Welcome to photographers PARADISE! The Galapagos Islands have some of the most interesting birds and reptiles on the planet. And the good news is – most of them are tame and are easy to photograph!

Both above and below, the water is teeming with life and provides great memories and full CF-cards. WildPhoto Travel has customized this trip for photographers to provide for some extraordinary days in this paradise near the equator.

The photo test trips to the Galapagos in May 2011 and Nov 2012 was successful, and you can see some of the pictures from these trips here: GALAPAGOS #1, GALAPAGOS #2, GALAPAGOS #3

There are plenty of birds to photograph on the Galapagos Islands. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden / WildPhoto Travel.

Why go on this trip?

• Most trips to the Galapagos only tour the central islands. On this custom expedition we will also visit the outer islands.
• We have made changes to the program and visitor sites so it is better suited to photographers.
• We will be on shore as early as possible (06:00) at sunrise, and remain in areas well after the usual tourist groups. We can also stay up until sunset (18:00) to take advantage of the light conditions.
• A pro nature photographer will be the tour and photo leader.
• We will be a small group with a maximum of 15 participants. We have use of the entire ship, which is modern and relatively spacious.
• We have 2 naturalists instead of only one. This gives us more flexibility when we are on shore.
• The other participants share your interests in photography and wildlife / nature.
• We have 2 extra days in one of Ecuador’s most exciting rain forests. We start shooting in this park before we fly to the Galapagos.
• WildPhoto Travel is a member of the Norwegian «Reisegarantifondet», and as a participant, you can be sure of a refund if the trip is cancelled or if WildPhoto Travel goes bankrupt, etc.
• You will be assured of getting better photos and images if you join us on this journey!

Our “hotel” during our Galapagos expedition. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

Accommodation

The ship will be our «hotel»; this allows the ship to move to new locations during the night. The food and cabins are good compared to European standards, but are not luxurious. Our two nights in Quito will be at one of the best hotels in town.

Safety

Safety on this expedition will be a top priority and will be maintained by the crew and the guides. There is really no danger from animals or insects of the Galapagos. Snorkling will only be performed in safe areas.

Friendly crew members in a “panga” (zodiac). Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

The program for 22th April to 6th May, 2014

22/4 Recommended flight from Europe will be KLM from Amsterdam directly to Quito (KL0751) arriving to Quito 14:35. There are also other possible flights available. At the airport we will be met and transferred directly to the rainforest.

23/4 Full day photographing in the rainforest. Accommodation is at the lodge.

24/4 Full day photographing in the rainforest. In the evening we head back to Quito for dinner and to our hotel.

25/4 Fly to Baltra (Galapagos) in the morning. Boarding our ship, which will be our “hotel” for the next 11 days (10 nights). We start shooting 1-2 hours later on the island of North Seymour. Right away we’ll have excellent photo opportunities with Land iguanas, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca booby and beautiful Frigate birds to name a few. We believe that this will be a great start to our expedition, and we will be on North Seymour until sunset!

This image was shot within the first 5 minutes on North Seymour, on our test trip in May 2011. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

26/4 During the night we sail north to Tower Island, where we go ashore early morning at Darwin Bay. This is the best opportunity we will have for shooting Red-footed Boobies, and the timing is perfect for breeding behaviour and nest building. In the evening will photograph at a plateau which is the breeding site for the Elliot’s Storm-petrels. This is a great place to observe and photograph the Short-eared Owl hunting for the storm-petrels. At mid-day we might also go for our first snorkelling.

The plateau at Tower Island. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

27/4 During the night, we sail to Santiago Island. In the morning session we will mostly photograph Marine iguanas, while in the afternoon we will explore a beautiful sandy beach where we’ll have some good opportunities for close-ups of the very curious Galapagos Hawk.

Photographing Marine iguanas. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

28/4 During the night we will pass the equator twice, and arrive at the north west section of Isabela Island in the morning. If you’re not already ecstatic with your photography, this will be the day. We’ll be snorkelling with Sea turtles, and maybe also Galapagos penguins and Galapagos Cormorants at a «secret» location! Evening session we be on Fernandina (the youngest of the islands), surrounded by hundreds of Marine iguanas and other interesting wildlife.

