Species Conservation Galapagos, Ecuador

Embark on an extraordinary adventure in the pristine Galapagos Islands as a conservation volunteer, and dedicate your time to one of two long-running wildlife protection projects on Isla Isabela. Engage in hands-on work at the Tortoise Breeding Centre, caring for tortoises and educating visitors, or participate in the Sea Turtle Conservation project, conducting beach patrols and protecting nesting sites.

In both projects, you will join forces with the dedicated Galapagos National Park team to help preserve the region's rich biodiversity. This unique opportunity allows you to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the islands, learn about conservation, and create unforgettable memories.

Topics and activities of volunteering on the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Based in Puerto Villamil, volunteers will work every day either at the Tortoise Breeding Centre or on the nesting beach about 10 minutes walking distance from town. Tortoise conservation volunteers will assist Park Rangers in keeping the enclosures clean, preparing food and feeding the tortoises, monitoring health status, growth and behaviour, and assisting in educating visitors about the tortoises and conservation measures to ensure their population stability.

Sea turtle conservation volunteers participate in activities such as observing and marking Green Sea Turtle nests, cleaning the beach of debris, removing invasive kikuyo plants to protect nesting areas, and assisting in beach profiling to monitor erosion. Additionally, they collect data on sea turtle nesting threats bi-weekly and attend monthly meetings to discuss findings and management strategies.

Arrival and orientation

To reach Isabela Island, you will fly to Baltra / Seymour Airport (GPS), via Quito or Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador. You will then take a short bus ride to the canal and a ferry to Santa Cruz. After an hour's journey to Puerto Ayora, you'll catch another ferry to Isabela Island, arriving at Puerto Villamil where the project begins each Monday.

Upon arrival at Puerto Villamil via water taxi around 5:30 pm, you'll pass through biosecurity and meet project staff who will escort you by taxi to the volunteer house, just a short drive away. They will orient you to the town's amenities en route. After settling in, you will gather with staff and fellow volunteers for dinner at a local restaurant. The following morning kicks off with an induction session, acquainting you with the organization's mission and island projects before pairing you with your project coordinator. Together, you'll delve into project tasks, learning tools and techniques necessary to commence your work.

Accommodation and board on Isabela Island

During your time as a conservation volunteer, you'll be housed in the centrally located volunteer house in Puerto Villamil, where your comfort is ensured with a private room featuring a bathroom, air conditioning, and access to a communal area complete with a porch, kitchen, and living room, shared with fellow volunteers.

For breakfast, you'll have the flexibility to either prepare your own meal using ingredients from the fully equipped kitchen or opt for a quick stop at the local bakery for a pastry before your duties. Lunch and dinner are conveniently provided at various participating eateries in town, offering a diverse array of cuisines ranging from traditional Ecuadorian fare to BBQ, falafel, or organic options. Your lunches and dinners included in your participation fees, thereby supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement throughout your stay.

Leisure time during the project

During your leisure days, the islands offer an array of exciting activities to explore. Many volunteers opt for surf lessons, while others embark on kayaking adventures around the bay or visit Las Tintoreras for exceptional snorkeling amidst nesting iguanas. For a scenic experience, renting a bike allows you to cruise along the coastline, pausing at picturesque lagoons, beaches, and mangroves.

A highlight among volunteers is the day trip to Los Tuneles, where a boat ride leads to an exclusive snorkeling site showcasing the mesmerizing lava tunnels meeting the sea. Lucky visitors may even witness the captivating mating dance of the blue-footed booby. Alternatively, hiking the Sierra Nevada Volcano offers a full-day adventure through lava fields and verdant landscapes, culminating in breathtaking views from the crater's rim.

The region of Isabela Island

Isla Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, Isabela has pristine beaches, rugged volcanic terrain, and lush highlands teeming with unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.

Isabela Island boasts a rich array of endemic species and fragile habitats, providing a firsthand glimpse into the importance of conservation efforts. From the iconic giant tortoises to the marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies, the island is a haven for rare and unique wildlife species. Moreover, participating in conservation projects on the island allows enthusiasts to actively contribute to preserving these delicate ecosystems, whether through habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, or invasive species management. By experiencing the wonders of Isla Isabela firsthand, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life forms and the vital importance of protecting our natural world for future generations.

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