Top Tips for Taking Better Galapagos Wildlife Photos

Visiting the Galápagos Islands is an experience you’ll want to remember forever, and that’s where your photos and videos come in. Whether you’re using a DSLR camera, a compact mirrorless setup, or just your phone, the right techniques can make all the difference.

These Galakiwi photography tips are designed for every skill level, combining practical advice with creative tricks to help you capture the essence of your Galápagos tour and showcase the incredible Galápagos wildlife you’ll encounter along the way.

Show People in the Natural Environment

Yes, the animals are the stars, but don’t forget the humans who are sharing this adventure with you! Photos of your friends biking across Isabela, standing quietly near a giant tortoise on Santa Cruz, or kayaking off the coast of San Cristóbal add personality and story to your photo album.

Quick Tips for Phone Users: Use portrait mode for intimate shots or a wide-angle lens to capture groups with the stunning Galápagos landscapes in the background.

Capture some Color

Even though Galápagos landscapes are known for their lush nature, during the dry season much of the islands can lean toward browns and greys, with dry vegetation and dark volcanic rocks dominating the scene. To make your photos pop, look for vibrant touches of color, like green leaves, bright flowers, blue skies, or even a colorful crab.

Tip for Phone Users: Use a filter or editing app to gently enhance contrast and vibrancy, but don’t overdo it!

In-Camera Tip: Adjust your white balance for warmer tones during golden hour, and actively seek out color contrasts when framing your shot.

Pro Tip: On days when color is scarce, consider shooting in black and white. This can add drama and mood, highlighting textures and the striking volcanic landscapes of the Galápagos.

Get Low (or High) for a Better Perspective

When you get down to the level of the wildlife you’re taking photos of, it can give you a better view. This crab photo shows the legs and face of the crab better than if it was shot from “above”.
One of the simplest and most powerful ways to level up your wildlife photography is to change your angle. Shooting from the eye level of your subject creates a stronger emotional connection than looking down from above. For example, lying low to capture a marine iguana shows details, like facial features, claws, or textures, that might be lost in a top-down shot. This works beautifully with sea lions, lava lizards, tortoises, and iguanas too.

Tip for Phone Users: Flip your phone upside down for low-angle shots, bringing the camera closer to the ground.

In-Camera Tip: Use your camera’s flip screen or lie down for steady, eye-level shots.

A simple shift in perspective can turn an ordinary wildlife photo into a memorable image that truly conveys the character of Galápagos animals.

Show the Action

Since Galakiwi tours tend to be active, with hiking, biking, kayaking and snorkeling, you will want to consider a waterproof case, action camera, or at least finding a way to capture moments when you are “on the move”.

The biking photo above gives just a slightly different look than usual and helps capture the feeling of biking in the Galapagos. It is not perfect in terms of color, contrast and clarity, but it conveys a feeling. Don’t worry about perfection. Sometimes, a slightly off-centered or motion-blurred photo tells a story far better than a perfectly staged shot.

Pro Tip: Don’t aim for perfection, aim for emotion. Your images should reflect the movement, energy, and joy of your Galápagos adventure and the playful spirit of Galápagos animals.

Have Fun with Selfies!

Creative angles, like a sea lion photobombing in the background or a tortoise peeking from the corner of your frame, can make your Galápagos selfie truly memorable. One of the most delightful surprises for first-time visitors is just how curious and patient the wildlife can be, they’re not camera shy!

We aren’t saying to go crazy taking selfies everywhere, but when the wildlife in the Galapagos tend to be some of the best creatures in the world for allowing you to take a pose. A well-timed pose can capture both the magic of the moment and the personality of the animals.

Wildlife selfie guidelines:

• Stay at least 2 meters away from animals
  
• Never block their path or movement
  
• Be quick, respectful, and observe their comfort
  

These simple tips let you have fun while ensuring your encounters remain safe and unforgettable during your Galápagos tour.

Be Patient, Especially Underwater

It takes time to get “the shot,” even in the Galápagos Islands, and this is especially true when snorkeling, swimming, or diving. Underwater, you’re not just taking photos; you’re part of a silent, flowing dance with Galapagos marine wildlife.

We’re the slowest ones out there, yet many visitors to the Galápagos spend their time chasing after fish, sea lions, sharks, turtles, and more. But the real magic happens when you slow down, or better yet, stay in one place, and let the wildlife come to you. With enough patience, you’ll capture photos and videos of fish (or curious sea lions!) approaching you, which makes for far more compelling shots.

Instead of chasing turtles or sea lions (which never works!), hold still. Let them come to you. The result? Magical images of wildlife swimming straight toward your lens, calm, curious, and undisturbed.
Use a waterproof case or a GoPro, and try slow panning videos to capture the movement and mood of the underwater world. Patience pays off in spades, giving you photos and videos that truly capture the wonder of Galápagos wildlife during your Galápagos tour.

Take Advantage of Sunrise, Sunset

One of the biggest perks of a Galápagos land tour with Galakiwi is the flexibility it offers. Unlike cruise itineraries that often involve traveling between islands during key hours, land-based tours give you the freedom to explore during early mornings and golden evenings, the absolute best times for dramatic lighting and increased wildlife activity.

Make the most of your free time by heading out before breakfast or setting up a perfect sunset shot in the evening. Try capturing silhouettes of frigatebirds against a fiery sky, or soft morning light reflecting off a quiet beach. You’re not stuck to a rigid cruise schedule, booking a land tour with Galakiwi means more opportunities to be in the right place at the right time.

Learn and Anticipate Animal Movements

Galápagos wildlife is truly unique, and once you’ve spent a few days on the islands, you’ll start to become more selective with your photos. That’s because you’ll begin to notice patterns in animal behavior.

Marine iguanas bask in the morning sun. Sea lions return to the same shady bench every afternoon. Frigatebirds spiral overhead, scanning for updrafts.

The dolphin photo above wasn’t pure luck—dolphins had been following a Galakiwi tour boat on the way to Floreana Island, jumping repeatedly in the same area. After observing their behavior, the photographer had their camera ready—and caught the perfect mid-air moment.

This is the secret: when you learn to anticipate movement, you’re far more likely to capture something magical.

Tip for Phone Users: Use burst mode to catch fast-moving subjects.
In-Camera Tip: Set a fast shutter speed (1/1000 or higher) to freeze the action.

Being ready is half the battle. In the Galápagos, patience and timing often make the difference between a good shot, and a breathtaking one.

Whether you’re traveling light with a smartphone or packing a full camera kit, having the right gear can make your Galápagos wildlife photos even better.

For Smartphone Users:

• Wipe the lens frequently, sand, sea spray, and salty air are everywhere!
  
• Bring a small portable battery pack to keep shooting all day.
  
• Consider clip-on zoom or wide-angle lenses for extra versatility.
  
• A waterproof case is highly recommended—Travel + Leisure has some great options.
  

For Camera Users:

• A versatile zoom lens (70–300mm or 18–200mm) covers most wildlife encounters.
  
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch is essential on boat days.
  
• Extra memory cards and batteries are a must, charging opportunities can be limited on the go.
  

The Galápagos doesn’t need fancy filters or elaborate gear to shine. What truly matters is how you see, frame, and share the experience, capturing the vibrant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable moments from your Galápagos tour.

Be patient. Be curious. Let the wildlife lead.

Our amazing Galapagos guides have even more photography tips to help you capture unforgettable moments with Galápagos animals. Come explore the islands with Galakiwi and bring home photos that tell the story of your adventure.

Book your Galápagos tour today and start planning your perfect wildlife shots!