Galapagos Photo Workshop

Apr 24 - May 3, 2027 - Sold Out

May 1-10, 2027 - 2 Spots Available

The Galapagos Islands are some of nature's most exquisite creations. From desolate coasts to craggy volcanic peaks, textured lava fields, and iridescent lagoons, this archipelago exudes untamed beauty. Situated more than 600 miles off of the nearest coast, the hallmark of these islands is the profusion of endemic wildlife found nowhere else! And on our 8-day adventure, we will experience and photograph every bit of the Galapagos magic! Be ready to race the giant tortoises, dance with the blue-footed boobies, hop with the Galapagos penguins, and swim with the only seafaring lizards!

Tuition

$12,795
All-Inclusive

Max Group Size

13 Participants
2 Instructors
1 Wildlife Specialist

Instructors

David Swindler
Josh Miller

Physical Intensity

Highlights

Visit the eastern side of the islands with dates optimally timed for mating behavior, clearer water, and stable weather.
Capture endemic species such as the giant tortoise, all three types of boobies, waved albatross, Galapagos penguins, sally lightfoot crabs, frigatebirds, and many more!
Snorkel with a dazzling array of marine life. You will love the playful sea lions, the colorful schools of fish, sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, and more!
Onboard naturalist eager to share info on the islands and wildlife.
In-field and classroom instruction with 2 pro photographers.
Luxury yacht with 10 crew and delicious meals.
Includes domestic flights, 2 nights single occupancy at a 5-star hotel, arrival and departure dinners with all meals on board, airport transfers, and gratuities.

May 1-10 - Book Now

The Wonders of the Galapagos

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Ecuador

Arrive at Quito International Airport (UIO). Transportation will be provided from the airport to our 5-star hotel in the city. We will meet together at 6PM for a welcome dinner where we'll discuss the upcoming days activities.

Day 2 – North Seymour Island

After breakfast, we head to the airport for our flight to Baltras, Galapagos Islands. Once we arrive, we are transported to our luxury yacht.

Afternoon
Visit North Seymour Island, home to blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, sea lions, and magnificent frigatebirds. Photograph the stark volcanic terrain and abundant wildlife.

Day 3 – Santiago Island & Chinese Hat Islet

Morning
Explore Chinese Hat Islet, located just off the coast of Santiago Island. Capture striking lava formations and snorkel with sea lions, penguins, and reef fish.

Afternoon
Hike through Sullivan Bay’s surreal volcanic landscape, where ropy lava flows and volcanic cones offer dramatic photographic subjects.

Day 4 – Genovesa Island

Morning
Land at Darwin Bay, a white coral beach bordered by mangroves. Photograph red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and other seabirds along the trail.

Afternoon
Climb El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps) to capture cliffside views and nesting birds such as storm petrels, owls, and doves.

Day 5 – Santiago Island & Rabida Island

Morning
Explore Egas Port on Santiago Island. Tide pools and rocky shores host Galápagos fur seals, lava lizards, hawks, and more.

Afternoon
Visit Rabida Island, famous for its deep red sand beach and colorful lagoon. Excellent birdwatching and snorkeling await.

Day 6 – Santa Cruz Island

Morning
Tour the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora. Get close-up shots of giant tortoises at various life stages.

Afternoon
Venture into the highlands of Santa Cruz to photograph wild tortoises, lush Scalesia forests, and the mysterious lava tunnels.

Day 7 – Española Island

Morning
Land at Gardner Bay, a picturesque white-sand beach where you can photograph playful sea lions and snorkeling scenes in crystal-clear waters.

Afternoon
Hike to Suarez Point to witness dramatic coastal cliffs, a spectacular blowhole, and nesting waved albatrosses (seasonal).

Day 8 – Santa Fé Island & South Plaza Island

Morning
Visit Santa Fé Island to photograph endemic land iguanas and towering prickly pear cactus forests. Snorkel in the island’s sheltered bay.

Afternoon
Explore South Plaza Island’s vibrant cliffs, bright red ground cover, and bustling sea lion colonies.

Day 9 – Santa Cruz Island (Black Turtle Cove)

Morning
Cruise by dinghy through the mangrove-lined waters of Black Turtle Cove. Spot reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, and coastal birds in this peaceful estuary.

After the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Quito. We'll transfer to the 5-star hotel in the city and have our final group dinner.

