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.
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:
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:
It is also possible to join a giant tortoise breeding center. You will then be required to:
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.
This programme is available all year round, with arrival on Monday and departure on Saturday or Sunday.
Duration in weeks | Total mission budget |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 1950 € |
4 weeks | 2950 € |
6 weeks | 3950 € |
8 weeks | 4950 € |
10 weeks | 5950 € |
12 weeks | 6950 € |
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.
For any international project, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness and repatriation, including civil liability for professional activities abroad.
For full protection while studying or interning abroad, you can take out Cap Student insurance online via this link Student insurance abroad | Chapka Assurances, which gives you a 5% discount.
If you choose another insurance provider, we will ask you to send us a copy of your insurance certificate in English.
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