Galapagos Amazon Hummingbird Photography Tour | Chris Bray Photography
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Galapagos, Amazon & Hummingbird Photography Tour


Download Galapagos Amazon Hummingbird Tour Brochure
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Unbelievable two week tour starting off with the very best of the Galapagos including giant tortoises, tropicbirds, nesting frigatebirds, boobies, penguins, crabs, iguanas and snorkelling with playful sea lions and turtles on board our luxury private catamaran the Alya. Next, a canoe trip into the Amazon to the renowned Sacha Lodge to photograph monkeys, toucans, macaw parrots, frogs, caimans and more. We then finish with two exclusive lodges overlooking the primary cloud-forest of the Andes, buzzing with dozens of hummingbird species and other wildlife. Improve your photography with professional help and the best local naturalist guides on this unforgettable experience!

Galapagos & Amazon Tour Highlights


  • 10 Reasons
    to travel with us
    The giants of the Galapagos - the ancient tortoises - migrating up to the highlands to breed.
  • 5 nights onboard our super-luxury, private catamaran, the Alya, complete with Jacuzzi and decks of sunbeds.
  • 3 nights in the luxurious Sacha lodge, nestled in the Amazon rainforest.
  • Canoe trips into the world-famous Amazon Basin - photographing monkeys, caimans and parrots (even macaws) coming down to a clay-lick!
  • Snorkeling with playful sea lions and huge sea turtles.
  • Walk among huge, courting Albatross, colourful marine iguanas and boobies on Española Island
  • Photograph dozens of species of hummingbirds in flight around your lodge in the Andes Cloud Forest.
  • Night walks in the Amazon rainforest to photograph frogs, tarantulas and giant insects.
  • Walking above the Amazon rainforest canopy looking for toucans, sloths and more, on a towering sky-bridge.
  • Photographing blue-footed boobies and nesting frigatebirds, puffing out their brilliant red throat pouches.

Galapagos & Amazon

Photo Tour Dates

Maybe One Day?
Great! 😊 We can let you know about future dates, or if someone pulls out!
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Galapagos Amazon photo tour brochure

Galapagos Amazon Tour Booklet


Everything you need to know about this Galapagos, Amazon & Hummingbird photo tour!

Galapagos & Amazon

Photo Tour FAQ

What is a Photo Tour?

Loved by non-photographers too, our photo tour holidays offer the ultimate, small-group travel experience to the world's most wonderful and unique places - with special access away from the crowds. I love to travel, but I hate being stuck with loads of other people (especially when we've got nothing in common), being taken to the regular, over-crowded tourist attractions or wasting hours in an amazing country just relaxing by some pool. I want to get the most out of my holidays - I want to see as many different animals as I can, I want to travel through different landscapes and be shown hidden gems off the beaten path, I want to experience the culture, taste the food, meet new friends with similar interests, enjoy some luxury and importantly, I want to have the time to take some beautiful and unique photos of it all. This is what we strive for with our photography tours and workshops.

It's not enough for me to spot a distant lion, tick it off and move on - I want to have the option to try and get closer, on the correct side for best lighting and even wait for him to lift his head and stare directly down the barrel of my camera lens for a great photo - or to move on when I'm done - I want flexibility. I want the inside tips for the best photo location to be ready when the sun rises over the horizon and spills across the bay onto those boulders - and if I can't quite get my photo to work, it'd be awesome to have a friendly pro-photographer right there to offer advice (not one who'll stand in front of me to get the best shot themselves!). If there's a seal colony out on an island nearby, then I'd want to charter a boat tour out there just with my friends onboard so we can spend as long or as short as we want to get the photos without being crowded on a regular sight-seeing tour. If the seal colony was a bit of a tourist attraction on a local beach then I'd want to wait for the crowds to leave, and go down onto the beach after hours - just us as a small group, and a private ranger guide to photograph them at our leisure in beautiful evening lighting.

You don't even need to be a photographer to love this style of holiday - who wouldn't like a bit of luxury and a bit of extra patience from their tour leaders, or to be given the opportunity to fly over lakes covered in pink flamingos in Africa in a doors-off plane or over a beautiful coastline in a doors-off helicopter for some epic views? Stay on a private island, learn some new skills with your photography, make some new friends and have an unforgettable, unique holiday - all at the same time! Sound good? Well, there's a reason more than half of our guests come back again, and again on our photo tours!