Day 10 – Departure Day

Transportation will be provided from the hotel back to the UIO International Airport. Return travel can be scheduled anytime this day.

May 1-10 - Book Now

Logistics

Arrive at Quito International Airport (UIO) anytime before 4PM on Day 1 to enjoy our 5 star hotel and group dinner. Day 10 is our departure day. You could leave late evening on Day 9 if you must but the hotel and dinner are included for that night.

This workshop is 100% all-inclusive from the time we meet for dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 10 (excluding alcohol). Airport transfers to/from Quito and all gratuities are included.

Seasickness is generally only a problem during open ocean passages. The waters are usually quite calm when cruising between landings. We will discuss some of our suggestions for managing sea-sickness during our pre-workshop zoom meeting. We also advise you to consult with your physician.

The Ecuadorian government has done an excellent job protecting the Galapagos by carefully managing tourism to preserve its unique wildlife and landscapes. To prevent overcrowding, the national park restricts to 16 person groups, and controls when and where each boat can land to ensure groups don’t overlap at the same sites. Because of these regulations, we don’t have the flexibility to adjust landing times—even if a different schedule might be better for photography. That said, you will have amazing opportunities to capture stunning images throughout the trip!

*Kevin McNeal is instructing Apr 24-May 3 and Josh Miller is instructing May 1-10. David Swindler is instructing both sets of dates.

May 1-10 - Book Now

The Yacht

The Yacht

Indoor Dining

Common Area

Sun Deck

Matrimonial Suite

Suite Bathroom

Window Stateroom

Stateroom Bathroom

Outdoor Dining

Patio

Bar

Main Deck

Upper Deck

Sun Deck

Newly Built in 2023. 115 ft in length.
10 crew members
Hydraulic stabilizers for a smooth ocean ride
All Cabins are on the main and upper decks with private bathrooms, AC, and hot water.
6 Window Staterooms, 152 Sq Ft
2 Matrimonial Suites, 196 Sq Ft
Sun Deck and Jacuzzi

Lodging

Two nights of single-occupancy lodging are provided at the beginning and end of the trip at a posh 5-star hotel in Quito. If you are traveling as a couple and want to share one room, just let us know. Private transportation for all participants will be arranged between Quito Airport and the hotel.

Lodging on-board the yacht is as follows:

Single-Occupancy Window Stateroom (limited availability)
Double-Occupancy Window Staterooms
Two Matrimonial Suites (30% larger than the staterooms)

The single-occupancy staterooms and matrimonial suites come at additional cost (see Pricing Section below). The matrimonial suites have a fixed king bed, so they must be booked for 2 people. The window staterooms can be configured with 2 separate twin beds or one queen size bed.

Trip Details

Trip Includes:

Round trip airfare between Quito and the Galapagos Islands.
Private Transfers to/from Quito International Airport and the Hotel.
2 Nights single-occupancy lodging at a 5-Star Hotel in Quito at the beginning and end of the trip.
7 nights on board our private luxury yacht in a double-occupancy window stateroom.
Gourmet meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks starting with dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 10.
Gratuities for ship & expedition staff.
In-field photography instruction, image critiques, and post-processing training by 2 pro-photographers.
Onboard naturalist eager to share info on the islands and wildlife
Landing fees, national park permits, port taxes, and passenger fees for all activities.
Wetsuits, life jackets, and all snorkeling gear.
Detailed trip materials and a digital voyage log after the trip.
Pre-Workshop zoom meeting

Trip Does NOT Include:

Airfare from your home to/from Quito, Ecuador.
Passport and visa fees.
Alcoholic beverages
Mandatory Travel Insurance, including emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation.
Personal expenses (laundry, cell phone charges, souvenirs, etc)

May 1-10 - Book Now

Pricing

$12,795/Person + Tax

Double occupancy window staterooms: $12,795/person
Matrimonial suites*: $13,995/person
Single-occupancy window stateroom: $19,995/person.
*The matrimonial suites are 30% larger than the staterooms and have a king size bed. They are available only for 2-person bookings.
Loyalty discounts do not apply to this international workshop

Payment Schedule

A 25% Deposit is required to hold your spot.
The next 50% is due Apr 1, 2026. We will contact you ahead of time to arrange payment details.
The final balance is due Oct 1, 2026.

