Trekabout Photography Workshops - Creating Adventure Through Photography
Workshops, Tours, Adventures with Accredited Professional Photographer Mark Rayner and the Dream Team
Made up of 13 large islands, 17 small ones and 47 rocky islets, the archipelago covers an area of 8,000 square kilometres. The Islands were
discovered in 1535 by Brother Tomás de Berlanga. Declared a National Park in 1959, the Charles Darwin Foundation was also organized this year to
commemorate the islands' link with the evolutionary scientist.
The Province of Galapagos was legally created in 1973 and it was declared a "Natural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 1979.
Come along to experience and photograph the unique flora and fauna, often not found anywhere else in the entire world.
13 October 2020 - Arrive Quito
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and of Pichincha, the country's most populous Andean province. Situated 116 miles from the Pacific coast at an altitude of 9,350 feet, just south of the equator, it has a pleasant climate that can be described as "permanent spring". The city is one of the oldest in South America and is built in a small basin on the lower slopes of Cerro Pichincha, a volcano that last erupted in 1666. Formerly the capital of the ancient kingdom of Quitu and for several decades, prior to its occupation by Spaniards in 1534, it was a second (northern) capital of the Inca empire.
The city's official name as given by the Spaniards, is Villa de San Francisco de Quito, is Ecuador's second largest city. It is the political, administrative, and cultural capital but has lost its primary economic position to Guayaquil, with which it has had a railway link since 1908.
Quito, more than any other South American capital, has preserved its colonial atmosphere, with squares, mountains, public buildings, and houses built in the typical Spanish or Moorish style. Most attractive is the main square, Plaza Mayor, with its seventeenth-century cathedral, government palaces, municipal hall and other buildings. Quito is well known for its many small workshops producing native arts and for its outdoor Indian markets.
Upon arrival into Quito airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel the Patio Andaluz. We'll meet up for a welcome dinner and discuss the amazing days ahead of us.
Wednesday 14 October 2020 - Quito and Galapagos Islands
You will be met by our guide from your hotel foyer and transferred to Quito airport for the flight to Galapagos Islands and board our mega-yacht, Coral 1, our home for the next 8 days.
The environment is informal, and itineraries are planned so that two or more visits may be made daily to the islands.
Baltra
On arrival, you will be met by the naturalist guide who will guide you on your journey through the magnificent Galapagos Islands. A short bus ride takes you from the airport to where your boat and crew await you for your trip of a lifetime.
From the dock you get a glimpse of what your trip will be like. Frigate birds soar high above the azure blue bay while blue-footed boobies dive like shooting arrows from the heights and submerge after fish below.
PM-Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Pit Craters (Santa Cruz Island)
Dry landing. In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, we have our best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild, Galapagos giant tortoises.
A short walk among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially several species of the famed finches. A visit to the collapsed, twin sinkholes (Gemelos) puts us in a stunning forest of the endemic tree-forming Scalesia. Apart from the dramatic scenery, this area is well known for its diversity of passerine bird species.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat & muddy (depending on weather)
Duration: 45-minute drive / 1 hour walk
Landings on the Galápagos are of two types: "dry", where the small boats transport you to anchor along rustic docks, and "wet" where the boats almost reach the shore and you disembark while still on the water.
Thursday 15 October 2020 - Galapagos Islands
AM - Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
This point is a promontory with two protected turquoise coves on either side of the remains of a tuff cone, one of them accessible from the sea only through waterfilled subterranean passages, so it is a marine-only visitor site with really great opportunities for deep-water snorkelling thanks to its location at one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth (Bolivar Channel). In this part of the Galápagos, the upwelling of cold water currents from the West offer an abundant food supply for marine species that supports a wide variety of marine life: Redlipped batfish, Sea horses, Frogfish, Nudibranchs and Octopi, the Mola mola or Sun fish has also been spotted close to the rock walls. It is common to observe groups of dolphins, Sea Lions and tunas feeding here. The geological formations here are very impressive, a sheer cliff provides the perfect setting for a dinghy ride along the coast to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds: Noddies, Brown pelicans, Galápagos Penguins and Flightless Cormorants. Marine birds such as Pelicans or Nazca and Blue-footed boobies are often seen feeding all at once in these waters. There are whale-watching opportunities during the cold season (May - December) while navigating from Vicente Roca Point to Espinosa Point.
