Dates Cruise 1: Nov 2–11, 2007
Cruise 2: Nov 9–18, 2007
Leaders Wayne Lynch and Aubrey Lang
Fee $6,695 from Guayaquil, Ecuador
Deposit $400
Limit 13
Special Terms and Conditions Apply

The Galápagos Archipelago lies some 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador. Its six major islands and a broad scattering of smaller islands constitute what early sailors called Las Islas Encantadas, the Enchanted Islands. It is one of the world’s best locations for a nature photography vacation.

Photogenic and famous for their remarkably unwary demeanor, the seabirds of the Galápagos Islands, though birds of the open ocean, allow human approach within a few yards during courtship
and breeding. The islands are also home to the famous "Darwin's finches," as well as extraordinary tortoises and iguanas, sea lions and fur seals.

Our flexible schedule has us photographing in early morning and late afternoon. Whenever possible between morning and afternoon shooting sessions, we take time to snorkel in the coastal waters of the islands, searching for black sea turtles and enjoying the myriad coral reef fishes that bejewel the clear, warm tropical waters.

We go ashore at eight islands throughout the archipelago. We begin our discovery of these fascinating islands at the new visitor center on San Cristobal. At Genovesa Island we go ashore at dawn to explore the mangroves; then in the afternoon, we climb to the top of the island for some unforgettable photography. The island, widely known as one of the best bird islands in the Galápagos, encompasses a spectacular seabird-nesting colony with red-footed boobies perching in chest-high scrub, great frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed and lava gulls. Fernandina and Isabela offer flightless cormorants and the rare Galápagos penguins. We climb the ash-covered slopes of Bartolomé Island, past numerous parasitic cones, to the high point of the island for attractive backlit views of classic Galápagos landscapes. In the distance are the photogenic Pinnacle Rock and rugged Santiago Island.

Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island is our next stop. We explore the lush scalesia forests of the highlands—the favorite haunt of vermilion flycatchers—and investigate volcanic craters and lava tubes; then visit a tortoise reserve and photograph the charismatic animals in the wild. We spend time at the Charles Darwin Research Station, which plays a major role in the environmental monitoring of the archipelago. Española Island, an uplifted block of submarine lava, is home to the famous waved albatrosses, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Hood mockingbirds, and lava lizards—all within a few feet of our lenses.

Join Wayne and Aubrey in this paradise for wildlife photographers, where subjects sit serenely for portraits, displaying their bright vermilion throat pouches or azure feet—and where midday is spent snorkeling with beautiful-spotted eagle rays and the tiny and delightful Galápagos penguins!

About Our Vessel: We have chosen one of the most luxurious vessels sailing the Galápagos. She is the Parranda, a fantastic, stabilized motor yacht. Designed for speed, she also provides exceptional seagoing comfort. The Parranda is fully air-conditioned with a well-appointed lounge, bar and sun deck. Spacious cabins have two lower beds, ample storage, small windows and private baths.



Day 1 (Nov 2)
Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Day 2
Meet for a breakfast orientation, fly to the Galápagos Islands and embark. We go ashore at Playa Ochoa this afternoon. (B and all meals onboard Parranda)

Day 3
Genovesa Island, the rim of a circular caldera, for spectacular seabirds.

Day 4
We visit Punta Espinosa and Tagus Cove on Fernandina Island watching for nesting flightless cormorants.

Day 5
Urvina Bay on Isabela provides more opportunities to photograph land iguanas and tortoises.

Day 6
Dramatic volcanic topography and views from the top of Bartolomé Island. Sullivan Bay for snorkeling with penguins. James Bay on Santiago Island for sea lion colonies and fur seal grottos.

Day 7
Early morning into the highland forest for birding near twin volcanic craters on Santa Cruz Island. Late morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 8
Española Island with its dramatic blowhole and nesting albatrosses.

Day 9
Return to San Cristobal, passing Kicker Rock. Fly to Guayaquil. (D)

Day 10 (Nov 11)
Depart for home. (B)


Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
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