Cancellations

You may cancel your spot at any time.
A full refund less a $300 cancellation fee will be issued once we fill your spot with another participant. If your spot is not filled, no refunds can be given.
Travel insurance is highly recommend to protect your investment.
Please see the full Terms and Conditions.

May 1-10 - Book Now

The Wildlife

Our adventure takes you both on land and water as we explore the Galápagos by foot and by smaller watercraft. From scenic shore landings to intimate wildlife encounters at sea, each outing offers unforgettable photographic opportunities. We’ll search for iconic creatures such as marine iguanas, giant tortoises, Galápagos penguins, sea turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, colorful crabs, and a variety of endemic mammals including the Galápagos sea lion, fur seal, dolphins, and more.

Snorkeling is highly recommended to explore the underwater world. Please note that all snorkeling equipment is provided on the boat. This is a prime time for spotting stingrays, eagle rays, galapagos sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, and even penguins in the water.

The Galápagos is a bird lover’s paradise. We hope to photograph an incredible variety of land birds, seabirds, and shorebirds—many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Keep your eyes (and lenses) ready for the American flamingo, flightless cormorant, waved albatross, lava gull, frigatebird, tropicbird, as well as blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll receive expert instruction tailored to your level—whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro. Our instructors will help you refine your composition, harness natural light, and dial in technical settings so you can confidently create impactful wildlife images both in and out of the water.

May 1-10 - Book Now

Physical Activity

This workshop is rated Moderate, but it is not a hiking-focused trip. Most walks are relatively short, and no special athletic ability or extensive hiking experience is required.

Walking surfaces may include uneven lava rock, sandy beaches, coastal trails, and wet landing areas. We move at a relaxed photography pace, with plenty of time to stop, photograph, ask questions, and navigate the terrain carefully. Guests should be comfortable carrying the camera equipment and personal items they choose to bring over these short distances.

Guests will also need to walk up and down the yacht’s stairs and transfer between the yacht and zodiacs during daily excursions. The crew and instructors will be available to assist with boarding, disembarking, and camera equipment whenever needed.

Some landings may offer optional longer walks. Guests may choose the activity level that feels most comfortable and are always welcome to enjoy a shorter outing or remain aboard the yacht.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is optional, but we highly encourage it because some of the most memorable wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities take place underwater.

All snorkeling equipment is provided, including a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit. Life jackets are also available. Guests who choose to snorkel should know how to swim and feel comfortable in the water. Our guides and crew will provide assistance and help guests enter and exit the zodiacs safely.

Daily Schedule

Galápagos National Park carefully manages landing times and visitor access, so the daily schedule is less flexible than on many of our other workshops. Some mornings may begin early, and certain days may include multiple landings, zodiac transfers, snorkeling sessions, and photography outings.

Downtime is available aboard the yacht between activities whenever the schedule allows. Guests are also welcome to sit out an activity when they would benefit from additional rest.

Can I Bring a Non-Photographer Companion?

How Do Deposits and Final Payments Work?

For most workshops, a 50% deposit is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance is typically due approximately 120 days prior to the workshop. We will contact you in advance to coordinate and process your final payment.

For workshops priced over $10,000, the payment schedule is structured differently. A 25% deposit is due at registration, with additional payments scheduled at 9 months, 6 months, and 4 months prior to departure. Specific payment terms for each trip are outlined on the individual workshop page and in your registration details.

What Level of Photographer Do I Need To Be?

All experience levels are welcome—from beginners to working professionals. Our mission is to help you capture your best images, no matter where you’re starting from.

At the beginning of each workshop, we’ll ask about your experience level and your goals. This allows us to tailor instruction specifically to you—whether that’s camera fundamentals, composition, night photography, or refining your editing workflow.

To get the most out of your experience, we strongly recommend reading our Ebook ahead of time. Familiarity with the basics (exposure, focus, and common camera settings) makes in-field learning more enjoyable and less stressful. We also encourage you to explore our Education page for additional resources.

Drones: If you plan to bring a drone, you must already be comfortable launching, landing, and flying safely before the workshop. Our instructors can teach photography techniques, but they cannot pilot your aircraft for you.

How Will I Know If I'll Like Your Trips?

A great way to get a feel for the experience is to hear directly from past guests.