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Do I have to be a photographer?

Absolutely not! We have many non-photographers (and partners of photographers) enjoy our tours! As one guest said "It didn’t matter that I’m not a photographer - I used my iPhone. Just experiencing all these amazing locations at a relaxed pace, in comfort and without the crowds was wonderful!". The expert photography tuition is a bonus - the incredible access to experience the best places in a tiny group is the main thing! If you're traveling to take photos, or just as a holiday - in the end, it's all about seeing as many of the amazing animals as possible, experiencing the local food and culture, admiring the landscapes, breathing the fresh air and enjoying the whole unforgettable experience with a small group of friends. Whether or not you put a camera in front of your face doesn't really change this. We've had many non-photographers come on our tour, enjoying just spotting animals, identifying them, or watching their behaviour and by the end of the trip many of them do start picking up a camera (or borrowing one of ours) and start getting excited about photography too! Some have later gone on to become full-on photographers, to the delight of their partners! Either way, they have a ball and often come away with us again and again.

Most photography guests are beginner to keen-enthusiast level - so no need to stress that your photography may not be good enough - the whole point is to improve your photography, no matter what your level! Our tours are enjoyed by everyone from non-photographers, iPhone and happy-snap photographers right up to serious professionals. We start each tour with a quick photography crash-course, and our expert photography guides are there to help you throughout the whole tour. There is no better way to improve your photography than spending a solid week or two practicing, surrounded by amazingly inspiring subjects, with a small, friendly group of like-minded people. You will be amazed how much your photography will improve. We're there to offer as much or as little assistance as you'd like, at whatever level of complexity you're ready for.

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How fit do I need to be?

The level of physical activity varies for each of our tours (check the dropdown for each specific tour), however none involve strenuous hiking or anything like that. In Kenya, for example, the hardest thing you'll have to do is walk to and from your tour vehicle mostly, other destinations involve things like optional snorkelling, or may include short walks or humid conditions. We've had 83 year old guests, guests with bad knees and even heart-conditions do even what we consider our most strenuous tours, so rest assured the tour you're looking at is very likely achievable. If you're concerned, just ask us. The tour information booklet we provide for each tour gives a clearer indication of what's involved for each destination. We're very mindful of the abilities of our guests and can always provide less demanding alternatives for those wishing a break.

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What gear do I need?

For each of our tours, we've carefully prepared a detailed information booklet covering everything including our recommendations for what kind of clothes to bring, what type of power plug, what currency, what the climate is like, language tips and plenty of other information to help answer all your questions! We'll send you a copy of this information booklet when you book, or you can email us for one in advance. As for what kind of camera gear is best, whatever you have is fine, but if you've got too much and need help deciding what to bring and what to leave behind, or if you have a bit of money you could spend on getting something really perfect for the trip, please just contact us and we can certainly help you out with what's ideal for each particular tour!

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Traveling alone?

Fear not - more than half of our tour guests travel solo. To help you make friends before you even leave and to be reassured and aided by the advice of your fellow-travellers (and those who have gone before you), we've created an interactive Facebook group for our CBP Voyager Club members (that's anyone who's been on, or is going on any of our tours, which also gives them 5-10% OFF any future tours!). You can find out who's coming from your area, perhaps even meet up beforehand or fly together. This is a great resource and we encourage you to make the most of it if you're on Facebook! Anyone can read the CBP Voyager Club Facebook page, but you can only interact once you've paid your deposit.

And do not worry that most accommodation is twin-share - we're good at pairing you up with a roomie who you'll get along with - it has been the start of long-term friendships for many! We can't guarantee that we'll always be able to have you sharing with someone of the same sex - it depends on the gender split, but we do our best. You can request to purchase a single supplement (a room to yourself) if you really need to (subject to availability) though keep in mind that you're usually only in your rooms to sleep as we fill your waking hours with plenty to do, and the couple of occasions we have had guests request rooms to themselves, they end up regretting it when they see the amazing friendships that form between the other roomies.

