Capturing the Enchanted Isles: 11 Must-Take Galapagos Photos

Imagine capturing the brilliant red-and-orange-colored Sally Lightfoot crab against a backdrop of lava rocks along the water’s edge. The enormous wingspan of a Galapagos albatross as it soars above the Pacific Ocean. The bright blue feet of blue-footed booby birds during their courtship dance. A century-old giant tortoise gingerly munching on prickly pear cactus, practically oblivious to your presence.

Underwater, curious sea lions swirl like ballerinas, Galapagos penguins dive down, hunting prey, and reef sharks silently glide near the floor of coral reefs.

These are just some incredible photography opportunities that await travelers to the Galapagos islands on our new Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition.

A Photo Adventure in the Enchanted Isles

Despite exposure to tourists for nearly a century, the wildlife in the Enchanted Isles remains unbothered by human presence, allowing photographers to get close enough for the best shots. On our immersive 17-day adventure in the Galapagos, visitors will have a full day in Quito and then set out on a private chartered yacht, the Petrel, to visit 15 diverse islands in the archipelago.

Some of the main stops include San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Española, Isabela and Floreana, all offering various species and natural wonders to admire and photograph. A whopping 97% of the islands’ land area makes up Galapagos National Park, with endemic species like marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, frigatebirds, Darwin’s finches and Galapagos tortoises, penguins, hawks, fur seals and more found nowhere else in the world.

Natural Habitat Adventures guests cruise back to the Petrel ship by panga in the Galapagos

Nat Hab guests cruise back to the Petrel by panga © Richard de Gouveia

During daily excursions, our small group of no more than 15 travelers is divided into even smaller groups, ensuring that guests have an intimate and low-impact experience and allowing for close but safe encounters with wildlife.

Each small group is helmed by one of our naturalist Expedition Leaders (three total on each trip!) who not only offer information and interpretation about the wildlife and landscapes, but who also provide guidance on photography best practices, ethics of wildlife photography, underwater photography advice and post-production techniques that can augment and improve images.

Keep reading to learn about the amazingly diverse wildlife and natural and historic wonders that make for incredible photography subjects on this unforgettable trip.

Land Animals

Giant Tortoises

When Spanish explorers landed on the islands, they saw so many giant tortoises that they named the islands after them. The Spanish word, galápago, means tortoise. These slow-moving ancient reptilian herbivores are the largest tortoises in the world and can weigh up to 500 pounds, grow up to five feet in length, and live more than 100 years. Out of the 14 types of tortoises roaming the islands, some with domed and others with saddle-backed shells, only 10 subspecies and 15,000 individuals live today, a sharp decline from 250,000 that once roamed the pristine islands.

Galapagos Giant Tortoise by Rashid Cruz

Giant tortoise © Rashid Cruz

Visitors on the Nat Hab Galapagos photography expedition will visit the world-famous tortoise center, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, in Puerto Ayora to see and learn about these endangered reptiles and the conservation efforts to protect them and their unique habitats.

The center, managed in partnership with the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park, has bred and released more than 5,000 tortoises into the wild. Visitors to the center even get to see and photograph tiny hatchlings.

> Learn More: Conservation in the Galapagos Islands

In the misty highlands of Santa Cruz, Nat Hab’s private Tortoise Camp offers a rare and exclusive opportunity to spend the night in the habitat of wild tortoises. The camp provides plenty of chances to photograph free-roaming tortoises up close or from raised safari-style canvas tents and elevated treehouses.

Guests at Nat Hab's private Tortoise Camp in the Galapagos by Luis Vinueza

Guests at Nat Hab’s private Tortoise Camp in the Galapagos © Luis Vinueza

Land Iguanas

The Galapagos land iguana is a large and bulky lizard endemic to the islands. Visitors can see them sunbathing alongside the footpaths and on rocky shores, munching on vegetation, or resting under massive cactus plants. These 3-foot-long lizards are plant-eaters and come in shades of yellow with blotches of black and brown. Galapagos land iguanas are among three species of land iguanas in the region; the other two are the Santa Fe land iguana and the critically endangered Galapagos pink land iguana.

Galapagos Land Iguana by Court Whelan

Galapagos land iguana © Court Whelan

Visitors to the South Plaza islet can occasionally spot the elusive hybrid iguana, a result of breeding between marine and land iguanas. Their large stature and brilliant yellowish-orange hues—set against the technicolor backdrop of sprawling Galapagos carpetweed and prickly pear cactus trees that adorn the landscape—make them ideal subjects for the camera.

