Hair of the Dog Expedition

- Galápagos -

Explore. Experience. Conserve.

January 27 - February 4, 2027

Journey Through Darwin's Living Laboratory

Join us for an extraordinary expedition through one of the most iconic and fragile ecosystems on Earth. Aboard a luxury yacht, you’ll witness the raw beauty of the Galápagos Islands—where sea lions, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies roam freely—and gain rare insight into the conservation efforts protecting this living laboratory of evolution.

This is more than a trip. It’s a chance to experience, photograph, and support the preservation of a truly wild world.

Why the Galápagos Islands?

Extraordinary Wildlife: Walk among marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises—wildlife that has no fear of humans.
Conservation in Action: Visit research sites and learn how local efforts are protecting fragile ecosystems and endemic species.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Access: Sail aboard a private luxury yacht with exclusive island landings and guided exploration.
Luxury Meets Adventure: Enjoy beautifully appointed cabins, chef-prepared meals, and first-class service as you explore remote islands.
Intimate Group Experience: Limited to just 16 guests, allowing for a deeply personal and immersive journey.

Where Will We Be Staying?

For this journey, home is the M/C Monique—a luxury catamaran that redefines what it means to explore the Galápagos in style, comfort, and sustainability. With just 16 guests onboard and a nearly one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio, the Monique offers an intimate, elevated cruising experience designed for those who value both adventure and ease.

Each of the eight thoughtfully appointed staterooms features panoramic windows, a spacious ensuite bathroom, and your choice of a king bed or two twins—along with all the creature comforts you’d expect from a high-end boutique hotel. You’ll find room to relax, recharge, and reflect on the day’s discoveries, whether that's watching the sun set from the Sky Deck or journaling at your in-room workspace.

But the Monique is more than beautiful design and intuitive service—it’s also a model of modern sustainability. Outfitted with solar panels, battery systems, and a commitment to minimizing single-use plastics, every detail has been considered to reduce environmental impact while maintaining five-star standards.

This is barefoot luxury at its finest: thoughtful, immersive, and respectful of the fragile ecosystem we’ve come to experience.

EXPLORE THE M/C MONIQUE

Led by Nicole Begley and Alex Cearns

This journey is led by two seasoned photographers who share a passion for wildlife, conservation, and creating meaningful experiences.

Nicole Begley is the founder of Hair of the Dog Academy and the Hair of the Dog Conservation Fund. With a background in zoological animal training and years of experience leading photography adventures across the globe, she’s an expert at helping people connect deeply with animals and the natural world.

Alex Cearns, an internationally renowned animal photographer based in Perth, Australia, brings years of photo tour leadership and a lifelong devotion to wildlife conservation. Her images have helped raise awareness and funds for animals in need all over the world. She’s thrilled to be joining forces with Nicole and the HODCF for this special expedition.

Together, they’ll ensure every moment of your journey is inspiring, supported, and unforgettable.

Led by Nicole Begley and Alex Cearns

This journey is led by two seasoned photographers who share a passion for wildlife, conservation, and creating meaningful experiences.

Together, they’ll ensure every moment of your journey is inspiring, supported, and unforgettable.

Detailed Itinerary

(Subject to change)

DAY 1

JW MARRIOTT
January 27, 2027

Your adventure begins with an overnight stay at the JW Marriott in Quito, a comfortable and convenient home base before we head to the islands. Unwind after your travels with modern amenities, excellent dining, and a good night’s rest at one of the city’s top hotels.

Prefer to arrive via Guayaquil instead? No problem, we’re happy to help arrange accommodations for you there instead.

DAY 2 | AM

BALTRA AIRPORT
January 28, 2027

Fly from Quito (or Guayaquil) to Baltra Airport. This inter-country flight is included in your registration - as are all conservation and transit fees for the Galápagos Islands. Upon landing, guests will be welcomed and assisted at the airport before being transferred to the M/C Monique.

DAY 2 | PM

LAS BACHAS BEACH
January 28, 2027

In the afternoon, you’ll explore Las Bachas, a stunning white-sand beach along the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. It’s a great spot for a relaxing walk or gentle snorkeling. This beach is a nesting site for sea turtles, and you may spot a rusted pontoon—an old World War II remnant. The name “Bachas” is derived from a mispronunciation of “barges,” referring to the two partially sunken vessels in the area.