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Can you cater for dietary needs?

Of course we can - even in places like Kenya we've successfully catered for vegan, gluten-free, lactose-intolerant and vegetarian guests, and all have had a wonderful tour.

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Worried about safety?

Rest assured that we do not travel through any of the major danger hot-spots like those highly warned against in travel advisory boards etc. For example, in Kenya, we do not even pass through downtown Nairobi and we operate completely away from the coast / Mombasa region and the Somali border. The fact that we like to take you to the more tranquil, less-touristy places on our tours conveniently means we only ever spend minimal time in busy, built up areas or large tourist attractions where thieves or terrorists might target - most of the places we stay at are quite rural and private, and you'll quickly feel right at home & safe.

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Booking Terms and Conditions?

Our cancelation policies are in line with other leading tourism operators, and you can read all about them here in our Booking Terms and Conditions. We are proud to employ industry best-practices.

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What is the CBP Voyager Club?

The Voyager Club is our photo tour loyalty program! As our photo tours apparently can be very addictive (we've had guests come to more than half a dozen of our tours!), we created the Chris Bray Photography Voyager Club, giving repeat guests 5% OFF future tours with automatic Silver Membership, and then 10% OFF as Gold Members after their fifth tour with us.

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How do I book in?

Either click the 'Book Now' button above and fill in your details, or simply contact us and let us know which tour you're keen to join us on, and we'll send you a deposit invoice to secure your spot, along with the tour information booklet and our Booking Terms and Conditions.

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Galapagos Amazon

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Our Galapagos, Amazon and Hummingbird tour starts in the evening when we meet at the Le Parc Hotel in Quito for welcome drinks (on us) and a quick photography crash course. We'll eat together at the hotel restaurant, enjoying some fine Ecuadorian cuisine before retiring in preparation for tomorrow's Galapagos adventure to begin. Don't forget to set your camera batteries on charge and format your memory cards!

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Day 2: Quito to North Seymour, Galapagos

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll be transferred to Quito airport in Ecuador where we'll board our flight to Galapagos - landing at Baltra Airport - our point of entry into the amazing Galapagos Archipelago! We'll be welcomed on board our luxurious motor vessel for the week, the 'Alya', which is THE most comfortable and luxurious catamaran in the Galapagos Islands, complete with Jacuzzi, bar, sundeck, huge lounge amazing cabins. It's perfect for a group of our size and even has a bit of spare room onboard so we can spread out. After a delicious lunch, we'll cruise to our first amazing location: North Seymour island! This island is famous for its large nesting population of Frigatebirds and Blue-footed boobies. The magnificent Frigatebird is known as the 'pirate of the skies' because of its infamous technique of harassing other birds returning from a day's fishing until they drop their catch in mid-air, whereupon the frigatebird skilfully swoops in and grabs the free meal before it even hits the water! Some will be flying right close to us putting on aerobic displays (which will be a photographic challenge!), and others will be collecting sticks for their nests. The real beauty of these birds is captured when the males puff out their brilliant red throat pouches to impress potential mates. They'll be nesting there right in front of us, rattling their bills, and posing for the perfect shot! The island is also home to nesting Blue-footed boobies, so watch where you walk - they are likely standing right next to you, and we may see a sea lion or two as well! We'll also aim to fit in a snorkel here as it's a great location for everything from turtles to sea lions and (if we're lucky) maybe even reef sharks! Once the evening lighting's all done, we'll enjoy a lovely dinner onboard and settle in for a good sleep as the ship sneaks off to our next location!

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Day 3: South Plaza, Santa Fe, Galapagos

This morning we'll explore the magic of South Plazas, which makes up for it's small size by being just brim-full of wildlife and stunning landscapes! This cactus-covered lava island is home to some of the most outstanding species of the region, including one of the largest sea lion colonies. The many land iguanas here are smaller than their relatives found elsewhere and several hybrids can also be found - a cross between a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. Frigatebirds, Brown pelicans, Tropicbirds and Shearwaters nest in the cliffs and always provide great photo opportunities as they soar along the cliffs.