Sunset at Fernandina Island. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

29/4 We continue our exploration on Isabela where we have good opportunities of photographing wild Galapagos Giant tortoises and Land iguanas. This will most likely be our only opportunity to see and photograph these endemic creatures in the wild! The evening session will be in Elizabeth Bay, with nice mangrove forest and good photo opportunities.

Land iguana at Isabela. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

30/4 We are now on the south side of Isabela, where we photograph animals at sunrise on a small island. Around lunchtime we will “climb” to the crater rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano (about an hour’s walk up). This is the only one of the great volcanoes we will visit during our expedition. In the evening we visit the village of Puerto Villamil. For those who do not want to visit the volcano, there will also be an alternative program.

Marine iguana at sunrise. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

1/5 We have now moved to Floreana Island and will spend the morning near a nice lagoon inhabited by flamingos. Later in the day there will be more opportunities for snorkelling with playful sea lions. This may be one of the tour’s major highlights! We also make an effort to see and photograph the extremely rare and endemic Champion Mockingbird (only approx. 100 individuals left).

2/5 This day will be spent on Santa Cruz Island, with a morning session in Puerto Ayora. There’s a small feeding place here for wild “hand-tame” Darwin finches on our schedule. During the day we visit the highlands where we try to locate and photograph some of the birds that we might not have encountered before. There are forested areas with lichens, which provide great scenery for photography such as the Galapagos Mockingbird. In the afternoon we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where there are many Galapagos Giant tortoises (in captivity), including “Lonesome George” – the only survivor of his species in existence! Inside the center area there are lots of opportunities for photographing wild Darwin finches.

Hand-tame Darwin-finch. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

3/5 This morning we will visit the rare Waved Albatross which only breeds on the island of Espanola. We use the entire morning session here amongst albatrosses, boobies and lots of other seabirds. For the evening and at sunset we’ll be on a great white sandy beach where sea lions often rest by the hundreds. This is also the place to photograph the endemic bird “Hood Mockingbird”, the only one of the four mockingbirds that Charles Darwin didn’t find on his trip to the islands in 1835.

Nesting Waved albatross close to the path. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

4/5 The second last day of the Galapagos, we will be on the island of San Cristobal, in the eastern most part of the archipelago. We start on Punta Pitt, also with possibilities for snorkling. On this island we have opportunities to photograph Ghost crabs and the indigenous San Cristobal Mockingbird. This will also be our last snorkelling opportunity of the trip.

5/5 We end our Galapagos expedition with a sunrise landing on a small but very interesting beach near Baltra. There are plenty of sea lions, as well as opportunities to photograph the Lava gull, boobies and other seabirds. After the morning session we go ashore at Baltra where we’ll be transferred to the airport. We fly back to Quito where we will have a «farewell-dinner» in the evening. Accommodation is in Quito.

Sunset near Baltra, before we head to the airport. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

6/5 After breakfast we head to the airport for our flight home.

It is possible to stay longer in Ecuador or Peru, but at your own risk and expense.

Registration

Sign up for this exciting expedition with a deposit of NOK 10,000,- to bank account: 6185.05.30784 (we send you info about IBAN and SWIFT codes by email). Note: this deposit is NOT refundable even if you later want to withdraw from the trip. But, if the expedition is cancelled, then you will get a full refund. At registration you must also submit a signed booking form (request this booking form by email and we will send you the PDF file). NB: both sides in the booking form must be signed, and the registration is binding. The price for the photo expedition 22 APRIL – 6 MAY 2014 is NOK 52,950,-.

The price includes:

• Transfer between the airport and hotel in Quito, and between Quito and the rainforest.
• Two nights accommodations at the Hotel Mercure Alameda in Quito, including buffet breakfast daily.
• 2,5 days (two nights) including food, transportation and guides in the Cloud forest.
• Round trip flights Quito – Galápagos – Quito (USD $500+).
• Transfer between the airport and the ship in Baltra (Galapagos).
• 11 days / 10 nights on the expedition ship, including accommodations, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Snorkling gear
• Two naturalist guides + one photo guide.
• Galápagos National Park entrance fee at $100 per person.
• Gratuities ($225 per person) to the crew of the yacht and Naturalist Guide aboard the yacht.

The price does not include

• International airfare to Quito, Ecuador.
• Insurance – Baggage, Evacuation, Cancellation etc.
• Personal items such as laundry, room service, telephone and fax calls, and souvenirs.