Duration: 1-hour snorkelling / 1 hour dinghy ride
PM - Espinosa Point (Fernandina Island)
Dry landing. Espinosa Point is the only spot that we visit on Fernandina, and from it we can see the island of Isabela across the Bolívar Channel, an area that boasts some of the highest diversity of endemic sea fauna in the Galápagos. The largest, most primitive-looking race of marine iguanas are found mingling with Sea Lions and Sally Lightfoot Crabs; a wonderful opportunity to encounter Flightless Cormorants at their nesting sites, Galápagos Penguins and the “King” of predators on the Islands, the Galápagos Hawk.
“Pa-hoe-hoe” and “AA” lava formations cover the majority of the terrain. Vegetation is thus scarce inland, but we encounter Brachycereus cacti and extensive mangrove beds lining the shores.
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2 hours walk / 1 hour snorkelling
About our floating accomodation
The M/Y Coral I with a European design and modern shape offers more space, comfort safe security for a naturalist cruise. It is an attractive and functional midsize (mega yacht), perfect for an intimate experience when cruising the islands.
Some cabins are connecting, ideal for families and special groups. It has eighteen spacious cabins decorated with a marine taste. There is plenty of room for storage, and moreover, all beds in all cabins are lower and they can be arranged as matrimonial, as well as single and double beds. Each cabin has their own private facilities, hot and cold shower with a fresh and lasting supply of water. All the cabins are provided with smoke detectors and sprinkler system.
Standard Plus Cabin:
• 9 on Coral I and 4 on Coral II
• 3 triples: 2 in Coral I, 1 in Coral II with extra bed
• Portholes
• Located on the Sea Deck
• 4 Interconnected
• Average area: 11 m2 / 118 ft2
✓ Fully air-conditioned rooms
✓ All rooms have private bathroom with hot water
✓ Handsome decorations in teak wood
✓ Ample sundecks and Jacuzzi on-board
✓ Knowledgeable naturalist guide
Technical Specifications:
M/Y Coral I offers accommodation for 36 passengers
M/Y Coral II offers accommodation for 20 passengers
Type: Motor Yacht
Category: New Deluxe Mega Yacht
Length: Coral I - 131 feet (39.7 Mts), Coral II – 112.70 feet (34.15 mts)
Decks: 4
Built in: Coral I – Germany, Coral II – Holland
Speed: 12 knots
Cruising speed: 10 knots
Electric power: 110 volts
Crew: 10
Guides: Coral I - 3 multilingual naturalists, Coral II – 2 multilingual naturalists
Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.
Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
Friday 16 October 2020 - Galapagos Islands
AM – Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
Wet landing on a volcanic black beach. Depending on the season, we may find Giant tortoises, Land iguanas and the unusual Flightless Cormorant. After a short walk inland, snorkelling time is allotted, giving you yet another chance to swim with Sea turtles, Sea lions and countless tropical fish. Urbina Bay features a wide variety of plant life that changes depending on the season. We can observe the beautiful colours of plants that attract different insects, birds and reptiles. We will explore the uplifted coral reef that resulted from 1954 volcanic activity, with a spectacular view of Alcedo Volcano.
There are whale-watching opportunities during the cold season (May - December) while navigating from Urbina Bay to Tagus Cove.
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: flat
Duration: 1h30 walk / 1 hour snorkelling
PM - Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)
Dry landing on Galápagos' largest Island where we will learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that formed it. The trail leads to Darwin salt-water Crater Lake and excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. This us a great site to see landbirds such as Galápagos Hawks, Ground and Tree finches, Largebilled flycatchers and Yellow warblers.
We will return by the same path for a dinghy ride along a shoreline full of marine wildlife, where we will admire a variety of Seabirds such as Blue-footed booby, Brown Noddy, Terns, Flightless Cormorant and, depending on the season, a large number of Galápagos Penguins which are only 35 cm tall; the only penguin species in the world to extend its range into the northern hemisphere along the Equator.
They lay their eggs in small cracks of lava, on the lower parts of the island near the shoreline not reached by the ocean waves. Most of the individuals live on this Western portion of Isabela, others are scattered further South on the Island. We will have an opportunity to snorkel in deep water.
Graffiti believed to have been left by19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an intriguing past. Many names of the early visitors to this site, pirates and whalers, are written on the cliffs along the shore.
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: flat and steep
Duration: 1 hour walk / dinghy ride 40 minutes / deep water snorkelling: 1 hour
Saturday 17 October 2020 - Galapagos Islands
AM – Egas Port (Santiago Island)
Wet landing a beach of black volcanic sand, visited by Darwin in 1835. Salt Mines visitor site has an important history, on 1683 William Ambrose Cowley visited this place, it was he who gave the English name of James to the Bay and the Island.