After another incredible 3 course lunch back onboard we'll move on to the nearby Santa Fe island, a mostly flat island due to its formation by uplift rather than volcanic eruption and possibly the oldest island in the Archipelago. It's also home to a number of endemic species including the Galapagos Hawk and the two species of land iguana found in the Galapagos. We'll disembark on the island and get the chance to photograph one of the many sea lion colonies present and land iguanas, and also get a chance to hop into kayaks or snorkel to play with sea lions just off the beach. Make sure you bring your GoPro or underwater camera! This is one of the most amazing days!

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Day 4: San Cristobal & Lobos Island, Galapagos

This morning we'll do a bit of learning ashore at the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center, on the main island of San Cristobal, before heading on to Lobos Island, which actually means Sea Lion Island! This appropriately named island is busy with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open flippers. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies. Another unforgettable day in paradise!

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Day 5: Española Island, Galapagos

Today we'll explore two great locations at Española Island, another of the oldest islands in the Galapagos Archipelago. This morning we'll start with Gardner Bay, on the eastern side of the island, is the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of Waved Albatrosses. It has an ample white sandy beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for photos. Its rocky shores make this site a great place for snorkelling too.

After another hearty lunch onboard, we'll disembark at Punta Suarez, a rocky part of the island known for being one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. With marine iguanas sneezing out salt, and baby sealions playing on the sand, there is so much to photograph! Making our way along the tracks, we will photograph and blue-footed boobies, Galapagos doves, red-billed tropicbirds, mocking birds, swallowed-tailed gulls and most importantly, the critically endangered waved albatross as they greet their life partners with incredible courtship displays and lumber into the air around us. This island also has its own species of animals such as the Española mockingbird, which has a longer and more curved beak than the one of the central islands and the Española lava lizard. High cliffs rise from the sea giving us spectacular views of soaring sea birds in flight, and an impressive blow hole! So much to photograph before finally relaxing and downloading your images back onboard, ready for another wonderful meal!

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Day 6: Floreana Island, Galapagos

Another day, another incredible island. This time, Floreana Island! Our day begins with an early buffet breakie before hopping in the zodiaks and landing ashore at Punta Cormorant. This location is known for its Flamingo Lagoon, one of the largest and best in the Galapagos Islands. The lagoon is also home to various species of shorebirds such as stilts, white-checked pintail ducks and a variety of migratory birds. Keep an eye out for blue footed boobies too! The 'Green Beach' is also extraordinary, coloured by its large percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, a contrast from 'Flour Sand Beach' which is made up of coral fragments. Hopefully we can fit in a snorkel too!

After lunch back on board, we'll explore the highlands of Floreana, spotting the medium tree finch and others. As the sun starts to set, we'll hop back in the zodiaks and try to spot the Galapagos penguin as it returns home for the evening. We'll then do like we always do: relax with drinks and a 3 course dinner on board our ship's expansive outdoor entertaining area.

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Day 7: Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Last but not least, it's time for some Giant Tortoises! We'll head ashore at Puerto Ayora and drive up into the deep, lush green highlands into a national park famous for its giant tortoises! They'll be roaming around everywhere and we'll give you plenty of time to photograph them up close in their natural environment before exploring lava tunnels and if we have time, some huge sink holes! Back onboard we'll enjoy one final gourmet lunch, toasting what has been an amazing time in the Galapagos islands, before returning to Baltra Airport and flying back to the Ecuadorian mainland. Our 2-hour flight will land in Quito, where we'll head back to the Le Parc Hotel again, for a stopover tonight before heading to the incredible Amazon Basin tomorrow for the next stage in this adventure!

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Day 8: Amazon

After a 30 min flight over the Andes Mountains to Coca, we'll be landing in the world-famous Amazon Basin - the place of legends and a location on every photographer's (and adventurer's) bucket-list. The lodge staff will meet us at the airport, and after a quick bite to eat in Coca, we'll climb aboard our private motorised canoe to ride 2 hours through the mighty Amazon to the world-renowned Sacha Eco-Lodge. Keep your cameras handy as it's possible to spot any number of bird species including terns, plovers, blackbirds, swallows, martins and herons once we've stopped. After a 30 min walk through the rainforest to Lake Pilchicocha (keep an eye out for monkeys and birds on the way), more staff will meet us and paddle us across to Sacha Lodge. This afternoon our guides will take us on a private canoe tour around the lake, spotting an amazing variety of colourful birds, before we make our way to the restaurant and watch the sunset over the water, pinching ourselves when we realise that tomorrow we'll be exploring the Amazon rainforest!

