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Expedition: Galapagos 2026 (III)

The Living Magic of the Galápagos

Apr 11 - 19, 2026

US$ 12995

General Information

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Nowhere else on Earth feels quite like the Galápagos. These volcanic islands, isolated in the Pacific Ocean, are home to some of the most iconic and unique species on the planet: blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, and many more found nowhere else. 


This exclusive expedition, led by pro photographers Simon d’Entremont and Terra's founder Jonas Paurell, is designed for those who want to push their craft in one of the planet’s most extraordinary settings. You will explore these remote islands aboard a luxury yacht, waking each day to new landscapes, unique wildlife, and new chances to create the images you’ve always imagined.


Your guides will take you to the most photogenic locations and share practical insights on camera techniques, composition, and the art of storytelling through photography. With a small group size, the expedition is crafted around your needs, ensuring personal attention and meaningful instruction from both Simon and Jonas.


This isn’t just a trip. It’s a deep immersion into one of the richest ecosystems on Earth, and a unique chance to build the wildlife portfolio of your dreams.

Guides

Simon d’Entremont

Creative Guide

Simon is a Canadian professional nature and wildlife photographer, known for his passion for capturing the wild beauty of our planet. He started sharing his photography journey on YouTube, creating tutorials, behind-the-scenes adventures, and inspiring others to get outside and start shooting. His work and influence earned him the distinction of being named a Canon Ambassador.


Today, Simon travels the world, from the rugged mountains of Svalbard to the vast savannas of Africa. Whether it’s teaching composition, mastering camera settings, or waiting patiently for the perfect moment, he loves helping others elevate their photography skills and experience the magic of the natural world firsthand.


Through his workshops, online courses, and content, his goal is to inspire and equip photographers of all levels to push their creative boundaries, capture images they’re truly proud of, and respect and protect the ecosystems around us.


More info here.

Jonas Paurell

Creative Guide & Expedition Leader

Jonas is the founder of Terra Photography Expeditions. He has been a photographer for well over 20 years. He is a certified International Mountain Leader (UIMLA) that has spent a lifetime exploring the world's wild areas. 


Jonas loves working with photographers to strengthen their technical foundation and support them to unleach their inner creativity. Jonas achieves this through engaging talks, educative assignments and hands-on teaching in the field. Jonas will also be sharing his knowledge and expertise from photographing the Galapagos Islands.


More info here.




Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival Day in Quito | April 11, 2026

Arrivals throughout the day into Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. You will be met at the airport and transferred to a comfortable hotel located nearby. In the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner and a short group briefing to get to know each other and set the stage for the adventure ahead. If you’re eager to explore Quito’s rich culture and history, consider arriving a couple of days early to check the beautifully preserved colonial Old Town, one of the most charming in all of South America.


Day 2 | Quito – Galápagos | Embarkation Day

Our day starts early in the morning, with a short flight towards the Galápagos Islands. As we arrive on the islands, we will have a first glimpse of a unique array of wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. This living laboratory of evolution, which inspired Darwin’s groundbreaking ideas, is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its global ecological significance.


We will transfer directly to our private yacht, our home for the next days. After lunch, we’ll head out for a first exploration and get our cameras ready for our first shoot.


Day 3 - 8 | Expedition Cruise

The animals here aren’t shy. With no natural predators, many species have little fear of humans, meaning you will often find yourself just a few feet away from your subject. This rare intimacy is what makes the Galápagos so rewarding for photographers: eye-level portraits of marine iguanas, close encounters with curious sea lions, and quiet moments with nesting seabirds.


Every day brings us to a new island with a new ecosystem. You will explore the islands on foot, Zodiac, and by sea. Land excursions reveal the textures and colors of the terrain, while snorkeling immerses you in the marine world below, where fish and playful sea lions may swim around you. It’s a full-sensory experience and one of the richest photographic environments anywhere on Earth, a place where landscapes and wildlife come together in a unique way.


Day 9 | Galápagos – Quito | April 19, 2026

We will enjoy one final outing before disembarking and saying farewell to the islands. A return flight will bring us back to Quito in the late afternoon. From there, you can catch an international connection or stay the night in the city. You’ll leave the Galápagos with full memory cards, new skills, and a gallery of incredible images.

Curriculum

All Terra Photography Expeditions follow a proven curriculum that aims to teach the theory behind photography in a dynamic way that directly translates into easily actionable processes in the field. As we move through nature we also go through an introduction to the skills and knowledge required to be safe in the great outdoors.

