Price per person
Number of Days
Start/End Location
$1,350
6 days
Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro
Throughout this expedition, we will delve into the mesmerizing world of these amphibians, known for their vivid color variations and unique patterns. Our goal is to document and capture through photography the remarkable diversity of Oophaga pumilio morphs that span across the islands. From striking reds and blues to subtle greens and yellows, each morph tells a story of genetic variation and ecological adaptation.
Book Bocas 2024On the first day we will arrive at our hotel located in Isla Colón, near the main city of Bocas del Toro. After accommodating in our rooms we will head to our first island, Pastores. In the afternoon we will search for another morph around the biological station, plus local birds and a variety of wildlife living on the island. In the evening we will have dinner and an official welcome to the tour, where we will indicate the plan and activities for the next 5 days. At night it is possible to look for Red-eyed tree frog near the rooms.
Note: Our accommodation will be the same for all the dates.
On the second day of our tour dedicated to photographing the vibrant Oophaga pumilio morphs, we embark on a journey to Solarte and Bastimentos Islands in the stunning Bocas del Toro archipelago.
Our adventure begins with an early morning boat ride to Solarte Island, where the lush rainforest and abundant biodiversity create a perfect backdrop for our photography. Here, we explore the island's diverse habitats, capturing images of the striking red, blue, and yellow morphs of the dart frogs as they blend seamlessly into the verdant foliage.
After a morning immersed in the beauty of Solarte, we head to Bastimentos Island. Known for its pristine beaches and dense jungle, Bastimentos offers another unique opportunity to photograph these colorful amphibians in their natural environment. As we trek through the island’s trails, we are treated to sightings of different morphs, each displaying its unique color patterns.
n the third day of our Oophaga pumilio photography tour, we set out to explore the enchanting Cristobal Island and the mysterious Tierra Oscura mainland.
Our morning begins with a tranquil boat ride to Cristobal Island, where we are greeted by a lush landscape teeming with life. The island's dense forests and hidden streams provide an ideal habitat for the elusive dart frogs. As we venture into the heart of the island, our lenses capture the stunning orange, green, and red morphs of the Oophaga pumilio, their colors standing out brilliantly against the island's emerald foliage.
After a rewarding morning on Cristobal, we journey to the mainland area of Tierra Oscura. Known for its remote and untouched wilderness, Tierra Oscura offers a different yet equally captivating environment for our photography. Here, we navigate through the dense jungle and along the tranquil waterways, discovering unique frog morphs that thrive in this secluded habitat. The varying terrain and rich biodiversity provide ample opportunities to capture not only the dart frogs but also the intricate details of the ecosystem they inhabit.
On the fourth day of our Oophaga pumilio photography tour, we embark on an exciting journey to the farthest reaches of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, visiting the captivating Cayo de Agua and Popa Islands.
Our day begins with an early departure to Cayo de Agua, known for its stunning clear waters and pristine landscapes. This island offers a unique blend of coastal and forest environments, providing diverse settings for photographing the vibrant dart frogs. As we explore the island, our cameras capture the vivid blue and green morphs of the Oophaga pumilio, their bright colors contrasting beautifully with the sandy beaches and lush greenery.
In the afternoon, we set sail for Popa Island. Popa's rugged terrain and dense jungle are a haven for wildlife, and the island is renowned for its rich frog populations. Navigating through the thick foliage, we discover a variety of morphs, each with distinctive colorations and patterns that make for striking photographs. The secluded nature of Popa Island allows us to immerse ourselves fully in the environment, capturing not only the dart frogs but also the intricate interplay of light and shadow in the forest.
On the fifth day of our Oophaga pumilio photography tour, we return to Bastimentos Island, drawn by its incredible variety of dart frog morphs. This island’s diverse habitats offer endless opportunities to capture the unique beauty of these vibrant amphibians.
Our morning begins with a hike through Bastimentos' dense jungle. We encounter an array of dart frogs, each displaying distinct and vibrant colors. The bright reds, deep blues, and striking greens stand out against the lush foliage, providing us with countless photo opportunities. We take our time, experimenting with different angles and lighting to highlight the intricate details of these fascinating creatures.
After a productive morning in the jungle, we head to Starfish Beach for a relaxing afternoon. Known for its clear waters and abundant starfish, this beach offers a peaceful setting to unwind. We stroll along the shore, capturing images of the colorful starfish against the backdrop of the turquoise sea and white sand.
Optional: Snorkel afternoon or more Oophagas.
On the final day of our Oophaga pumilio photography tour, we prepare to bid farewell to the enchanting Bocas del Toro archipelago. After days filled with exploration and discovery, our morning is dedicated to one last visit to the vibrant ecosystems we’ve grown so fond of.