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Day 9: Amazon

You'll come to realise that most of the activity in the Amazon happens early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Between the hours of 11am and 3pm is known as "dead time"" where animal activity and sightings dwindle as do our comfort levels in the hot and humid climate. Consequently, we'll begin our days here early to make the most of them! After an early buffet breakfast we'll be heading for the 36m high and 275m long suspended 'Canopy walkway' for spectacular views of the rainforest and to spot the many different bird species. When the day heats up we'll return to the lodge for a refreshing dip in the lake, or a relaxing nap in your hammock on your private balcony. The afternoon will see us head out on a silent canoe ride through the flooded Amazonia forest, where we'll have a good chance of seeing squirrel, capuchin and howler monkeys - all the while keeping our eyes peeled for the shy and elusive river otter and the very well camouflaged three-toed sloth! After our canoe ride we'll arrive at Sacha's 135-foot wooden tower built around an ancient Kapok tree which we can climb and watch the sunset with an amazing view of the volcano, Mount Sumaco, and off to the distant snow covered peaks of the Andes! Leaving the tower after sunset, we'll hop back in our canoes and slip silently back through the flooded forest at night, surrounded by the sounds of frogs, bats and other night-life - an unforgettable experience in itself - arriving back at the lodge in time for dinner. After dinner we'll hop back into the canoes for a night paddle around the lake, spotting caiman with our head torches. Keep an eye out for that characteristic eye-shine!

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Day 10: Amazon

Another early start today for a full-day trip. A short canoe trip down the Napo River takes us to a Parrot lick - an exposed clay riverbank where brightly coloured parrots of several different species gather in the early morning. In ideal conditions (dry & sunny) hundreds of parrots will perch and eat the exposed clay in a spectacular show of sound and colour. Once done there, we'll head inland for a short walk to an inland clay lick where the huge Macaw parrots like to visit! We'll head back to the lodge in time for our last dinner in the Amazon rainforest.

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Day 11: Amazon - Hummingbirds

You guessed it, another early departure this morning as we head back to our canoes for the two-hour ride back to the airport for our flight back to Quito, arriving about midday. Once arrived, we'll board our private transfer to the Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, for the next part of the tour (and our personal favourite) - Hummingbirds in the cloud forests of the Andes! Arriving late in the afternoon, we'll enjoy welcome drinks and authentic Ecuadorian cuisine before charging our cameras in preparation for hummingbirds in the morning!

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Day 12: Hummingbirds

The San Jorge De Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary is a 150-acre property on the edge of the pristine cloud forest in the foothills of the mighty Andes mountain range. This property boasts the world record for the most hummingbird species recorded in one year (43 species!)! There are a number of well-kept walking trails that snake along the side of the Tandayapa Valley through the ancient forest, and we'll be guided by local naturalists to help us spot and identify the different bird species as well as other flora and fauna. For the less adventurous in the group, you're welcome to stay at the open-air Hummingbird Restaurant that is surrounded by super active hummingbird and tanager feeders. This spot provides superb photography opportunities to catch the hummingbirds hovering at the feeders (just out of shot), or sitting on a branch with their iridescent feathers reflecting in the sunshine and we'll all fill some memory cards here for sure! It's just magical and you won't want to leave, I assure you. Leave we must though, as it just gets better. After lunch at the restaurant, we drive onwards to the San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve in the Upper Tropical Rainforest, where we'll be basing ourselves for the next two nights. After arriving late in the afternoon some of you may want to relax and unwind in your spacious bamboo suite, with two hammocks on the balcony commanding magnificent views over the pristine rainforest Milpe is known for. For those of you who can't get enough of photographing the beautifully bright birds, you can make your way to the main dining area - a three-story bamboo complex with a classy restaurant on the first floor, bar on the second and a 50ft observation deck above the treetops on the third. From here you'll be able to set yourself up and photograph a huge variety of birds that might include parakeets, toucans, woodpeckers, barbets & tanegers. After dinner tonight we'll be taken on a guided night walk to see if we can spot the Crested or Mottled Owl, and hopefully some of the amazing nocturnal mammals that frequent the area like the Tayra.

