Location: Galapagos Islands
Duration: 10 nights / 11 days
Group Size: Max 13
Level of fitness required: Easy
Tatra Photography is inviting you to join them on a photography tour you will never forget. Our planet is home to some extraordinary places, but none can quite compare to the Galapagos Islands. Located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, just off the west coast of South America, The Galapagos Islands are made-up of 18 volcanic islands and over 100 islets. The scenery is beautiful, characterized by volcanic peaks, lava fields, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. However, as stunning as it is, it’s not the Island’s scenery that is its main draw – instead, it is its extraordinary wildlife.
Due to their isolation, the wildlife on each of the remote islands evolved independently, adapting individually to their environment. The wildlife here is like nothing else on earth and inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution during the voyage of the Beagle. During this Tatra Photography workshop, we too will be able to visit and explore the different Islands, witnessing and photographing the unique wildlife – for example, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, tiny penguins, graceful tropicbirds and the giant tortoise. The wildlife residing here have little fear of humans, meaning often you can get within touching distance – resulting in unique opportunities for photography. It really isn’t hard to understand why the Galapagos is on so many peoples ‘bucket list’ – visiting the Islands is quite literally the experience of a lifetime.
In the company of a local guide, we will explore the Galapagos’ archipelago Islands and take photos of its amazing natural history at every opportunity. We will tour the Galapagos on our own luxury cruise ship and when not on the Islands, there will be time to relax, swim and snorkel. During the workshop, you will be in the capable hands of two of the UK’s best professional natural history photographers – Ben Hall and Ross Hoddinott. Ben is best known for its extraordinary images of birds, while Ross is a close-up specialist. Between them, they offer participants a wide, varying range of skills and expertise – perfectly suited to the range of subjects we will be seeing and photographing during the tour. With two tutors on one course, each guest is guaranteed lots of one-to-one tuition in the field and advice on how to produce wow-factor wildlife shots. Its an opportunity too good to miss.
Your tutors for this workshop are Ben Hall & Ross Hoddinott. Ben is one of Britain’s foremost wildlife photographers. His personal approach to nature photography lies in the creative art of ‘seeing’. His aim is to use his pictures to communicate his personal vision, to generate an emotional response and to excite the viewer’s aesthetic sensitivity. He is described by “Living Edge” magazine as ‘a passionate and experienced wildlife photographer, with a perfectionist’s eye for detail’. Ben’s work is represented by Getty images, RSPB Images and Naturepl and is sold worldwide.
Ben specialises in bird and mammal photography and has won numerous international awards including category wins in the British Wildlife Photography Awards and the Windland Smith Rice International Awards. In 2009 he was named ‘Geographical’ Photographer of the Year. He is a regular contributor to clients as diverse as BBC Wildlife, PhotoPlus magazine, Digital SLR User, Photography Monthly and many more. He has appeared on numerous radio and television programmes including BBC’s Walk on The Wild Side and is a member of the 2020VISION photo team. Ben has just finished writing his first book, Wildlife Photography Workshop, which he co-authored with Ross Hoddinott.
From an early age, Ross has had a passion for the outdoors. His parents introduced him to photography when he was aged 10 and Ross immediately began photographing the wildlife and scenery near their home in north Cornwall. In 1990, he won ‘BBC Countryfile’s’ junior flora and fauna category in their annual photo competition and by the time he won the ‘Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ competition a few years later, Ross had decided to pursue a career in photography.
Now aged 33, Ross is established as one of the UK’s leading outdoor photographers. He is a regular contributor to a number of magazines, including ‘Outdoor Photography’ and ‘Digital SLR Photography’, and his work is published widely. He is multi award winner in the prestigious ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition’ and was named ‘British Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2009’. He is also a commended photographer in the ‘Take-A-View’ Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition. He is contracted to NaturePL picture agency and the National Trust are among his clients. Ross is an experienced tutor and has also written several books on photography, including ‘The Digital Photographer’s Guide to Filters’, ‘The Digital Exposure Handbook’ and ‘The Landscape Photography Workshop’.
Athala II
The Athala II is a luxury catamaran providing a stable and comfortable cruising experience around the Galapagos Islands. It has been completely refurbished in October 2011 making it one of the newest and most luxurious boats in the Galapagos.We will have a dedicated cruise director and top naturalist guide for a personalised Galapagos cruise experience. The ship has eight twin/double staterooms located on two decks, the Athala II offers extensive public areas. With the archipelago being such a dream destination for outdoor and nature enthusiasts there is plenty of outside space including a large sundeck, an open-air bar and an al fresco dining area where you can take in the islands’ spectacular scenery while enjoying a delicious meal. The sundeck is great for whale and dolphin spotting or relaxing in the Jacuzzi. In the evening there is no better place for stargazing.
Cabins (16m²)
Each cabin average 175 square feet (16 square metres) and has two picture windows so that guests may enjoy spectacular Galapagos views. All cabins use 110 Volts, while 220 Volt electrical outlets are only available in the lounge and al fresco area. Cabins have a private safety deposit box, a one-time, fully-stocked complimentary mini-bar and rooms on the Upper Deck are interconnected. The spacious bathrooms consist of a shower, toilet, sink, cabinet, hairdryer and amenities created especially for the boat.
