Closer to Nature: Galápagos Wildlife and Photography Tour
Explore, learn, and experience the Galápagos.
Is there a better way to bring in the New Year than an amazing trip to the Galápagos??!! Dec. 28, 2026 - Jan 7, 2027! This is an exclusive tour on the Daphe II, an elegant yacht for 16 passengers, 12 participants, and 4 instructors/guides. Most other tours are large ships for 60-100+ passengers with rigid schedules and fewer opportunities to engage with wildlife on each island.
Experience the Galápagos like never before on this immersive journey. This is a nature tour with world class photographers; you will be learning about the wildlife from world-renowned authors, photographers, and naturalists. Travel by an incredible boat between iconic islands, capturing stunning wildlife, from penguins and sea lions to blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises.
Led by expert naturalists and photographers, each day blends hands-on photography with rich scientific insight into the species and ecosystems you encounter. Explore volcanic landscapes, snorkel alongside sea turtles, bugs, and fish, and photograph dramatic coastlines shaped by lava and time. All set in an environment where the animals aren’t afraid of you!
This is more than a photography trip; it’s a deep dive into evolution, ecology, and the connections between wildlife, landscapes, and our world. This tour will have a special session on the history and diversity of coffee in Ecuador!
For more details on the Galapagos Trip, click here.
What to Expect
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Each day will start with breakfast on the boat, then a quick hike or snorkel in the morning, followed by lunch on the boat and an additional hike or snorkel in the afternoon. Dinner will also be on the boat, followed by time to relax while watching birds and sea life.
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Each instructor is well-versed in the research on these remarkable species. Along the way, you’ll naturally learn how they contribute to their ecosystems and how that knowledge connects to the broader world—and to our own lives.
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Instructors are not only scientists, but also world-class photographers who are capable of guiding you to the perfect picture. We can prepare you on which lenses to bring and how to adjust your settings to get the perfect shot.
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The Daphne II is a beautifully crafted expedition yacht designed for small-group exploration, hosting just 16 guests for an intimate, immersive experience. After days spent exploring remote islands and wildlife-rich waters, return to incredible meals prepared by a private chef and a welcoming onboard atmosphere.
Each cabin offers double occupancy with a private en-suite bathroom, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure. Blending exploration with elevated comfort, the Daphne is the perfect base for experiencing the Galápagos in style.
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What’s Included
Comfortable lodging (double occupancy; optional single depending on location)
Flight from Quito to Galápagos.
All meals throughout the trip, once we all arrive.
Instruction from world-class photographers and scientists
Access to field sites and guided excursions
Hands-on photography guidance and natural history learning
What is NOT included:
Snorkel/fins/wetsuit rental
Tips
Alcohol
Additional beverages outside of meals
$200 entrance fee to Galápagos Park. It will be paid when you get off the plane in the Galápagos at the airport.
Cancellation Policy
90+ days before: Full refund minus $50 fee
60 days before: 50% refund minus $50 fee
30 days or less: No refunds
Itinerary: The Penguin
** Subject to change as needed.
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Most people arrive at night to Quito, we will transport you to our Quito hotel, San Jose de Puembo.
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Transport to the cloud forest for breakfast, bird hike & Toucan spotting, lunch in cloud forest, then free time in the afternoon for Torrent Duck, waterfall hike, amazing bugs and birds.
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Arrival & First Encounters with Coastal Wildlife
White coral beaches, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and your first taste of Galápagos life. -
Red Sand Beaches & Birdlife Encounters
Sea lions, flamingos, finches, and dramatic cliffside views on one of the most colorful islands.New Year’s on the Boat!
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Volcano Views & Giant Tortoise Territory
Snorkel rich waters, explore historic coves, and walk among giant tortoises and land iguanas.Happy New Year!
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Wild Volcanic Landscapes & Penguin Waters
Marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and snorkeling alongside turtles and penguins. -
Black Lava Shores & Playful Sea Lions
Tidal pools, fur seals, seabirds, and dramatic volcanic coastlines shaped by time. -
Iconic Views & Pinnacle Rock
Climb volcanic landscapes for breathtaking views and snorkel among fish, sharks, and penguins. -
Bird Colonies & Giant Tortoises in the Wild
Blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and a journey into lush highlands with roaming tortoises. -
Culture, Coffee & Farewell to the Islands
Visit a local farm, experience traditional sugar and coffee production, and depart the Galápagos for Quito. -
Fly home or join us for an Amazon Adventure!
meet your instructors
Camille de Boissel
Camille is a sustainability and regenerative agriculture expert whose work connects biodiversity conservation with community-driven coffee production in places like Gorongosa National Park. She will have a guest presentation on how ecosystems, livelihoods, and global commodities like coffee are deeply intertwined, helping participants see the real-world connections between nature and everyday life.
Piotr Naskrecki
Piotr is a world-renowned entomologist, conservation biologist, and photographer based at Harvard’s Museum of Comparative Zoology, known for bringing hidden biodiversity to life through science and imagery. As an instructor and author, he blends natural history, conservation, and photography to help participants see and understand the natural world in entirely new ways.
John and Kendra Abbott
John and Kendra are professional nature photographers, scientists, authors, and educators based at the University of Alabama, combining expertise in entomology, ecology, and conservation with world-class visual storytelling. In addition to their work in research and education, they collaborate on nature documentary projects, using film and photography to communicate science and connect audiences with the natural world.
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and register for a workshop.
Your Questions, Answered-
Families, nature lovers, and photographers of all levels, no experience required.
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Not at all. Photography is optional; you can simply enjoy the wildlife and learning experience.
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We combine world-class photography, science, and immersive nature experiences in a way that connects ecosystems to everyday life.
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Yes, but we will be in the field every day, engaged in nature so kids should be old enough to be able to go on a 2-3 hour day out in nature. Our trips are designed to be engaging for curious kids and adults alike.
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Family-friendly + elite instructors + science storytelling
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A camera with a macro setup for small animals like bugs and/or a long zoom lens for larger animals. We’ll provide guidance based on your setup.