Galapagos Islands - Yacht-based, All-inclusive Photo Tour
Examples of the photos you could get if you join this tour...
About the tourTo the west, far off the coast of Ecuador, with open ocean on all sides for thousands of miles, the Galapagos archipelago straddles the equator, and is an almost perfect example of the amazing things that nature will do when simply left alone.
The Galapagos Islands, created by volcanic action and named for the giant tortoises that are among its most noted inhabitants, are like nowhere else in the world. The wildlife displays of the Galapagos have to be experienced to be believed. Due to millennia of isolation, the animals of this natural wonderland have no innate fear of humans. Everything from tiny lizards, to colorful crabs, birds, sea lions, massive tortoises, more birds, fur seals, giant iguanas, and even more birds will pose for our cameras. We’ll be up close and personal to a profuse array of wildlife during this tour to ‘Darwin’s Islands’. The Galapagos Islands offer an immersion in nature that feels primeval, where lizards and penguins and blue-footed boobies share the beaches with us, unconcerned by our presence. Everywhere we go and each island we visit will hold special treasures for us. We’ll photograph as much as we possibly can during our time in the islands. Throughout our 8 action-packed days, we’ll spend time on our yacht, we’ll take numerous daily shore excursions, and we’ll go snorkeling (optional) in the gin-clear waters of the Galapagos. Our ship-based adventure aboard the yacht (name TBD) offers unparalleled opportunities for some of the most amazing wildlife photography on the planet! This is a wildlife photo tour, which means we’ll be traveling together and I will be photographing alongside you. One-on-one image review, and group critique sessions are optional as space and time allow. Fly into Quito International Airport in Quito, Ecuador. There are many flights available from all over the USA. Arrive on April 25th, 2020 (or earlier as you wish) sometime during this day. We meet this evening at 6pm in Quito. I’ll reserve lodging in a centrally located mid-range hotel in Quito. Travel by taxi to this hotel not included. Quito, Ecuador is on the same time zone as the Eastern USA (except during daylight savings time). We meet initially at the designated hotel during the evening of April 25th, 2020 in Quito, Ecuador, for a group meet and greet and informational briefing. The next day we transfer to the airport for our flight from Quito to the Galapagos (round-trip airfare from Quito to the Galapagos Islands is included in tour cost). There is a baggage weight allowance on this flight of 44lbs (plus 15lbs for carry-on) so packing light is a good idea. A suggested packing list will be sent to all participants. From April 26th- May 3rd, we’ll be on-board the motor yacht (name TBD), where we’ll photograph, cruise between islands, snorkel, and live for 7 nights/8 days. On May 3rd, 2020 we’ll transfer from the boat to the airport for our flight back to Quito. For the night of the 3rd, I’ll book us all rooms at the same central hotel as before. Perhaps we’ll all go have one more group dinner before the day and the tour are officially over. The next morning, on May 4th, depending on flight schedules etc., we’ll say our goodbyes in Quito. The Galapagos tour officially ends early morning on the 4th of May. You could choose to fly home from Quito on May 3rd sometime after 8pm... or... Fly home from Quito on May 4th, 2020 anytime you wish... or... EVEN BETTER...since you'll already be all the way to Ecuador - stay for the add-on tour of mainland Ecuador Hummingbirds and more photography, May 4- 11, 2020. Click here for more information about this. You should be reasonably fit and able to walk at least 1.5 miles up a moderate incline and over sometimes rough terrain such as round rocks, loose sand, etc. for this trip. You should feel comfortable disembarking from small dingy boats in sometimes rough seas from both dry docks, and water landing areas. An in-depth welcome packet will be sent to you after receipt of a $1500 trip deposit. Personal checks are preferred for all payments, but you can use Paypal by contacting me via email and asking about how. Check payments should be sent to: Don Mammoser 12503 Venable Creek Street Parker CO 80134 ItineraryThe itinerary you choose in the Galapagos is by far the most important aspect of any trip there. You can certainly find a boat and subsequent itinerary which caters to those wishing for a week of luxurious accommodations, gourmet food, crowded sunbathing beaches, or parties and nightlife.
