Celebrate the wonder of plant life sprouting from barren lava rock, or the endearing sight of newly fledged chicks emerging from the nest. Judges will look for careful composition and images that provoke an emotional response.

Demonstrate how the unique species of Galapagos interact with each other. Judges will look for unusual interactions that are rarely seen, or a common behaviour depicted in an interesting and inspired way.

This category celebrates the spectacular species found both above and below the water: think whale sharks, scalloped hammerheads, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins. Judges will look for stunning or unusual shots, with pin-sharp focus and expert framing.

Highlight the unique colour palette of the Galapagos Islands: the dazzling feet of the blue-footed booby, the shimmering feathers of the magnificent frigatebird, the reds and greens of the Christmas iguana, or the pastel hues of a Galapagos sunset. Judges will be looking for a breath-taking, unusual or awe-inspiring shot.

Our final category gives you the opportunity to celebrate the incredible diversity of bird species found in Galapagos. From blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants to mockingbirds and finches, we want you to showcase just how special the birds of Galapagos really are.

You may submit a maximum of ten images. You can enter all ten into a single category, or into different categories, but please do not enter the same image into more than one category. We would encourage you to submit images that cover a range of subjects, rather than six of a single species.

If you have entered this competition in previous years, you are more than welcome to enter again this year. Please note, however, that if you submit an image that you entered in a previous year, it will be disqualified.

All entries into the 2026 Galapagos Photography Competition must be received by midnight (UK time) on Monday 1 June 2026.

Whilst entry into this photography competition is free, we encourage entrants to make a donation to Galapagos Conservation Trust – £5 per photo is recommended. Your donations will support one of our many projects in the Galapagos Islands.

Images must be digital, with a maximum file size of 7MB and at least 1600 pixels on the shortest edge. Please ensure that your image resolution is high (preferably 300 dpi but no less than 150 dpi) – we are unable to print low quality images and therefore your image would not be eligible for our photography display or the calendar). If you are not sure how large your image is, then check its properties on your computer. In addition, please do not enter blurry or out-of-focus images. All images must be in .jpg format. 

We will not accept printed photographs or photos submitted on CDs. They must be uploaded through our online entry form. 

Please note: For the chance to be included in the GCT calendar, images must have a landscape orientation. Portrait-orientated images will still be accepted for the competition, but cannot be included in the calendar (exceptions apply). If your image is low quality (less than 300 dpi) we cannot guarantee that it will be used in the calendar.

For each image we require a title and a short description. In each description, please let us know why you took the picture, which island it was taken on and when you took it. Please ensure that each image file is labelled with your name, the species and/or location of the photo. For example, the file name might be “Joe_Bloggs_Land_Iguana_Santa_Cruz”.

1. Images must be taken within the Galapagos Archipelago. This includes all land area, and extends out to the 40 Nm boundary of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
2. Each entrant may enter up to 10 photos in any of the categories listed.
3. Any photos that have previously been entered in a GCT photo competition are ineligible.
4. Submissions must be received by midnight (UK time) on 1 June 2026.
5. Images must be digital and at least 1600 pixels on the shortest edge. Each photo must be a high resolution image (preferably 300 dpi but no less than 150 dpi). If you are not sure how large your image is, then check its properties on your computer or get in touch with us. The maximum file size is 7MB. All images must be .jpg format. Entrants may be asked to supply the original photo should they make it to the shortlisted round. The competition organisers and judges reserve the right to exclude any image that does not meet these requirements. Please enter the competition by completing a Photography Competition Entry Form online.
6. Each image file must be labelled with your name and the species and/or location of the photo. For example, the file name might be “Joe_Bloggs_Land_Iguana_Santa_Cruz”.
7. All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimisation will not be considered for the final round. Acceptable are adjustments to colour, contrast, brightness and sharpness; removal of dust and scratches; cropping; black and white conversions. Not acceptable are photo composites (combination of two or more photos, not of the same scene); the addition, duplication, deletion or moving of objects in the photos; or the use of artistic digital filters and effects. The competition organisers and the judges reserve the right to exclude any image they believe may have been excessively treated so as to alter its authenticity, and any image they believe may have been created or manipulated using generative AI. Photographs should also be free of any credits/watermarks.
8. Photographers retain the copyright of any entered photos. Your entry into this photography competition constitutes your agreement to grant Galapagos Conservation Trust (a) a non-exclusive, worldwide, irrevocable, royalty-free license to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the photographs you submit to Galapagos Conservation Trust, for use in any Galapagos Conservation Trust publication or webpage related to the Photographic Competition, and to be used in Galapagos Conservation Trust promotions, including, but not limited to, advertising future photographic competitions, publications from GCT or other organisations, exhibitions, future marketing materials and campaigns, webpages, email bulletins and to raise funds for GCT (i.e. your image may appear on materials we sell e.g., cards, calendars, books, prints etc.); and (b) the right to use your name, occupation, city, state and country of residence in any publication. We will endeavour to ensure that your images are always duly credited but are unable to take responsibility should your name be omitted.
9. All entries must be the original work of the entrant, and must not infringe on the rights of any other party. The entrant must be the sole copyright in all photographs entered.
10. By entering this competition, entrants will be deemed to have agreed to be bound by these rules and the competition organisers reserve the right to exclude any entry from the competition at any time and in its absolutes discretion if the organisers have reason to believe that an entrant has breached these rules.
11. A list of winners will appear on the website. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
12. The competition is open to anyone except GCT employees and competition judges. Amateur and professional photographers of any nationality are eligible.

We are committed to respecting the privacy and personal data of website users and competition entrants. Please see our Política de privacidad for more information.