We begin the day with a leisurely walk through a nearby rainforest, savoring the sights and sounds one last time. After a breakfast we head out to the main city of Colón, with hearts full of gratitude and memory cards full of stunning images, we say goodbye to Bocas del Toro.
NOTE: This is an itinerary that may be subject to change due to weather, safety and the particular interests of the group. Any changes will be made in order to maximize wildlife viewing and photography.
- Meals during the tour.
- Expert local guide.
- Two expert photographic guides.
- Double accommodation to share.
- Private boat and driver.
- Entrance to the reserves.
- Additional nights.
- International airfare.
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled water and snacks.
- Laundry service.
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not specified in the document.
- Tips.
The workshop is intended for photographers of all levels. To get the most out of it, it is important to have a knowledge and handling of the basic concepts of manual photography, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focal range.
It is mandatory to purchase travel insurance.
Check entry requirements to and from Panama.
- Interchangeable lens digital camera (Mirrorless or DSLR).
- Macro lens and flash system. This can be 90mm Macro, 60mm Macro, or 105mm Macro. It is recommended to bring an external flash with its respective transmitter and diffuser.
- Standard lens for general photography. Especially required for landscape photography. Focal lengths between 18-50mm or 24-70mm are recommended.
- Telephoto lens for wildlife photography (optional). Recommended focal lengths are 100-400mm, 150-600mm, 200-500mm, 200-600mm, or fixed lenses such as 400mm F2.8, 500mm F4 or 600mm F4.
- Extra camera batteries (minimum 3).
- Sufficient memory cards.
- Comfortable clothing for long hours outdoors.
- Swimming apparel for beach visits and snorkel activities.
- Boots or shoes suitable for hiking .
-Flashlight suitable for night hiking.
-Hat or cap
-Low denomination cash (less than $50) for personal expenses.
-Poncho or rain jacket.
-Waterproof bag or case for equipment.
Costa Rican Photographer, Diver, Explorer and graduate in Industrial Design Engineering with emphasis in Digital Design. Founder of PhotoLior, providing alternative wildlife photography tours focused on an audience with a desire to explore the natural wealth of the world, recognized among the finalists of the Close Up Photographer of the Year, published in National Geographic Spain and collaborator in projects of scientific dissemination and conservation through photography.
The reservation deposit is non-refundable. We will not reserve camps without the reservation deposit.
Cost per Single Room: $300 USD If you wish to reserve a room just for yourself without having to share with another person on the expedition.
500 USD must be paid before December 2, 2024.
500 USD must be paid before February 2, 2025.
Reservation Deposit:
The reservation deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable to another workshop.It should be made as soon as possible to secure the place in the expedition.
It can be made in two parts: one to reserve the place and the second one month later to complete it.If the total amount of the deposit is not completed in the stipulated time, the place will be released and the deposited amount will be forfeited.
Places will not be reserved without a deposit.
First Partial Payment: Before December 2, 2024.
Final Payment: By February 2, 2025.
No one wants to miss the trip! However, if you need to cancel your participation, refunds will be handled as follows:
The reservation deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable to another workshop.
If cancelled before December 2, 2024: 100% of the amount paid to date will be refunded, except for the reservation deposit.
If cancelled between December 2 and February 2: 50% of the amount paid to date will be refunded, except for the reservation deposit.
If cancelled after February 2, 2025: no refunds will be made.
If you wish to cancel and get all your money back, including the reservation deposit, you must find someone to take your place in the expedition.
In the event of a force majeure inconvenience, such as adverse weather conditions, mechanical problems, accidents or illness, and the workshop cannot take place, PhotoLior will negotiate directly with the participants to coordinate a replacement..
Accidents:
1.A. PhotoLior is not responsible for participants' accidents and will not cover medical expenses in case they are necessary. During the workshop, each participant is responsible for his/her safety and physical integrity.
1.B. PhotoLior is not responsible for accidents or loss of photographic equipment during the workshop. Each participant is responsible for his or her photographic equipment.
Punctuality: 2.
2.A. The workshop starts on the determined date and in a timely manner. All participants must be at the location established for the starting day of the workshop. In case of delays due to inconveniences, the participant must contact a PhotoLior representative as soon as possible. 3.
Respect:
3.A. Respect and patience are essential for a successful workshop. Participants may have varying levels of knowledge of the subject matter, so patience is required when explaining topics they have already mastered. Each participant's area of photography must be respected. Disrespect towards other members of the workshop or staff will not be allowed.
Climate:
4.A. The tour and its itinerary are weather dependent and may change at any time. We will always keep an eye out for the best weather conditions to determine where to go and optimize your photography.
