20th of November to 1st of December 2018
Come and explore the amazing Galapagos Islands, camera in-hand. This trip is a unique Photo Expedition that will show the best Galapagos has to offer!
- Explore the islands from on deck, on foot and in the water, no doubt with your eyes open for your next unique sight.
- You'll encounter giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed and masked boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, as well as land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and perhaps dolphins, whales and sea turtles and much more! The wildlife are tame and plentiful and its no wonder the Galapagos Islands are one of the world's most popular places to visit for wildlife/nature photography.
This trip will be led by Michael Snedic, with a maximum of 9 participants for greater tutor/participant ratio.
*Full details, including the price, inclusions/exclusions and how to book, are at the bottom of this web page
Contact Michael Snedic directly
on +61 408 941 965
Your photography leader
Michael Snedic
On this expedition you will have access every day to professional wildlife/nature photographer and instructor, Michael Snedic. Michael is there to help you photograph the stunning scenery and wildlife we will encounter. He will be conducting a series of group tuitions sessions throughout the voyage, as well as being on-hand throughout the outings.
As a full-time professional, Michael is an accredited member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP). As well as being an experienced photographer, he is an experienced (14 years) photographic tutor.
Joint Travel Partner
Itinerary:
Day 1
Quito
Meals: none
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Quito, Ecuador. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America, sitting at an altitude of 2,850 metres with a view of Volcan Pichincha on the horizon. On day 1 there is a city tour (done by foot and using public transport) to show the beautiful Colonial style buildings and help you explore the nooks and crannies of cosy Old Town. We’ll be back in Quito at the end of the trip, giving you a chance to further experience the city in your free time.
Accommodation: Patio Andaluz or similar
Day 2
Quito – San Cristobal
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Quito airport (approximately 1 hour) for our flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos (approx 3.5 hrs).
We transfer from the airport to the hotel (approximately 15 minutes). Upon arrival we will have some time to settle in to your room before having lunch. Soon after we head out together to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the 'Enchanted Islands' and the conservation projects which seek to preserve the unique Galapagos wildlife. Next, make our way to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas), which is located two kilometres from the Interpretation Centere southwest of Isla San Cristobal. It's quite a climb to the top, but well worth the amazing views you will be able to photograph from the top. From here you can also see Kicker Rock, an eroded volcanic formation protruding from the sea which has become an emblem of the island.
Soon after, travel to La Loberia where you'll put on snorkelling gear for the first time and go for a swim with, and photograph,some sea lions, and maybe even some sea turtles. Continue back to town. Tonight you may wish to head out with the group and enjoy some of the fresh seafood available.
Accommodation: Hotel Miconia or similar
Day 3
San Cristobal
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Your second day at Isla San Cristobal begins with a short boat ride out to Kicker Rock, also known as Leon Dormido (said to look like the sleeping lion that its Spanish name translates to). You will be able to photograph the two towering volcanic rocks that rise 500 feet out of the ocean. A mild current in the chasm attracts hammerhead and harmless Galapagos sharks, as well as manta rays and schools of vividly coloured reef fish – all great photographic fodder!. This is seen as one of the best snorkelling spots in the whole Galapagos, and one of the best places on the planet to view marine life. A highlight of many travellers’ visits to the Galapagos, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes and along the way you can photograph famous wildlife like nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. When you arrive at Kicker Rock, strap on a mask, get your underwater point-and-shoot and jump into the water, where you will see and photographing sea lions do graceful cartwheels, reefs sharks drifting along the canyon floor, sea turtles effortlessly propelling themselves through the water and if you're luck hammerhead sharks.
Shortly after we'll head to a beach close by where we'll enjoy a box lunch. We'll return to town in the afternoon where you will have some free time to enjoy your final night in San Cristobal.
Accommodation: Hotel Miconia or similar
Day 4
San Cristobal – Floreana – Isabela
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Take an early morning boat ride today towards Floreana Island, which should take about 2.5 hours. Along the way keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready for wildlife such as dolphins and whales.
