We started our workshop in Quito, Ecuador with a day of exploration, chocolate tasting, portrait shooting and even a cooking class. After a short flight to the island of Baltra we boarded the Mary Anne - a 212 ft three masted sailing ship. For several of us, just being on the boat was a highlight of the trip.
Black Turtle Bay
Our first wildlife shoot put us close to Pacific Green Turtles, smooth-billed anis and a showcase of egrets. We photographed from two zodiacs and learned how productive the mangrove estuaries are at dusk.
Genevose Island
This is known as the "Bird Island" and it did not disappoint. We were able to walk right up to Swallow-Tailed Gulls, Red-Footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds. Chicks are abundant this time of year and completely unafraid of photographers.
Sombrero Chino Island
We were all excited to photograph the endemic Galapagos Penguin. We saw them from our zodiacs on land and then were delighted to have them jump in the water with us while snorkeling.
With so many animals in and near the ocean, we took our group snorkeling most days to continue photoshoots underwater. Tom used a Outex housing with his Nikon z7ii to capture playful underwater sealions.
Bartholome island
Bartolome is the isalnd with the iconic landscape from the Galapagos. We hiked up to the top of the hill on boardwalks and were rewarded with close encounters with the endemic Galapagos Hawk.
Isla Rapida
Rabida Island with it's beautiful red sands, was the perfect place to showcase sealions. This species was also a highlight for many as we watched their playful antics and saw pups that were less than a day old. By getting down to eye level to photograph in soft sand, we were able to capture their personalities.
Rabida Island
For the first time in many years, flamingos were nesting on Rabida Island. We photographed them in flight and in courtship display. American Oystercatchers with chicks also put on a show for our group on the nearby red sand beach,
Santa Cruz Island
We traveled inland to photograph the Giant Land Tortoise in the lush highlands. Weighing in at over 500 pounds, we learned that these land reptiles were used by Steven Spielberg as the model for E.T. in his hit movie
Santa Fe Island
Land and Marine Iguanas are all over the Galapagos. We loved photographing the marine iguanas (black color) in the bright red Sesuvium plant.
Espanola Island
Our final stop on Espanola Island was full of exotic birds to photograph: courting Waved Albatross, Red-billed Tropicbirds in flight and the striking Nazca Booby.
Special thanks to Marcelo and Elsa at Patagonia Travel Adventures for all the trip logistics!
Thanks for reading our trip report! Check us out at www.tombolphotoworkshops.com
Credits:
Tom Bol, Cree Bol, Dianne Biddison