We invite you to join us on this 15 days photo expedition to ANTARCTICA, specially arranged for nature photographers. WildPhoto Travel will be chartering the ENTIRE ship, M/S POLAR PIONEER, during the period of 25 NOVEMBER – 9 DECEMBER 2014.

Our main goal for this photo expedition will be photographing wildlife and landscape. Antarctica is a great place for photographing penguins and other wildlife, and we will have approximately 10 full days of photography. This is more than twice as much time as you get on normal ship expeditions to Antarctica.

This expedition will be limited to only 54 participants plus expedition guides and staff. Most other expeditions to Antarctica will be with 100+ tourists and without any special treatment for photographers. Our expedition ship is ice-strengthened and together with the experienced Russian crew, this will give us great opportunities to get to the areas we want. With our 5-6 zodiacs and experienced expedition guides we will have space for all photographers to be shooting simultaneously, and will not have to wait for “group 1″ to return back to the ship. We are very confident that this will be a “once in a lifetime” photographic expedition for you.

The ice situation and weather conditions will decide where we can go during this expedition, but our “plan A” is to go through the Antarctic Sound into the Weddel Sea and stay there for 3-4 days. With our ice-strengthened expedition ship we have a fair chance to get close to or get onshore at Paulet Island with great numbers of Adelie Penguins. We also hope to go south towards Snow Hill Island, but we don’t have helicopters on this expedition boat, so it will not be possible to get into any colonies of Emperor Penguins. If the ice is not to dense in the area we still hope to find and photograph some Emperor Penguins on the ice, but this is not something we take for granted. We will not guarantee Emperor Penguins on this expedition, but we will most definitely give it a try. The ice and landscape in Antarctica is great for photography in November / December, and we are confident that this will be a great timing even if the Weddel Sea would be closed during our expedition.

There are some great sites for photography on the western side of the Antarctic peninsula. We will visit some of the colonies of Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins and some great fjords with glaciers and nice landscapes. We will have one (or two) longer landings most days and not push for 2-3 shorter landings every day. Our expedition is not a normal tourist cruise and we need more time on land than the usual Antarctica itinerary. We hope to get south through the Lemaire Channel during the expedition, but this area is not always open in the beginning of December. On the South Shetland Islands we also have some nice landings, like Deception Island. Our planed itinerary is as stated to the right, but we will adjust the plans when we see how the ice and weather conditions are when we get into the area – it’s an expedition!
 

Gentoo Penguins, Antarctica. Copyright © Roy Mangersnes

 
Three of the expedition guides will be professional nature photographers from the WildPhoto Travel guide team we use on our very successful Svalbard expeditions. This will ensure you the best treatment and feedback on photographic issues, and focus on direction of light and background during our zodiac excursions. We have also included a professional landscape photographer in our lecturing team to have specialized photographers to answer all your questions or inspire you during this expedition.

Our vision for this expedition is to be as service-minded as possible for photographers and your desired images. Thus we will offer an option for underwater photography for a group of maximum 10 people snorkelling (not diving). One of our expedition guides is a very experienced diving master in Antarctica and will together with our expedition doctor ensure safe and magic meetings with wildlife in water. We will be very serious about the safety and suitable areas for this activity, and we will mainly do this activity when the rest of the group is on land, so we have enough zodiacs and guides available for the rest of the photographers. We will be selective about who will be included in the “snorkelling team”, and all snorkelers have to bring their own snorkelling equipment. It will be an extra fee for the snorkelling activity.

Gentoo Penguin in ice, Antarctica. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

Why travel with us on this Antarctica Photographic Expedition?

• WildPhoto Travel is well-known for our photographic ship expeditions. With 12 successful photo expeditions to the Arctic (Svalbard) we have a lot of experience regarding photographers needs and how to lead these specific expeditions. We have also had 3 groups of photographers on ship expeditions to Antarctica, and we know what’s needed to make this a successful photographic expedition.
• Three pro nature photographers will be in the photo guide team on this expedition. We have also included one specialized landscape photographer in the lecture team, which in total will ensure you high quality feedback and inspiring lectures during this expedition.
• We are chartering the ENTIRE ship M/S POLAR PIONEER, for our exclusive use. This is not a sub-charter with a big group of tourists, but a 100% photographic expedition.
• Other participants on the trip share your interests in Antarctica and nature photography. Good travel companions are important on our expeditions.
• Our guides and staff will ensure a safe and flexible expedition.
• We continually obtain updated information on where to find exciting animals, etc., so that we can more effectively approach the species and types of nature we wish to photograph.
• We will do our best to help you with your desired images, like underwater photography. We need to know your wishes and demands BEFORE the departure to let you know what’s possible or not.
• This is a rare opportunity for a high-class photographic expedition to Antarctica. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Our expedition ship

Our expedition ship M/S POLAR PIONEER was built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR’s northern coast. In 2000 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 54 passengers. A combined bar/lounge/library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple internal restructuring.

