About Us
Our Safari Camp, roamed by wild giant tortoises and bordering the Galapagos National Park, is small by design and exclusive by definition. We design tailor-made safaris to meet incredible Galapagos wildlife.
Capturing the Cosmos in Pristine Skies
For astrophotography enthusiasts, Galapagos Safari Camp’s equatorial location and low light pollution make it the perfect place to capture the cosmos.
Whether you’re photographing stars, exploring Milky Way photography, or experimenting with long-exposure techniques, our Safari Camp offers a premier astrophotography travel destination.
Why Our Camp is Perfect for Night Sky Photography
Dark Skies
Galapagos Safari Camp is located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, far from the lights of Puerto Ayora, the island’s port town. Here, the only artificial illumination comes from the Camp’s low-level lighting, preserving the natural darkness essential for clear-sky observation, not to mention wildlife conservation.
Land-Based (No Swaying Tripods)
Unlike stargazing from the unsteady decks of cruise ships—where long exposure photography often results in blurred images—a land-based stay at Galapagos Safari Camp offers stability on terra firma, with limitless opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers to experiment with long exposures and timelapses.
Observation decks
Guests can immerse themselves in the wonders of the night sky after dinner, either from the private balconies of their Safari Tents or the Camp’s Viewpoint. Whether capturing the delicate arcs of the Milky Way or experimenting with long exposures to reveal hidden celestial details, the Camp provides an ideal setting for astrophotographers of all levels.
Dark Sky Conservation
Preserving dark skies is essential for both astrophotography and wildlife conservation. Learn more about the importance of dark sky preservation in our blog post, Dark Sky Conservation in the Galapagos Islands.
Galaxy Photography Tips for Astrophotography Enthusiasts
The night sky captured with a smartphone at Galapagos Safari Camp
Pack a sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable during long exposures, and bring a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive Milky Way photography. A remote shutter release can also help eliminate camera shake.
Experiment with settings: Start with a high ISO, a wide aperture, and a shutter speed of 15–30 seconds to capture clear, detailed shots of the night sky.
Even without a DSLR, smartphone astrophotography is possible with clip-on lenses and apps like NightCap Camera. Guests can experiment with photographing stars and constellations using their devices.
Astrophotography Guides & Resources
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, these resources can help you enhance your astrophotography skills and make the most of your time under the stars.
Online Courses
Explore online astrophotography courses, such as those offered by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, which provide valuable insights into night sky photography techniques. Local photography workshops may also offer hands-on guidance tailored to your needs.
Astrophotography Blogs and Tutorials
Follow astrophotography blogs like Lonely Speck, which provides expert galaxy photography tips, gear recommendations, and step-by-step tutorials. The BBC Sky at Night Magazine features how-to guides for capturing celestial phenomena, from photographing the moon with a smartphone to shooting stars and comets.
Community Forums
Join forums like AstroBin to share your photos, exchange tips, and learn from a global community of astrophotography enthusiasts. These platforms are ideal for discovering techniques and showcasing your work.
Star Trails and Long-Exposure Photography
Star trails create striking images that showcase the movement of stars across the night sky. For beginners, online tutorials, such as those offered by DarkSky, provide clear guidance on how to get started with this technique.
Book Your Safari
Ready to capture the cosmos? Book your astrophotography retreat at Galapagos Safari Camp, where pristine skies make every shot a masterpiece.
Disclaimer: While Galapagos Safari Camp provides an exceptional setting for astrophotography with pristine skies and ideal conditions, we do not offer dedicated astrophotography tours. Guests are encouraged to bring their own equipment and enjoy the unique opportunity to capture the cosmos independently. If you are an expert in this field and would like to lead your own tour with your clients, we would be happy to facilitate this.