WT adventurers, Dana and Mark Warnquist, launched into one in every of our particular departures to the Galápagos with famend wildlife photographer Frans Lanting. The group was capable of discover these enchanting islands with day by day hikes and snorkeling alternatives throughout a 10-day picture workshop. Under are a number of the fantastic pictures Dana captured throughout their time there.
A sea lion pup strikes a pose for the digicam
The Galápagos are a kind of particular locations we’ve all examine, and my guess is that it’s on most individuals’s listing of must-visit locations. And for good purpose. For a nature photographer like myself, a go to to the Galápagos Isles was a dream come true. For a historical past buff like my husband, it offered a larger understanding of Darwinism. It’s really a particular place. Now envision taking the week-long tour with world-renowned nature photographer, Frans Lanting. Think about my shock when my husband informed me this was how we’d have a good time my fiftieth birthday.
Galápagos penguins waddling their method out of the nice and cozy waters
Whenever you arrive in Guayaquil, the journey you’re about to embark on hasn’t fairly set in. Nonetheless, when you set foot on the small vessel you’ll name house for the subsequent week, it does. Experiencing the Galápagos on a small boat not solely allowed us to discover and benefit from the islands with out the crowds and at our leisure, however the intimate lodging additionally fostered nice night conversations and finally nice friendships.
This blue-footed booby was as interested by us as we have been with it
Every day of the journey is a brand new journey. Rise early to seize the morning mild—for the photographers on board, that is the right time to seize the tender lighting of the sky—and discover a distinct island or space, accompanied by Frans Lanting and the skilled Journey Leaders.
Staying on a ship allowed us to get up to views like this
Photographers have 10+ hours a day entry to Frans, his views, his strategies, and steerage. Naturalist Jonathan Inexperienced supplied unimaginable insights into the distinctive ecosystem of the Galápagos that totally enriched the expertise.
Sea lions sunbathing on one of many many white-sand seashores
After which there was snorkeling with diving penguins and playful sea lion pups, which introduced big smiles to our faces and long-lasting reminiscences.
The view from the highest of Bartolome Peak is beautiful
The delicate ecosystems of every island is totally different. A lot in order that, as we discovered from Darwin, finches have developed otherwise from one isle to the subsequent.
Nazca booby together with her chick
One should tread evenly right here as those that make this their house know no worry of friends to the islands. That stated, this makes for excellent picture alternatives, even for non-photographers.
Sally Lightfoot crabs scampering alongside the rocks
The Galápagos wildlife is not like anyplace else: blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs, historic big tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas, and don’t overlook the finches, simply to call just a few.
Prehistoric-looking iguanas giving us a farewell to those enchanting islands
Our journey was superb. I’m eternally grateful that I had the chance to be on this place and within the firm of those mates, all made attainable by the WT group.
—Pictures and textual content by WT Adventurer Dana Warnquist, Galápagos Picture Workshop with Frans Lanting. Study extra about our Galápagos program right here.