Galapagos & Panama Photo Tour / Workshop
A Photo Adventure through the Islands of the Galapagos
Are you ready for a new adventure!?!
We're going to Galapagos this April!
Find yourself, surrounded by open ocean, off the coast of Ecuador – amongst the black lava formed Galapagos Islands. Home to giant tortoises and iguanas – this magical place, nestled amongst the Pacific Ocean is something of a wonderland. You’ll find that you share the beaches with some of the most unique wildlife, up-close amidst their island habitat.
Snorkel with sea lions and sea turtles!
Expect to encounter many Marine Iguanas that can only be found in the Galapagos Islands! These amazing large creatures are the only lizards in the world that live and forage at sea. The adults are black for most of the year, but the males change colors during mating season. The iguanas are slow on land, but are fast swimmers!
Expect to see Galapagos giant tortoises, sea lions, marine Iguanas only found on the islands, blue footed boobies, pink flamingos, and a host of unique animals that call these islands home.
The name “Galapagos” comes from the Spanish word for tortoise. Along the journey you’ll find the the Galapagos giant tortoises! These creatures are the largest species of tortoises in the world and are indigenous to the Galapagos Islands. These tortoises can live beyond 100 years old and many of the 12 different species located here are considered endangered. The islands were so named by Spanish explorers in the 1500’s. It must have been an otherworldly sight to behold those beaches for the first time.
Dates
April 18-27, 2023 - NOW BOOKING!
$4,395 per person Payment in Full at time of Reservation $720 Single Supplement for single travelers Balance Due upon registration
Registration: please pay in cash or check.
CC will incur a 3.5% merchant processing fee.
To Register - Call us at Perfect Light Camera at 208-523-6789
Details
Skill Level
Beginner to Pro
Great Trip for Non-Photographers
Your Photographers/Guides
Christopher Balmer
Harold Klein
What's Included
Lodging throughout the photo tour workshops as outlined in schedule. If you arrive early you may be able to stay earlier or later but your package only includes the nights for the workshop.
Lodging through the workshop
Flight from Las Vegas, NV to Guayaquil with a connection in Panama
Some meals as mentioned in itinerary - not all
Transport during the trip
What's Not Included
Flight or transportation to Las Vegas, NV for departing flight.
Additional night suggested upon arrival back into Las Vegas as it will be a late flight.
Any additional nights accommodations that take place beyond the time frame of the workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Excessive baggage fees
Gratuities: Suggested Gratuities are: $25 per day per person
Any additional tours, activities, etc. not expressly mentioned in the workshop.
Laundry
Any emergency services, if necessary.
Any meals outside of those mentioned in the attached itinerary.
What Should I Wear?
We recommend bringing clothing for warm weather to accommodate the warmer climate during April. However, the nights can get chilly in the evening as well as while on the boat. So plan on layering, realizing that you may or may not need it - but it s better to be prepared.
Due to the humid conditions at sea, plan on bringing clothing that will dry quickly, such as synthetic, quick drying material. Cotton does not tend to dry as quickly or fully.
Neutral toned clothing and fragrance-free sunscreen will help to avoid wasps.
Below, you'll find our suggested packing list for clothing.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Fleece jacket or warm layer
Comfortable lightweight pants (2 pairs)
Pair of nylon, zip-off pants (optional)
Pair of heavier pants (jeans or canvas - optional)
Shorts or zip-off pants (optional)
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (1-2: This will also protect from excessive sun exposure)
Short-sleeved t-shirts (moisture-wicking fabrics are recommended and it's wise to avoid bold colors such as red and black - as these can attract wasps)
Lightweight wool/synthetic blend hiking socks or synthetic athletic socks (helpful for hiking and walking)
Undergarments
Sleepwear
Swimsuits (for snorkeling excursions or free time)
Rash Guard (for snorkeling)
Lightweight hikers or tennis shoes
Sport sandals (such as Keens, Tevas, etc.)
Hat with a brim
Additional Gear
For those who plan on snorkeling - the water temperature may fluctuate between 70-76 degrees during April. A rash guard would be worth bringing along.
Reusable water bottle
Water-resistant daypack or camera bag (to carry camera gear and other equipment during island walks)
Binoculars (optional)
Sunglasses with UV filter and secure strap (polarized glasses help you to see through the reflection at the surface of the water and can be very useful while looking for marine life)
Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF30)
Insect repellent
Toiletries
Hand sanitizer
Any medications necessary
Motion sickness medication such as Scopolamine patches
Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags (Bring a variety of sizes. Useful for wet or dirty clothing and for protecting camera equipment.)
Prescription glasses/contact lenses
Battery-operated alarm clock or wristwatch
Headlamp/flashlight (optional)
Pocket-size Spanish/English dictionary (optional)
Although snorkeling gear will be available - if you have your own snorkel & mask feel free to bring those items. (optional)
Collapsible walking stick or hiking poles (optional)
Suggested Photo Gear
2 camera bodies
One long lens 400mm to 600mm
One medium length lens up to 300mm
Several memory cards
Card reader
Three extra camera batteries
2 battery chargers
Small power strip
Compact 1TB external hard drive
Computer W/Charging cord
3 to 4 cleaning cloths
Rocket blower
If you're looking to get in the water, to snorkel - here are a few ideas for capturing imagery or video of wildlife like sea lions and sea turtles without much effort and in the end - big rewards. Housings for our DSLR and mirrorless cameras can be quite expensive. Think about compact, wider angled water proof cameras for those excursions.
Suggested Underwater Photo Gear
GoPro is probably the most accessible and easiest to use in underwater situations.
Most of their recent models are water proof up to 33' deep.
If you plan on free diving below that depth (which you won't) - be sure to acquire the underwater housing for that camera model.
A floating hand grip is also beneficial in providing stability to shoot as well as keeping that camera from getting away from you.
There are other brands available - we are just suggesting what we have personally used in underwater video that is easy to use and provides a wide enough angle to capture imagery underwater and up close, while getting quality video or stills.
Whichever brand or model you use - be sure that it is WATER PROOF and not just water resistant. Check the details from your manufacturer.
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