British buccaneers anchored in this whole area during the 1600s since it was a good place to provide them with water, tortoises and salt from the salt-lake that lied down into the crater. The first part of Egas Port trail is comprised of volcanic ash (eroded tuff) and the other half of the trail is partially uneven terrain, comprised of volcanic basaltic rock that lounges the shoreline and take you to the best tidal pool areas in the Galápagos that are populated by Fur Seals and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago’s shores is home to a variety of resident and migrant birds including the bizarre Yellow-crowned Night Heron, the Galápagos hawk is often observed in this area as well. Snorkelling in this place is a highlight, astounding array of marine wildlife including Lobster, Starfish and Marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally Lightfoot Crabs.
Snorkelling also offers rarities such as Octopus or Squid. At this visitor site you can observe the two species of sea lions: Fur “seals” and Galápagos Sea Lion.
Colonies of Endemic Fur Seals swimming in cool water pools formed by volcanic rocks can be seen.
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: the first part flat and then semi rocky
Duration: 1h30 walk / 1 hour snorkelling/swimming
PM - Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
Wet landing. This visitor site located at the South-eastern portion of Santiago Island is of important geologic interest, features extensive Pahoehoe lava flows believed to have been formed during the last quarter of the 19th century. In the inland section of the trail, in the middle of the lava flow, appear older reddish-yellow coloured tuff cones where Mollugo plants and their yellow-to-orange whorled leaves which usually grow out of the fissures. Walking on the lava is breathtaking, this flow is geologically very young, the magma formed is flat but the movement of underground lava, the rapid cooling, and other eruptions make it look like it just solidified.
Difficulty level: demanding, 1.5 km path
Type of terrain: flat volcanic lava
Duration: 1h30 walk / 1 hour snorkelling/swimming
Sunday 18 October 2020 - Galapagos Islands
AM – Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz Island)
Wet landing. Named for some wrecked World War II barges whose ribs are still visible in the sand this visitor site offers great swimming, a lovely walk along the shore and a visit to a lagoon behind the high tide line with wading birds, marine iguanas and sometimes even flamingos. The two beaches are also favourite nesting sites for green turtles which often leave tractor-like tracks in the sand.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1-hour walk
PM - Fausto Llerena Breeding Center - Charles Darwin Station
(Santa Cruz Island)
Dry landing. We visit the Station where the Galápagos giant tortoise breeding program takes place as part of our efforts to preserve the fragile Galápagos environment and where the famous Lonesome George (the last surviving specimen of his species) lived for decades. The program is conducted by GNP staff with the collaboration of scientists from the CDRS. Eggs are brought from the Galápagos Islands of Pinzon, Santiago and Santa Cruz to the station. The eggs are incubated artificially; the “galapaguitos” (little Galapagos) are born and reared until the age of 5 years; they are released in their native areas when they can survive the effects of introduced predators (rats, pigs and dogs). Since 1970, more than 2000 “galapaguitos” have returned to the native areas. Moreover, admire a pricklypear cactus forest and variety Darwin Finches and other land
birds. In addition, the Darwin Station works in providing environmental education to communities, schools within the Islands and tourists who are visiting the Galápagos Islands. If there is enough time, you can visit the town and shop for souvenirs.
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: flat
Duration: 1h30 walk
Monday 19 October 2020 - Galapagos Islands
AM - Mosquera Islet
Wet Landing, Mosquera Islet is located between North Seymour and Baltra Island. This flat, sandy island has a large colony of Sea Lions. It is also an excellent site to observe shorebirds such as Herons and Lava Gulls. There is no trail on Mosquera Island, so any visitor can enjoy the open area. Most of the islet is covered with sand and barren lava rock. Very little Sesuviumportulacastrum grows on the sand.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1h30 walk & snorkelling
PM - North Seymour Island
Dry landing. Off the Baltra Island (where one of the airports is located) and not far from Santa Cruz, we find North Seymour. This island was formed by a series of underwater volcanic lava which was deposited in layers on the ocean floor. An approximately two hour walk amidst large nesting colonies of Blue-footed boobies, Magnificent and Great frigate birds, and Swallow-tailed gulls for an in depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Land Iguanas, and on a lucky day, you might even come across a Galápagos Snake.
