Experience the epitome of luxury aboard one of the newest and most luxurious small ships in these pristine islands. Revel in the finest comforts, from spacious cabins & suites to impeccable service, ensuring an unparalleled voyage through the Galapagos.
Galapagos' Natural Wonders Await
Explore Galapagos on Our Luxury Photo Safari!
Explore Galapagos on Our Luxury Photo Safari!
Sail in Luxury
Wild Galapagos
Step into the untamed natural wonder of the Galapagos, a haven for endemic wildlife. Witness the dance of blue-footed boobies, encounter ancient giant tortoises, and capture marine iguanas basking in the sun. Dive into the diverse ecosystems, from lush highlands to volcanic landscapes and tropical beaches.
Exceptional Activities
Engage in a medley of exceptional activities (optional). From perfecting your shots under expert guidance to beautiful walks, a visit to a tortoise breeding center, intimate dinghy rides exploring secluded coves, vibrant snorkeling sessions, and kayaking. This is a photography-focused experience with numerous additional activities.
Intimate Small Group
Discover the Galapagos intimately within a small, exclusive group setting. Unlike larger tours, we have the ability to tailor our activities and experiences to focus on photography. This ensures an authentic and productive photographic exploration of these extraordinary islands.
All-Inclusive Package
Unwind and let us handle the logistics. You focus on the photography. From arrival transfers to internal flights, national park fees, and every detail in between—focus solely on capturing unforgettable moments while relishing the comfort and exclusivity of your journey through the Galapagos
Expert
Guides
Guides
Our renowned BCJ Photo Guides, lauded with 5-star reviews, accompany you for an unmatched photography experience. Additionally, our expedition is enriched by a local naturalist/guide and an experienced ship crew, ensuring a comprehensive exploration backed by expertise and local insight.
We connect passionate people to exceptional experiences.
TRIP DETAILS
All-Inclusive Ship-Based Photo Safari
TRIP LENGTH: 9 Days/8 Nights
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Dates
May 10 - 18, 2025
Price
$12,995 for Double Cabin
$13,995 for Master Suite (2 cabins total)
Deposit
$5,000
Single Supplement
Arrival hotel only (+$150) - all ship cabins double occupancy.
Start/End
Quito, Ecuador
Airport: UIO
Airport: UIO
This Special Trip Departure is valid for new trip reservations only (no transfers or trip credit)
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the photography trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
THE TRIP
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Explore Darwin's Enchanted Islands with us! The Galapagos Islands are world-renowned as one of the premier wildlife locations on the planet.
Delve into the archipelago's unparalleled & endemic biodiversity, guided by expert photographers and a local naturalist. Expect to capture the iconic wildlife and landscapes unique to this mesmerizing destination, including the famed blue-footed booby, giant tortoises, and other endemic species. The Galapagos Islands are routinely voted as the #1 destination in the world for wildlife.
Our exclusive yacht, accommodates a maximum of 14 guests in two suites and five cabins. It boasts panoramic views and onboard connectivity through WiFi. Unlike a 50-100+ passenger cruise, our small luxury yacht allows us to customize and tailor our itinerary and day-to-day activities to put photography and EXPERIENCE in the forefront.
PLUS, you'll be able to partake in many optional activities, like snorkeling/underwater photography and kayaking! We recommend bringing a GoPro or underwater housing for your camera (look into renting!).
We've meticulously curated an itinerary to focus on the revered western islands of the Galapagos, famous for iconic wildlife species. We also have the flexibility to adjust our itinerary and timing to maximize light and photography opportunities.
Our comprehensive, all-inclusive package encompasses airport arrivals, internal flights, and park fees, ensuring a seamless journey while you revel in perfect lighting amidst an intimate group setting.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to join an exclusive Galapagos photography adventure, experience and capture the magnificent natural history of these extraordinary islands!
Delve into the archipelago's unparalleled & endemic biodiversity, guided by expert photographers and a local naturalist. Expect to capture the iconic wildlife and landscapes unique to this mesmerizing destination, including the famed blue-footed booby, giant tortoises, and other endemic species. The Galapagos Islands are routinely voted as the #1 destination in the world for wildlife.
Our exclusive yacht, accommodates a maximum of 14 guests in two suites and five cabins. It boasts panoramic views and onboard connectivity through WiFi. Unlike a 50-100+ passenger cruise, our small luxury yacht allows us to customize and tailor our itinerary and day-to-day activities to put photography and EXPERIENCE in the forefront.
