Overview
Volunteer in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, South America

Known by ancient seafarers as the ‘Enchanted Isles’, the Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago about 600 miles west of South America, and were part of the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. Live and volunteer in one of the world’s finest habitats, amongst incredible wildlife including iguanas, tortoises, sea lions and a great number of bird species (many which are endemic to the islands), as you gain great experience helping out conservation programs in a variety of ways.

First, volunteers will spend a week in Quito, living with a host family, and taking Spanish lessons. After this first week, volunteers head to San Cristobal where they will be helping with field research, environmental education, community service, plant conservation, agro-forestry and reserve maintenance.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

San Cristobal was my first taste of South America and given the friends I made there I’ll be back again soon

Lee Clements, GVI Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The Biological Station opened on San Cristobal in 2003. Since its inception, the station field house and a nursery and green house operation have been constructed. Volunteers have begun reforestation work, replacing exotic invasive plants with native species. Plans include the construction of a native plant corridor, from the dry forest portion of the reserve below to the moist forest above. The greenhouse operation/production area aims to develop organic production processes for fruits and vegetables that are on the approved growing list for the islands. Reforestation with native plants is the main goal behind the station and the work carried out there.

Highlights

Participating in the restoration of the habitats unique to the Galapagos Islands; visiting ecologically important sites; exploring the islands and marvelling at the unique wildlife.

Location

The Galapagos Islands are situated in the Pacific Ocean, about 650 miles west of Ecuador. The archipelago is rich in wildlife, including specially adapted animals, plants and terrain. A visit here is a must for all wildlife enthusiasts. The project is located on a biological reserve on San Cristobal Island, 45 minutes drive from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (the capital of the Galapagos province).

Field Conditions

Accommodation is basic, but comfortable. In Quito you will be in a family home stay with a local Ecuadorian family. All your food during that week will be provided for you. Once in San Cristobal at the station you will be in shared dormitory accommodation (from two – eight people), with shared bathroom facilities. All food will be provided and vegetarians are welcome, but please advise in advance of any dietary requirements to ensure that the station are able to cater for your needs