General Information
Join Terra Photography and Andy Mumford on a photography expedition to the Galapagos Islands, one of Earth's most iconic natural wonders. We’ve chartered a private yacht exclusively for our group to explore these magical islands on a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.
The Galapagos are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and probably need no introduction. They consist of thirteen large islands and their geographical isolation have given rise to a high degree of biodiversity with more than 45 endemic bird species, 42 reptile species, 15 mammal species and 79 fish species living there and coexist harmoniously with the local population. But these numbers can’t really communicate the magic of experiencing this place, of walking along beaches and snorkelling in waters teeming with life. These islands really are among the most stunning places in the world with an astonishing variety of wildlife that doesn’t see you as a threat and so is remarkably unbothered by the presence. We’ll photograph animals and birds on land, and dive beneath the ocean with snorkels to capture the abundant marine life in what will be one of the most incredible experiences of your life, aside from providing unmatched photographic opportunities.
This tour is limited to 12 participants with 2 photographic guides, and like all my workshops is designed to ensure that you can focus on photography while we take care of everything else. From the outstanding accommodation, great food, and of course a tour that’s structured to maximize your opportunities to get great images whilst improving your skills as a photographer. In the field, we’re on hand to provide as much support, advice or guidance as you want, and we’ll back this up with theory, critique and post-processing techniques.
Partners are welcome on this trip as this is the kind of experience that even someone who’s not interested in photography can enjoy, even the kind of partner that would never pick up any camera other than the phone. Aside from the excitement of having wildlife encounters and experiencing nature in its purest state, there are opportunities for snorkelling and swimming in the crystal clear ocean, watching the sunsets from the boat, and hikes across fascinating volcanic landscapes.
Guides
Andy Mumford
Creative Guide
Andy is a Lisbon based professional landscape and travel photographer. He is also a passionate teacher of photography and has been leading groups and one-to-one workshops for over five years, while his images and photography writing have featured in magazines and publications worldwide. As well as workshops and travelling he also produce regular videos about photography and film-making on his Youtube channel.
Andy's Website
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 developing photographers to strengthen their technical foundation and support them to unleach their inner creativity. Jonas achieves this through engaging lectures, 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
All-day arrivals and pick-up from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador. On arrival, you will be transferred to our lodge not far from the airport. Settle in and relax as the follwoing morning the adventure begins! 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 comfortable 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
It’s hard to explain how magical the Galapagos really are, but the moment you set foot on the island you’ll see it and feel it. Stepping around reclining sea loins on the beach, pelicans that sit unconcerned as you walk past, and boobies diving in the water that you’re swimming in are experiences that only the Galapagos can offer. 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, by zodiac from our boat, and from in the water itself.
Aside from the abundance of wildlife everywhere, land excursions reveal the textures and colors of the terrain, we’ll hike to viewpoints from where you can capture wide scenics of the craters that are the geological heritage of these volcanic islands, and explore the lava fields shooting abstract images of the black rock.
We’ll also have several snorkeling sessions, guided by our passionate local guide where you’ll find yourself immersed in the marine world below the surface. It’s common to find yourself swimming alongside sea lions, penguins and giant turtles, and amongst thousands of colourful fish - it’s a full-sensory experience and one of the most incredible experiences anywhere on the planet.
When we’re not on excursions we’ll relax on our comfortable boat. There’ll be lectures from our guide on the islands themselves, and talks on photographic techniques and post - processing from Andy and Jonas. You’ll be able to relax on deck watching as we pass by the islands, and eat incredible meals prepared by the amazing crew. It really is an amazing trip in one of the most special places in the world
Day 9 | Galápagos - Quito
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 incredible memories of one of the most unique places on the planet.
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 Expedition
Storytelling - Telling stories and evoking emotions within the context of landscape photography
Composition - A comprehensive introduction to the theory of composition, including the elements of art and principles of design
Process - Learning and implementing a process to achieve consistent quality in landscape photography
Focusing - A science-based method for focusing to make your images sharp
Long exposure and filters - Long exposure and the use of Neutral Density (ND) filters, especially related to moving water and clouds
Panorama photography - exposing and merging multiple images
Multiple exposures - Achieving correctly exposed images in challenging conditions using multiple exposures (exposure bracketing)
Finding locations - Using maps, weather services, and other tools to identify potential photography locations and times.
Processing Techniques (a digital session once we are back home):
Using Lightroom to apply contrast
Using local adjustments to shape and sculpt the light
Using luminosity masks in Lightroom
Different techniques for blending multiple exposures of the same image
Stitching multiple panoramas together
Sharpening images
Accommodation
For our stay in Quito, we will be lodged in a hotel not far from the Airport of Quito. In Galapagos, we will be staying in a well-equipped and comfortable private 4-Star 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
February 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 with breakfast on day 2, 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?
This expedition has a Lowland Workshop effort level.
Our Lowland Workshops are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of participants. All excursions from the ship will be done using a 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 hrs in a slow pace that allows for photography.
Price & Details
Included
Wildlife and landscape photography in unforgettable locations
Expert guidance from professional photographers and naturalist guides who know the islands inside out
Guided photo walks and dinghy excursions led by certified guides
Snorkelling sessions accompanied by a qualified guide
All park entrance fees (except the Galapagos Tourist Tax, currently $200, payable in person)
A structured photography curriculum to strengthen your wildlife and landscape skills
Post-processing workshops in Lightroom, including screen recordings for participants to keep
All accommodations in Quito and on the private yacht throughout the program
Daily breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 9)
Airport transfers to/from Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito on Days 1, 2, and 9
Round-trip economy flights between Quito and the Galapagos, according to the itinerary
Excluded
Personal photography equipment
Outdoor clothing and gear
Meals on the arrival day
Snacks during excursions
Alcoholic and soft drinks
International flights to and from Ecuador
Galapagos Tourist Tax (currently $200, cash payment upon arrival)
Gratuities for local crew and staff
Personal travel insurance — required for all participants (must include health, accident, repatriation, cancellation, and personal liability coverage)
Price: 11995 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 your participation for unforeseen reasons.
Expedition Status: PENDING!
Tour Operator: Terra Expeditions LLC, this tour is governed by Terms and Conditions
Participants: Minimum 10 - Maximum 12
Start: Quito - Ecuador, 6 Feb 2027
End: Quito - Ecuador, 14 Feb 2027
We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.