This class of vessel has a good reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength, manoeuvrability and small number of cabins. All cabins have outside portholes plus ample storage space. The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice-navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary. The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses.

Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel as such, but she is one of the most popular ships for travels to the Polar regions. The accommodation is simple yet comfortable, and the meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet (6) of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship to the shore or on zodiac excursions.

Deck plan and prices

TRIPLE: 300, 301 – All reserved

CABIN: Two lower bunks and one upper bunk, a desk, a small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins. SIZE: Total Cabin: 423cm x 241cm = 10.2 sqm. PRIZE: USD $9.900 / NOK: 55.950

TWIN PUBLIC: 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310 – Few spots available

CABIN: Two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space, a couch and a porthole. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins. SIZE: Total Cabin: 400cm x 245cm = 9.8 sqm. PRIZE: USD $11.500 / NOK: 62.950

TWIN PRIVATE: 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 408, 504, 505, 506, 507 – Only #402 is available

CABIN: Two lower bunks, a desk, windows and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. #402 and #403 have upper and lower bunks and a couch. SIZE: Deck 4: Bedroom/Bathroom – 411cm x 260cm = 10.7 sqm, Deck 5: Bedroom/Bathroom – 494cm x 243cm = 12 sqm. PRIZE: USD $13.200 / NOK: 69.950

MINI SUITE: 502, 503 – All reserved

CABIN: Double bed in a separate room, foldout couch that can be used as a single bed, TV, video player, windows, desk, table area, fridge, and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. SIZE: Living Room/Bedroom/Bathroom – 453cm x 370cm = 16.8 sqm, Bathroom – 120cm x160cm = 1.92 sqm. PRIZE: USD $14.200 / NOK: 74.950

CAPTAIN’S SUITE: 501 – All reserved

CABIN: Double bed in separate room, plus foldout couch that can be used as a single bed, forward and port windows, lounge and table area, fridge, TV, video player, and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. SIZE: Living Room/Bedroom – 450cm x 500cm = 22.5 sqm Bathroom – 120cm x160cm = 1.92 sqm. PRIZE: USD $14.900 / NOK: 79.950

Safety

Iceberg. Copyright © Roy Mangersnes.

Inflatable Boats

Information concerning photography

Registration

The price includes

• 14 nights aboard the M/S POLAR PIONEER, with boarding on 25 NOVEMBER at 16:00 and disembarking on 9 DECEMBER at 09:00
• One night + welcome dinner at hotel in Ushuaia before departure
• All meals aboard the vessel
• Expedition leader, photo guides, zodiac drivers, expedition doctor and other personnel
• Excursions with the Zodiacs
• Transfer with bus after disembarking to hotel/airport

The expedition price does not include

• Flight to/from Ushuaia
• Overnight accommodation earlier than 24 NOVEMBER and after the disembarking 9 DECEMBER
• Personal expenses related to mineral water, alcohol and souvenirs purchased aboard the ship
• Tips (recommended) for the vessel’s crew members
• Travel, evacuation and cancellation insurance
• Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges

Welcome to our new safari – Ultimate Kenya. Our Kenya photo safaris in 2011 and 2012 have been very successful, and now we have included more days and great places to visit and photograph. During our safari 15 – 26 November we will stay 2 nights in Samburu, 2 nights in Nakuru, 2 nights in Naivasha and 4 nights in Masai Mara. Most important is that we have selected the best places and arrangements for photographing the African wildlife in great light and without having hundreds of other tourists around.

