What we’re about
Our travel club hosts adventures locally in Houston and around the world for all things travel, culture, adventure, & photography with our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club! Join us on a local photo walk, or travel talk during happy hour, and then meet new travel buddies for future adventures! This is a the perfect group for those looking to make new friends in Houston and find compatible travel & photography partners for life!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Wonders of the Galapagos!Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Puerto Ayora
Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club ( https://www.photoflytravel.com/) an exotic adventure to one of the world's natural wonderlands!
May 22nd - May 28th, 2025
Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/galapagos-small-group-tours/
Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
The Galapagos is an “up-market” destination but fortunately we’ve been able to create something special at an amazing value! Take a look at the details below and you will see that our small group trip is arguably the best deal out there!
- 7 days
- 3 nights/4 days on Santa Cruz
- 3 nights/4 days on private motor yacht
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Round-trip domestic flight to/from Galapagos
- All snorkel gear
Part 1: Santa Cruz Island & Nearby Gems
Santa Cruz is the most important island in the Galapagos archipelago with the only substantial port town of Puerto Ayora. From white sand beaches teeming with endemic marine iguana, lush highlands where the giant tortoises still roam, turtle coves, thriving reefs, ancient calderas, and sea birds
- Highlands & Tortoise Reserve: Walk into the forest overgrown with lichens, ferns, and tortoises; the pond at El Chato is surrounded by forest teeming with birdlife
- Charles Darwin Research Station: Founded in 1959, it has a Natural History Interpretation Centre and carries out educational projects in support of the Galapagos National Park Service.
Day Boat Excursions
For our two days staying on Santa Cruz, we’ll head off island on exciting day trips via boat and in search of biological wonders!
- Santa Fe Island - White Sands, Cacti, & Giant Iguanas: White sand beaches surrounded by sea lion colonies lined with endemic cactus forests is just one appeal to this natural wonderland.
- South Plaza Islet - Land of Red & Yellow: An impressive cactus forest where colorful yellow and red land iguanas live will be our introduction to this small landmass.
- North Seymour Island: Formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, this island is the home to large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls.
Part II: Private Luxury Yacht Island Hopping
Our next experience is very special. We’ll board our very own private cruising yacht and embark on a journey throughout the eastern Galapagos Islands. Aboard the Coral I or Coral II, we’ll live in the perfect combination of classic beauty and exquisite style. Built in Holland, the ship surpasses all the standards you would expect from a high-class yacht, providing a slightly larger than average cruising vessel while maintaining the friendly atmosphere of a small expedition yacht.
Every cabin features handsome wood decoration, along with air-conditioning, a private bathroom, safe deposit box, telephone, and more. Additionally, the boat has plenty of room to relax with three sundecks (some shaded), a jacuzzi, comfortable dining room, and lounge.
- Dragon Hill: Bright, pink flamingos thrive as we walk by a brackish lagoon to the trail which leads across typical dry zone vegetation. Dragon Hill is an important nesting ground for endemic land iguanas, not to mention incredible views & photograph opportunities of the anchored boats and neighboring islands at the top.
- Bartolome Island: Enroute to the summit, impressive views of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock make for incredible & iconic panoramic photographs. Next, we’ll make our way down to the beach for snorkeling and a chance to see the famous Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and white-tipped reef sharks among a great variety of colorful fish.
- Rabida Island: Dark-red sand covers the unique beaches of Rabida, home to thriving sea lions colonies. This island is considered the epicenter of the Galapagos due to the diversity of its volcanic geology.
- Santiago Island & Espumilla Beach: This is an amazing location due to the remains of an eroded shoreline, home to seabirds, fur seals, and playful Galapagos sea lions. The white, sandy Espumilla Beach nearby is in James Bay where mangroves and a small palo santo forest lead to salty-water lagoons home to wading birds like pink flamingos.
- Black Turtle Cove: Back on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island and accessible only by sea, four species of mangrove crowd and form an internal lagoon and turtle sanctuary where sea turtles visit the calm waters.
Don’t forget to email us for the day by day itinerary of these Galapagos small group tour (joinus@photoflytravel.com)
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Join Us!
