CNH Tours - Cultural and Natural Heritage Tours Galapagos

Photography, Art & Natural History in the Galápagos Islands

Once or twice a year we organize expeditions that we consider are best suited for those wanting the time to capture images, be it by camera, by pencil, brush or simply in the mind.  

What makes them the best?  

• 15 day itinerary: This longer itinerary allows you to circumnavigate the entire archipelago, exposing you to the widest possible diversity of landscapes, seascapes, to the ecosystems they support and to the animals and plants that live there - both above and below the sea. 
  
  
• Uninterrupted: There will be no sailing back to town/airports partway through the itinerary, dropping off/picking up guests who joined for a shorter part of the itinerary.  Naturalist guides will not have to go over material with new guests that they already had already covered with you. You'll get to know you crew and your fellow explorers that much better, making for a great team spirit on the ship.
  
  
• Your expedition leader is a world class Galapagos photographer and naturalist:  We have arguably the best and most reknown Galapagos photographer leading your expedition - Tui de Roy (see her bio).  Raised in Galapagos from the age of 2, Tui went on to become one of the first naturalist guides there and then devoted herself to photography soon afterwards.  She's published many books and has won many awards. Not only will you have a top photographer on board to provide insights, you'll also have an unbeatable resource person, able to share stories of life in Galapagos and conservation challenges over the years. 
  
  
• Small, first class ship:  With space only for 15 guests, our comfortable ship ensures you can navigate the islands with a sense of intimacy.  Your ship won't impose itself on the landscapes.  Travelling in such a small group also makes for the development of greater cohesion among the group and a shared sense of discovery. 
  
  
• Two naturalist guides on board: While regulations would call for only 1 naturalist guide, we are choosing to have two join this expedition.  With two guides we can provide greater versatility in the timing and nature of excursions and we can walk the trails or snorkel in smaller groups.   Few ships offer such an intimate guide to guest ratio. 
  
  
• Time to linger: We'll be taking our time on the trails, on the beaches, on the lava, in the water.  You'll have time to take in the view, to understand the landscape and seascape, to observe the wildlife going about its daily routines undisturbed.  

Your naturalist guides will ensure you enjoy ideal conditions for quality image capturing opportunities – making it ashore at sunrise, and being there as the sun sets (coinciding with good lighting and peak animal activity).  They will be sure that you’re not rushed down trails – giving you the time to plan to set up and create your images.

Tui De Roy Talks About Her Trip (video)

For the Photographers: How technical is this trip?

Our photography expert is there to ensure you are exposed to opportunities that allow you to create the imagery you’vee been dreaming of (within park regulations). She will share her insights and ideas. She will inspire by example. She is not there however to teach anyone how to use a camera.  Sure, our expert can help, but these should not be viewed as technical workshops.  Short nightly lectures will focus on conservation and the natural history of the islands, rather than f-stops and apertures. 

For Artists: How feasible is it to draw / paint / sketch? 

The leisurely pace and frequent stops allow ample time for observation, quick sketches, and even the beginnings of more detailed compositions. Artists can expect to create several rough sketches, gesture drawings, or small plein air studies that capture the distinctive flora, fauna, and volcanic landscapes. The islands' iconic wildlife often remain still for extended periods, making them ideal subjects. However, given the dynamic lighting and the possible movement of wildlife, artists should prioritize speed and flexibility in their approach. Tools like sketchpads, watercolor kits, or compact digital devices are most practical. While a full, detailed painting won't be feasible in two hours, the hike can yield plenty of visual references, studies, and inspiration for more developed works later.

My partner loves photography… me?  Not that much.  Is this trip a good idea for us?

Our photography workshops take place in the context of an expedition cruise – it's important to note that they are not technical photography trips. Because we have two naturalist guides on the ship AND a photography expert, they can ensure that everyone, both photographers and non-photographers has their Galapagos expectations met.  So, by all means, YES!  This is a good idea for you. 

I’m a solo traveller – can you accommodate me?

Our photography expert will be sharing a cabin with a solo traveller (male or female) who doesn't wish to pay a solo cabin rate.  Otherwise, we do our best to accommodate solo travellers - but please understand that the ship owners charter the entire ship to us, at a fixed price.  In calculating the price for this trip. we divided that number by 15.  Should you wish to have a cabin to yourself, you'd have to assume a proportionate share of the cost.