Galapagos "naturalist" cruise after liveaboard?

I've booked a 10-day dive trip next year on the Galapagos Masters, and since this is a "once-in-a-lifetime" location, am considering doing a "naturalist" cruises (e.g. 8 day island hopping on a 16-20 passenger boat) either before or after the dive trip. The dive itinerary WILL include a few land visits, but they are very limited. The "naturalist" cruises do include more land visits, but are highly regulated by the Ecuadorian government (like the dive itineraries), so passengers aren't able to wander about on their own. But I am hoping they will offer additional photo ops more than what the dive trip includes. If anyone has any feedback on vessels or itineraries they can recommend, I'd appreciate it, especially if photographer-friendly. Thanks!

About ten years ago, we did the non-diving naturalist trip aboard a National Geographic/Lindblad ship. Excellent trip, but pricy. My wife is a naturalist and does not dive, so this was really her trip. The ship held about 150 passengers and was first class all the way. At the time, because it was NatGeo, we were permitted to land on areas/islands that were not open to most operators. No idea what the restrictions are today. As you know, the park authority tends to change regulations on a whim.

Look on the NatGeo website for info on these trips. I see that they now advertise special photo trips. On our trip, there were 5-10 NatGeo experts who lectured each day on variously related topics. Looks like they have cut back on that part of the package.

Great trip, but pricy.

Harry

Harry,

Thanks for posting your experience. Agreed, NatGeo is pricey, but I'm sure you get what you pay for: first class operation/guides/food, etc with no hiccups.

I've learned that park regs restrict hike sites and times, but do allow tour operators to begin at 6 am, if they chose to. I've found one 'standard' cruise operator who schedules a 6 am start, rather than the usual 7:30 or 8:00 am landing, to avoid the mid-day sun. Unlike photographers who prefer to shoot early or late, a majority of Galapagos tourists prefer to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before touring. Who can blame them, they are on vacation!

Did you see the epic 17 day photo trip on Nat Geo? $12 - 20K! Yikes