For our solo travelers, we pair you up with someone of the same sex unless single occupancy is requested.
Price: $4,795
Single Supplement: $1,595Deposit: $600.00
Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/galapagos-small-group-tours/
- Wonders of JapanTokyo, Tokyo
May 23 - June 1, 2025
Travel friends at PhotoFly Travel Club ( http://www.photoflytravel.com/ ) are bringing back their adventure to Japan!
See details below and email joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Sign-up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/japan-group-tours/
Our Japan group tours are chock full of diverse activities including unique cultural experiences, fantastic landscapes, and all the beautiful temples and architecture which make Japan so iconic.
- 9 nights/10 days
- Breakfast daily
- 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners (Welcome & Farewell Dinner)
Tokyo: 2 Nights
The never-ending hustle and bustle of the city creates an energy that is quite contagious.
Highlights:
- Privately guided tour through parts of Tokyo
– Akihabara: otherworldly place filled with bizarre Japanime, neon signs, and streets & alleys lined with vendors.
- Asakusa Kanon Temple (Sensoji Temple): See and photography Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist Temple.
– Meiji Shrine: Named for a dynastic ruler from the Meiji period in Japanese history, thus making the shrine one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks.Takayama: 2 Nights
The Japanese Alps & Takayama
Central Honshū is home to the Northern Japanese Alps and Japan’s heartland. Boasting some of Japan’s most magnificent peaks and dramatic scenery, the Northern Alps are truly spectacular!
Highlights:
- Shin-Hotaka no Yu Hot Springs: Open air hot spring is in a beautiful setting
- Hirayu Great Falls: This magnificent waterfall is over 200 ft tall and 20 ft across.
- Kamikochi Valley: Inside Chubu-Sangaku National Park, this highland area is home to an amazing walk through lightly forested areas with ponds, macaque monkeys, and curving river with the mountains as a back-drop.
Takayama lies in the heart of the Hida Mountains. Established in the 16th century as a castle town of the Kanamori family, it’s now famous throughout Japan for its old town area of narrow streets containing many well-preserved inns, tea houses, shops and merchants houses.
Highlights:
- Privately guided tour
- Takayama Morning Market: On the bank of the Miyagawa River, the market is fun to observe stands selling local farm produce, flowers and crafts.
- Takayama’s Old Town : Visit and photograph Takayama Jinya, the old government house.
- Optional Hida Folk Village Tour: This open air museum exhibits over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region, the mountainous district of Gifu Prefecture around Takayama.
Hiroshima & Charming Miyajima Island: 1 Night
Despite its tragic past, Hiroshima is now a bustling and vibrant city which has risen phoenix-like from the ashes.
Hiroshima:
*Privately guided tour
– Memorial Peace Park, Museum, & A-Bomb Dome: Experience the poignant reminder that caused Hiroshima’s fame.Miyajima Island is small sacred island located in the Inland Sea. It has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times.
– Vermilion Torii Gate & Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima: After a ferry ride to this sacred island we’ll visit the world famous vermilion torii gate at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Miyajima is one of Japan’s three most scenic places.
Kyoto: 4 nights
Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, this ancient city showcases the heart and soul of traditional Japan.
Highlights:
- Privately guided tour
– Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavillion): Covered with 18 carat gold leaf, this incredible building was originally built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397.
- Okochi Mountain Villa: Form residence of a film star, this famous villa consists of several beautiful gardens and buildings, including living quarters, tea houses, and a meditation hall.
– Monkey Park Iwatayama: We’ll meander up a small hill to reach the park with a nice overlook filled with macaques.
– Gion District & Optional Geisha Cultural Exchange: Walk through the sleepy district where geisha come from all over the country to train. For those interested (not included) we’ll get to have an incredible experience in a local house with a geisha for a cultural exchange and private photo shoot.
– Fushimi Inari Shrine: Filled with thousands of vermilion gates, this hillside complex and temple is enormous and beautiful- All transfers, rail tickets, public transit, entry fees, taxies and activities as listed in the itinerary included
- International airfare is not included - flying into Narita International Airport in Tokyo (NRT) and departing from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka.
Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Join Us!
Solo travelers will be paired with same sex unless single occupancy is requested.
Price: $3,995
Single Supplement: $915Deposit: $600
- $$ Explore Trinity River Delta | Lake Charlotte Guided Sea Kayak Wilderness TourLake Charlotte, Texas, TX
$199 per person | 3-4 hour guided sea kayak wilderness tour to explore a world-class quality bottomland hardwood forest and spectacular rookery wetland: Trinity River Delta | Visit Lake Charlotte to witness a natural wonderland abundant in wildlife | Paddle in a maze of flooded channels covered by bald cypress trees | Small group size: minimum 4 | Includes lecture on geology, geography and biology, specialized sea kayaking equipment to efficiently and stealthy cover distances, certified instruction and pictures.
Activity Duration: 4-5 hours
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours
Paddling Distance: 4-8 milesTHIS TOUR CAN BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A DATE CONVINIENT TO YOU.
PRIVATE EVENT, PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
WE TAKE APPOINTMENTS.= = =
LOCATION SIGNIFICANCE:
Lake Charlotte is the one of largest bald cypress tree swamps in Texas, part of a complex of at least four lakes that lie to the east of the Trinity River Delta. Hundreds of shorebirds are feeding on the shallow lake bottom. White ibises, blue herons, anhinga, white egrets, eagles, red tail hawks, beavers, wild hogs, deer, snakes, bass, aligator gar and a large contingent of American alligators call Lake Charlotte a breeding ground and home.
Join us! Relaxed pace. Outstanding Earth Sciences field learning opportunity. Small group size. Experienced trip leader. Awesome destination.
EQUIPMENT: We use premium-quality, professional-grade, field tested, kayaks designed for touring the sea. They have sit-inside cockpit seat, with long and narrow hull. We do not use sit-on-top kayaks.
REQUIREMENTS: Good balance skills and reasonable fitness level is advisable. Our sit-inside cockpit touring kayaks can accommodate paddlers only up to approximately 250 lbs. or less. Best for outdoor enthusiasts without motion or sea sickness, comfortable with vigorous exercise. No previous paddling or swimming experience required - instruction provided!
ITINERARY: Tailored to guests' desire, fitness level, group dynamics, weather conditions, etc.
= = =
SIGN UP EARLY!!
A RSVP “Yes” on Meetup merely states your interest.
Seats fill up quickly - the tour is cross posted on several platforms.***TO SIGN UP & CONFIRM LOGISTICS CALL 832-686-3231 ***
Call Constantin Platon to confirm logistics, gear size, set up expectations, fill out waiver and to process payment.= = =
WHAT TO BRING/HOW TO DRESS:
Bring two 33 oz. water bottles and pack a snack/lunch to take with you in the kayak. Bring with you a towel and a set of dry clothing to change at the end for a comfortable ride home.
Dress only with synthetic clothing. Wear outdoor, fast drying, non-cotton/synthetic clothing like hiking pants and shirts. Long sleeve shirts and long pants prevent sunburn and insect bites.
Bring water shoes/closed toed sandals; old sneakers work great. No crocs, no flip-flops, no rain boots. Wear a large brim hat with under chin strap and sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm. Wear paddling gloves or cycling/ workout gloves to prevent blisters and sunburn on hands.
= = =
TOUR OUTCOME:
Despite being relatively close to a major metropolitan area, exploring Lake Charlotte by kayak is a unique experience for most people: you will be amazed by its natural beauty! It's a really cool experience!
By the end of this trip, you will be a more confident kayaker and have increased knowledge and appreciation for the value of wetland coastal ecosystems.
= = =
UNDECIDED? Check out our recent photo album:
Kayaking Joy | Autumn on Lake Charlotte
Lake Charlotte Spring Wonderland
Lake Charlotte Autumn Wonderland
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CREDENTIALS: This tour is organized by Constantin Platon, an experienced outdoor educator, geology professor, and happy camper with 25+ years of experience, and the following current certifications:
ACA Level-3 Coastal/Sea Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Whitewater Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-2 River Canoe Instructor (Solo & Tandem)
Sierra International Wilderness First Aid= = =
PLEASE REPLY WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER!