PLUS, you'll be able to partake in many optional activities, like snorkeling/underwater photography and kayaking! We recommend bringing a GoPro or underwater housing for your camera (look into renting!).
We've meticulously curated an itinerary to focus on the revered western islands of the Galapagos, famous for iconic wildlife species. We also have the flexibility to adjust our itinerary and timing to maximize light and photography opportunities.
Our comprehensive, all-inclusive package encompasses airport arrivals, internal flights, and park fees, ensuring a seamless journey while you revel in perfect lighting amidst an intimate group setting.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to join an exclusive Galapagos photography adventure, experience and capture the magnificent natural history of these extraordinary islands!
THE SHIP
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We're proud to present our newly built exclusive yacht, the epitome of maritime elegance in the Galapagos. You won't find a better small ship experience - we guarantee it!
Designed to cater to the most discerning travelers, our yacht promises a level of service and comfort that rivals no other. Our crew ensures every aspect of your journey is met with sophistication, grace, and personalized attention. From the moment you step aboard, you'll be enveloped in modern comfort, surrounded by two expansive suites and five convertible cabins, providing an intimate and exclusive experience for a maximum of 14 guests.
Beyond the sleek interiors and panoramic views offered through our large windows, is the personalized service extended by our crew and the expertise of our naturalist/guide. Their knowledge and passion for the Galapagos offer an enriched understanding of the region's history, ecology, and wildlife, adding depth and authenticity to every excursion. The fusion of photography expertise, local knowledge, unparalleled service, an exceptional itinerary focused on wildlife, elevates this journey to an unforgettable exploration of the Galapagos Islands.
Designed to cater to the most discerning travelers, our yacht promises a level of service and comfort that rivals no other. Our crew ensures every aspect of your journey is met with sophistication, grace, and personalized attention. From the moment you step aboard, you'll be enveloped in modern comfort, surrounded by two expansive suites and five convertible cabins, providing an intimate and exclusive experience for a maximum of 14 guests.
Beyond the sleek interiors and panoramic views offered through our large windows, is the personalized service extended by our crew and the expertise of our naturalist/guide. Their knowledge and passion for the Galapagos offer an enriched understanding of the region's history, ecology, and wildlife, adding depth and authenticity to every excursion. The fusion of photography expertise, local knowledge, unparalleled service, an exceptional itinerary focused on wildlife, elevates this journey to an unforgettable exploration of the Galapagos Islands.
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- Airport transfers
- Internal flights
- All permits and park fees
- Snorkeling gear & kayaks
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for crew & service staff
What's Not Included
- Flights to and from Quito, Ecuador (UIO)
- Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
- Lodging outside workshop dates
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal items
- Gratuity for photography guide(s)
- Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (required) - see plans here.
Your 3 Unique Advantages
UNPARALELLED PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
ITINERARY
WILD GALAPAGOS:
Luxe Photo Safari
Luxe Photo Safari
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(B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 1 (D) - Arrival in Quito - Orientation and Introduction
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Your Galapagos journey begins with your arrival at Quito airport. Our team will be there to welcome you and ensure a smooth transfer to the hotel. Check-in to your comfortable accommodations and take a moment to relax.
In the evening, join us for a special orientation and introduction session. Get to know your fellow travelers, learn more about the upcoming adventure, and have any questions answered by our knowledgeable team. Enjoy a welcome dinner as we set the stage for the incredible experiences that await you in the Galapagos Islands.
In the evening, join us for a special orientation and introduction session. Get to know your fellow travelers, learn more about the upcoming adventure, and have any questions answered by our knowledgeable team. Enjoy a welcome dinner as we set the stage for the incredible experiences that await you in the Galapagos Islands.
DAY 2 (B, L,D) - Transfer to the Galapagos - Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island
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Our BCJ guides will escort you back to Quito Airport for our flights to the Galapagos Islands (Baltra). Once in Baltra, we'll be met by our ship crew. A seamless transfer to the yacht awaits, where you'll settle into your cabin, enjoy a delicious lunch, and receive a welcome briefing.
In the afternoon, we embark on our first exploration to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. This beach, with its remnants of the U.S. World War II presence, offers opportunities for swimming and encounters with flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and sea turtles.