On arrival to the island, another snorkel in the clear blue waters and then break for lunch. Afterwards venture to a black sand beach which belongs to the Witmers, decedents of some of the first settlers on the Galapagos. The town here, Puerto Velasco Ibarra, has about 150 residents and an intriguing history involving deaths, disappearances and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isabela Island (approximately 2 hours).
From Isabela Port it's a short transfer to the hotel where we will spend the night (approximately 15 minutes).
Accommodation: Casa Marita or similar
Day 5
Isabela
Meals: Breakfast
Start your second day on Isla Isabela with a short bus ride (approximately 15 minutes) to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. The centre has almost a thousand giant tortoises training for life on their own, so there will be plenty of close-up photographic opportunities. After our visit we take a short bus ride (approximately 15 minutes) to a brackish lagoon where we will be able to observe flamingos.
After an informative visit, board a small pangas for Tintoreras or Shark Alley. On our way we will go along the coast line in the hope of photographing the spot blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin, who is home on the western part of the arquipelago. On arrival, hop off for a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas, where again your cameras will be going off! . Snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom.
In the late afternoon, return to town in search of your own sandy resting spot and enjoy your first Isabela sunset, arguably the most beautiful of all the islands.
Accommodation: Casa Marita or similar
Day 6
Isabela
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano (approximately 45 minutes by bus), one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and the second largest crater in the world. Weather permitting, take a challenging hike up the rocky mountain, which takes between five and six hours. Lot’s of photographic opportunities along the way.
After the hike, make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
Accommodation: Casa Marita or similar
Day 7
Isabela
Meals: Breakfast
This day will be free at Isabela. You can spend it at its beautiful beaches, either relaxing or photographing.
Accommodation: Casa Marita or similar
Day 8
Isabela – Puerto Ayora
Meals: Breakfast
Begin the day with a kayak excursion in a protected bay. While here, search for and photograph the protected Galapagos penguin – the only penguin found close the equator. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. Next head to Isla Santa Cruz, the tourist capital of Galapagos. Check in to the hotel and then go for a short walking tour of Puerto Ayora to visit the local fishermen's market.
Accommodation: Villa Laguna or similar
Day 9
Puerto Ayora
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. This is also a great opportunity to learn more about conservation efforts to preserve the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos. Another chance to get close to giant tortoises with your camera, which are being raised for the repopulation program.
Soon after we'll visit the higher part of the islands to observe the giant tortoise roaming in its natural habitat. In the afternoon, take an optional walk to Tortuga Bay, a gorgeous beach accessible only by foot. Choose to go swimming or perhaps just chill out on the beach. Finally, make your way back to town for one last dinner on these enchanted islands.
Accommodation: Villa Laguna or similar
Day 10
Puerto Ayora
Meals: Breakfast
Today is a free day. You can take any of the day trips departing from Puerto Ayora.
Accommodation: Villa Laguna or similar
Day 11
Puerto Ayora – Quito
Meals: Breakfast
We say goodbye to the Galapagos today and take a flight back to Quito.
You'll arrive back to Quito later afternoon. Perhaps head out for a final group dinner.
Accommodation: Patio Andaluz or similar
Day 12
Quito/ Departure Day
Meals: Breakfast
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.
Inclusions
- 1 English speaking Naturalist guide while on the islands
- 1 Customer Service for assistance in Quito
- All transport, sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary
- Accommodation (as per itinerary)
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Professional Photography Tuition by Michael Snedic
Exclusions
- Return transfers
- International airfares
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee $ 100 p.p.
- Galapagos Transit Control card $ 20 p.p.
- Travel insurance – compulsory
- Meals and drinks other than those detailed in the itinerary
- Expenditure of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities
- Extra activities
Price
Price: $AU7950 per person, twin share
(Single Supplement Price Available On Request)
NB - This Photo Expedition is subject to reaching minimum numbers before proceeding
How To Book
Please contact Michael via his CONTACT FORM and he will send you the relevant booking information
Contact
If you have any questions regarding this very exciting 12 Day Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition, please don’t hesitate to contact Michael.
Michael Snedic: Contact Form or call +61 408 941 965.
* All images (except where indicated) courtesy of Intrepid Travel
