Volunteering on Conservation Projects in the Galapagos, Ecuador

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Participate in volunteering on conservation projects that benefit nature anxd help protect our wildlife in the world-famous Galapagos National Park.
What is it about?
You will work on conservation projects, including at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre in the Galapagos Highlands. You will help look after the breeding area, make sure that the giants have enough to eat, and look after the baby tortoises. You will also monitor sea lions, marine iguanas and petrels. You will also help with beach clean-ups, especially around the main town.
These projects are suitable for anyone who has a passion for working with animals and protecting the environment. They run all year round.

Start Dates:

Flexible

Minimum Duration:

2 week
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Your tasks

You will work with Projects Galapagos which is part of the Galapagos National Park organization. Likely activities include:
1. Feeding giant tortoises at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre in the Highlands
2. Growing and cutting Otoy plants for feeding the tortoises
3. Cleaning the giant tortoises’ pens in the Breeding Centre
4. Monitoring sea lions, iguanas and petrels for the Galapagos National Park.
5. Helping with beach clean-ups.
6. Helping to get the idea of conservation across to local children, for example making murals in some schools and kindergartens

Where in the Galapagos will I work?

You will work in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos, and other parts of San Cristobal Island, such as Puerto Chino and Loberia Beaches, around Lake Junco, in the Highlands and in the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and Nursery.

Arrival airport

You will arrive at San Cristobal Island Airport (SCY). You will be met by a member of our staff.

Food and accommodation

You will stay with a host family in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno or you will stay in our eco-reserve with other volunteers. Wherever you stay, you will be welcome, and local people will be willing to share their customs and talk about their culture. We believe this is the best way to immerse yourself in the Ecuadorian lifestyle and have a unique experience. Your room will be simple, but comfortable, clean, and safe. The cost of the program includes three meals a day.

Leisure

The Galapagos Islands area world-famous nature reserve full of amazing animals, including giant tortoises, and wonderful marine life and birds. They are also a vibrant part of the landscape and culture of Ecuador and South America. As well as contributing to worthwhile projects, travelling to the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador with us means you’ll be able to explore this fascinating place. Spend the afternoon walking along the Malecon, watching sea lions, and iguanas, and enjoying a coffee in one of the local cafes or restaurants, with its lively shops and iconic statue of Charles Darwin. You can go on boat trips to nearby beaches and islands and watch the wildlife that is unique to the Galapagos. You can snorkel or dive, and perhaps swim with sea lions, turtles, rays, and other ocean life. You can also walk on nature trails overlooking beaches or near Lake Junco in the Highlands. The Interpretation Centre has interesting exhibitions about the history of the islands and their people. Volunteers come here from many countries and lifelong friendships are often made with them and with local people.