2012 Galapagos Islands Photo Tour

TOUR OVERVIEW

The Galapagos Islands are a nature photographer's paradise. The birds are unwary and very approachable, the habitat is mostly open, and the photography is easy. Spectacular photos are a given. However, it's important to choose a cruise carefully, as not all are created equal and price is not the best indicator of which cruise is best. For suggestions on how to choose a cruise, please click on our sidebar arrow.

IMPORTANT NOTE - Beginning January 1, 2012 new restrictions have been put in place by the Galapagos Park Service that prevent boats from visiting the same landing site more than once during each 14-day period. In response many tours have changed to a 14 day itinerary so they can visit all the key islands. We have been assured that our boat's itinerary, which includes all the key islands during a 7-day cruise, has not been changed as a result of this new policy. The key islands are Santa Cruz, Genovesa, either Santiago or Isabella, Floreana, Española, and San Cristobal.

Our Galapagos cruise is scheduled for mid June, just before peak tourist season begins and prime time to see and photograph Waved Albatross and Great Frigatebird mating and nesting behavior. We carefully chose a 16-passenger yacht whose itinerary visits all the necessary islands for seeing the Red-footed Booby and Great Frigatebird colonies on Geneovesa, Waved Albatross, Blue-footed Booby, and Red-tailed Tropicbird colonies on Española, Galapagos Penguins on Bartolome, all 4 Galapagos Mockingbirds, and all or most of the 14 Darwin's Finches. We'll also see several varieities of differently colored marine iguanas, lots of beautiful Sally Lightfoot Crabs, plenty of Galapagos Sea Lions, Giant Tortoises, and much more. Cruising the Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we feel that joining our cruise will help you make the most of it.

It's essential that registration be received at least 6 months prior to departure to ensure space on the boat. We use a 16-passenger yacht, so space is limited.

CHOOSING A TOUR

What matters most in choosing a Galapagos tour is time of year and itinerary. Also important is size of boat. Many feel it's better to go on a small 16-passenger yacht rather than a large cruise ship, as you'll be in a smaller group while ashore and have a more intimate experience while on the boat.

Different months offer different attractions in the Galapagos. Even though the Galapagos lies on the Equator, there is definite seasonality in terms of both weather and seabird nesting activity. Many seabirds are nesting in the Galapagos mainly from April-December, most notably Waved Albatrosses. May and June is a spectacular time for a cruise. May is end of wet season when the islands are greenest. June is beginning of dry season when the skies are blue, air temperatures become a bit cooler, and the seas are fairly calm. These months are prime time to visit the Waved Albatross and Blue-footed Booby nesting colonies on Española, photograph the mating behavior of Great Frigatebirds on Genovesa, and see the spectacular displays of Magnificent Frigatebirds on several islands. It's also when Giant Tortoises begin nesting on Santa Cruz.

Different boats have different itineraries, all carefully regulated by the Galapagos Park Service. As a result, not all cruises visit the right combination of islands for seeing and photographing the best the Galapagos has to offer. We think the most important major islands to visit are Española and Genovesa. Española is the only place where Waved Albatrosses nest and is an excellent place to see Red-billed Tropicbirds and Blue-footed Boobies. Genovesa offers the best seabird colony in the Galapagos, is the only place to see nesting Red-footed Boobies, and is the best place to see Great Frigatebirds. Three of the 4 Galapagos mockingbirds are found on only one or two islands, so it's important to visit those islands. Española Mockingbird is only on Española, San Cristobal Mockingbird is only on San Cristobal, and Floreana Mockingbird is only on Champion Islet and one other islet. Similarly, some of the 14 species of Darwin's finches are restricted to only one or two islands. Common Cactus-Finch is only on Santa Cruz. Large Tree-Finch is only on Santiago and Santa Cruz. Sharp-beaked Ground-Finch is only on Genovesa. Galapagos Penguins are mainly found on Bartolome and the west side of Isabella. If your cruise doesn't visit one of those sites, you're unlikely to see them. Galapagos Hawk is only found on a couple islands including Española and Santiago. Lava Gulls, one of the rarest gulls in the world, is found mainly on Santa Cruz and Genovesa.

PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS TOURS

TOUR ITINERARY

DATE	ACTIVITY	MEALS	ACCOMMODATIONS
1-Sat 06/09	Arrive in Quito.	None	Hotel Sebastian
2-Sun 06/10	Flight to Baltra. Meet our boat. Bachas Beach.	BLD	Eden Yacht
3-Mon 06/11	Darwin Bay Genovesa Island.	BLD	Eden Yacht
4-Tue 06/12	Bartolome. Sullivan Bay, Santiago.	BLD	Eden Yacht
5-Wed 06/13	Black Turtle Cove. Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz.	BLD	Eden Yacht
6-Thu 06/14	Darwin Station & Highlands, Santa Cruz.	BLD	Eden Yacht
7-Fri 06/15	Post Office Bay, Floreana.	BLD	Eden Yacht
8-Sat 06/16	Suarez Point & Gardner Bay, Espanola.	BLD	Eden Yacht
9-Sun 06/17	San Cristobal. Flight to Quito.	BLD	Hotel Sebastian
10-Mon 06/18	International flights home.	B	None

TOUR MAP

TOUR DESCRIPTION

DAY 1 - QUITO

International flights arrive by evening. Everyone meets at the Hotel Sebastian, reached by taxi from the airport. Those arriving a day early have free time to explore the city. Night at Hotel Sebastian in Quito.

DAY 2 - BALTRA ARRIVAL & BACHAS BEACH

Following leisurely breakfast, transfer to Quito airport for flight to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galapagos. Upon arrival, transfer across the island to meet our boat. Here we'll see our first Darwin's finches, the ubiquitous Small Ground-Finch and Medium Ground-Finch. We're also likely to see our first Galapagos Dove. Board our 16-passenger yacht, sail to nearby Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz. We'll see Elliot's Storm-Petrel and other seabirds as we leave the harbor. At Bachas Beach we'll disembark for an easy walk along sandy beaches and through dunes. Here we may encounter American Flamingos, various shorebirds, and Galapagos Mockingbird. After returning to the yacht, sail overnight to Genovesa Island, arriving before dawn.   Show Bird Species

DAY 3 - GENOVESA ISLAND

Morning disembark at Darwin Bay and climb Prince Phillip steps (not very hard), reaching a path through the mangroves on Genovesa. Here we'll be in the midst of the spectacular nesting colony of Red-footed Boobies. This species nests year-round and is the most common booby in the Galapagos, but it is rarely seen anywhere other than Genovesa as it feeds far at sea. We may also find Nazca Boobies around the island, although their nesting season doesn't begin until August. On the other side of the island we'll visit the Great Frigatebird nesting colony. Genovesa is the primary place we're likely to see this species during the cruise. In addition, Genovesa is the only island where we can see and photograph the Sharp-beaked Ground-Finch, one of the 14 species of Darwin's Finches. Afternoon visit some smaller sandy islands where we should find and photograph the lovely Swallow-tailed Gull as well as Lava Gull, Warbler Finch, and Large Cactus-Finch. Overnight sail to Bartholomew Island.   Show Bird Species

DAY 4 - BARTOLOME & SANTIAGO ISLANDS

Morning disembark on Bartolome Island, a small volcanic island near Santiago Island. Pinnacle rock is one of the famous landmarks of the Galapagos and is one of the few places where Galapagos Penguins are found. We'll also likely see and photograph the endemic Galapagos Hawk. Walk the path up to the peak, 240 ft above sea level, for a panoramic vista and the most photographed view in the Galapagos. Afternoon visit Sullivan Bay on nearby Santiago Island. The beach offers some of the best tide pools in the islands. Reddish-black marine iguanas and Galapagos Land Iguanas are common. Ten species of Darwin's Finches are found on the island, including the endangered and very rare Mangrove Finch. Evening sail to Santa Cruz Island.   Show Bird Species

DAY 5 - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Morning visit Black Turtle Cove, a red mangrove lagoon on Santa Cruz. We'll go into the lagoon in paddle boats, where the main attractions are nesting Green Sea Turtles and an abundance of White-tip Reef Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, Golden Rays, and Spotted Eagle-Rays. Afternoon visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz, an inland site reached by vehicle. Dragon Hill is a very dry area where the main attraction is a small population of Galapagos Land Iguanas. Some birds to be found there are White-cheeked Pintail, Large Ground-Finch, and Common Cactus-Finch.

