environment
Ecuador
intermediate English
From 2 to 12 weeks
Environmental mission to the Galapagos National Park

Environmental mission to the Galapagos National Park

The Galápagos Islands are every explorer’s dream, especially for their spectacular landscapes and unique wildlife. The Galápagos have become one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. Although they are one of the best-preserved places on Earth, tourism pressure is increasing, which explains the rapid development of ecotourism activities.

The aim of the program is to support the staff of the Galápagos National Park in maintaining the site through a variety of missions, while also allowing you to enjoy this extraordinary environment.

 

Maintenance of the Galápagos National Park

Help park rangers in the field maintain visitor sites, trails, and protected areas.

Some tasks will require the use of basic tools (shovels, hand tools, etc.).

 

Your missions are as follows:

  • Maintaining trails and protected areas (clearing brush, cutting weeds, creating new trails)
  • Removing invasive plants
  • Replacing information signs
  • Monitoring introduced species and endemic species in the field

 

Raising awareness about park protection

You will also contribute to activities aimed at promoting, sharing, and developing projects for the Galápagos National Park.

These missions depend on your interests. For example, you may:

  • Translate and design educational and/or promotional materials
  • Conduct satisfaction interviews with tourists
  • Raise visitors’ awareness of conservation and environmental protection issues

 

Conservation of the Galápagos giant tortoises

It is also possible to join a giant tortoise breeding center. You will then be required to:

  • Feed and care for endangered tortoises as well as their eggs.
  • Help with cleaning, feeding, marking, measuring, and weighing the tortoises.
  • Participate in animal care by assisting park rangers with the breeding program.
  • Work directly with the public to raise awareness about this important issue.
  • Clean beaches

 

This may also include turtle monitoring (depending on the season). Monitor the beach late at night and early in the morning to identify sea turtle nesting sites.

 

You will have a real impact on projects, communities, and ecosystems. Our programs are designed with our local partners, with clear short-, medium-, and long-term objectives.

We are also aware of our impact and our responsibility on a global level, and we contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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included

Accommodation in a single room
Meals
Ferry to Isabela Island and greeted at the port of Isabela by a member of the team
Transfer during stay if required for missions
On-site assistance by a local team
Equipment required for mission training
Orientation and training

not included

Flight tickets
Travel and repatriation insurance
Specific visa for the Galapagos
Excursions and activities during free time

MISSION BUDGET

This programme is available all year round, with arrival on Monday and departure on Saturday or Sunday.
Duration during the week
Budget total mission
2 weeks
1950 €
4 weeks
2950 €
6 weeks
3950 €
8 weeks
4950 €
10 weeks
5950 €
12 weeks
6950 €

ONCE THERE

Accommodation and transport

The local NGO offers two accommodation options, either in a volunteer house or with a host family, depending on availability.

In both cases, participants will have a private bedroom and private bathroom, with meals included.

 

Airport transfers are not included. Once the volunteer registers, they receive an email explaining the next steps, along with a link to create a profile on the NGO’s portal. This platform includes a packing list, general travel information for the Galápagos, and the travel PDF. The travel PDF explains in detail how to get from Baltra Airport to Isabela.

The NGO will send the ferry ticket directly by email for Monday afternoon from Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, to Isabela Island, as well as the Galápagos visa. Staff on site will welcome the volunteer at the Isabela dock and take them to their accommodation.

 

Requirements

  • Good physical condition (outdoor work, gardening, construction, etc.)
  • 18 years old
  • Travel and repatriation insurance
  • Interest in environmental conservation
  • An open and positive attitude
  • Some knowledge of Spanish (even beginner level) is a plus

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Prepare your departure

Travel, repatriation and civil liability insurance

For all international projects, Realstep requires participants to take out travel insurance covering accidents, illness, and repatriation, as well as civil liability for professional activities abroad.

For complete protection while studying or interning abroad, you can take out Cap Student insurance online by following this link Student insurance abroad | Chapka Assurances, which will give you a 5% discount.

If you take out another insurance policy, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.

Online language courses

Achieve the language level required for your international project with tailored support. The Clic-campus method Free Packers X Clic Campus foreign language training courses combines videoconference lessons and an innovative e-learning platform, offering complete flexibility from the comfort of your own home.

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