11 Days / May, From $5,745
Classic Galapagos Photo Adventure
Galapagos tours and cruises with NHA are the best in the Galapagos Islands... guaranteed!
Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, surrounded by open ocean, a volcanic archipelago straddles the equator. The Galapagos Islands, forged of black lava and named for the giant tortoises that are among its most noted inhabitants, are like nowhere else in the world. Home to a profuse array of wildlife, the islands offer an immersion in nature that feels primeval, where lizards and penguins and bluefooted boobies share the beaches with us, unconcerned by our presence. Herman Melville called the Galapagos “Las Encantadas,” or Enchanted Isles, 
an apt moniker for a realm that remains otherworldly, even today. Our ship-based adventure aboard the private yacht Letty will afford unparalleled opportunities for some of the most amazing wildlife photography on the planet!
an apt moniker for a realm that remains otherworldly, even today. Our ship-based adventure aboard the private yacht Letty will afford unparalleled opportunities for some of the most amazing wildlife photography on the planet!- Photograph the Galapagos' prolific wildlife as you journey among the islands on an intimate, well-appointed yacht
- Swim and snorkel with sea lions, turtles and penguins, sunbathe with iguanas, and kayak among whales and dolphins
- Learn about scientists’ conservation work at Charles Darwin Research Station and photograph giant tortoises at the tortoise-breeding center
Location of Adventure
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Group Size Limit
Approximately 20 Travelers
Small group sizes are the best way to experience nature, and this is especially true for our photographic adventures. With only 20 travelers, you’re assured of plenty of space and personalized attention when you need it. As a small group, we maintain the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in a way that maximizes the photo opportunities – we'll depart early in the morning to chase the best light, remain at a site of specific photographic interest to fully explore the potential, or move to a new destination when desired. Our expert naturalist and accomplished photographer is always available to answer your questions, provide tips and techniques, and to help you better understand and photograph this amazing region of the world.
Included
Accommodations, meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 11 (except lunch and dinner on Day 10), safe drinking water, services of NHA’s professional Expedition Leaders, local guides and boat crew, some gratuities, airport transfers, Otavalo Market or Quito City Tour excursion, use of wetsuits and snorkel gear on all scheduled departures, permit fees.
Not Included
Travel to and from Quito, R/T air Quito to Galapagos (to be added to your invoice), most gratuities, alcohol, Galapagos tax and transit card (approx.$110 for adults, $60 for children under 12, collected in advance), airport departure tax (approx $40), items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.), travel insurance, optional activities.
Physical Requirements
Easy/Moderate/Flexible
The activities on this trip consist of island walks, swimming and snorkeling. Trails can be rough and uneven, and walking over slippery rocks is sometimes necessary when coming ashore. Passengers must be able to walk one mile to participate in this trip, and be able to get in and out of our motorized pangas, which can be very unsteady in rough water. A few wet landings, where we disembark from the panga directly into the water and walk up onto the beach, are included. Snorkeling can be a big component of this trip with nearly daily excursions offered (no experience required). Travelers are not required to participate in every activity.
Important Information
Perhaps nowhere else on earth is a more appropriate destination for Natural Habitat travelers than the Galapagos Islands. With rare and friendly wildlife found at every turn, our Expedition Leaders are able to unveil the beauty and intricacies of nature in a warm and intimate manner. The key to the success of our Galapagos adventures is the small group size. On The M/V Letty we accommodate just 20 guests and two Expedition Leaders. We break down into even smaller groups when on land. The splitting of the group also serves to allow our guests to move at their chosen pace, although it is important that guests be able to walk on some uneven terrain up to a mile or two, as well as disembark the panga in sometimes rough conditions. In addition to land excursions, we will have the opportunity to snorkel almost every day while in the islands. Another very important and exciting element of this trip is that we are afforded a unique opportunity to stay in the highlands of Santa Cruz at our firstclass camp, a private property with walk-in safari tents and classic outfitted tree houses overlooking the Pacific. On this private land the islands’ famed tortoises roam freely and give us a unique look at the islands in days gone by.
Please note: The itinerary provided is meant as a guideline, and is subject to change without notice. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to deviate from our regular itinerary for reasons beyond our control. In these instances we will provide the best available alternative.
Getting There & Getting Home
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador anytime on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 11. We are prepared to handle all your round-trip travel arrangements, including flights for your extensions. We can serve you best if Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk makes these reservations for you, as they are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient and cost effective travel for you.
