General Information
The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s most extraordinary natural destinations, a remote volcanic archipelago where wildlife exists with little fear of humans and every shoreline feels alive with discovery. For photographers, it is an environment unlike anywhere else, intimate, raw, and endlessly inspiring, where extraordinary encounters unfold at every turn.
Situated in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos have fascinated explorers, naturalists, and storytellers for centuries. The unique landscapes, endemic species, and ever-changing light create a setting that feels both timeless and untamed. From marine iguanas basking on black lava rocks to blue-footed boobies performing their courtship dances, the islands offer an unparalleled opportunity to photograph nature at its most authentic.
This expedition invites you to experience the Galapagos in comfort and style aboard a private 5-star yacht, designed to provide both elegance and seamless access to the archipelago’s most photogenic locations. Each day brings new islands, new ecosystems, and new photographic possibilities, all explored at a carefully paced rhythm that allows time to truly connect with the environment.
Joining the expedition is Lee Frost, whose four decades of experience as a pro photographer, author, and international workshop leader have inspired countless photographers around the world. Together with Terra Photography Expeditions' founder Jonas Paurell, participants will refine both their technical skills and creative vision while exploring some of the most extraordinary wildlife locations on the planet.
Guides
Lee Frost
Professional Photographer
Lee’s career started in the late 1980s when he landed a job as features writer for a UK photographic magazine. Fast forward almost 40 years and he has authored thousands of articles and 20 books on the art and craft of photography.
For the last 25 years, Lee has also been organizing and leading photography tours around the world - Namibia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Morocco, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, the USA, Slovenia, South Africa, Zambia, Patagonia, Japan, Cuba, Greece, Italy and Zanzibar are among the destinations, as well as the UK.
When he’s not travelling, Lee lives by the sea in Cornwall.
You can see more of his work at www.leefrost.co.uk
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
All-day arrivals and pick-up from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador. On arrival, you will be transferred to our hotel close to the airport for easy transfer for our early morning flight to the Galapagos Islands the following morning.
If you’re eager to explore Quito’s rich culture and history, consider arriving a couple of days early to experience 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 briefing, breakfast, and then a flight towards the Galápagos Islands. As we arrive on the islands, we will have our 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.
Day 3 - 8 | Expedition Cruise
Life in the Galapagos changes from island to island, and over these days you’ll experience an incredible variety of landscapes, wildlife encounters, and unique photographic opportunities.
Travelling aboard our private luxury yacht allows us to move seamlessly through the archipelago, waking each day beside a completely new environment waiting to be explored. Some islands feel rugged and otherworldly, shaped by dark volcanic terrain and crashing surf, while others reveal white sand beaches, cactus forests, and calm turquoise bays filled with life. Along the way, we’ll combine shore excursions, Zodiac explorations, short walks, and snorkeling sessions that place you directly among turtles, rays, reef fish, and the remarkable marine life that makes the Galapagos so unique.
Throughout the expedition, Lee and Jonas will be alongside you in the field, supporting you to capture light and behavior more carefully, and create stronger photographic compositions as scenes naturally unfold. With constantly changing subjects and environments, these days are designed to encourage experimentation, creativity, and the development of a more thoughtful photographic eye.
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 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 5-Star yacht that has been chartered for our group. With amenities like a jacuzzi on deck, you'll be able to relax with beautiful views.
Additional Information
The Weather
March is a fantastic time to experience the Galápagos Islands, as the archipelago is still within its warm season. Conditions are typically lush, vibrant, and full of activity, with warmer ocean temperatures, calm seas, and excellent opportunities for wildlife encounters both on land and underwater. Expect a combination of sunny skies, tropical warmth, occasional cloud cover, and passing rain showers, which are usually brief and can create beautiful dramatic light for photography.
Sea conditions during this time of year are generally calm, making navigation comfortable and snorkeling especially enjoyable. Water temperatures average around 24–27°C (75–81°F), while daytime air temperatures typically range between 28–31°C (82–88°F).
Quito:
Thanks to its equatorial location and elevation at 2,850 meters (9,350 ft), Quito enjoys a mild spring-like climate throughout the year. In March, daytime temperatures generally range from 18–22°C (64–72°F), with cooler evenings around 9–11°C (48–52°F). Afternoon showers are relatively common during this season, though they are often short-lived. Layered clothing and a lightweight waterproof jacket are recommended to stay comfortable in changing conditions.
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. 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
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
An additional post-tour night on April 1, 2028 at the Holiday Inn Quito Airport is available upon request at no additional cost.
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: $13695
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: PENDING!
Tour Operator: Terra Expeditions LLC, this tour is governed by Terms and Conditions
Participants: Minimum 10 - Maximum 12
Start: Quito - Ecuador, March 24, 2028 - Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport
End: Quito - Ecuador, April 01, 2028 - Arrival back at Mariscal Sucre Quito 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.