Photography Techniques Covered on the tour:

  • Storytelling - Telling stories and evoking emotions within the context of landscape and wildlife photography

  • Composition - A comprehensive introduction to the theory of composition, including the elements of art and principles of design

  • Wildlife Portraits and Environmental Portraits - How to make your wildlife photography stand out

  • Process - Learning and implementing a process to achieve consistent quality in landscape and wildlife photography

  • Focusing - A science-based method for focusing to make your images sharp

Processing Techniques:

  • Workflow - Full post production workflow in Lightroom

  • Colour Balance - Using Lightroom to get the colour right

  • Contrast - Using Lightroom to apply contrast

  • Shaping Light - Using local adjustments to shape and sculpt the light

  • Luminosity Masks - Using luminosity masks in Lightroom

  • HDR Images - Different techniques for blending multiple exposures of the same image

  • Panoramas - Stitching multiple panoramas together

  • Sharpening - Sharpening techniques

  • Black & White - Editing for powerful BW images

Accommodation

For our stay in Quito, we will be lodged in a quality hotel not far from the airport. In Galapagos, we will be staying in a well-equipped and comfortable yacht that has been chartered for our group. With ammenities like a jacuzzi on deck, you'll be able to relax with beautiful views. 

Additional Information

The Weather

April is one of the best months to visit the Islands. Expect warm, sunny days with occasional tropical showers, perfect for vibrant skies and dramatic light. The ocean is calm and ideal for snorkeling, with water temperatures at their most comfortable. Highs reach around 30°C (86°F), with lows around 21°C (70°F).


Quito: Due to its location near the equator and its high elevation, Quito generally has a relatively mild climate year-round. In March, temperatures typically range from around 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 21 degrees Celsius). However, it's advisable to bring rain gear since the weather can change quickly. 


Food

All main meals are included starting at dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on day 9. Kindly be in touch with any dietary restrictions.


Partners are Welcome

The focus of this expedition is on photography - as all expeditions by Terra. But that doesn’t mean that this isn’t perfect for your partner as well! As this is a true once in a lifetime opportunity, accompanying partners, adult children, or friends, whether they are photographers or not, are also welcome. There is plenty for non-photographers to experience on this adventure. For non-photographers we do recommend brining binoculars and a smartphone camera.


Leave No Trace Policy

Terra Photography Expeditions has a strict leave-no-trace policy. This policy is also applied to how we share information about fragile ecosystems that we gently and respectfully visit. This means that we have withheld exact locations from the itinerary. This is because we do not want to contribute to large-scale tourism. You are welcome to get in touch if you'd like to discuss the itinerary before applying to join. Thank you for your understanding.

How Challenging?

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This expedition has a Lowland Workshop effort level.

Our Lowland Workshops are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of participants. This is a ship-based expedition. All excursions from the ship will be done using a zodiac/dinghy (an inflated rubber boat) and landings will be on beaches and rocky shorelines. It is crucial that you can get in and out of a dinghy with ease and have a good sense of balance and a good general state of fitness. The longest walk that we will do on land will be approx. 3-4 hrs in a slow pace that allows for photography.

Price & Details

Included:

  • Wildlife and landscape photography in unforgettable locations

  • Professional photographers & guides who know the areas

  • Guided walks by qualified guides

  • Transportation to and from the locations

  • All park entrance fees (except the Galapagos Tourist Tax that must be paid in person - currently $200)

  • Post-processing workshops in Lightroom, with screen recordings which the participants can keep

  • All accommodations in Quito and on the private yacht throughout the programme

  • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners (starting at dinner on day 1, and finishing with breakfast on day 9)

  • Airport transfer to/from Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre, Quito on day 1 and 9


Excluded:

  • Photo equipment

  • Outdoor clothing and equipment

  • Snacks to bring on the excursions  

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks

  • Flights to and from Ecuador

  • Galapagos Tourist Tax (at the moment 200 USD and can only be paid in CASH on arrival in the Galapagos - credit cards are not accepted by the authorities)

  • Insurance. All participants are required to have their own insurance appropriate for this tour such as health, accident, repatriation, cancellation, personal liability, etc.

Price: 12995 USD

30% deposit is due to secure your reservation, remaining 70% is due 180 days before the start of the tour. The price includes shared twin room (or double room if travelleing as a couple). Single occupancy is only possible by purchasing 2 spots for single use!


Cancellation Terms:

Once the expedition status is "confirmed" the deposit is non-refundable. The balance payment is refundable up to 180 days before the start of the expedition, after that the full payment is non-refundable and cancellations are not accepted. This is due to the special rules and arrangements for this unique expedition in the Galapagos and the chartering of an entire private yacht. We strongly recommend all partipants to have traveller's insurance that refund your non-refundable payment if you need to cancel a trip for unforeseen reasons.


Expedition Status: CONFIRMED!


Tour Operator: Terra Expeditions LLC, this tour is governed by Terms and Conditions


Participants: Minimum 10 - Maximum 12

Start: Quito - Ecuador, 11 April 2026 - Welcome dinner at 6 PM

End: Quito - Ecuador, 19 April 2026 - Arrival back at UIO airport in the late afternoon (time TBC)


We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances.

Contact Us

Terra Expeditions LLC & Terra Expedition AB

Telephone: +46704248899

Email: info@jonaspaurell.com

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© 2025 by Terra Expeditions LLC

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