We start with Samburu, which is a great area with nice landscape and great birds and mammals. Our visit in Samburu will be at the end of the short rainy season, which will provide many exciting scenarios. From our camp near the main river it is a short distance most mornings to photograph birds and animals, so we will be in the field at sunrise. Samburu is known for its dense population of Leopards, as well as Oryx, Grevy Zebra, Gerenuk, and many beautiful birds. Many photographers say Samburu is their favourite park, and we think this is a very nice start to our safari. See some images from Samburu HERE
 

Oryx rut in Samburu at sunrise. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

 
Our next stop is Lake Nakuru which is a great place for birding and photography. This park also has a dense population of White Rhinos and on our test trip in January 2013 we saw 17 Rhinos in less than 2 hours. The Rhinos were also very relaxed and approachable which gave us great photo opportunities. There are a few places where it’s allowed to step out of the vehicles and photograph from the edge of the lake. This gives us great opportunities for nice bird images. And one thing is for sure – there is a lot of birds and wildlife in this park! See more images from Lake Nakura HERE
 

White Rhinos in Nakuru are common and not affraid of photographers. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

Nakuru is a birders paradise, with species like the Avocet. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

 
Lake Naivasha is only an hour drive form Nakuru and is also a great place for birds. We have done some special arrangements to get extensive use of boats on the lake so we will get close to our subjects and in the best light possible. We get out before sunrise and also photograph from boats until after sunset, resting at mid day. Our area is also a paradise with thousands of Cormorants and Herons nesting in the flooded trees, together with Kingfishers, Rails, Shorebirds and lots of other birds. And last but not least the Hippos, which are common in the area. We will also photograph African Fish Eagle while diving for fish. Get ready for 5-6 hours a day with some of the best bird photography opportunities you can imagine! See more images from Naivasha HERE
 

Lake Naivasha gives you the opportunity to photograph birds from low boats in great light! Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

Hippos are common in Lake Naivasha, and you can get really nice opportunities. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

Low boat and great light in Naivasha. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

 
After Naivasha we fly directly to Masai Mara for some exiting days focusing on mammals. Most of the Wildebeest have left Masai Mara by this time, but there is still plenty of other animals to photograph. The female Cheetah “Narasha” has it’s hunting grounds close to our camp, and we usually get great encounters with her. A big pride of Lions are located in the neighbourhood, and Leopards are quite common. Our camp is located in an area with few other tourists, but with many great opportunities for photographers. We have the possibilities to go out before sunrise and stay out until after sunset, which is not common in Masai Mara. We have also a great team with Masai guides and drivers which are specially trained by WildPhoto Travel to give us the best photographic opportunities. After 3 earlier successful photo safaris to this area, we know for sure that this will be a great finish on our Ultimate Kenya safari. See more images from Masai Mara HERE.
 

The femal Cheetah “Narasha” with a fresh kill close to the camp Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

Male Lion in Masai Mara Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

This photo safari will be led by a professional nature photographer (Ole Jørgen Liodden) who will assist with your photographic challenges and lead this trip in order to maximize your photo opportunities. All in all, the conditions are set for some magical days in Africa!

Inside in on of our tents in Masai Mara Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

About our Camps

Our Camp in Samburu is strategically located down by the river, with short distances to great photo subjects. The standard is high, and the tents can easily fit two people. The camp is surrounded by fences and have a dining area, and also a souvenir shop. The climate in Samburu is generally a bit drier and warmer than in the Masai Mara, but in November there may still be some showers. Alcoholic beverages are not included in Samburu.

The lodge in Nakuru is situated inside the national park and has high quality. There are some nice photographic opportunities near the bird feeder and the surrounding forest. It is about 15 minutes driving to the southern parts of lake Nakuru, so we can be there around sunrise (which is around 06:45 because of some hills to the east).

In Naivasha we will be located in a very peaceful area near the shore of lake Naivasha. The lodge has good food and surroundings, and it’s only 10 minutes by vehicles to get to the place where we do all our boat rides at sunrise and sunset. When not photographing birds at the lake there are some nice opportunities inside the lodge and in the neighbourhood, so there will also be opportunities for photography during the day.

Our camp in Masai Mara is situated in a private conservation area just north of the border of the reserve. There are no fences or visible markers on the boundary between the reserve and the conservation area, as they share the same landscape with lots of wildlife on both sides. The camp is perfect for photo safaris because of the greater flexibility and photo opportunities. The camp has 10 tents for the guests and one bigger tent for dining and social gatherings. The tents are spacious with separate section for bathroom with toilet and safari showers (20 litres at a time). There is power (solar panels) in all the tents, but no power outlets. During the day you can charge laptops in a “office” tent when a generator is in operation. The camp is located at 1560 meters above sea level, and the expected daytime temperature is 20-30 C and 5-10 C at night. We have 3 open Land Rovers with great guides. The camp provides a good European standard, and the food is safe and tasty.