In addition to land iguanas, keep an eye out for lava lizards—the most abundant reptile on the islands.

Marine Life

Sea Lions

Any trip to the Galapagos should provide numerous sightings of Galapagos sea lions (a subspecies of the Californian sea lion), both on land and underwater. Sea lions are pinnipeds with external ears (unlike seals, which have tiny holes for ears). Their range includes the entire archipelago, and you’ll often spot them sleeping on boats, docks, beautiful beaches and shore rocks. Underwater, their strong fore flippers propel them as they do flips and hunt for food.

Galapagos Sea Lions by Richard de Gouveia

Galapagos sea lions © Richard de Gouveia

One of the best spots to find sea lions in the Galapagos is at Gardner Bay on Española, where a large colony of sea lions with their juveniles can be seen on the long stretch of the white sand beach; the outing also offers a unique chance to swim with them right from the beach.

While there will be myriad opportunities to photograph sunbathing sea lions, nothing beats a perfectly timed portrait shot of a curious sea lion with its bulging eyes and whiskers twirling in front of you underwater. Grab your snorkeling gear and water-proof camera (or a GoPro) to capture these playful animals where they typically hang out—right under the surface. Don’t forget to spin when they swim; sea lions are nicknamed “puppy dogs of the sea” as they are curious and playful and love to interact with each other and with people.

The region is also home to the endangered Galapagos fur seal, which can be spotted in the lava grottos at James Bay in Santiago, one of the few places in the entire archipelago where you can witness and photograph these shy, endemic animals from the land. Although they’re called fur seals, they’re actually another type of sea lion!

Snorkeling in the Galapagos also affords abundant chances to photograph other captivating subjects, such as Pacific green sea turtles as they effortlessly glide underwater, graceful eagle rays and schools of colorful tropical fish whizzing by above vibrant coral reefs. Lucky travelers may even spot harmless reef-tip sharks moving silently among schools of fish.

Marine Iguanas

When underwater volcanic eruptions formed the Galapagos islands, the environment was initially too harsh to sustain life. It was cold-blooded reptiles that first made the journey from the mainland on vegetation rafts and populated the newly formed islands. Among these reptiles are the salt- and extreme weather-tolerant marine iguanas.

Galapagos Marine Iguana by Eric Rock

Galapagos marine iguana © Eric Rock

The Galapagos marine iguana is the only ocean-going lizard species in the world. Although they aren’t very social, they often lay on top of one another or in clusters on coastal or lava rocks, mangrove swamps, and beaches to conserve heat when not swimming in search of food. You may even see them spitting out salt!

These fascinating creatures are black during the non-mating season, but the backs of the males turn red or dull green (depending on their location) to attract females during the mating season. The marine iguanas of Española Island—the most sought-after iguanas for photos—are aptly named “Christmas iguanas” for their gorgeous green and red skin colors.

Birds

Blue-Footed Boobies

Blue-footed boobies are some of the most entertaining seabirds you will encounter during your expedition. You’ll find them along hiking paths and on rocks, as well as plunge-diving into the water from rocky cliffs. Their most distinctive feature is their bright blue-colored webbed feet, which get their hue from the fresh fish they consume.

Blue-footed booby in the Galapagos by Vera Irions

Blue-footed booby in the Galapagos © Vera Irions

These birds are typically seen in pairs, engaging in a comical courtship dance that involves strutting and flashing their webbed feet, pointing their beaks skyward and raising their wings. Their name comes from the Spanish word bobo, which means silly.

Blue-footed boobies are the most common among the booby birds that live on the islands; the other two subspecies are red-footed (for their pale red feet) and Nazca boobies (white with black feathers). The best place to photograph these adorable seabirds and their nesting grounds is North Seymour Island.

Galapagos Penguins

The Galapagos penguin is one of the most sought-after birds for those on a cruise to the Enchanted Isles. Smaller than your average duck (weighing just under six pounds) and sporting milky white bellies and black and brown feathers on their backs, they resemble a tuxedo. These flightless birds are the only species of penguin living north of the equator. Visitors will likely hear their braying before spotting them.

Galapagos penguin by Mike Hillman

Galapagos penguin © Mike Hillman

Sadly, Galapagos penguins are endangered, and their populations have dwindled due to climate change, pollution and bycatch. Their population currently stands at approximately 1,800 individuals.

