While we are likely to encounter a multitude of different bird species, and your guide will be able to identify them all, the focus and design of this trip is very much on the best bird photography opportunities the region has to offer, rather than “listing” / trying to encounter as many species as possible. This tour is designed primarily for wildlife and bird photography enthusiasts of all experience levels who want exceptional access, time in the field, and (optional) guidance to create high-quality images. However, casual nature lovers who like to take their time in nature are also likely to enjoy!

The trip is moderately active. While many of the photography activities on this trip won’t require extensive physical activity, there will also be places where there will be short hikes (up to 2.5 kilometers / 1.5 miles round-trip) on hilly and uneven terrain. We will also have “wet landings” by boat during this trip, where you will need to disembark from and board a boat in shallow (eg. knee-deep) water. The island portion of this trip in particular requires a reasonable level of mobility and comfort with camping conditions. During our time with the seabirds, we will also be located far away from emergency services. Travelers with health concerns should take this into account when considering whether to join this trip.

The island stay is remote and immersive. Expect basic camping conditions, but with some important things taken care of for you (such as meals). This is a key part of the experience and allows unparalleled access to seabird colonies. Tents will be provided, but you should bring your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag or sheets. The campsite is undercover and protected from the elements, and we will have a chef on site who will prepare all of our meals. There is no running water available, but there are toilets on site that are flushed manually with water buckets. Showers while camping are similar- there is no running water, but there are buckets of water that you can use to rinse. There is sufficient electricity available for charging all of your devices, as well as some Wi-Fi provided via satellite.

The workshop fee is based on double occupancy and includes all accommodation, entry fees into reserves, transportation during the tour (including boat excursions), full time guiding and instruction, and more. Single supplement (non-shared hotel room) is available for $790 CAD or $580 USD. All meals while we are camping on the offshore island are included, as are breakfasts on the last 3 nights. The other meals are not included in the tour price, but we will visit restaurants where you can purchase the food of your choice. Flights to/from Puerto Vallarta, travel insurance, and tips are also not included.

The group is limited to just 5 participants, ensuring a highly personalized experience, lots of space at photography locations, and individual attention.

The average temperature on the coast in this region at this time of year is a low of 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit), and a high of 28 degrees Celsius (82 Fahrenheit). However, it is definietly possible for temperatures to be a bit warmer or cooler than these averages. In the Cabo Correintes region (mountains to the south of Puerto Vallarta), the average low is 9 degrees Celsius (48 Fahrenheit), and the average high is 29 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit). This region is typically quite dry at this time of year, but it is always a good idea to be prepared for rainfall. Pack a variety of clothes for a variety of expected conditions! The sun is strong, so be sure to pack sunscreen and sunglasses as well.

All skill levels are welcome, whether you’re an advanced photographer or just starting to learn. Optional guidance will be available to help you improve your technique and make the most of each opportunity.

There are several boat excursions during this trip. During our time in San Blas, we will go for motorized river canoe excursions. These waters are calm, so motion is minimal.  In order to get to the seabird island offshore, we will have a longer journey of approximately 3 hours (each way) on a small speedboat. The boat travel could become longer depending on weather conditions, or if there are wildlife sightings on the way. Conditions are often very manageable at this time of year, but weather is impossible to predict far in advance. If you are prone to seasickness, it’s recommended to bring appropriate medication. There will also be (optional) boat outings from our base on the island for those who wish to do some more photography from the boat, or go snorkeling. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about the boat travel during this trip.

For much of the trip (7 of 10 nights), we’ll be staying in comfortable hotels/lodges. During the seabird island portion, we will be camping in a remote but beautiful setting. Tents will be provided, but you should bring your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag or sheets. The campsite is undercover and protected from the elements, and we will have a chef on site who will prepare all of our meals. There is no running water available, but there are toilets on site that are flushed manually with water buckets. Showers while camping are similar- there is no running water, but there are buckets of water that you can use to rinse. There is sufficient electricity available for charging all of your devices, as well as some Wi-Fi provided via satellite.

A telephoto lens with a focal length of 300mm or greater is recommended for this trip. However, we will also have ample opportunity for closeup encounters with seabirds, where a wide and mid range lens will be incredibly valuable, such as a 24-105mm, or similar.

I typically travel here with three lenses to cover all scenarios: my 14mm, 24-105mm and 100-500mm.

As some of our time will be spent walking on trails, a portable setup that you are able to handhold is may be a good idea (for example, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a lightweight telephoto lens such as a 100-400mm, 200-500mm, 180-600mm, etc). A tripod is also recommended (though not required), particularly if you want to try low-light or night photography. A rain cover is also recommended; this can be used not only to protect from rain, but also in the event of any sea spray or blowing sand.

