Should I bring a tripod?

No. You will be moving on boats and uneven volcanic terrain constantly. A monopod is acceptable if you have a heavy lens, but most shots are handheld.

Will my gear get wet?

Expect salt spray on every boat ride. Keep your gear in a dry bag and have a dedicated towel solely for wiping off salt spray, not for cleaning lenses.

Is drone photography allowed?

No. Drones are strictly prohibited in the Galápagos National Park. Do not pack one, as it will likely be confiscated at the airport.

Packing for Wildlife Photography in the Galápagos

Prioritize protection against salt spray and equatorial sun while keeping your gear mobile for frequent wet landings. You need a dedicated waterproof dry bag, a versatile zoom lens, and a circular polarizer to manage the intense mid-day reflections.

Select the right gear range. Bring a 100-400mm (or 70-300mm) zoom lens for wildlife. The animals here have no natural fear of humans, so you rarely need a massive prime lens. A wide-angle lens (24-70mm) is essential for sweeping landscapes and sea lion interactions.
Waterproof everything. You will be boarding 'pangas' (zodiac boats) multiple times a day. Use a heavy-duty 20L-30L dry bag as your primary camera bag. Never rely on water-resistant zippers; keep your camera inside the dry bag during all boat transit.
Manage the harsh light. The equatorial sun is unforgiving. Bring a circular polarizer to cut glare off the water and wet volcanic rocks. Carry a lens cleaning kit with at least five microfiber cloths; salt spray will coat your front element within minutes.
Power management. Bring at least three camera batteries and two high-speed 128GB SD cards. Electricity on some boats is limited or only available during generator hours. Pack a portable power bank for field charging if your camera supports USB-C charging.

Should I bring a tripod?: No. You will be moving on boats and uneven volcanic terrain constantly. A monopod is acceptable if you have a heavy lens, but most shots are handheld.
Will my gear get wet?: Expect salt spray on every boat ride. Keep your gear in a dry bag and have a dedicated towel solely for wiping off salt spray, not for cleaning lenses.
Is drone photography allowed?: No. Drones are strictly prohibited in the Galápagos National Park. Do not pack one, as it will likely be confiscated at the airport.