Central and South America

Ultimate Galápagos Islands Experience aboard M/Y Tip Top IV

with KS Nature Photography
Date:
Nov 22 - Dec 5, 2023
Duration:
14 Days
Price:
From $8,250
Interests:
Photography
Join Waitlist This departure is SOLD OUT Print Itinerary
Marine iguanas
Land iguana
Nazca Booby with chick
Galápagos giant tortoises
Lava cactus
Sea lions with Kicker Rock visible in the background
Blue-footed Booby
Galápagos Yellow Warbler
Galápagos scenery
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About this trip

Embark on the ultimate Galápagos Islands experience! This comprehensive program includes visits to more than a dozen of the archipelago’s islands and islets, giving you the chance to observe and photograph a diverse array of iconic landscapes and endemic flora and fauna. Under the guidance of nature photographer Krisztina Scheeff and your local naturalist guide, you’ll enjoy abundant opportunities to add to your portfolio while learning about the region’s geology, ecology, and history.
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. weather) or at the discretion of the captain, guide, or the Galápagos National Park.
Combine this trip with another exciting adventure: Ecuador | Explore the Chocó-Andes with KS Nature Photography, Nov. 17-22, 2023.

Highlights

  • Photograph the unique and charismatic wildlife of the Galápagos, such as giant tortoises, colorful green-and-red marine iguanas, Blue-footed Boobies, and Waved Albatrosses.
  • Witness evidence of the islands’ volcanic origins in distinctive geological features like Sierra Negra, Kicker Rock, and Los Gemelos.
  • Swim and snorkel with sea turtles, Galápagos Penguins, colorful fish, whitetip reef sharks, and playful sea lions.
  • Learn about the human history of the islands, from early whalers and pirates to Charles Darwin’s famed expedition to today’s inhabitants.
  • Enjoy great tide-pooling on Santiago Island, where you may see sponges, snails, hermit crabs, and the endemic four-eyed blenny.

Meet your leader

Krisztina Scheeff

Based in San Diego, CA, Krisztina Scheeff is an award-winning and professional nature photographer. Recognized for her photographic work in National Audubon Society as well as a finalist in the prestigious Wildlife Photograph of the Year competition, Krisztina’s photos have been published in magazines and articles around the world, including National Geographic, Wild Planet Photo Magazine, California 101, San Diego Audubon Society, American Wild Magazine, Birders Digest, Marine Conservation Magazine – UK, North American Nature Photography Association, and more. They have also been featured in Art Shows and Galleries around the country. Krisztina operates a successful business leading Photography Workshops and Tours to Scotland (Puffins), Ireland, Galápagos Islands, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hungary, and Bosque del Apache, NM. She also leads workshops for bird festivals around the country and presents at various events.

Krisztina spent years studying and photographing the Rushing Grebes and guides her clients at Lake Hodges in San Diego to experience this amazing behavior and capture their own photos.

To see more photos, check out KS Nature Photography at www.KSNaturePhotography.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KSNaturePhotography or on Instagram @KSNaturePhotography.

Land Cost

$8,250

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single Supplement $2650.00 (Full program, LIMITED)

Single Supplement $195.00 (Mainland only)

What makes us different

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Designed for photographers

Itineraries are thoughtfully scheduled to provide an optimum balance of beautiful natural light and wildlife activity

