Approximately 90 tour boats ply the Galápagos; they are the only good way to see the islands, though once can stay on land at Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Is) or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Is) and take day trips, but this is rather limiting. In most cases the tour boats cruise from one island to the next overnight and there is undeniable excitement in awakening each morning to see a brand new location. Tour boats range in size from eight passengers to 100 passengers. For the serious photographer, small is definitely better and I highly advise that a photographer going to the Galápagos seek out a photography specialty trip such as those offered by Dolphin Charters, our tour organizer.

Groups larger than about a dozen tend to be more regimented and less flexible. Keep in mind that while ashore every group, by Park Regulations, must be accompanied by a Naturalist/Guide. Stragglers are not allowed and if the majority of a sightseeing group wants to move on, accompanying photographers are obliged to follow no matter how incredible the light or the action. The best option of all is to do plenty of research and gather together a group of photographers to charter a boat. That is easily done and should allow you to select the sites you wish to visit rather that be constrained to any given boat’s standard tour.