Security

Our security is a top priority during the safari and will be maintained by the guides and guards. On game drives, we use open safari vehicles (except in Nakuru), without windows, but this is not dangerous when it comes to predators. We will, however be cautious around rhinos, elephants and buffalos, which can be unpredictable. In the camps there is a maximum of 100 meters to walk from the tents to the dining area or to the vehicles, and guards will follow you when it is dark (Masai Mara and a few spots in Nakuru). The guards are constantly on duty in the camps so you can relax and feel safe. In order to have proper security during the safari, it is important that you, as a participant, respect the rules and regulations of the guides, guards and the tour leader. In some cases we will give you the opportunity to step out of the safari vehicle (Masai Mara) to take pictures at ground level or to shoot landscapes with a tripod. The guides in consultation with the tour leader decide when it is safe to do this, so it is not possible to leave the vehicle whenever you want. Inside the Masai Mara reserve, Samburu and Nakuru (except a few places) you are not allowed to leave the vehicle!

Vaccinations

There are few mosquitoes and insects in Samburu, Nakuru, Naivasha and Masai Mara, but you should take your malaria tablets (Malarone for example). We also recommend you to contact your local doctor or travel clinic so that you have the necessary vaccinations prior to your travel.

Photographers inside one of our safari vehicles. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

Some questions and answers

If you have further questions, please contact us by email: post@wildphoto.com or tel: +47 32126770 / +47 93451070

Trip report from Galapagos 23.04-03.05 2012, written by Roy Mangersnes.

Day 1

Arriving from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos we were all excited to see what the expedition would bring. With 16 passengers, two zodiacs and a crew of 8, the boat that will be our home for the next 11 days seem spacious and nice. Already the same evening we would have our first landing with amazing wildlife encounters. Magnificent Frigatebirds were still displaying, while Blue-footed Boobies showed off along the path. Birds were all over the place and under the cactus huge Land Iguanas were feeding undisturbed by our presence.

Day 2

Next morning we landed at the Tower at dawn. On the beach we were met by several endemic birds of Galapagos included the rare Lava Gull, wandering among Sea Lions. Along the path in the mangroves Red-footed and Blue-footed Boobies raised their chicks while the Nazca Boobies defended their nests on the ground. Night-herons, Darwin’s Finches and Mockingbirds were numerous. Our first Marine Iguana was also spotted.

At noon we had a nice first try in the water with loads of colourful fish and an octopus for us to see. The water was clear and nice.

In the evening we landed on the other side of the Tower caldera and had a great time with Nazca Boobies and Red-Billed Tropicbirds until the sun set on the horizon.

Day 3

We woke up to a stunning sunset over Santiago Island and landed as the morning sun swept across the beach. “Blu-bies” and Brown Pelicans watched us from the nearby rocks while Ghost Crabs scattered across the beach. This is the spot to view Galapagos Fur Seals up close and we watched them play alongside Marine Iguanas, Sea Lion and a couple Galapagos Hawks.

Some of us went snorkelling at midday, while others played with the crabs on the beach.
The evening was spent at a stunning beach with beautiful mangroves in the dunes. This is the breeding ground of the Sea Turtle, but also several endemic birds. We stayed until the sun disappeared in the Pacific Ocean.

Day 4

In the morning we passed the northern spit of Isabela. From the boat we observed Killer Whales and Bryde’s Whales from as distance as Storm Petrels and Galapagos Shearwaters followed the vessel.
The following snorkel in crystal clear waters, accompanied by almost hundred Sea Turtles, Galapagos Penguin, Sea Lions, Fur Seal and even The amazing Ocean Sunfish.

The evening was spent at a most amazing place called Punta Espinosa with enormous number of Marine Iguana and also Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The occasional Mockingbird and Lava Lizard were added to the list.

Day 5

The Sea Turtles had already left the beach when we landed in the morning, but just behind these Isabela dunes we found our first Giant Tortoise. The walk also provided nice encounters with Land Iguana, Galapagos Hawk, Passerines, Brown Pelican and the endemic Flightless Cormorant.
The snorkel gave us some great encounters with huge Stingrays and more Sea Turtles in clear waters.