We have 900+ five-star reviews—you can browse testimonials on both Google and Trip Advisor to see what participants consistently say about their time with us.

You can also visit our Client Images page to see the quality of photographs our participants create while on an adventure with us. Each year, we host the Action Photogs Photo Contest, where guests submit their favorite images from our trips. Viewing past contest videos is another excellent way to see the real results our clients achieve.

At some point, though, you simply have to take the leap. Many guests start with a day tour, overnight adventure, or short workshop to get to know us. Once they do, they tend to keep coming back—90% of our participants are repeat clients.

We’re confident that after your first trip, you’ll understand why.

What Level of Physical Fitness Is Required?

Should I Have Trip Insurance?

What Kind of Pre-Workshop Prep Do You Provide?

All workshops include a pre-workshop Zoom meeting held a few months before departure to review logistics, answer questions, and help you feel fully prepared.

Some workshops—especially international or logistically complex trips—also include a detailed PDF trip packet with itinerary information, travel logistics, packing lists, and other planning details.

How Does Double Occupancy Work?

Double occupancy cannot be guaranteed for solo travelers.

If you request double occupancy, we will do our best to match you with a same-gender roommate. However, if we’re unable to find a match—or if your assigned roommate later cancels—you may be required to upgrade to single occupancy.

If you register and book two spots together, double occupancy is guaranteed.

Please note: Upgrading to single occupancy does not create an exception to our cancellation policy.

See All FAQ's

Recommended Camera Gear

Much more detailed packing info will be sent after booking.

Digital SLR or mirrorless camera body (preferably 2 bodies)
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-105mm.
Long telephoto zoom lens in the 100-600mm range. If you like shooting birds, 500-600mm is recommended.
Wide angle lens in the 14-24mm or 16-35mm range.
Macro lens in the 90-150mm range (optional).
Circular polarizer filters
Tripod or Monopod (optional)
Waterproof Action Camera or Underwater Housing for a larger camera body. Alternatively, you can get a waterproof housing for your phone.
Backpack to carry your camera gear
Binoculars (optional)
Extra batteries, extra memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Laptop and card reader to backup your photos during the voyage.

Personal Gear List

Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
Warm layer for cooler mornings.
Swimsuit
Long sleeve hooded shirt for sun protection.
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat, Lip Balm, Lotion
Hiking poles, if needed for the uneven terrain.
Water bottle

May 1-10 - Book Now

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

David Swindler

Founder - Photography Instructor

David Swindler is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer. Among others, he has been recognized by the International Photography Awards, Siena International Photo Awards, International Aerial Photographer of the Year, Sony World Photography Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and National Geographic. He received a degree in chemical engineering and worked in the semiconductor industry specializing in optics and photolithography. In 2014, he left his day job to follow his true passion. He has traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world and has extensive experience photographing a wide variety of subjects and conditions. As the founder of Action Photo Tours, he finds great satisfaction in helping others learn photography, especially in the wild desert environment near his home in Kanab, UT. David is an expert in night photography and loves to get out and shoot the starry night skies.

Gallery Awards and Media Coverage

Having guided photo tours for years, David is very familiar with many different types of cameras. He is a master with light and composition. But most importantly, his dedication to his clients is what really sets him apart! But don't take our word for it - read what others are saying: Trip Advisor.

Josh Miller

Photography Instructor

Josh has been a professional photographer and educator for more than
twenty years. His work has been published by National Geographic, Sierra Club, Audubon, Microsoft, The Wall Street Journal, and Outside Magazine. Josh is also passionate about the environment and shares his photographs and knowledge with conservation projects whenever possible.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Josh developed a passion for “the high country” and “bad” weather. He became interested in photography while working at Denali National Park for a summer job during college, and after graduation he moved to the mountains of northern California to spend as much time as possible climbing, skiing, and photographing in the Sierra. In addition to being a professional photographer, Josh is a California
credentialed art and science teacher. Josh and his wife spent seventeen years running an environmentally focused high school academy in Northern California where they were both honored as teachers of the year. Josh also loves to travel, and after the Covid pandemic, he and his wife spent nearly two years abroad traveling and photographing the world with their two young boys.

During workshops, Josh loves sharing his passions for the environment and travel, and his expertise as both an educator and photographer helps students improve their technical skills and feel comfortable pushing their creative boundaries.