mosquera Islet, a reef of rocks and coral, formed by geologic upheaval. This small islet is an excellent location to closely observe and photograph one of the largest populations of Galápagos Sea Lions. With luck, we may even see the world’s rarest gull, the black-feathered Lava Gull. (BLD)

    Day 3
    We visit the surreal terrain of Sullivan Bay, where a dramatic eruption left behind a vast expanse of hardened lava. Striking formations of ropy lava and spatter cones comprise a graphic photographer’s dream landscape. We may also find an occasional shy Galápagos Penguin here, the world’s northernmost penguin species. Later in the day we travel to Rábida Island which lies at the center of the Galápagos archipelago. Here clusters of sea lions lounge on the red sand beachs. Brown Pelicans commonly nest at shoulder height in saltbushes along a nearby trail, which leads to a secluded saltwater lagoon. The island is a good location to see Blue-footed Boobies, Galápagos Doves and to search for endemic Galápagos Hawks, some of which may perch directly over our heads. (BLD)

     

    Day 4
    Fernandina Island lies on the westernmost edge of the archipelago and is bathed by the cool waters of the Cromwell Current. Our landing site at Punta Espinosa is our best chance to photograph Flightless Cormorants. The gin-clear waters are rich in nutritious algae and host the largest colony of marine iguanas in the archipelago, both in numbers and in physical size. In the afternoon, we explore the mangrove channels of Elizabeth Bay, which is a core breeding area for rare and endemic Galapagos Penguins. At the mouth of Elizabeth Bay, you are likely to see sea turtles, Eagle Rays, Flightless Cormorants and photogenic penguins foraging. (BLD)

    Day 5
    Continuing our exploration of the west side of Isabela Island, we will land today in Urbina Bay for a walk through the forest in search of large land iguanas, finches, warblers and flycatchers.  This is also a reliable place to see giant tortoises. After lunch, we motor north to Tagus Cove, watching enroute for pods of dolphins and pilot whales. Here, we plan to take a panga ride along the cliffs in search of penguins, Brown Noddies, Flightless Cormorants and marine iguanas soaking up the sun. Tagus Cove is a former refuge of pirates and whalers on the western shoreline of the island. (BLD)

    Day 6
    A stroll along the intertidal rocks of Puerto Egas on Santiago Island reveals black sand beaches and opportunity to see endemic Galápagos Finches, doves and hawks. Along the coast, photography might include wave-splashed marine iguanas, gaudy orange Sally Lightfoot Crabs, and feeding American Oystercatchers, Lava Heron and Yellow-crowned Night Heron.  We eventually reach a colony of Galápagos Fur Seals sleeping under the rocky crevices along the shore. Later, we travel to Bartolomé Island, a small islet with sweeping white sand beaches, skirting rugged, craggy slopes. Activities here include swimming, snorkeling, and a climb to the summit of the island for one of the archipelago’s most breathtaking views. If the day is sunny, there are backlit vistas of extraordinary volcanic cones on nearby Santiago Island in the distance. (BLD)

    Day 7
    After breakfast, we land on the rugged basalt shoreline of Sombrero Chino. This small islet is named for its distinctive shape. This is an excellent location to observe marine iguanas, Galápagos Penguins and Eagle Rays. The stunning landscape and crashing waves make for an exhilarating morning of landscape photography. We return to the boat for lunch.  In the afternoon, we make a dry landing on Cerro Dragón, or Dragon Hill, named for its breeding colony of land iguanas that burrow into the rocky terrain. Here you can photograph the iguanas among the Opuntia cacti, which provide them with both food and moisture during the dry season. We walk to a hypersaline lagoon—saltier than the ocean—where we may spot American Flamingos, Black-necked Stilts, or White-cheeked Pintail Ducks. Along the way, we might also see several species of endemic Darwin’s finches with their specialized bills, Galápagos Mockingbirds and other native birds. Before returning to the yacht for dinner and our nightly orientation, there will be time for an optional swim or snorkel. (BLD)

    Day 8
    Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, we explore the lush Scalesia forests, investigate volcanic craters and lava tubes. We may visit a tortoise reserve to photograph these charismatic animals in the wild. In the small city of Puerto Ayora, we spend time at the Charles Darwin Research Station, which plays a major role in the environmental monitoring of the archipelago. Here we see rearing pens for giant tortoises from the different islands and have another chance to capture the large reptiles at close range. (BLD)

    Day 9
    June 19
    Morning photography on North Seymour Island, with its low-flat profile and small forest of silvery Palo Santo trees. At this time of year, Magnificent Frigatebirds and Blue-footed Boobies engage in dazzling courtship displays and nest along the trail. Sea lions and marine iguanas share the rocky shoreline, while Swallow-tailed Gulls fly overhead. Later, we return to Baltra for our included internal flight to Quito. Arrange for flights home in the evening. (B)

    Please Note:
    Participants should allow for flexibility due to changes in weather, natural history events or other logistical arrangements deemed necessary by our leaders. Final determinations are subject to permits issued by the Galápagos National Park Service.

  • Tour Leaders

    Tour Leaders

    Melissa Scott

    Melissa Scott
    » Learn more about Melissa and see Melissa's upcoming tours and trip reports.

  • Testimonials

    Testimonials

    The Galápagos Islands are a must-see for any nature photographer. The trip with Van Os was outstanding in every way and provided incredible photo opportunities.
    —Peter B.

    One of the best trips we’ve taken! Organization, guides,boat staff and itinerary exceeded our expectations!!
    —Linda C.

Trip Reports

Ultimate Galapagos 2024 Trip Report

Ultimate Galapagos 2024 Trip Report

by Wayne LynchView Report

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By John Shaw

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For more information, check out our Privacy Policy.