I am excited to share with you from my expertise, and I look forward to paddling together!
Constantin
[Call/Text: 832-686-3231]= = =
Do you have in mind a Different Drill, Date or Destination?
We also run team building events, birthday parties, church functions, historical and geological field trips and eco tours; overnight camping excursions down the river and weekend long adventures at sea along the Gulf Coast; and advanced paddling skills courses.
Born to Paddle!
- $$ On Water Kayak Rescue & Yoga for Beginners | Conquer Your Capsizing FearsMissouri City, Missouri City, TX
This hands-on class will introduce you to the fundamentals of kayaking in a comfortable setting and at a relaxed pace. You will learn about proper kayaking strokes and paddling technique and get the chance to practice these new skills on a beautiful, local, urban waterway.
ACA-certified kayak instructor will also teach the basics of water safety, trip planning, and how to have an enjoyable time on the water.
This is a great way to build a new skill set or improve upon what you already know about kayaking. Bring your own kayak to practice in the comfort and familiarity of your own gear or rent premium quality kayaking gear from us.
Class Tuition: $150 per person ages 8 and up with your own gear.
Equipment Rental: $50 includes premium quality single seat touring kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag and safety equipment.Class Duration: 3-4 hours
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours
Paddling Distance: 3-4 milesBring your own kayaking equipment: $150 per person.
Rent our premium quality touring kayaks: $50 (solo sit-in-kayak, paddle, life jacket and dry bags and all necessary safety equipment).A really fun trip that's going to get you wet!
= = =
Equipment: We use professional grade kayaks designed for touring the sea. They have sit-inside cockpit seat, with long and narrow hull. We do not use sit-on-top kayaks.
Requirements: Good balance skills and reasonable fitness level is advisable. Our sit-inside cockpit touring kayaks can accommodate paddlers only up to 250 lbs. or less. Best for outdoor enthusiasts without motion or sea sickness, comfortable with vigorous exercise. No previous paddling or swimming experience required - instruction provided!
Itinerary tailored to guests' desire, fitness level, group dynamics, weather conditions, etc.
= = =
Sign up early!!
A RSVP “Yes” on Meetup merely states your interest.
Seats fill up quickly - the tour is cross posted on several platforms.***TO SIGN UP & CONFIRM LOGISTICS CALL 832-686-3231 ***
Call Constantin to confirm logistics, gear size, set up expectations, fill out waiver and to process payment.
= = =
WHAT TO BRING/HOW TO DRESS:
Bring 2 water bottles and pack a snack to take with you in the kayak.
Bring with you a towel and a set of dry clothing to change at the end for a comfortable ride home.
Dress only with synthetic clothing. Wear outdoor, fast drying, non-cotton/synthetic clothing like hiking pants and shirts. Long sleeve shirts and long pants prevent sunburn and insect bites.
Bring water shoes/closed toed sandals; old sneakers work great. No crocs, no flip-flops, no rain boots. Wear paddling gloves or cycling/ workout gloves to prevent blisters and sunburn on hands.
= = =
CREDENTIALS: This tour is organized by Constantin Platon, an experienced outdoor educator, geology professor, and happy camper with 25+ years of experience, and the following current certifications:
ACA Trip Leader & Eskimo Roll Endorsements
ACA Level-3 Coastal/Sea Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Whitewater Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Lake Canoe Instructor (Solo & Tandem)
NOLS and Sierra International Wilderness First Aid= = =
PLEASE REPLY WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER!
I am excited to share with you from my expertise, and I look forward to paddling together!
Constantin
[Call/Text: 832-686-3231]LET'S GET SOCIAL!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1022107514968636
Do you have in mind a Different Drill, Date or Destination?
We also run team building events, birthday parties, church functions, historical and geological field trips and eco tours; overnight camping excursions down the river and weekend long adventures at sea along the Gulf Coast; and advanced paddling skills courses.
Born to Paddle!