In the afternoon, we embark on our first exploration to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. This beach, with its remnants of the U.S. World War II presence, offers opportunities for swimming and encounters with flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and sea turtles.
DAY 3 (B,L,D) - Mosquera Islet and Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island
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We start the day with a visit to Mosquera Islet, situated between Baltra and North Seymour Islands. This reef of rocks and coral, only 160 meters across at its narrowest width, is home to one of the largest populations of sea lions. There's even a chance of witnessing orcas feeding on sea lions.
In the afternoon, we explore Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. A short trail takes us through diverse environments, with rocky beaches perfect for snorkeling. Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, herons, blue-footed boobies, rays, and reef sharks.
In the afternoon, we explore Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. A short trail takes us through diverse environments, with rocky beaches perfect for snorkeling. Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, herons, blue-footed boobies, rays, and reef sharks.
DAY 4 (B,L,D) - Tagus Cove, Isabela Island, and Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island
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Our morning adventure takes us to Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, an anchorage spot since the 1800s. Trails winding by Lake Darwin offer breathtaking views, and encounters with penguins, flightless cormorants, and unique geological formations make this visit unforgettable.
In the afternoon, we explore Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island. A colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions welcome us before reaching the highlight: the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area is also home to the Galapagos hawk.
In the afternoon, we explore Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island. A colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions welcome us before reaching the highlight: the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area is also home to the Galapagos hawk.
DAY 5 (B,L,D) - Urbina Bay and Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island
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Urbina Bay, located at the base of Alcedo Volcano, awaits our morning visit. This area experienced a significant uplift in 1954, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. It's an excellent place for snorkeling, offering encounters with land iguanas, hawks, coral reefs, and giant tortoises.
In the afternoon, we explore Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island. Dinghy rides reveal penguins and blue-footed boobies on rocky islets, while snorkeling showcases marine life like colorful fish, sea lions, and, with luck, sharks.
In the afternoon, we explore Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island. Dinghy rides reveal penguins and blue-footed boobies on rocky islets, while snorkeling showcases marine life like colorful fish, sea lions, and, with luck, sharks.
DAY 6 (B,L,D) - Moreno Point, Isabela Island, and Puerto Villamil
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Our morning excursion takes us to Moreno Point, where the once-flowing lava has left craters forming crystal tide pools. Keep your eye out for flamingos, pintail ducks, and perhaps even white-tip reef sharks.
In the afternoon, we explore Puerto Villamil, a charming town surrounded by white sandy beaches. Encounter marine iguanas, giant mangroves, small land tortoises, shore birds, and blue-footed boobies.
In the afternoon, we explore Puerto Villamil, a charming town surrounded by white sandy beaches. Encounter marine iguanas, giant mangroves, small land tortoises, shore birds, and blue-footed boobies.
DAY 7 (B,L,D) - Sierra Negra Volcano and Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, Isabela Island
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We'll take a short morning hike to Sierra Negra Volcano, boasting the largest basaltic caldera in the Galapagos. Witness stunning views, diverse finches, and evidence of recent volcanic activity.
In the afternoon, we visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, dedicated to the conservation of giant tortoises. Encounter juvenile and adult tortoises from various species.
In the afternoon, we visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, dedicated to the conservation of giant tortoises. Encounter juvenile and adult tortoises from various species.
DAY 8 (B,L,D) - Devil’s Crown, Floreana Island, and Cormorant Point
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Start the day with a thrilling photography and snorkeling experience around Devil’s Crown, the rocky remains of an offshore volcano. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters, encountering a diverse array of marine species.
In the afternoon, we explore Cormorant Point, featuring a flamingo lagoon and distinct beaches named Green Beach and Flour Sand Beach. Witness flamingoes, common stilts, white-cheeked pintails, and unique sand compositions.
In the afternoon, we explore Cormorant Point, featuring a flamingo lagoon and distinct beaches named Green Beach and Flour Sand Beach. Witness flamingoes, common stilts, white-cheeked pintails, and unique sand compositions.
DAY 9 (B,L,D) - Daphne Island and Departure
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Conclude your unforgettable Galapagos journey with a morning visit to Daphne Island. Although restricted for most tourists, it's a hub for scientific studies on Galapagos finches. Enjoy birdwatching, including the iconic Galapagos finches.