Waved Albatrosses

The title of the largest bird in the Galapagos goes to the waved albatross. With a whopping 7 to 8-foot wingspan and weighing up to 11 pounds, these majestic birds get their name from the wavy lines on their white undercarriage. The entire population of this subspecies lives on the island of Española near Punta Suarez, where visitors can witness them engaging in a raucous mating ritual of tapping their yellow hook-tipped bills enthusiastically and making honking and whistling sounds.

Waved albatross in the Galapagos

Waved albatross

In the winter, between January and March, adult waved albatrosses use the island’s rocky cliffs as a springboard to begin their journey across the Pacific to the coasts of Peru and Ecuador in search of food. Waved albatrosses mate for life, splitting up during the winter when they go hunting and returning to the same breeding grounds year after year. Like the Galapagos penguin, the waved albatross is threatened by climate change, overfishing and pollution.

Frigatebirds & Other Native Birds

Frigatebirds, with their enormous red-colored throat pouches, are some of the most commonly spotted birds on a Galapagos cruise. They have earned the nickname of “pirate birds” for their tendency to hover above blue-footed booby fishing grounds, waiting to steal their catches. They’ve also been known to catch free rides in the wake of ships. The largest colonies of frigatebirds are in North Seymour and San Cristobal.

Frigatebird © Cassiano “Zapa” Zaparoli

Birders can grab their telephoto lens to shoot images of other birds native to the islands, including flightless cormorants, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos petrels and several types of finches (including Darwin’s finches, which played an important role in inspiring the famed scientist’s theory of evolution!) during hikes or panga boat outings.

Natural and Historic Wonders

Kicker Rock

The most recognizable natural wonder in the Galapagos is Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, a monolithic rock formation towering 500 feet above the water’s surface in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The natural feature consists of two large, eroded volcanic rocks separated by a channel. The channel provides habitat for white-tipped reef sharks, rays, reef and pelagic fish, sea turtles and sea lions, making Kicker Rock a popular snorkeling destination.

Kicker Rock in the Galapagos by Mike Hillman

Kicker Rock © Mike Hillman

Kicker Rock is a two-hour boat ride from San Cristobal island. It can be seen from various smaller islands such as Isla Lobos, which boasts a resident sea lion colony and blue-footed boobies.

Frame the perfect shot of sea lions in the foreground and the iconic Kicker Rock in the distance from Isla Lobos, or wait for the sun to set to catch the golden light reflected on the monolith. Get up close on a panga ride to get snaps of birds like Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and other native birds.

Pinnacle Rock

Stepping onto the tiny uninhabited Bartolome island, an ancient submerged volcano, feels like you are on another planet. Ancient lava rocks and darkened soil merge with rust-colored sand, and fascinating geological formations dot the landscape. A pristine crescent-shaped beach makes for the perfect stop for a swim in the turquoise-colored waters teeming with marine life like sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and schools of fish.

Pinnacle Rock in the Galapagos

Pinnacle Rock © Cassiano “Zapa” Zaparoli

Climbing to the island’s highest point offers a 360-degree view of this otherworldly landscape, including Pinnacle Rock, a pointed formation just off the shore that is undoubtedly one of the most photographed and treasured sight in the Galapagos.

Quito’s Historic Old Town

The day before setting out on the cruise, Nat Hab travelers get an entire day to admire the sights and photograph Quito’s 16th-century Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a guided photography tour, you can wander the cobblestone lanes and photograph the grand plazas, Morrish and Indigenous-influenced buildings, Spanish architecture, and ornate churches.

Must-see attractions include the Government Palace, La Compañia Church, Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, Basilica of the National Vow and Independence Plaza, from which you can see the Archbishop’s Palace Cathedral and the Presidential Palace.

Old Town Quito Ecuador

Old Town in Quito, Ecuador

Local markets offer a peek into the lives of the residents and a chance to meet them and snap a collage of subjects from herbs and flowers to fruit and vegetables, along with Andean arts, crafts and textiles. The top of Panecillo Hill provides a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding volcanic peaks.

Ready to photograph the wonders of the Enchanted Isles? Grab your camera and embark on our new Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition!

The post Capturing the Enchanted Isles: 11 Must-Take Galapagos Photos first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Seasonal Blooms Capture Sunlight in Jessica Saunders’ Delicate Stained Glass Sculptures

Seasonal Blooms Capture Sunlight in Jessica Saunders’ Delicate Stained Glass Sculptures

“Flowers are connecting, grounding, uplifting, healing, and worth treasuring,” says Essex-based artist Jessica Saunders, whose delicate stained glass sculptures highlight an array of familiar and beloved blooms. From daffodils and poppies to cornflowers and hydrangeas, her pieces celebrate the cyclical nature of the seasons and the incredible range of specimens in both our backyards and the wild.