Low stress travel planning

We take care of all the details so you know your trip will be smooth sailing

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Puembo
Arrive in Quito and transfer to the hotel. *Hotel check-in time is 3 pm.
San Jose de Puembo
Puembo
Enjoy a leisurely morning, then later just relax or attend a photography session with Krisztina to photograph the birds and wildlife in the nine acres of gardens around the hotel. We have a very early start the next morning, so this day we will take it easy. Group orientation after dinner this evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
San Jose de Puembo
Galapagos
BALTRA - ISLE OF NORTH SEYMOUR. We get a very early morning start as we fly to Galápagos. Head to the airport for the flight from Quito to Baltra. On arrival in Baltra, we will board the yacht and have a light snack. This afternoon, we will begin our program of shore excursions with a visit to the island of North Seymour. This island is a major nesting area for the Blue-footed Booby and also home to the largest colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds in the Galápagos. Both marine and land iguanas are found in good numbers here, and sea lions often surf the rocky shore break.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top IV
Galapagos
ISLE OF GENOVESA - Located in the northeast portion of the archipelago, Genovesa Island is filled with many seabirds. After breakfast, visit Darwin Bay to walk and observe frigatebirds, herons, mockingbirds, boobies, shorebirds, turtles, marine iguanas, and more. Later in the afternoon, disembark on a rocky ledge and climb the natural stone staircase at Prince Philip's Steps (El Barranco) to walk and observe the interesting lives of the birds here. There may also be an option to snorkel in Darwin Bay. Have dinner on the yacht, and then attend our orientation about conservation efforts to protect the islands.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top IV
Galapagos
ISLE OF SANTIAGO - After breakfast, explore James Bay (Puerto Egas) to walk and observe the endemic fur seals. Tide-pooling gives a great opportunity to see shorebirds and seabirds, sponges, snails, hermit crabs, the endemic four-eyed blenny, marine iguanas, sea lions, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, and American Oystercatchers. As we walk inland, we may see painted locusts, grasshoppers, and possibly even the Galápagos snake. Galápagos Flycatchers and Galápagos Hawks are also common. Optional: time for those who would like to swim or snorkel, getting closer to the smaller sea life. Return to the boat for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we make a wet landing on Espumilla Beach, a brown sand beach that is an important site for nesting sea turtles. Here we also observe a lot of land birds like Yellow Warblers, Galápagos Flycatchers, and several species of Darwin's finches. A trail takes us through a palo santo forest; we walk behind the beach and arrive to a saltwater lagoon, where flamingos occasionally are seen. Navigate around Buccaneer Cove (Caleta Bucanero), an area of steep cliffs and dark beaches. This was a popular place for 17th and 18th century buccaneers to careen their vessels, and the cliffs and pinnacle are used as nesting areas by several species of seabirds.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top IV
Galapagos
ISLE OF ISABELA - After breakfast, take a panga ride at Punta Vicente Roca to observe plenty of sea lions, marine iguanas, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, and Flightless Cormorants. In the afternoon, we make a dry landing on Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island to observe a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, Flightless Cormorants, and clumps of lava cactus. Return to the boat for dinner and our nightly orientation.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top IV
Galapagos
ISLE OF ISABELA - After breakfast, we take a panga ride around Tagus Cove, a cove between the shoulders of two volcanic craters which protect it from the open sea; we observe penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions and a variety of birds, including the Flightless Cormorant and Blue-footed Boobies. In the afternoon, take a panga ride around the islets of Elizabeth Bay to see marine iguanas, penguins, marine turtles, seabirds and shorebirds, herons, and Blue-footed Boobies.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top IV
Galapagos
ISLE OF ISABELA - This morning, disembark on the island at Urbina Bay, a coral area at the base of Alcedo Volcano with land iguanas, Flightless Cormorants, and giant tortoises. After lunch, sail to Punta Moreno, where we walk along shore lagoons located among petrified lava flows where different type of birds can be seen. On top we have a panoramic view of the famous volcanoes Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul, as well as the highest part of Fernandina Island. Return to the yacht for dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top IV
Galapagos
ISLE OF FLOREANA - After breakfast, visit Cormorant Point for a short walk to the flamingo lagoon on this island. Then we continue the walk until we reach "La Picona" beach to see sea turtles and their spawning grounds. Later, take a panga ride around Champion Islet, a small island off the coast of Floreana Island. The principal attraction of Champion Islet is the nearly-extinct Charles (Floreana) Mockingbird. Visitors can also observe bird species such as Swallow-tailed Gulls, Nazca Boobies, or Brown Noddies. It is a great place for snorkeling; we will likely find sea turtles, reef fishes, Galápagos Penguins, and whitetip reef sharks. In the afternoon, we visit Post Office Bay, a historic site that recalls the days of the whalers, who in the 18th century placed a wooden barrel here to exchange letters for passing ships to carry to their destinations.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top IV
Galapagos
ISLE OF SANTA CRUZ - After breakfast, we disembark and a bus takes us to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a visit to the lush, green Scalesia forests and the collapsed twin sinkholes known as Los Gemelos. This afternoon, we land at the pier for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and its Interpretive Center. Return to the port for a walk through the little town of Puerto Ayora to appreciate various handicrafts.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top IV
Galapagos
ISLE OF ESPAÑOLA - After breakfast, visit Punta Suárez on Española Island to hike along the lava beds and scenic cliffs and observe green-and-red marine iguanas, sea lions, lava lizards, and unique colonies of marine birds. From mid-March to December, this is one of the best places in the world to see the Waved Albatross, which breeds primarily on this island. Española is the oldest island in the archipelago, geologically speaking, and is also rich in plant life, with an interesting mix of flora representative of littoral, arid, and transitional zones. In the afternoon, disembark at Gardner Bay for a walk on the beach and observe a colony of sea lions, which inhabit the beach in great quantity during the breeding season; this is also an important nesting area for sea turtles. Later visit Osborn and Gardner Islets.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top IV
Galapagos
ISLE OF SAN CRISTÓBAL - After breakfast, we go ashore at Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal Island. The site includes an olivine beach and a trail that ascends to the top of a volcanic tuff hill, passing through several natural viewpoints. Punta Pitt is composed of volcanic tuff substrate; high winds here have led to natural erosion. This is the only site in the Galápagos where you can watch the three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds nesting in the same area. Optional time for swimming and snorkeling at Punta Pitt Islet. Later in the afternoon, sail around Kicker Rock (León Dormido), a massive tuff rock that juts up abruptly almost 500 feet from the ocean surface. Kicker Rock serves as a nesting place for many sea birds. Then visit Cerro Brujo to walk on a white sand beach and observe sea lions, Brown Pelicans, marine iguanas, and Blue-footed Boobies.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top IV
Puembo
ISLE OF MOSQUERA - After breakfast, visit Mosquera Islet, a reef of rocks and coral (the result of a volcanic uprising) and a great white sand beach and tide pools. We observe colonies of sea lions, Brown Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Disembark for the mid-morning flight from Baltra to Quito. Lunch is on your own at the airport. Once in Quito, settle into the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure before attending a farewell dinner at the hotel. Those departing this evening will travel to the airport after dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
San Jose de Puembo
Farewell!
Travel to the airport for flights home. *Hotel check-out time is 1 pm.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$8,250