DAY 6 - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Morning visit famous Charles Darwin Station in Puerto Ayora, where many Galapagos animals are on display. Marine iguanas, Lava Heron, and various other birds are found around Academy Bay where we'll dock. Afternoon visit the highlands to view and photograph Giant Tortoises at one of the very few places they are still found in the wild. Notable birds of the highlands are Galapagos Flycatcher, Small Tree-Finch, and Woodpecker Finch. Overnight sail to Floreana Island.   Show Bird Species

DAY 7 - FLOREANA ISLAND

Morning visit famed Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point on Floreana Island. Post Office Bay got its name from its usage by early settlers as a place to leave messages. A small trading post and museum documents the colorful history of the island. A number of marine birds can be seen around Floreana, including Galapagos Penguin, Red-billed Tropicbird, and Swallow-tailed Gull. Of particular interest is nearby Champion Islet, one of only two tiny islands where the endangered Floreana (Charles) Mockingbird still persists. The bird can usually be seen and photographed along the rocky shoreline without going ashore, which is now prohibited. Overnight sail to Espanola Island.   Show Bird Species

DAY 8 - ESPANOLA ISLAND

Espanola is best known for the only Waved Albatross nesting colony in the Galapagos. Nesting will be in full swing during our visit, and we'll have fantastic opportunities to photograph their wonderful display behavior. Espanola also features nesting colonies of Red-billed Tropicbirds on the cliffs and Blue-footed Boobies in the interior. The island is the only place to find the Espanola (Hood) Mockingbird and is also home to the Gray Warbler-Finch. Overnight sail to San Cristobal Island.   Show Bird Species

DAY 9 - SAN CRISTOBAL & QUITO

Morning look for and photograph San Cristobal (Chatham) Mockingbird, which is only found on San Cristobal. Also look for Vegetarian Finch and Woodpecker Finch. Visit interpretation center as time permits. Mid-day flight back to Quito. Night at San Sebastian Hotel in Quito.   Show Bird Species

DAY 10 - END OF TOUR

Tour ends with breakfast at the hotel. International flights home.

TOUR INFORMATION

The below information is provided to inform people of what to expect if they participate in this tour and to advise participants on how to prepare for the tour. We try to provide accurate information but conditions and travel requirements can change over time.

Entering Ecuador

Persons entering Ecuador require a valid passport with an expiration date more than 6 months after their planned departure from the country. Immigration officials may deny a person entry if their passport is not in good condition. US citizens do not require a visa to enter Ecuador. They must fill out a tourist card provided by the airline en route to the the country. Non-US citizens should check with the Ecuador embassy to find out about entry requirements.

Leaving Ecuador

A departure tax of $40.80 is assessed when leaving Ecuador.

Time Zone

Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time. The Galapagos Islands are on Pacific Standard Time.

Immunizations & Health

Please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding health issues and immunization requirements when traveling in Ecuador. See your travel doctor for specific recommendations at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure. The CDC recommends vaccinations/boosters for hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus-diptheria, and measles for anyone traveling to Ecuador.

Medical Facilities

Good medical care is available in Quito. Some medical facilities are available at Darwin Bay.

Insurance

We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will reimburse you for any non-refundable payments you would otherwise lose if you must cancel your participation in the tour for some unforeseen reason. Trip cancellation insurance must normally be purchased within a short time after you register for the tour. Travel medical insurance is advisable, especially for those with chronic or known medical conditions. Medical evacuation from the Galapagos Islands can be very expensive.

Altitude

The elevation in Quito is about 9000 ft. Most time spent in the Galapagos will be near sea level, but we may spend some time in the interior of some islands at elevations reaching 2000 ft.

Climate

The climate in Quito is pleasant to cool with chilly nights depending on time of year. Seasons vary in the Galapagos, with dry season from June-December and warm season from December to May. During dry season the ocean waters are cooler, air temperatures are cooler, and afternoon mist in the highlands is frequent. During warm season, skies are often overcast and daily rain is possible. The seas are rougher in August than in other months. Nesting season of most seabirds is from April-December. Different species nest at different times. Peak nesting season for Waved Albatross is April-October, while that of Blue-footed Booby is later. Most seabirds are farther out to sea during January-March.