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: rocky ground
Duration: 2 hours walk, 30- minute snorkelling
Tuesday 20 October 2020 - Galapagos Islands
AM - Santa Fe Island
Wet landing on a white sand beach surrounded by a Sea Lion colony; we continue walking through an endemic cactus forest as we search for the endemic Santa Fe land iguana (the largest in the islands), and the distinctively paler. This island is home to several endemic species including Galápagos Hawk, Galápagos Snake, rice rats, a variety of finches and one of the four mockingbird species of the Galápagos.
Deep-water snorkelling.
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 1h30 walk / 1 hour deep-water snorkelling
PM - South Plaza (Plaza Island)
There are two Plaza Islands located east of Santa Cruz Island, though visitors only land on the South Plaza. This is a dry landing on the Northern part of the Islet. The walk begins with an impressive cactus forest surrounded by the colourful yellow and red Land Iguanas and Marine Iguanas; as we reach its highest point, be on the lookout for Tropicbirds, it is also home to one of the largest Sea Lion colonies. In South Plaza, there is a large colony of the smaller sized Land Iguanas. The population is approximately 300 individuals. They feed on all kinds of vegetation, but during the dry season, they survive on fruits and flowers of the Opuntia cacti. We will encounter the one and only Galápagos Hybrid Iguana. Stumble upon a bright red landscape which is a characteristic of the Island during the dry season (June - January) when the succulent plant Sesuviumedmonstonei turns red (it is regularly greenish to yellowish). The Portulacaoleracea is also common in South Plaza; it is the favorite source of food of the land iguanas.
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2 hours walk
Wednesday 21 October 2020 - Galapagos Islands - Quito
AM – Kicker Rock Circumnavigation & Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve (San Cristobal Island)
Kicker Rock can be seen directly from the vessel. In the sea northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is this ancient and eroded volcanic tuff lava named Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock it is formed by two rocks approximately 148 m, named for its resemblance of a sleeping lion.
It serves as home to many of the typical Galapagos sea animals, such as birds, sea lions, blue and Nazca boobies and frigate. With rare sightings of swallow turtle gulls, tropic birds, and pelicans.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of Terrain: water
Duration: 1-hour circumnavigation
Dry landing. In the moist highlands of San Cristobal, we will visit the giant tortoise breeding center “La Galapaguera” to witness the most iconic creature of the archipelago in its various life stages. The tortoises wander in a semi-natural habitat which lends itself to good photographic opportunities. The aim of the reserve is to help restore populations of the threatened San Cristobal tortoise back into the wild.
In town, there are shops to purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Difficulty level: moderate
Type of Terrain: sandy
Duration: 40-minute bus drive to the Reserve / 1-hour visit
San Cristobal Airport to Quito
After the visit, you will go to San Cristobal Airport for the return flight to Quito.
Upon arrival into Quito airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Patio Andaluz.
Thursday 22 October 2020 - Quito
Full Day Otavalo & Karanki Magdalena Community Cultural Connection with special Lunch.
2 hours from Quito The Otavalo Craft Market is the most famous and picturesque in South America. Markets are meeting places for shopping, bargaining and chatter while people of the region exchange local produce, utensils, pots, and pans or textiles.
Through a marvellous Andean setting we head into the indigenous community of Magdalena. The scene displays the wide array of crops which resemble a colourful patchwork on the eastern foothills of Imbabura volcano. The skilful people are known to produce outstanding embroidery.
Choose an activity mountain bike journey across beautiful mountain landscapes and Andean rural settings or horseback riding through a variety of moorland vegetation. In the afternoon, community members demonstrate local planting techniques, including the materials and animals used to farm a variety of products including potatoes, quinoa, lupin, corn, beans, wheat and other vegetables depending on their harvesting seasons. Drive back to Quito.
Included lunch at Community Karanki Magdalena/ andKaranki Magdalena
Community Cultural Connection
Accommodation: Patio Andaluz.
Friday 23 October 2020 - Quito - next destination
Departure transfer Hotel - Airport - Private Driver & Guide service
You will be met by our guide from your hotel foyer and transferred to Quito airport.
With over 15 years in the travel industry, Gail has in depth knowledge of a vast number of
countries and loves nothing more than to investigate the hidden gems of any destination.
Exclusions :
- Tips.
- Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and any other extras not specifically mentioned.
- Any applicable fuel surcharges.
- Optional on board by extra costs:
- Scuba Diving (on selected departures)
- Wet suits rental
- Kayak rental
- Internet plans
Cost: AUD $11943.00 Based on Double Occupancy (per person)
AUD $3350.00 Single Supplement
For more information please call Mark on 0459221678 or drop an EMAIL
To book please complete the Booking Form -> HERE