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single Supplement $2650.00 (Full program, LIMITED)

Single Supplement $195.00 (Mainland only)

What's Included
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • All Tips except Guide and Driver
  • Full time guide per region for the duration of your program
  • Galapagos National Park fees
  • INGALA card
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Snorkel gear
What's Not Included
  • Items of personal nature
  • Carbon Offset
  • International flights
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 10 participants in double occupancy.

A $1000 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 180 days prior to departure excluding a $200 cancellation fee. Cancellations after this date are non refundable.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Final payment due date: August 19, 2023

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Ecuador. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure.

For visits fewer than 90 days, visas will be issued upon arrival in Ecuador. Tourists may be required to provide evidence of return or onwards travel.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Ecuador for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Ecuador (unless you are traveling from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccine is required).

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Ecuador.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

Malaria is not known to be present in Guayaquil or Quito or in the Galápagos Islands. According to the CDC, the estimated relative risk of malaria for U.S. travelers in Ecuador is low. If you are concerned about malaria prevention, please consult your physician.

Dengue Fever & Other Insect-borne Illnesses

Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported in Ecuador. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with dengue and are spreading it to people. In addition, locally transmitted cases of chikungunya, Zika virus, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported in Ecuador. The CDC recommends that travelers to Ecuador protect themselves against insect bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

SEA SICKNESS

If you’re prone to feeling queasy, we suggest you consult your physician for advice on the best ways to prevent motion sickness. We recommend that you avoid showering when the boat is in motion and remain cautious of activities while passing through rocky waters.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

Visitors to the Galápagos Islands should be in good health and capable of walking over rocky, uneven, and potentially slippery terrain. Regardless of your physical stamina, bringing a walking stick will help maintain your balance.

Resources

Print Resources

Vessel:

About M/Y Tip Top IV

Video: Galápagos Fitness Information

Video: Snorkeling in the Galapagos

Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of these items in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s)
  • Socks
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. In the Galápagos, a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes is recommended.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or Buff-style headwear
  • Wetsuit (shorty wetsuits are available to rent, but you may prefer your own)

Personal toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant, etc. – Note: In the Galápagos, biodegradable shampoo and soap are provided onboard the boat; if you wish to bring your own, please make sure they are biodegradable to comply with conservation policies. If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with the pesticide permethrin to deter biting insects and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

MISCELLANEOUS

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Walking stick with rubber tip (folding or collapsible, for walking on rough and uneven terrain)
  • Swim mask/fins (snorkeling equipment is available to rent and often included for most groups)
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Money belt
  • Converter and adapter for electronics
  • Chargers for electronics
NOTE: There is a weight limit of 50 lbs. of checked luggage and one carry-on per person for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Your luggage and/or carry-on may be subject to inspection by the Ecuadorian government in an effort to prevent the introduction of foreign plants and animals to the Galápagos Islands.
It was truly a wonderful experience to meet and share such great camaraderie with the group. This was truly one of the best photography tours I have ever experienced. Thanks to Krisztina who has the awesome ability to make everyone feel welcome and right at home with the group, the tour was a smashing success.
- Leonard J.
Galapagos Islands , 2021
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