bamfordr Loc: Campbell CA

This is what we did - and didn’t - take. Hidden in others’ comments is “waterproof- bottom camera bag”. If you will be on a trip like ours (small ship, island hopping) getting to the islands from the ship will be in a 10 or 12 person zodiac. Some sloshing about. And there’s also kayaking. Enjoy your trip!

JBRIII

You really need to ask your guide/tour company exactly what you'll be doing. Boats range from 10-12? person, no frills types which island hope for 4-14 days. We did 10 and snorkeled most mornings and afternoons with two walks a day. The ship had a monitor for viewing video, but no TV or internet. So if you don't snorkel you'll miss a lot and have a great deal of time to read. On the other hand there are others which resemble more the Russian Oligart's and advertize getting your boddy rubbed down, etc. As I remember, we got up and snorkeled, the had breakfast, did a walk, had lunch, snorkeled, did a walk, had dinner, viewed video and slept. Some days you have half a day in town when they pick up or drop off people. 0bviously if land only or more frills it will be very different so ask exactly what, when, where, how long, etc.

ELNikkor

George19 gave good tips in addition to the photo tips. Olympus Tough will be a plus.

ABQMikee Loc: Albuquerque, NM

This is a photography tour. Getting us in the right place at the right time for best light, etc. The emphasis in not on snorkeling but it is included. No internet, I think 14 people max, small boat.

kenijr Loc: Manchester, New Jersey

I went there with my Sony A7RII and a 24-240mm lens and that was more than enough so you can go with a 24-105mm and a 70-200mm and have plenty. No tripod needed at all.

1grumpybear

It is an experience you will never forget. Been there and trying to go back before I am to old to enjoy.
It is a tough call on lenses and that is not because of the animals or bird take flight but you are not allowed to leave the trail you are hiking on. I had just got off the airplane and bused to the harbor to board the cruise liner we were staying on while visiting Galapagos Islands. Walking down the ramp to board the boat, I was about 10 feet away, grabbed my camera and this is my first picture of wildlife on the islands was the seal. It was shot at 40mm with a 28 - 70 mm 2.8 lens f5.6 1/500 and ISO of 200. It was my first encounter with wildlife on the island. If and when I go back I will be taking two cameras one with 24-70 and the other with 70-200. I rented a 300mm 2.8 lens and my thinking was it would be my main lens, it wasn't. After a couple days I started asking the guide "up close or distance" and the answer would be "mainly up close or mainly distance". When the answer was "mainly distance" the setup would be 70-200 and the 300 if was "mainly close" 24-70 and 80-200. I shot over 300gigs of pictures and I probably have delete more than half of them but I work on the theory it is lot easier to delete than wish I had taken the shot. Enjoy you trip, wish I was going.

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photoman43

I was there on a photo tour about 7-10 years ago. My longest lens was a Nikon 300mm f4 and it got a lot of use, sometimes with a 1.4x tc. My second most used lens was a 70-200mm. My third most used lens was a 24-85mm and it got ore use than I had anticipated. I had two camera bodies with me. Some in my group had lenses out to 500mm and they got use.

I used my tripod when photographing the land and marine iguanas.

Make sure you bring strong well made walking shoes or boots as you will be on sharp lava a lot. And bring a set of knee pads with a hard outer shell. You will be kneeling a lot as many of the animals and birds and on the ground.

The next time you post tell us which islands you will be visiting as the island may have unique photo needs.

ABQMikee Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Islands to visit: Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, South Plaza, and Cristobal.

I plan on using HDR where necessary and stitching frames together where it makes sense. Whatever is necessary. I plan on having fun!!

The Yacht will be the Camila, a Trimaran. The food is suppose to be Great. It should be, I Paid for it!!

mikee

No need for 500mm, you'll spend more time with the critters walking across your shoes! Or the sea lions will waddle up the beach between you and a friend while you are discussing a shot! Mostly 70-200 and 24-70. There are limited places ALL visitors may land, so you'll see much the same stuff no matter the guides. I went with Lindblad and loved it. A waterproof bag for the zodiac ride is necessary, as are watershoes and shorts. Even if you aren't a snorkler, try it. You'll need a shorty wetsuit. We swam with turtles and playful seals.

cactuspic Loc: Dallas, TX

My most used lens while I was there was my 100-400, my second most used lens was my 24-70mm zoom. While you can get close to much of the wild life, you have to stay on the paths, so there is much that you cannot. , Also there are birds in flight, boobies diving in the surf, birds in trees, and animals on cliffs. The National Geographic photographer, Ralph Lee Hopkins, and the other pros on the trip were also shooting longer zooms. A 70-200 would have been insufficient to obtain many of the images that I cam home with, certainly some of my favorites. If someone recommends only taking a shorter lens they: 1. were on a different trip than I was, 2. they are interested in different subjects than I am, 3. or never went to the Galapagos. I am attaching several images that were taken at 400mm on a cropped framed Canon that were substantially cropped in post. There are numerous other images I could have added instead. My advice is to take a 100-400 or longer zoom if you have it.