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Day 13: Hummingbirds

San Jorge de Milpe Reserve has over 450 species of birds, as well as wild orchids, butterflies, moths, plants, reptiles and mammals - the photographic opportunities here are endless. So you'll be so pleased to know we've planned to stay a full day here. After breakfast and photographing hummingbirds hovering around flowers and feeders for the perfect shot, we'll be taken on a walk through the rainforest. Don't forget your macro and wide-angle lens for this walk! The rainforest is simply stunning, sprouting lush green ferns, mosses, intricately patterned orchids and towering old trees. Depending how many things we photograph on the way, we may even make it to one of the 11 waterfalls on the reserve. While our chances are probably negligible, the guide has had an amazing experience with a black panther (black puma) here, so always keep looking. We'll have lunch overlooking an incredible valley vista before another afternoon walk through the forest. Keep an eye out for elusive toucans! Again, for the less adventurous in the group there's always plenty of activity at the bird feeders in the restaurant where you'll be welcome all day, or feel free to wander the local jungle paths yourself.

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Day 14: Hummingbirds

Ok guys, you deserve a bit of a break, so we'll let you sleep in for a leisurely start. Enjoy the tranquillity of the rainforest this morning, sit by the bird feeders outside the restaurant one last time, or revisit one of the walks we did yesterday. We won't be leaving Milpe until after lunch so you can be as active or as sloth-like as you wish! We'll be transiting back to your Quito home again tonight - the Le Parc Hotel - where we'll have one last celebratory dinner to remember all the remarkable things we have seen. It's been an absolutely amazing program, and I bet you'll have to keep looking back at the photos again and again to prove to yourself that it was real!

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Day 15: Quito

That's it folks! After a final breakfast this morning, today we'll be offering transfers to Quito Airport, from where you can jet back to the reality of your busy lives back home, attend to that flood of emails building up in our inbox and get ready to return to work. Make sure to print some of your best shots for your wall so you can remember, forever, two of the most exciting weeks of your life!!!

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Please Note

IMPORTANT - Ensure you have read our Tour Booking Conditions prior to booking. The document covers everything from your rights, inclusions and payment schedule, to our cancellation policy and extent of liability.

All our photo tours are subject to minimum numbers. Please ensure you have read our tour Booking Conditions for our cancellation policy (above).

All meals are provided but beverages must be purchased at your own expense.

We will form our own private group - we will have our own guide, and all boat trips and day-trips etc will be just us.

The price includes domestic flights (from Ecuador mainland to/from Galapagos, and from Quito to/from the Amazon) but does NOT include flights from your home town to Ecuador, nor your return flight back home. However, we have our own travel agent who is more than happy to help answer all your questions and help you book the best flights, travel insurance etc.

This is the Amazon we're going to - there may be occasional power outages etc, but it's all part of the experience though, and I'm sure you'll survive.

If you have your own good snorkelling gear then it's a good idea to bring it, however if not, never fear - mask, snorkel, fins and even some wetsuits are available on our ship, but (as is often the case with loan gear) it can sometimes be hard to find the exact fit, but you'll be fine. Wetsuits? Personal choice, the water can be cold 18 degrees and some photo tour guests do like to bring or hire a wetsuit, some long, some short.

Level of fitness - medium+. This photo tour is not for the unfit or the infirm, those with poor balance or those who struggle carrying camera bags around in the heat and humidity. You need to be able to get in and out of boats, walk to to and from accommodation lodges along rainforest trails, up inclines etc. Email us if you are unsure.

After you book, we will email you an extensive information document telling you everything you need to know from what camera gear to bring, currency, power plug types, etc.

We do not loan out our own camera equipment for this tour.

If you need your mobile phone to work - be sure to enable global roaming before you go, there's great coverage, but be warned of global roaming fees, especially for data. Perhaps treat it as a much needed break from your hectic lives at home!