Dining
Being a small and exclusive catamaran the Head Chef can cater to any special dietary requirements when advised in advance and according to the availability of products in Ecuador. His creative and individual approach to our group makes the culinary experience a special one.
Al-fresco dining
The Athala II has a spacious outside deck area at the stern of the vessel for relaxing breakfasts, lunches and dinners. You can enjoy the beautiful sites of the Galapagos while savouring carefully designed menus that can be tailored to your tastes and needs.
BBQ’s
During short and long Galapagos cruises you will be able to enjoy BBQ’s with freshly caught fish and delicious meats and grilled vegetables. With perfectly prepared local and international dishes, you can sit back and take in the view.
Cruise itinerary
Day 1 - SATURDAY- ARRIVAL IN GALAPAGOS & FIRST VISIT TO NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
Overnight: Athala II
Arrive at the airport in Baltra & be transferred to the dock. Check-in to your cabin before attending an introductory briefing & safety drill. Lunch is on board before a dry landing at North Seymour. North Seymour is a perfect introduction to the Galapagos Islands. Fauna abounds and you will soon find yourself surrounded by frigates and blue footed boobies. Keep an eye out for land iguanas and sea lions too! Return on board for a welcome cocktail and dinner.
Day 2 - SUNDAY - SOUTH PLAZA & SANTA FE ISLANDS
Overnight: Athala II
Take an excursion at South Plaza Island, home to a large Opuntia cacti forest, the endemic plant Sesuvium, land iguanas and one of the largest sea lion colonies in the central region of the archipelago. You will also be able to see Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and other kinds of sea birds as well as different types of finches. After lunch visit Santa Fe Island which includes a hike on a trail past salt bushes where Galapagos hawks as well as the Santa Fe land iguanas tend to roam. Playful sea lions may accompany you during your swimming and snorkeling activities.
Day 3 - SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Overnight: Athala II
Hike at Punta Pitt followed by snorkelling, kayaking or panga ride. You will hike up to a plateau where the view and landscape are so spectacular it is definitely worth the effort. Watch out for the Red Footed Boobies nesting in the cliffs. In the afternoon disembark at Cerro Brujo for beach activities and snorkelling. Cerro Brujo’s gorgeous beach is also home to many sea lions and it’s also the first coast where Charles Darwin first stepped foot on in the Archipelago!
Day 4 - TUESDAY - FLOREANA ISLAND
Overnight: Athala II
Floreana is one of the Galapagos most famous islands due to many strange stories about past settlers. Post Office Bay is home to a unique “post office” inspired by 18th century pirates and buccaneers who used a wooden barrel as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. Floreana is also a magnificent site for swimming and kayaking.
For the more adventurous guests, there is an option for a visit inside a lava tunnel. In the afternoon go snorkeling at Champion Islet followed by an excursion to Punta Cormorant before dinner. Cormorant Point has a large lagoon where everything from Flamingos to Stilts and Pintail Ducks tend to roam.
Day 5 - WEDNESDAY - ISABELA ISLAND
Overnight: Athala II
Take a panga ride to Elizabeth Bay mangroves. We will enter a sheltered cove - a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles, rays, blue-footed boobies, penguins, herons and more. In the afternoon land at Punta Moreno for an excursion followed by a panga ride. At Moreno Point observe and learn about different types of lava and pioneer plants while being surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery that Galapagos has to offer. In the tide pools green sea turtles or white-tip sharks can be spotted.
Day 6 - THURSDAY - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Overnight: Athala II
Disembark for your transfer from the yacht to Puerto Ayora and visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station accompanied by a guide. On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you will gain insight into the huge efforts being made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see the famous Galapagos tortoises that are the islands’ namesake. Afterwards take a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see wild giant tortoises. Return on board for lunch followed by optional activities or leisure time.
Day 7 - FRIDAY - ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
Overnight: Athala II
Visit Gardner Bay on Española Island for swimming and snorkelling or kayaking. Gardner Bay offers the chance to enjoy a wonderful white sandy beach. It is home to one of the most important colonies of sea lions, and it is also a nesting site for sea turtles. After lunch visit Punta Suarez, Española Island, home to large populations of Nazca and blue-footed boobies as well as the beautiful waved albatross. The 12,000 pairs represent the entire population of this species on the planet. The trail continues towards a blowhole, which is a fissure in the lava where water spurts high into the air like a geyser. Back on board we invite you for a farewell cocktail and dinner.
Day 8 - SATURDAY - MOSQUERA ISLAND & DEPARTURE
Overnight: Depart the Galapagos
Before breakfast take an optional panga ride to Mosquera Islet. Mosquera Islet is a tiny islet, home to a huge population of sea lions and also home to many shorebirds. While at Mosquera, keep your eyes peeled as there are occasional reports of dolphins and orcas. After breakfast attend a Galapagos documentary show in the main lounge followed by snacks in the al fresco dining area before disembarking for your airport transfer.
All monies paid by you for the air holiday package shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 6404. For more information see our booking terms and conditions.
