Galapagos Photo Workshop

Apr 24-May 3, 2027 - Sold Out!

May 1-10, 2027 - Spots Available

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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
  • 2nd TBD

Physical Intensity

Highlights

  • Visit the western 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.
Galapagos Photo Workshop

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 – Santa Cruz 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 – Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz
This quiet beach offers excellent swimming and wildlife viewing. You may spot flamingos, black-necked stilts, whimbrels, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and nesting sea turtles. A floating pier from WWII can still be seen here.

Day 3 – Santa Cruz & Bartholomew Islands

Morning – Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz
Hike through a palo santo and cactus forest to a lookout over a lagoon often frequented by land iguanas, flamingos, and pintail ducks.

Afternoon – Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew
Climb to the summit of a volcanic cone for panoramic views of the island’s moonlike landscape. Snorkel in the clear waters below where penguins, reef sharks, rays, and colorful fish abound.

Day 4 – Isabela & Fernandina Islands

Morning – Vicente Roca Point, Isabela
Explore by dinghy and snorkel in a large bay with abundant sea life including seahorses, turtles, and possibly Mola mola (sunfish).

Afternoon – Espinoza Point, Fernandina
Walk across dramatic lava fields past marine iguanas and sea lions to a nesting site for the rare flightless cormorant. Keep an eye out for Galapagos hawks and penguins.

Itinerary
Galapagos Photo Workshop
Day 5 – Isabela Island

Morning – Tagus Cove
Take a scenic hike past Darwin Lake to a viewpoint over volcanic terrain. This historic anchorage site offers excellent wildlife opportunities including penguins and cormorants.

Afternoon – Elizabeth Bay
Explore the islets and mangrove forests by dinghy. Spot blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, rays, and playful sea lions. This is also a superb location for snorkeling.

Day 6 – Isabela Island

Morning – Urbina Bay
Walk through uplifted coastline formed by volcanic activity. Encounter large land iguanas, giant tortoises, and hawks. Snorkeling reveals rich marine life including turtles and tropical fish.

Afternoon – Moreno Point
Trek over ancient lava fields and peer into crystal-clear tide pools. Wildlife highlights include flamingos, pintails, reef sharks, and sea turtles.

Day 7 – Isabela Island

Morning – Sierra Negra Volcano
Hike to the rim of one of the world’s largest basaltic calderas for expansive views. Spot multiple species of finches along the way.

Afternoon – Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center
Learn about the conservation of giant tortoises and observe juveniles and adults from several different species found on Isabela.

Day 8 – Floreana Island

Morning – Devil’s Crown
Snorkel the remnants of an eroded volcanic cone teeming with marine life such as reef fish, rays, and possibly sharks.

Midday – Cormorant Point
Visit a flamingo lagoon and walk along two contrasting beaches: one green with olivine crystals and the other a white coral sand beach.

Afternoon – Post Office Bay
Participate in a centuries-old mariner tradition by dropping a postcard at the barrel mailbox. Enjoy the beach and shallow water wildlife activity.

Day 9 – Mosquera Islet & Departure

Morning – Mosquera Islet
Walk among one of the Galapagos' largest sea lion colonies. Watch for shorebirds and, if lucky, orcas hunting in the surrounding waters.

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.

Galapagos Photo Workshop
Galapagos Photo Workshop

 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.  

This workshop is rated Moderate for physical activity. Although participating in this voyage does not require a high level of physical fitness, you should be able to walk up and down narrow stairs on the ship, and walk on unstable rocky terrain. Optional longer hikes can be done on many of the landings depending on your degree of fitness and interest.

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!

Galapagos Photo Workshop
Galapagos Photo Workshop

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

All lodging on board the yacht is double-occupancy.  There are two matrimonial suites on the yacht (196 sq ft) and six window staterooms (152 sq ft).  The matrimonial suites come at additional cost (see Pricing Section below).  The 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.

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 International Airport and the hotel.

Quito Hotel

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)
Galapagos Photo Workshop
Galapagos Photo Workshop
Galapagos Photo Workshop
Galapagos Photo Workshop-25

Pricing

$12,795/Person + Tax
  • The two matrimonial suites are available only for 2-person bookings.
  • For the matrimonial suites, it is an additional $1200/person.
  • 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 Feb 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.

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.

Galapagos Photo Workshop
Galapagos Photo Workshop

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
Galapagos Photo Workshop

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David Swindler Photographer

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.