Yes! This is one of the highlights of the trip. The seabird island in particular offers exceptional flight photography opportunities, often at close range and in excellent light.

You’ll photograph a wide range of bird species! On the island, we are most likely to encounter nesting Magnificent Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies, Cocos Boobies, White-tailed Tropicbirds, Heermann’s Gulls, and Brown Pelicans. However, other species are occasionally present, such as Red-footed Boobies and Peregrine Falcons. Also present on the island are large numbers of Western Spiny-tailed Iguanas and other lizards. Marine life such as dolphins, Humpback Whales, whale sharks, and a variety of tropical fish may also be encountered. In San Blas, we may get some photo opportunities with wetland and other coastal species. Egrets, herons (including the unique Boat-billed Heron), ibis, shorebirds, kingfishers, Anhinga, and more, are all common here. With some luck, we may also encounter the beautiful Roseate Spoonbill. At our lodge in the hills south of Puerto Vallarta, a large variety of beautiful bird species flock to the feeders in the morning. Regular visitors include Golden-cheeked Woodpeckers, Military Macaw, Stripe-headed Sparrow, Yellow-winged Cacique, Streak-backed Oriole, Yellow Grosbeak, Cinnamon-bellied Saltator, White-throated Thrush, Blue Mockingbird, Black-throated Magpie-Jay, White-winged Dove, and Russet-crowned Motmot. Several hummingbird species also visit feeders here. Elsewhere on the property, we may see Cattle Egrets, Black-belled Whistling Ducks, and more. In addition to the feeder birds, we’ll visit other habitat areas in the region, including a flower garden where hummingbirds can be seen and photographed visiting the beautiful flowers. Possible species here include Cinnamon Hummingbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Golden-crowned Emerald, Plain-capped Starthroat, Broad-billed Hummingbird, and more. We’ll also be sure to spend lots of time photographing nesting Military Macaws in the beautiful pine forest habitat.

We’ll be eating at many different restaurants during the trip. There will be a variety of options on the menu, though Mexican food is always the most common (other options will be available, however). While camping on the seabird island, we’ll be accompanied by a cook who will prepare traditional home-cooked-style Mexican meals (basic, but excellent). All meals while we are camping on the offshore island are included in the trip cost, as are breakfasts on the last 3 nights. The other meals are not included in the tour price, but we will visit restaurants where you can select and purchase the food of your choice.

Yes! We will reach out to you to find out your dietary preferences in advance of the trip.

As much or as little as you want! The group size is designed to allow personalized attention. Guidance will be available throughout the trip, including help with camera settings, composition, and strategy based on conditions and species behavior.

Wonderful snorkeling opportunities may be available during the island stay, but participation is completely optional.

You should arrive in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on the first day of the tour (or earlier if desired). We’ll meet at our hotel in Puerto Vallarta the evening of the first day for the trip introduction and dinner. We’ll return to Puerto Vallarta by early afternoon on the final day, though an additional night of accommodation can be arranged if needed.

This one-of-a-kind itinerary combines rare multi-day access to a seabird colony, diverse ecosystems, and a small group size of just five participants. The combination of access, time, and photographic focus makes it a truly exceptional experience.

Many of the birds and wildlife in the places we visit have little to no fear of people, particularly nesting seabirds- they could be just a few feet away. Other species may require a slightly longer viewing distance. Photography ethics are incredibly important to us, and we will aim to have minimal disturbance to the birds and wildlife that we encounter, and the places we visit.

Single supplement (non-shared hotel room) is available for $790 CAD or $580 USD.  If there is another person on the tour from the same gender who wishes to share a room, we can pair you up (if you both agree you are a good match), to avoid paying the single supplement.

During this trip, we will stay at 4 different accommodations in the Nayarit and Jalisco provinces of Mexico. See the itinerary section above for more details!

We aim to have a fun, positive, easy-going and non-competitive group atmosphere! While the goals of the workshop are to achieve fantastic photos and practice and develop our photography technique, we want to make every moment enjoyable, both in and out of the field.

A booking deposit of $600 USD or $800 CAD is required to book. The deposit is fully refundable minus a 3.5% processing fee for 20 days after you book, or up until August 1 2026 (whichever comes first). The remaining balance is due by October 10 2026. For cancellation 71-100 days before the trip, a 50% refund will be issued. Refunds are not available for cancellation 70 days or less prior to trip departure.

Most of the accommodations we utilize during this trip are remote, one-of-a-kind, and offer specific photographic opportunities not available elsewhere. So, alternate accommodations are not possible for this trip.

Certain immunizations are recommended for travel to Mexico. Please consult a travel clinic or other qualified travel health expert in advance of this trip.

Smoking is prohibited during group workshop activities.