For photographers, however, I know well that we all want an itinerary which gives us the best possible chance to interact with and photograph the highest number of interesting and unique species and island scenes. And we don’t want to be crowded out by other people and/or boats while trying to get our photos. Yes, you can get a spot on an everyday Galapagos boat for less than the cost of my trip, or you can get on board a budget priced ‘cattle-call’ boat with hundreds of other passengers, but as a photographer, you don’t want that. I have worked hard with my contacts in Ecuador, a boat crew, and a naturalist/guide to come up with the best possible 8 day cruise for maximizing our time among photographic animals, good snorkeling sites, and scenic island locations. This is an itinerary made by a photographer for photographers. I have chartered an entire mid-range yacht for this Galapagos adventure. I’ve limited this trip to just 14 people in 7 comfortable cabins. You’ll find the accommodations onboard are not overly opulent, but they are very clean, modern and comfortably adequate. Each 2-person cabin has it’s own bathroom with shower and hot and cold water. The food will be ample, fresh, varied, local and delicious. Our guide will take us to locations a bit earlier or we’ll stay a bit later than most tours because she knows that we are interested primarily in getting great photos. And we visit places that not every boat goes to and that certainly the larger ships can’t even get close to. Following is the tentative itinerary I have worked out for my group. This trip visits the best of the best of what makes the Galapagos so unique. It is by far, the best 8 day itinerary I could ever have dreamed of. I can’t wait to share these places with my clients! Email me today to reserve your spot on board. April 25, 2020 : Arrival day into Ecuador: Quito (Tababela), Ecuador Arrive today on your flight from the USA to Quito. Quito’s new airport ‘Mariscal Sucre International Airport’, (airport code UIO) is outside the main city of Quito in an area called Tababela. Because many flights from the USA to Quito arrive in the evening, and since our flight to the Galapagos Islands departs early tomorrow morning, we’ll simplify things by staying in Tababela tonight. Our hotel is just a 5-10 minute drive from the international airport. Our hotel has a 24 hour airport shuttle (cost of $10/person not included in tour cost, but I will coordinate transfers for everyone). Meet and greet and relax tonight. April 26, 2020 : Day 1 – Arrival in Galapagos and transfer to boat: Early morning transfer (cost $10/person) from Tababela to the airport for our flight to the Galapagos. Airplane will be a ‘typical’ 3 rows per side/aisle in the middle, aircraft. (Boeing 737 or similar). Pass Galapagos customs (US $100 cash only payment required), park entrance formalities, etc., then transfer to our yacht. North Seymour Island Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lavas containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone. Highlights: Land & marine iguanas, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions; snorkeling: rays, reef sharks, fish, garden eels. Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hiking (1.5 mi/2.5 km) Type of Landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Moderate/difficult April 27, 2020 : Day 2 – First Location: Sombrero Chino One of the most recognizable Galapagos Islands, its name means “Chinese Hat.” It’s easy to see why: this islet off of Santiago is shaped like an old-fashioned Chinaman’s hat, a gently sloping cone rising out of the clear Galapagos water. In spite of its good location, Sombrero Chino receives fewer visitors than other Galapagos sites. This is because it’s semi-protected by the Park service. Highlights: Marine iguanas, Sally lightfoot crabs, Sea lions, Lava cactus, Wading birds, views; snorkeling: reef sharks, fish, Galapagos penguins Activities: Snorkeling, hiking (1 mi/1.6 km) Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Moderate April 27, 2020 : Day 2 – Second Location: Bartholomew Island Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin. Highlights: Pinnacle Rock, panoramic view, moonlike landscape, penguins, pioneer plants, lava cactus; snorkeling, reef sharks, rays, and great colorful fish. Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling & hiking (1.25 mi/ 2km) Type of Landing: Dry and wet landings Difficulty: Moderate/difficult. Walk to the top of volcano 114 meters, 375 wooden steps April 28, 2020 : Day 3 – First Location: Genovesa Island - Darwin Bay This white sand coral beach has a half mile trail (0.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view from a cliff. Highlights: Nazca boobies, red- footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, mangroves, coral pebbles beach, snorkeling: rays, colorful reef fish and hammerhead sharks Activities: Hiking (0.9 mi/1.5 km), snorkeling, kayaking & dinghy ride Type of Landing: Wet landing. Difficulty: Easy/moderate April 28, 2020 : Day 3 – Second Location: Genovesa Island - El Barranco Also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, El Barranco’s steep, rocky path leads up to a high cliff-face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves. Highlights: Red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, storm-petrels, Galapagos doves Activities: Hiking (0.9 mi/2 km) Type of Landing: Dry, difficult landing Difficulty: Moderate April 29, 2020 : Day 4 – First Location: Santiago Island - Egas Port Also known as James Bay, Egas Port is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site. Highlights: Fur sea lions, Galapagos sea lions, tidal pools and “grottos”, Galapagos hawks, oyster catchers, marine iguanas, finches; snorkeling: reef sharks, turtles, rays, nice underwater formations. Activities: Snorkeling, hiking (1.25 mi/2 km) Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Easy /moderate April 29, 2020 : Day 4 – Second Location: Rábida Island Rábida Island (Jervis) is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago and a great snorkeling site. Its famous maroon sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans. Highlights: Finches, Galapagos hawks, white-cheeked pintail ducks, penguins; Snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lions, brackish water lagoon Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & short hike (0.6 mi /1 km) Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Easy/ moderate April 30, 2020 : Day 5 – First Location: Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Sub-species of tortoises interact with one another and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans, stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own. “Turtles” live in water and “tortoises” live on land. You cannot touch the tortoises (or any other animals) in the Galápagos. Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity Activities: Walking Type of Landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Easy April 30, 2020 : Day 5 – Second Location: Santa Cruz Island - Santa Cruz Highlands Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the Scalesia trees, creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. Highlights: Lava tunnels, wild tortoises, tortoise breeding center. Activities: Hike (1.5 mi/ 2 ½ km) Type of Landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Moderate (long) May 1, 2020 : Day 6 – First Location: Española Island - Gardner Bay Gardner Bay, on the eastern side of the island, is the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. It has an ample white sandy beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Its rocky shores make this site a great place for diving and snorkeling. Highlights: White sandy beach, breeding albatrosses, sea lions, mockingbirds; snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lion nursery Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking, short hike of (0.6 mi/1 km) Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Easy May 1, 2020 : Day 6 – Second Location: Española Island - Suárez Point This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. A beautiful site on the oceanfront, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities. Highlights: Hood mockingbird, Nazca boobies, waved albatross, red-billed tropicbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawk, blue-footed boobies, blow hole, amazing landscape Activities: Hike (1.9 mi/3 km) Type of Landing: Dry Landing Difficulty: Difficult May 2, 2020 : Day 7 – First Location: Santa Fe Island Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest. Highlights: Land Iguanas, giant Opuntia cacti Activities: Hiking Type of Landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Moderate May 2, 2020 : Day 7 – Second Location: South Plaza Island This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red. Highlights: Land iguanas, sea lion colony, Audubon´s shearwaters, swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, amazing landscape with cliffs Activities: Hike (2 ½ km /1.55 mi) Type of Landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Moderate May 3, 2020 : Day 8 – First Location: (and then transfer to airport for flight to Quito) Santa Cruz Island - Black Turtle Cove Black Turtle Cove is situated in the northern part of Santa Cruz. This inlet is surrounded by mangroves and is only accessible by dinghy. The shallow cove is a safe haven for young marine life. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here. Highlights: Hammerhead shark babies, rays, sea turtles, sea birds Activities: Dinghy ride Type of Landing: No landing Difficulty: Easy May 3, 2020 : After Galapagos Flight from Galapagos to mainland Ecuador, then transfer to our familiar Tababela hotel again (transfer cost is $10/person, not included). Optional final group dinner or get-together. You may also choose to fly home this day after 8pm. May 4, 2020 : Final Goodbyes Morning breakfast and goodbyes to those leaving on flights elsewhere today. For those of us continuing on with the add-on Ecuador tour, we’ll have a transfer (included) to our first rainforest lodge picking us up this morning at 9am. |
About youAll levels of photographers are welcome on my tours, from the beginner to the seasoned pro. Anyone with any type of camera is welcome, but your camera should have the 35mm equivalent of 300mm (minimum) for this Galapagos tour. More telephoto power is useful as well. I'll be bringing a Tamron 150-600mm lens, which will be the perfect zoom range for this tour.
You should be reasonably fit and able to walk for some distance (up to 1.5 miles) over sometimes very rough terrain for this trip. You should feel comfortable climbing up steep, large steps and walking over round or jagged rocks. You should be comfortable getting in and out of small zodiac boats. Contact me with any and all questions. I'd love to hear from you! Summary of Essentials, Cost, etc.
When: April 25- May 4, 2020
Where: Begins in Quito, Ecuador on April 25, 2020 and ends in Quito, Ecuador on May 4, 2020 Tuition: $6,695/person (in double occupancy private berth) Limit: Max. 14 participants Tour cost Includes:
Not included in tour cost: Round-trip airfare from your home town to Quito, taxi and airport transfers in Quito, meals while in Quito, Ecuador. $100 Galapagos park fees (US cash only), Alcoholic drinks, excess baggage fees, tips for guide and yacht crew, Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry services, etc. Exertion Level: Medium/High - mid-range walks (up to 1.5 miles) over uneven terrain with loose rocks, stairs and soft sand. Must be able to get in and out of small dinghy boats. Tropical heat can be tiresome. This is a wildlife photo tour, which means we’ll be traveling together and I will be photographing alongside you. Our time will be spent with a licensed Galapagos guide doing both land and water based activities. One-on-one image review, and group critique sessions are optional as space and time allow.
We will live on the yacht for 7 nights with at least 2 daily excursions onto various Galapagos islands, plus the daily option of snorkeling the crystal clear waters. All meals will be taken on board the yacht with a dedicated crew of eight including captain, chef, steward, first mate, naturalist/guide, and more. We will be a group of 14 participants with photo leader (me) and licensed Galapagos guide (provided by yacht). Payment Info
Personal checks are preferred for all payments.
A welcome packet will be sent to you after receipt of a $1,500 trip deposit. Email me about using Paypal. Deposits and any personal check payments should be sent to: Don Mammoser 12503 Venable Creek Street Parker CO 80134 Especially for this trip: I highly recommend trip insurance. Please read my policies page before sending any money. 
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