Frequently asked questions
While bird photography is one of our main highlights, our tours are not limited to birds. We also focus on a wide variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, depending on the destination. In some tours, we also include macro photography and landscape opportunities, providing a well-rounded nature photography experience.
The sooner, the better! Spots fill up quickly, and it’s hard to predict exactly when. So, once you’ve chosen your destination, don’t wait—secure your spot right away!
For assistance, email us to: info@tropicalphototours or call + 1-512-508-6914 .
Yes, we are happy to assist solo travelers who wish to be matched with a roommate in order to avoid the single supplement. While we cannot guarantee a match, we will do our best to pair you with another participant of the same gender who also requests a roommate. If a match cannot be found, the single supplement may still apply. We recommend reaching out early to increase the possibilities of finding a suitable roommate.
Absolutely! We’d be happy to have them join. While your guests won’t be able to participate in the daily photography activities, they’ll have plenty to do with various activities at the lodge, ensuring they stay entertained while you explore the forests.
Sure! We’ll be happy to make your reservations to ensure that you get to the same hotel that we have booked for the official first night of the tour and include your extra day cost in the final payment.
We keep our group small so that we can give equal attention to everyone. The maximum group size is 6-8 photographers, not including the tour leader representing our company.
A minimum of 6 months’ passport validity beyond your return date is generally required. We advise checking the entry requirements of your destination country in advance.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. We don’t provide visa services, so please reach out to the consulate of your destination for full details. Apply ahead of time to avoid last-minute rush.
You will receive your final instructions — including airport pickup details, lodging information, and the full itinerary — approximately two weeks before your tour begins. To ensure a smooth arrival, please send us your flight details and arrival/departure times as soon as you book your tickets.
Visit the CDC travel site for health advice based on your destination: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. Vaccines such as Yellow Fever or Malaria prevention may be advised. Always consult your healthcare provider before traveling.
- Your Digital SLR or mirrorless full frame camera
- A long telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
- A wide-angle lens if you are interested in capturing landscapes
- Extra memory cards
- A macro lens is highly recommended
- A sturdy tripod or monopod is required
- Batteries and Charging ports
- Travel-sized power bar and some extra travel adapter with you in case you have many electrical appliances to charge. Make sure the power bar or adapter is working.
Good hiking boots, Laptop, memory card readers, bug spray, sunscreen, silica gel sachets to keep your camera dry. Since, it is likely that there might be rain and mosquitoes especially in dense rainforests, so you must pack your rain jacket and a bug jacket.
Some destinations offer high-elevation places where temperatures can be in the 50s. Bring warm clothes is highly recommended.
Electrical outlets and plug types vary by country. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter and checking the voltage compatibility for your devices.
Pack light—you’ll need to carry your own bags.
Bring one for your camera gear, one for clothing, and a small backpack for daily essentials and important documents.
We recommend carrying a personal medical and first aid kit. Include medicines for common issues like colds, fever, diarrhea, altitude sickness, headaches, and acidity.
If you take regular medication (e.g., for blood pressure, diabetes, allergies, or asthma), bring enough for the entire trip.
As we often travel to remote areas with limited medical access, keep your medications handy. Though most trips require moderate fitness, being in good health will enhance your experience.
Please consult your doctor for specific medical advice before travel.
Yes, both are required. Please carefully review the policy terms, especially coverage limits, and keep a printed copy during your travels.
Please keep in mind: Tropical Photo Tours is not responsible for flight cancelations, medical expenses, gear damage, accidents, natural disasters, extended stays, and other unforeseen emergencies.
Still have questions? Contact us and we’ll gladly assist you! Email us: info@tropicalphototours.com or call us +1-512-508-6914
- A ‘non-refundable’ deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount to reserve your spot.
- The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour. If you would like to pay the remaining balance in installments, please let us know.
- All figures in USD per person.
- Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation.
- A deposit is your commitment to joining the workshop. These deposits don’t typically sit in an account, they are used to cover initial expenses for the workshop like hotel reservations, park permits/fees and guided tour deposits. Due to these expenses, deposits are non-refundable and tour payment made is subject to a cancellation fee.
- More than 60 days before the start of the tour: Refund of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $100 convenience fee.
- 60 – 45 days before the start of the tour: Refund of 50% of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $199 convenience fee.
- Less than 45 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited. Full payment is required no later than 45 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this date you will be notified by email. If you do not respond within 3 business days, your spot will be forfeited and offered to participants on the waiting list.
- Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.
CANCELLED WORKSHOPS: If we are forced to cancel a workshop for any reason, your entire payment will be transferred to another comparable workshop within one calendar year.