Pace

Much of the time is spent on board the yacht, as time ashore is tightly regulated. Walks are generally easy along sandy or sometimes rocky trails. Some islands entail wet landings when protective footwear such as firmly secured sandals, crocs, or something comparable is recommended.

Accommodations

We stay in a comfortable hotel used by most birding tours groups while in Quito. Accommodations on board the yacht are mostly bunk beds or twin beds, with a couple double beds available on the main deck.

Food

While in Quito we have a choice of eating a la carte in the hotel restaurant or dining at one of several very good and cater to varied dietary requirements nearby restaurants. Meals on board the yacht are generally good.

Transportation

A domestic flight is required to reach the Galapagos (not included in tour price). Flights can originate in Quito or Guayaquil. While in the Galapagos we travel by 16-passenger yacht suitable for sea conditions in the islands.

Registration & Payment

Registration can be done by mailing us a completed registration form, which can be printed from the TOUR INFO menu above. Please note that our Ecuador tours require a deposit of $600 upon registration. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Please refer to our Registration procedure accessible from the TOUR INFO menu above for payment procedures and refund policies. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended as refunds are only possible to the extent we are refunded deposits required by lodges in Ecuador.

Additional Information

General information about the tour, including where to meet the group and contact information, will be sent by email or US mail prior to departure. Checklists will be provided at the beginning of the tour. Additional information about our policies can be found on the Tour Info menu above. Please feel free to call us at 877-247-3371 or email us with any questions you may have.

Information last updated April, 2012.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND BOAT

HOTEL SEBASTIAN

Hotel Sebastian is an elegant hotel located in the heart of New Town in Quito just 15 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from Colonial Quito. It offers a warm and cozy atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy their stay. The Bar Cafe offers informal dining while the Mistral Restaurant on the premises offers exquisite Ecuadorian and international cuisine. Rooms are nicely decorated, roomy, and full of light. They feature queen or twin beds, cable TV, and private bath with hot water showers.

EDEN YACHT

The Eden Yacht is a first class 16-passenger motor yacht operating out of Puerto Ayora and Puerto Moreno in the Galapagos Islands. It was custom built in 1996 and refurbished in 2002. All cabins are fully carpeted and air-conditioned. Each cabin offers ocean view, private hot-water shower, toilet, and wash basin. Sleeping accommodations in each double berth consist of a twin beds or double bed. There is an ample dining room, bar, saloon, small library, sun deck, and viewing areas on board.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Cruising speed: 8 knots
Gross tonnage: 56.11
Capacity: 16 passengers + 8 crew
Length: 22.22m
Beam: 5.09 m
Draft: 2.00 m
Propulsion: 2 Gardner diesel engines / 127 HP each.
Generators: 2 Kohler 13 kw, 10 kw
Generators output: 220V - 110 V - 24 V - 12 V
Equipment: Radar, magnetic compass, GPS, VHF radio, SSB radio, satellite EPIRB, 2 dingies with outboard, 2 inflatable life-rafts, desalination plant, compressor

LAURA FELLOWS

Laura L Fellows is co-founder of Exotic Birding LLC with Jim Wittenberger and conducts most of our tours as leader and tour coordinator. She has worked as a professional photographer since 1983. Laura's vision as a bird photographer is to portray birds and other animals as they live and behave in their natural environments. She published her vision of such "Environmental Portraits" in the December 2007 issue of Nature Photography magazine. Her photos have been used in biology textbooks and on professional websites. Before embarking on her current venture with Exotic Birding, Laura had 16 years professional experience as a commercial photographer and advertising studio manager for an internationally recognized studio in Atlanta. In that capacity she organized, coordinated and executed major photography assignments for numerous national advertising campaigns on location in the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and many states in the US. She founded and directed a photography workshop program in the Tuscany region of Italy, where she lived for 3 years. Through her efforts the workshop attracted many internationally renowned photographers as guest instructors. She speaks fluent Italian and is now gaining familiarity with Spanish. She has lectured as an invited speaker in the art department at the University of Georgia and many photo clubs, has exhibited her photographs in galleries, and has curated 5 photography exhibitions in the USA and Italy. Laura has enjoyed a life-long love and fascination for birds and nature. Some of her many photographs can be seen throughout our website.