DAY 3 | AM

RABIDA ISLAND
January 29, 2027

This morning’s visit takes you to Rábida Island, which is renowned for its unique red sand beach. The island is home to striking cactus groves and dramatic rocky landscapes, along with native dry-zone vegetation and endemic species. A walk along the beach might reveal brown pelican nests and occasionally flamingos in a nearby saltwater lagoon.

DAY 3 | PM

ISABELA ISLAND, PUNTA ALBEMARLE
January 29, 2027

Located on the northern tip of Isabela Island, Punta Albemarle is home to a large mangrove that is ideal for dinghy exploration, thanks to its mesmerizing network of channels and creeks. Nearby, you’ll find the remains of a WWII-era American radar base. The site offers excellent wildlife viewing, including marine birds, the largest marine iguanas in the Galapagos, and many flightless cormorants.

DAY 4 | AM

ISABELA ISLAND, VICENTE ROCA POINT
January 30, 2027

Only accessible by dinghy, this expansive bay on Isabela’s northwest coast features two coves that attract a variety of nesting birds, including blue-footed and Nazca boobies, storm petrels, and Brown Noddies. The nutrient-rich waters make this a premier snorkeling spot, where whales, dolphins, sea lions, and marine birds can often be seen feeding.f the island’s five other volcanoes.

DAY 4 | PM

ISABELA ISLAND, TAGUS COVE
January 30, 2027

A dinghy ride along the cliffs of Tagus Cove offers a chance to observe Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and other seabirds. After landing, a 30-minute hike leads to panoramic views of Darwin Lake—a large saltwater lagoon—and surrounding volcanic peaks.

DAY 5 | AM

FERNANDINA ISLAND, ESPINOZA POINT
January 31, 2027

Espinoza Point showcases Fernandina Island’s stark lava fields dotted with Lava Cacti and mangroves that grow atop hardened lava flows. Highlights include colonies of sea lions, penguins, flightless cormorants (especially active in spring and summer), and one of the largest concentrations of marine iguanas in the archipelago.

DAY 5 | PM

ISABELA ISLAND, URBINA BAY
January 31, 2027

In the afternoon, explore Urbina Bay, renowned for its upraised coral beds and vivid land iguanas. The area is rich in wildlife—giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and marine iguanas are all commonly seen.

DAY 6 | AM

SANTIAGO ISLAND, PUERTO EGAS
February 1, 2027

Once the site of a salt mine, this black-sand beach now serves as a prime location for spotting shorebirds, marine iguanas, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Inland, a walk that takes visitors past tidal pools and beautiful volcanic formations may offer views of fur seals lounging in shaded grottoes.

DAY 6 | PM

SANTIAGO ISLAND, BUCCANEER COVE
February 1, 2027

Once a haven for pirates and whalers, Buccaneer Cove now attracts wildlife rather than ships. It’s a key nesting area for sea turtles and frequented by sea lions. A dinghy ride reveals stunning eroded cliffs that host nesting boobies, pelicans, and gulls.

DAY 7 | AM

BARTHOLOMEW ISLAND
February 2, 2027

Bartholomew is best known for Pinnacle Rock, a striking volcanic cone that soars out of the water. A trail leads to the island’s summit, where breathtaking views of the surrounding lava terrain and the iconic rock await. The northern beach, a sea turtle nesting site, is perfect for snorkeling with reef sharks, penguins, and eagle rays.

DAY 7 | PM

SANTIAGO ISLAND, SULLIVAN BAY
February 2, 2027

Located next to Pinnacle Rock, the beaches at Sullivan Bay offer outstanding snorkeling, and lucky visitors might find themselves swimming alongside penguins. This northern beach is also a key nesting ground for green sea turtles.

DAY 8 | AM

NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
February 3, 2027

Named after British naval officer Lord Hugh Seymour, this small island is covered in low-lying vegetation and teems with birdlife.

You’ll encounter blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and a substantial colony of magnificent frigatebirds, with males displaying their vibrant red throat pouches to attract mates.

DAY 8 | PM

MOSQUERA ISLET
February 3, 2027

Positioned between Baltra and North Seymour, Mosquera is a flat, sandy islet without a designated trail, allowing for free exploration.

It’s known for its thriving sea lion colony, shorebirds, and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs.

The surrounding reefs make for excellent snorkeling, with chances to spot rays, turtles, and reef sharks.

DAY 9 | AM

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
February 4, 2027

Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, also known as the Charles Darwin Research Station. The center hosts an interpretation center, museum, library, and tortoise breeding facility, home to various tortoise subspecies being prepared for reintroduction.

BALTRA AIRPORT

Depart from Baltra airport.