Experience the amazing bio diversity of the Galapagos as you help to conserve these amazing islands
Program Overview
The Galapagos Islands form an extraordinary and diverse archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. This project offers you the unique opportunity to travel to this fascinating place and join forces with local communities to conserve ecologically significant forest habitats.
Within the archipelago you will work on a biological reserve full of fascinating wildlife, some of which is endemic to the Galapagos. You will focus mainly on forestry conservation and reserve maintenance, working to protect this amazing environment through the control of invasive species.
The reserve where you will be based is operated by the Jatun Sacaha Foundation, one of many biological stations located all over Ecuador in critical and diverse forest ecosystems.
Life on the Program
You will live and work on San Cristobal Island, actively participating in native plant conservation, reserve maintenance and the nurturing and planting of endemic species on the biological reserve.
You will work on the reserve Monday to Thursday, starting early and continuing through to late afternoon. The work can be physically demanding, so you should be prepared for an exhausting but rewarding experience. You can use your free time to relax around the base and get to know your fellow volunteers.
Accommodation is comfortable, but basic. You will spend your first week in Quito, the fascinating and vibrant capital of Ecuador, immersing yourself in Spanish lessons and the Ecuadorian culture while living with a local host family. Once you join the project in the Galapagos, you will live in shared dormitory-style accommodations.
Project Details
In the almost 10 years this project has been running, our work has focused on reforestation work, replacing exotic invasive plants with native species. The impact of invasive species on the island is resulting in the degradation of the natural ecosystem unique to the Galapagos. The overall objective of the reserve is to restore balance to this fragile environment through the re-establishment of native plants.
Through your work on this amazing project, you will contribute to our efforts to construct a corridor of native plants that are on the approved growing list for the islands.
How this project makes a difference:
The Galapagos is one of the natural wonders of our world and your efforts and the efforts of this project will help to ensure that the relevant people have the information required to make the correct decisions to secure the long-term survival of the islands.
Volunteer Testimonials
Latest from the Base...
Wherever you travel, our bases are places of profound discovery, awe-inspiring observations, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Find yourself at home in some of the most remote and pristine environments in the world.
To learn more about the latest from this base, please feel free to contact us today.
Program Details
Build Your Program
What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- Eight nights home-stay accommodation and food in Quito
- Studying and conserving a biodiversity hotspot
- - One week of Spanish lessons to help you develop or expand you Spanish language skills
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