The Galapagos part of this trip is boat-based. It is a very seaworthy ship, luxurious and roomy with many places to relax. Anyone who suffers from seasickness might want to bring appropriate medication, but generally this is not a problem at all due to the size of the ship and location. Certainly don't let this deter you from the trip!

A non-refundable, non-transferable $1,000 USD booking deposit is required.

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Tour Reviews

what is a photography tour

What is a Photo Tour?


Loved by non-photographers too, we seek out the world's most extraordinary wildlife, landscape and cultural experiences then tour small groups there in comfort, providing unique access away from the crowds with exclusive charter of ships, aircraft, vehicles and remote lodges for not only the most incredible, unhurried photography opportunities on Earth, but also an unforgettable holiday. I love to travel, but I hate being stuck with loads of other people (especially when we've got nothing in common), being taken to the regular, over-crowded tourist attractions or wasting hours in an amazing country just relaxing by some pool. I want to get the most out of my holidays - I want to see as many different animals as I can, I want to travel through different landscapes and be shown hidden gems off the beaten path, I want to experience the culture, taste the food, meet new friends with similar interests, enjoy some luxury and importantly, I want to have the time to take some beautiful and unique photos of it all. This is what we strive for with our photography tours and workshops.

It's not enough for me to spot a distant lion, tick it off and move on - I wan't to have the option to try and get closer, on the correct side for best lighting and even wait for him to lift his head and stare directly down the barrel of my camera lens for a great photo - or to move on when I'm done - I want flexibility. I want the inside tips for the best photo location to be ready when the sun rises over the horizon and spills across the bay onto those boulders - and if I can't quite get my photo to work, it'd be awesome to have a friendly pro-photographer right there to offer advice (not one who'll stand in front of me to get the best shot themselves!). If there's a seal colony out on an island nearby, then I'd want to charter a boat tour out there just with my friends onboard so we can spend as long or as short as we want to get the photos without being crowded on a regular sight-seeing tour. If the seal colony was a bit of a tourist attraction on a local beach then I'd want to wait for the crowds to leave, and go down onto the beach after hours - just us as a small group, and a private ranger guide to photograph them at our leisure in beautiful evening lighting.

You don't even need to be a photographer to love this style of holiday - who wouldn't like a bit of luxury and a bit of extra patience from their tour leaders, or to be given the opportunity to fly over lakes covered in pink flamingos in Africa in a doors-off plane or over a beautiful coastline in a doors-off helicopter for some epic views? Stay on a private island, learn some new skills with your photography, make some new friends and have an unforgettable, unique holiday - all at the same time! Sound good? Well, there's a reason more than half of our guests come back again, and again on our photo tours!
Photo Tour Destinations

Photo Tour Destinations


Most years we run photography tours from as far down as Antarctica, up through various parts of Africa, South America and Australia to as high as Alaska and even Iceland and Greenland in the Arctic - and we're adding new photo tours all the time. Take a look at our 'Photography Tour' page to see our list of tour destinations!

Who is Chris Bray?


Chris grew up sailing around the world then leading world-first expeditions across the arctic before becoming an award-winning Australian Geographic photographer, Lowepro ambassador and now Lumix global ambassador. Chris’s work has appeared in National Geographic and Discovery Channel along with Australian Geographic, TIME Magazine etc. He’s also an accomplished writer, with feature articles published around the world and even a successful book 'The 1000 Hour Day' (now an award-winning documentary 'The Crossing'), sits on the advisory committee for The Australian Geographic Society and is founder and CEO of Conservation United, aiming to crowd-funding the world’s critical conservation projects. Chris is also an International Fellow of 'The Explorers Club' and has been chairman of their Australia and New Zealand chapter.

Chris is also a keen high-latitude sailor the first to sail a junk-rig boat through the Northwest Passage over the arctic, on a little 29-foot wooden sailboat 'Teleport'. Australian Geographic Society's 'Young Adventurer of the Year' in 2004 for a Tasmanian wilderness hike, Chris has also been awarded their 'Spirit of Adventure' medal in 2009.

Chris still leads many of our tours and his passion for wildlife, photography and wild places continues to drive our growth.

Read more about our whole Chris Bray Photography team on our 'About' page.