Galapagos Islands Photo Tour

2009 Tour Date
2nd Nov to 14th Nov 2009 - onboard the Floreana

Tour Leader: Peter Smart

The Galapagos Islands, located 600 miles west of Ecuador, are justifiably one of the World’s great wildlife destinations. Made famous as the islands that formed the basis of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and his book On the Origin of Species, these Enchanted Isles are home to an amazing variety of exotic animals and birds.

Quite remarkably, the diverse range of species that live on these islands have no fear of man enabling us fabulously close encounters with many wonderful animals and colourful birds including Marine Iguanas, Giant Tortoises, Sea Lions, the magnificent Red-chested Frigate Birds and Blue-footed Boobies.

Quito & Bellavista Cloud Forest
Our adventure begins with an overnight flight from the UK to Quito, Ecuador’s Capital city. Here we are met and take a short drive to the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve where we will spend two nights. Set deep in the heart of the cloud forest, where clouds and trees blend in a tapestry of mystery and magic, we discover a protected reserve with an overwhelming profusion of life. It's a place for adventure, relaxation and deep contact with nature. Home to hundreds of species of plants, birds and other animals here we can immerse ourselves in this natural sanctuary with those who have dedicated their lives to conserving this unique place. We will have the opportunity to view and photograph many different species from our lodge’s jungle surroundings and on a series of walks with a local naturalist guide.

Galapagos Islands Cruise
We return to Quito for one night before flying to Baltra. At the end of our Galapagos cruise we have time to explore Quito as we spend two nights here before flying home. At Baltra we board The Floreana, our home for the next eight days as we cruise around Galapagos Islands. Sailing mainly during the night makes best use of the daylight hours, allowing us to visit more of these unique islands while gaining plenty of time for exploring on foot or for photography, peaceful observation, swimming, snorkelling…perhaps with Sea Lion pups! At this time of year the waters are generally calm and clear and the weather good.

As well as the animals and birds, many endemic to the islands, we will also have the opportunity to photograph unusual plants and stunning landscapes. The geological, botanical and zoological charm of these Enchanted Isles are as attractive and awe inspiring now as when Darwin disembarked from the original Beagle in 1835.

Our Ship for 2009
Our modern 78 foot motor yacht, named The Floreana, is a 16 passenger tourist superior, which was fully refurnished in 2003. This yacht offers comfortable and spacious accommodation, ample open and shaded deck space, delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine served in the salon or on deck and personal service on board by a superbly trained crew and a National Park licensed naturalist guide. It is fully air conditioned with twin cabins each with their own private facilities and outward-facing view.

Your Guide
We have teamed up with the wildlife photography specialists, Wild Arena to offer this tour, specifically designed for wildlife enthusiasts and keen photographers. Peter Smart from Wild Arena will also accompany you. Peter is a wildlife photographer, escorting wildlife tours to a variety of countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Borneo, India and the Galapagos Islands. Peter regards it as a genuine privilege to introduce people to the wildlife, landscapes and people of the countries he visits.

Deposit: $ 900 required to confirm your booking.

Trip Details

*Price excludes international flights.

The Price Includes: Services of Wild Arena photographic guides throughout the tour, all wildlife activities escorted by local naturalist guides, Hotel accommodation in Quito on a twin share, B&B basis for the nights listed in the itinerary. Accommodation at the Bellavista Lodge and onboard on a twin share, full board basis. All internal transport including internal flights & transfers as per the itinerary.

The Price does not Include: National park tax (currently $100) and Ingala Migration Card (currently $10) both payable locally and subject to change at short notice); snorkelling equipment; any future increase to airfares, taxes and fuel surcharges by the ground operator or international and internal airlines; increases in park fees and taxes levied by the Government of Ecuador on the tourism sector; international flights from the UK, airport taxes; transfers for Land Only packages and group tours when choosing your own international flight arrangements, Visa fees (Ecuador does not currently require a visa for a temporary visit related to tourism for citizens of the United States, Canada and most European countries); medicial examination (if required) and vaccination costs; personal expenditure; bar bills, drinks; mineral water; laundry; telephone calls etc; gratuities and tips; meals not specified; personal clothing & equipment, travel insurance; optional trips; charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Classic Journeys control. Anything not mentioned in the trip Cost Includes list.

Single Supplement: TBA
If you are a single person booking this holiday you do not have to pay single supplements, if you are happy to share. Neither will you be asked to pay a single supplement if you end up with single occupancy because of odd numbers. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same gender. Single supplements are payable if you specifically request to have a room/tent to yourself. If you have requested single accommodation we will do our best to secure this although this may not always be possible.

Outline Itinerary