For Saunders, inspiration comes from her own garden and walks outside with her dog Bramble, observing the gradual changes in blossoms and foliage throughout the year. She also builds upon stories people share with her about specific flowers that evoke memories of others or places they’ve visited, which can be captured in glass as an everlasting reminder.

Saunders began working with stained glass in 2020 when her partner gifted her a beginners’ guide to the practice. “I immediately fell head over heels in love with the process,” the artist tells Colossal. “It felt natural to use my hands this way, and understanding all the different techniques came easily.” She enjoyed the challenges and possibilities of the medium, intrigued by its colors, textures, and transparency, in addition to its ability to be endlessly recycled.

While preserving personal memories or observations, Saunders is also helping to keep a heritage craft alive. Stained glass “takes time and care; it can’t be rushed,” she says. “Each piece has positive intentions soldered, ground, and burnished into them.”

Saunders is currently working on her Summer Collection, scheduled for release around the solstice in June, which will include honeysuckle, rudbeckia, sweet peas, hollyhocks, strawberries, and more. Find more on the artist’s website, and follow updates on Instagram.

stained glass magnolia flowers and vines in ceramic vases alongside live specimens
stained glass flowers and vines in ceramic vases alongside live specimens
stained glass flowers and vines in ceramic vases alongside live specimens
stained glass flowers and vines in ceramic vases alongside live specimens
stained glass flowers and vines in ceramic vases alongside live specimens
stained glass flowers and vines in ceramic vases alongside live specimens
stained glass flowers and vines in ceramic vases alongside live specimens

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Seasonal Blooms Capture Sunlight in Jessica Saunders’ Delicate Stained Glass Sculptures appeared first on Colossal.

Photograph Endangered Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in China’s Nature Reserves

By Expedition Leader Eddy Savage

One of the most rewarding experiences of my photo expeditions to China with Natural Habitat Adventures would have to be the time spent with golden snub-nosed monkeys. We spend a day of our adventure searching out these wild monkeys in a remote valley flanked on either side by tall, steep and gorgeous mountains. These unlikely primates are the most outstanding contrast of colors. These monkeys showcase brilliant golden-orange fur of varying intensities. Older male golden snub-nosed monkeys display long, brilliant golden guard hairs on their backs. The distinctive nose, where they get their name from, is unlike any primate nose I’ve seen. Sharply upturned, the nose and area around hint at a light blue skin coloration. It’s a spectacular contrast that surprisingly (or understandably) blends well into their natural habitat in the mountains around Sichuan Province, China. Please enjoy this collection of my photographs taken while on Nat Hab’s Wild Side of China Photo Expedition. 

Here, we see an adult male golden snub-nosed monkey. One of the distinguishing facial features of male monkeys is the wart-like growths on either side of their mouth. They appear once the monkey approaches sexual maturity. It is thought they likely have something to do with breeding and communication, but there is no conclusive evidence yet. 

© Eddy Savage

These tree-dwelling monkeys spend more than 90% of their time in the canopy. Their food source varies throughout the seasons. In the dead of winter, they’ll prefer lichens, and in the spring and summer, they’ll eat new growth, leaves and fruits.

© Eddy Savage

These primates survive in the coldest winter conditions of any primate on Earth, secondary to humans. One adaptation thought to be derived from their cold-weather lives is the snub-nose: flattened and tucked away under the forehead, it is likely an adaptation to protect them from frostbite during the -13°F winter temps.

© Eddy Savage

Their habitat is in the deciduous broad-leaved and coniferous forests that sit between 4,000 feet and 13,000 feet in elevation. Snow is often a contender for their winter lives, so having a healthy fur coat goes a long way. 

© Eddy Savage

During my observations of the troop, which can number between 40 and 70, it appeared as though demographics split up well. Family groups in one direction, sub-adults/juveniles in another, and males with females in another. Here, we see a group of juveniles playing in the trees.

© Eddy Savage

Here is a trio of young monkeys playing with each other. Highly distractable and chaotic, they climbed up and down each other while one or two held onto the tree branches.

© Eddy Savage

Breeding behavior can occur at any time of year; however, it will only be successful during the fall and winter months. October through January is the rough breeding window. Typically, most baby golden snub-nosed monkeys are born between April and August, and their gestation is approximately seven months. This photo is from April, so this is a super young golden snub-nosed monkey.

