Volunteer in Galápagos

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Volunteer in Galápagos

Though Ecuador is the smallest of the Andes countries, it is no less exciting than its neighbours. Here, you can visit South America's most famous marketplace in Otavalo, see penguins on the Galápagos Islands, and learn how to fish piranhas in the jungle! A country of contrasts, Ecuador boasts coastal banana plantations and snow-covered volcanoes, yet most destinations are within a day’s journey from the capital city of Quito.

Volunteer in Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands, that famous archipelago whose diverse finch species inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, is truly a unique phenomenon. Nowhere else on earth will you find the tropical penguins or marine iguanas which inhabit this small chain of islands, and a myriad of other bizarre forms of wildlife – from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies - call Galápagos home. Since there’s so much wildlife here to protect, tourism is strictly regulated. About 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, nature conservation is the main priority on the Galápagos Islands.

As a volunteer in Galápagos, you need to approach the islands with a responsible and respectful attitude. Our programme gives you the extraordinary chance to experience this spectacular island world through conservation, social, and educational volunteer work.

Volunteer in Galápagos: Spanish course & accommodation

After your 4-week language course and stay in Quito, you will fly to the Galápagos Islands, where you will volunteer for three weeks. You are free to extend your stay for an additional payment for accommodation and meals. In this case, you will also need to extend your visa, which is possible on location with the assistance of our partner organisation.

Before you depart for Ecuador, you will receive detailed information about the project to which you will be assigned. Regardless of the type of work you are doing, it will undoubtedly be a valuable and unforgettable experience for you to live and work with the local people.

Volunteer Work - Education

You will have the chance to teach English to children aged 4-12 years, teenagers, and adults in an educational establishment on the island of San Cristóbal. Learning a new language helps the local people, especially as they come into contact with tourists. Each year about 90,000 people visit the Galápagos Islands, providing residents with an alternative source of income. 

Alternatively, you could work in a primary school on the island of Santa Cruz. Physically and mentally disabled children learn alongside children without disabilities at this school for 6 to 12-year-olds. Aside from English, you can also teach other subjects including computer usage, art, music, or sport.

You will live with a carefully-selected host family and you will be responsible to purchase and prepare your own meals.

Volunteer Work – Environmental Protection

In a nature reserve on the island of San Cristóbal you will help to reconstruct natural habitats in the highland forests. Through the effects of deforestation, agriculture, and new plants from the mainland, the forest area has been significantly reduced. Now that officials have recognised the seriousness of the situation, they have started special protection projects.

You will be living in a typical hacienda directly on the premises of the project, sharing a room with other international volunteers. You will either take care of your own meals or cook together with other volunteers.

Volunteer in Galápagos: Overview

• Activities: Nature conservation, teaching English, IT, arts, music or sports.
• Time off: Normally at the weekend.
• Duration: 7 weeks
• Application: At least 2-3 months before departure. We are happy to receive applications much earlier than this.
• Starting Dates: Every Saturday, except on public holidays. It is not possible to start your programme from December through February.
• Practical experience: Not mandatory, but this would certainly make your stay easier, especially if you work on a social project as a volunteer in Galápagos.
• Other: Since you are going to enter a completely unfamiliar cultural region, a great deal of independence, flexibility, initiative, and adaptability are vital. You should also be aware that some of the ecological projects lie in very isolated locations.