During the evening we entered a stunning mangrove landscape and observed several groups of Spotted, Golden and Mantled Eagle Rays, as well as Sea Turtles and sea birds from the zodiacs.

Day 6

Due to bad weather we had a slow start, but upon landing on the south end of Isabela we had a great encounter with 28 White-tip Reef sharks in a shallow lagoon. Great for photography!

The walk to the nearby Sierra Negra Volcano was cancelled due to very low clouds and a drizzle. Instead we visited the nearby wetlands and photographed the beautiful Flamingos.

The evening was spent on the beach with Sea Lions, Pelicans and wetland birds in low light.

Day 7

On Floreana we went to look for more Flamingos in the lagoon, but they had already left the wetland. Therefore we went to the nearby beach to work with the many Stingrays feeding in the shallows.

On the tiny island of Champion we saw the extremely rare Charles Mockingbird with no more than 150 birds remaining in the world, before we jumped into the ocean for a snorkel. There we had our first shark encounters, as well as a tremendous amount of colourful fish and Barracuda.

During the evening we had a nice zodiac cruise among the lava rocks and lush mangroves. The evening was finished with a cultural stop and a nice sunset Pelican.

Day 8

On Santa Cruz we went into the highland and walked among the prehistoric Giant Tortoises in beautiful Scalesia landscapes. After a visit to nearby crates we had a good lunch and a visit to the Darwin Foundation. The rest of the day was a free day in Puerto Ayora.

Day 9

Another highlight was the landing at Espanola with its stunningly colourful Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards. The island is also the home of the Waved Albatross. The 20.000 pairs breed only on this island and provide good views both on land and in flight. The Espanola came close to check us out as we stopped by one of the many Booby nest along the path. Even the Tropicbirds gave us some good photo opportunities here.

The snorkel of the day was quit exciting with several Eagle Ray and Galapagos Shark sightings, even up close.

The evening was spent with Sea Lions on a stunning white sandy beach until the sun set.

Day 10

The morning started with a pleasant walk into the higher lava landscape of San Cristobal, were we saw our fourth and last species of Mockingbird.

The snorkel of the day was particularly exciting with a group of 40 Galapagos Sharks, several Spotted Eagle Rays and the larges Hammerhead shark I have ever seen.

The evening photography on the beach gave us some good light with Sea Lions and fishing seabirds along the shore.

Day 11

The last morning we entered a sandy islet just as the sun rose above the horizon, giving us good silhouettes of Sea Lions and nearby seabirds. The played with the many pups for a couple of hours before we had to pack up and head back for breakfast.

From there it went rather smoothly to the airport. It sure was a happy bunch of people that boarded the aircraft for Quito later that day. All smiles and plenty of images on the hard drive.

Let us know if you want to travel with us to Galapagos in 2014.
We also have 2 spots available for our photo expedition to Galapagos 23.04-07.05 2013. See MORE INFO

We invite you to join us on this exciting 8 days photo expedition to Svalbard in beginning og JUNE 2013, specially arranged for nature photography enthusiasts. WildPhoto Travel will be chartering  the entire ship, M/S ORIGO, during the period of 2 – 10 JUNE 2013. This expedition will be a special “ICE LOVER” expedition with focus on animals on ice, landscape and lots of birds. In beginning of June there will still be lots of ice, and we will enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Later in the summer all the ice around Svalbard will be gone, so this is a great opportunity to experience the arctic ice.

See the report from the previous expeditions to Svalbard in 2010, 2011 and 2012 HERE.

Polar Bear at Nordaustlandet, Svalbard. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

