Ron Modra photographed thousands of major sporting events worldwide during his 25-year career with Sports Illustrated.  But he said nothing compares to what he encountered on his recent visit to the Galapagos Islands.

“In San Cristobal, you’ve got to step over sea lions to get into the restaurant,” he marveled.  “In Santa Cruz, five or six 200-year-old tortoises area hanging out by this watering hole or ambling down the highway.  You’re not going to see this anywhere else in the world.”

Modra is beyond excited to be leading Guy Harvey Outpost Expedition Collection’s May 4-12, 2017 photo safari to this unique chain of Pacific islands about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The acclaimed photographer and 12 guests expect to visit five different islands in the Galapagos chain during their nine-day expedition– shooting spectacular images of the giant tortoises and sea lions; marine iguanas; blue- and red-footed boobies; penguins and the starkly-beautiful landscapes and waters they call home.

Unlike many current Galapagos tour operations, this one will be land-based with a series of day trips by boat to the islands.

“If you want to see all the animals the Galapagos has to offer and come back to the hotel at night and go into town for dinner and have photo sessions, this is for you,” Modra said.

Modra will advise guests on what photo gear to bring and shoot in the various settings– emphasizing lightweight, high-quality equipment for the sometimes-strenuous day hikes required to meet the animals in their habitat.  At night after dinner, Modra will lead informal workshops where shooters display and critique their images.

“My part is to make sure the people who come down there get the images they want to get,” Modra said.  “What we’re offering will give people a chance to enhance their photographic skills and not have a stressful time doing it.”

Modra says it’s not that hard once you get the hang of it because the Galapagos wildlife– protected for more than a century from human predation–is not intimidated by most two-legged visitors.

“You’re not chasing these things around,” he said.  “It’s like shooting fish in a barrel.”

The safari also will include two optional days of offshore fishing for striped marlin, tuna or wahoo.  The fishery was pioneered by Tim Choate of Coral Gables, FL. — IGFA Hall of Famer and ardent conservationist– who operated a fleet of three charterboats out of San Cristobal from 1994 to 2004.  One of those boats — a 35-footer–now is operated by Guy Harvey Outpost Expedition Property, Galapagos Planet Hotel.  Anglers could get multiple shots a day at the stripers as they chase bait into giant balls near the surface, attracting flocks of telltale birds.

This one-of-a-kind adventure is likely to sell out quickly.  Reserve your spot at www.GHOGalapagos.com or call the Outpost Travel Desk at 800-513-5257.