© Eddy Savage

When it comes to instigating breeding, the females are usually in control. When receptive to breeding, they will lounge upside-down and make faces toward the male monkey. If the male is interested, he’ll make a wide and toothy grin before journeying toward the female.

© Eddy Savage

Huddling among golden snub-nosed monkeys is also common. I’ve often observed them bundled together like this, sometimes grooming each other. It’s also hypothesized these monkeys huddle together more readily than others to stay warm, due to their colder habitat. It’s interesting that whenever a stressful event occurs within the troop, the monkeys scatter and join into small huddles like this. It may also provide comfort to each monkey.

© Eddy Savage

Baby golden snub-nosed monkeys are weaned at approximately one year. There is also evidence that females share in the nursing and care for the young, often seen in groups of several moms and offspring. 

© Eddy Savage

The post Photograph Endangered Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in China’s Nature Reserves first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Photograph Endangered Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in China’s Nature Reserves

By Expedition Leader Eddy Savage

One of the most rewarding experiences of my photo expeditions to China with Natural Habitat Adventures would have to be the time spent with golden snub-nosed monkeys. We spend a day of our adventure searching out these wild monkeys in a remote valley flanked on either side by tall, steep and gorgeous mountains. These unlikely primates are the most outstanding contrast of colors. These monkeys showcase brilliant golden-orange fur of varying intensities. Older male golden snub-nosed monkeys display long, brilliant golden guard hairs on their backs. The distinctive nose, where they get their name from, is unlike any primate nose I’ve seen. Sharply upturned, the nose and area around hint at a light blue skin coloration. It’s a spectacular contrast that surprisingly (or understandably) blends well into their natural habitat in the mountains around Sichuan Province, China. Please enjoy this collection of my photographs taken while on Nat Hab’s Wild Side of China Photo Expedition. 

Here, we see an adult male golden snub-nosed monkey. One of the distinguishing facial features of male monkeys is the wart-like growths on either side of their mouth. They appear once the monkey approaches sexual maturity. It is thought they likely have something to do with breeding and communication, but there is no conclusive evidence yet. 

© Eddy Savage

These tree-dwelling monkeys spend more than 90% of their time in the canopy. Their food source varies throughout the seasons. In the dead of winter, they’ll prefer lichens, and in the spring and summer, they’ll eat new growth, leaves and fruits.

© Eddy Savage

These primates survive in the coldest winter conditions of any primate on Earth, secondary to humans. One adaptation thought to be derived from their cold-weather lives is the snub-nose: flattened and tucked away under the forehead, it is likely an adaptation to protect them from frostbite during the -13°F winter temps.

© Eddy Savage

Their habitat is in the deciduous broad-leaved and coniferous forests that sit between 4,000 feet and 13,000 feet in elevation. Snow is often a contender for their winter lives, so having a healthy fur coat goes a long way. 

© Eddy Savage

During my observations of the troop, which can number between 40 and 70, it appeared as though demographics split up well. Family groups in one direction, sub-adults/juveniles in another, and males with females in another. Here, we see a group of juveniles playing in the trees.

© Eddy Savage

Here is a trio of young monkeys playing with each other. Highly distractable and chaotic, they climbed up and down each other while one or two held onto the tree branches.

© Eddy Savage

Breeding behavior can occur at any time of year; however, it will only be successful during the fall and winter months. October through January is the rough breeding window. Typically, most baby golden snub-nosed monkeys are born between April and August, and their gestation is approximately seven months. This photo is from April, so this is a super young golden snub-nosed monkey.

© Eddy Savage

When it comes to instigating breeding, the females are usually in control. When receptive to breeding, they will lounge upside-down and make faces toward the male monkey. If the male is interested, he’ll make a wide and toothy grin before journeying toward the female.

© Eddy Savage

Huddling among golden snub-nosed monkeys is also common. I’ve often observed them bundled together like this, sometimes grooming each other. It’s also hypothesized these monkeys huddle together more readily than others to stay warm, due to their colder habitat. It’s interesting that whenever a stressful event occurs within the troop, the monkeys scatter and join into small huddles like this. It may also provide comfort to each monkey.

© Eddy Savage

Baby golden snub-nosed monkeys are weaned at approximately one year. There is also evidence that females share in the nursing and care for the young, often seen in groups of several moms and offspring. 

© Eddy Savage

The post Photograph Endangered Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in China’s Nature Reserves first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.