After this final exploration, we transfer you to Baltra Airport for your departure, leaving you with cherished memories of the unique encounters, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. We will conclude the trip once we return to Quito Airport. Flights home can be booked any time after 8 pm. We can help arrange a hotel room this evening if your flight schedule requires you to stay overnight in Quito.
After this final exploration, we transfer you to Baltra Airport for your departure, leaving you with cherished memories of the unique encounters, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. We will conclude the trip once we return to Quito Airport. Flights home can be booked any time after 8 pm. We can help arrange a hotel room this evening if your flight schedule requires you to stay overnight in Quito.
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SEE WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
Meet The #1 Trusted Leader in Small-Group Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris
"Saw lots of big cats - lions, leopards, and cheetahs - and so much more! It was a combination of adventure and luxury with an amazing number and variety of wild animals, beautiful landscapes, and a fabulous “tent” camp, where we were treated like royalty. I loved every minute. This was my second trip with BCJ and I will be back. Well-organized, great group of people, both photographers and staff."
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Christine R.
Big Cats of Africa
"The trip was amazing. There is alot of attention to detail ahead of time to ensure the trip runs smoothly. The accommodations were wonderful. Our guide, Casey, was exceptional. It was a small group and I was a solo traveler. I felt very included. I was probably the person with the least photography experience but never felt left behind. I learned so much!"
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Laurie L.
Glacier National Park
"It's hard to begin to say how great this trip was! This was my first trip with Backcountry Journeys and quite an amazing experience from when I first signed up until the last moment of the trip and after. Kelley from the support team was great in answering all my questions and ensuring that I was prepared for the trip.
Once the trip began, it was just one great experience after another. From the first meeting where our guides Grant and Alex took us through the upcoming weeks plans, to the final breakfast, it was like traveling with a group of friends. We were guided to the best light and locations as well as some little known places that Grant had researched a few weeks prior. It was nice to get some unique shots a little off the beaten path.
To sum it up, one of my best travel experiences ever! So much so, that I have already signed up for 2 more trips."
Once the trip began, it was just one great experience after another. From the first meeting where our guides Grant and Alex took us through the upcoming weeks plans, to the final breakfast, it was like traveling with a group of friends. We were guided to the best light and locations as well as some little known places that Grant had researched a few weeks prior. It was nice to get some unique shots a little off the beaten path.
To sum it up, one of my best travel experiences ever! So much so, that I have already signed up for 2 more trips."
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James W.
Canyons of Utah: Zion & Bryce
"This trip was simply amazing! Well planned, well organized, fabulous/diverse photographing opportunities and a truly professional and experienced leader. I'd travel with BCJ again in a heartbeat.
This was a week-long trip around the Kenai Peninsula that included an all-day fjord boat trip (orcas, humpbacks, seals, birds and a calving glacier), a flight to spend a morning with bears on the beach, a second boat trip to Seldovia (rafts of otters, puffins and...more), and lots of landscape photography. I can't imaging a better week of shooting.
The small group (BCJ is noted for them) bonded quickly and were open to sharing experiences and tips. The guide, Liz Carmel, helped everyone learn something, no matter their prior level of experience. (She was awesome!)"
This was a week-long trip around the Kenai Peninsula that included an all-day fjord boat trip (orcas, humpbacks, seals, birds and a calving glacier), a flight to spend a morning with bears on the beach, a second boat trip to Seldovia (rafts of otters, puffins and...more), and lots of landscape photography. I can't imaging a better week of shooting.
The small group (BCJ is noted for them) bonded quickly and were open to sharing experiences and tips. The guide, Liz Carmel, helped everyone learn something, no matter their prior level of experience. (She was awesome!)"
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Steve D.
Alaska's Kenai Peninsula
"My trip with Backcountry Journeys to the Grand Tetons was spectacular. Every aspect of the trip was researched and executed flawlessly. The lodging was great as were the restaurants we ate at throughout the trip but the best part of the trip was the guide for the trip, Casey Mannes. He was well prepared and treated us as friends rather than guests on a trip. I would highly recommend this trip, company, and guide."
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David S.
Grand Teton National Park
"Recently completed my 5th trip with Backcountry Journeys, this time to Iceland - the Land of Fire and Ice. This was an awesome trip that took in the entirety of this beautiful country, from active volcanos to the northern lights to glacier fed rivers, streams and beaches. As usual with my previous trips with BCJ, this trip was well planned and we stayed at great lodges and had superb meals."
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Tony E.
The Best of Iceland
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
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