Why travel with us to Svalbard

• We have already arranged 11 photo expeditions with ships to Svalbard so we know where to go to get your best pictures and experiences. A pro nature photographer will be the expedition leader and photo guide.
• We are chartering the entire ship M/S Origo, for our exclusive use, which means that we can best  optimize the expeditions for photo enthusiasts.
• This expedition will have only 12 photographers (+ the expedition leader and one guide) distributed amongst 2 Zodiacs, which limits 6 guests per Zodiac. This is a major advantage considering all of the photo equipment when compared to typical tours involving 13 to 14 persons in each Zodiac. This will enhance our photographic endeavours considerably!
• Other participants on the trip share your interests in arctic and nature photography. Good travel companions are important on our expeditions.
• Our guides will ensure a safe and flexible expedition.
• We can be out in the Zodiacs for longer periods and be more flexible with  mealtimes and other “fixed” schedules.
• We can decide to stay in certain areas because of light conditions or photo opportunities, instead of roaming around in search of tourist attractions.
• We continually obtain updated info on where to find exciting animal life, etc., so that we can more effectively approach the species and types of nature we wish to photograph.
• We’ll be circumventing all of the standard “stops”, souvenir shops, rusty ovens and abandoned whaling stations, unless there are requests to visit some of these places.
• All photographers (except 2 shared cabins) will have private cabins for this expedition. This means more space for your luggage and photo gear.

Walrus, Svalbard. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

 
Svalbard is situated at about 80 degrees north, so we schedule the expedition in accordance with prevailing weather and ice conditions. Our captain is an expert navigator in arctic conditions. He is an important advisor in planning the expedition in a manner that allows us maximize the photo opportunities and enjoyment of this trip. Also included will be some excursions going ashore amongst walrus colonies (or walruses on the ice), bird cliffs, and places that are seething with life during this time of year.

Ice Map

The ice will determine where we can navigate our ship. Get an updated report of ice conditions (updated almost every day).

Safety

Ethics

Our boat

The first day aboard the ship may consist of a transport leg, and it may be advisable to take seasickness medication and taking it easy until your body adjusts to being aboard a ship at sea. The vessel’s crew members speak Swedish and English.

Photographing from Origo. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

Origo on the west coast of Svalbard. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

Inflatable Boats

Zodiak. Copyright © Ole Jørgen Liodden

Information concerning photography

Registration

The price includes

• 8 nights aboard the M/S Origo, with boarding on 2 JUNE at 16:00 and disembarking on 10 JUNE at 09:00
• All meals aboard the vessel
• Expedition leader, guide, guards and other personnel
• Excursions with the Zodiacs

The expedition price does not include

• Flights to / from Svalbard (Longyearbyen)
• Overnight accommodation prior to and following the trip aboard the ship
• Personal expenses related to mineral water, alcohol and souvenirs purchased aboard the ship
• Tips (recommended) for the vessel’s crew members
• Travel insurance and cancellation insurance

Day 16 – Deception Island

Deception Island in a volcanic island in the South Shetland Islands. As the vulcano is still active there is hot steam coming up from the ground at the beach. The water close to the shore was very hot, even though it was below 0º celsius in the air. A few people from our ship even took a bath during our landing! The steam together with the dark volcanic sand on the beach, and a some snow in the air, gave a nice atmosphere to our penguin images.

cheers,
Espen & Audun

——-

Background:
Naturfokus is planning to arrange photo expeditions to Antarctic waters in the coming years. Testing of ship, logistics and locations is an important part of the preparations. Espen & Audun Lie Dahl are our test photographers on this trip with Ocean Nova, and they will will blog every day from this expedition.

Day 15 – South Shetland Islands

After three rather quiet days at sea we are now at the South Sheltand Island, close to the Antarctic peninsula. The scenery is stunning, and penguins are all over the place. This morning we had a landing at Half Moon Island, visiting a Chinstrap Penguin rookery. These birds are so beautiful! We are now heading to Deseption Island. The seas are completely calm and we are heading out on deck to look for whales.

cheers,
Espen & Audun

——-

Background:
Naturfokus is planning to arrange photo expeditions to Antarctic waters in the coming years. Testing of ship, logistics and locations is an important part of the preparations. Espen & Audun Lie Dahl are our test photographers on this trip with Ocean Nova, and they will will blog every day from this expedition.

Day 12 – South-Georgia.

At this time of the year the beaches at South Georgia are packed with Elephant seals. At every beach there is a “beach master”, a big male controlling the beach. This male can have harems of up to 100 females ready to mate with him. Around the harems there are a number of other males trying to get access to females. These males regularly fight with each other, these fights can be very violent and the males have a lot of scars on them.

cheers,
Espen & Audun

——-

Background:
Naturfokus is planning to arrange photo expeditions to Antarctic waters in the coming years. Testing of ship, logistics and locations is an important part of the preparations. Espen & Audun Lie Dahl are our test photographers on this trip with Ocean Nova, and they will will blog every day from this expedition.