Island hop, volunteer and travel, all in one experience!

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador - Participants on this program will work during their first week at the Santa Rosa Reserve in Sta. Cruz Island doing conservation work. During their second week, participants will be in San Cristobal Island working with community, conservation and social projects. The program ends on the fascinating island of Isabella, visiting the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, Las Tintorera Islet (white-tip sharks) and more!

The interior waters of the Galápagos Islands, plus those within 40 nautical miles measured from the baseline of the Archipelago, were declared the Galápagos Marine Reserve on 1994. This is the only protected coastal marine area in the east Pacific, and the second largest Marine Reserve in the World. The islands’ tumultuous volcanic history of scorched earth and fiery flows are evident the moment you arrive. The creatures of the Galápagos are survivors of a marvellous landscape, an otherworldly archipelago nine hundred miles out at sea. Due to their long history of isolation from humans, both land and sea animals remain virtually fearless and unaffected by visitors. As a visitor to the Galápagos, you will swim with sea lions pups, penguins, sea rays, turtles, tropical reef fish, blue-footed boobies and more!

Why This Volunteer Program Makes A Difference?

There are many environmental and social issues affecting these world-famous Islands. Traditional cruise companies and tours are growing in demand, affecting not only local ecosystems but also social interactions between the animals. The Galápagos are populated islands that must generate local income in order to keep its inhabitants away from depleting the natural resources. Cruise companies do not use local providers for their packages (not to mention the fuel consumption and pollution issues they create). Therefore the Galápagos’ residents do not receive the benefits from cruise-based tourism. On the contrary, All Access Volunteers & our partner organization’s travel volunteer program leave most of its proceeds with the local community, which helps the locals stay away from depleting the islands natural resources and instead take care of their natural environment!

The activities that participants will be performing are the following:

• Production of native and endemic species
• Reforestation
• Removal of foreign plant species
• Organic farming
• Production of compost and organic fertilizers
• Care of domestic animals
• Monitoring of Giant Tortoises depends the season of the year ( 3 months per year and depending on the foundation planning).There is no guarantee that volunteers will work in this subproject.

Secure Your Placement Today!

3 weeks from $2285USD

(Return flight to Galápagos Included)

Program Details

• Program Duration: 3 weeks. Extensions available on each island. 2 week programs available upon request
• Program Dates: Open all year round. Starts every Monday
• Project Costs: $2285 USD (Return flight to Galápagos Included)
• Project Location: Galapagos Islands (Santa Cruz/San Cristobal/Isabella)
• Arrival Airport: Volunteers arrive in Quito (UIO) on Sundays and then depart Tuesdays for Baltra Airport on Santa Cruz Island
• Activities: Conservation work erradicating invasive flora species, combined with travel with local guides in the 3 Islands
• Working Hours: From 8am to 5 pm on the days scheduled for working
• Getting to the project: We provide all the logistics to fly into the Galápagos and get to the projects.
• Ideal For: Individuals, Couples, Groups, Families
• Requirements: Minimum Age 18, No Maximum

What’s Included

• Accommodation: Local Hostels and Projects accommodations; shared rooms.
• Meals: 2 meals a day are provided.
• Airport Pickup: Upon arrival in Quito and in the Galápagos.
• Training: Pre-departure “Introductory Package” will be mailed and in-country orientation with our Volunteer Coordinator.
• Support: Pre-departure briefing & help-desk, local in-country Volunteer Coordinator and 24 hour emergency support.
• Insurance: All AAV volunteers will receive “Basic” Travel & Medical insurance included in their package.
• Bonus: “Welcome Package” with and AAV t-shirt, local tips and coupons to help you get settled quickly and enhance the duration of your stay!

What’s Not Included

• Airfare: However, we would be happy to help you find and schedule your flight to Quito.
• Project Transportation: On the way back from the projects to Quito
• *National Park Entrance Fee: $115 USD .

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & EXTRAS

For an extra charge, make the most of your free time and explore the different activities that the islands have to offer:

* Island Hop! Start at Española Island and enjoy natural wonder after natural wonder, from the immense blowhole, to the thousands of nesting blue-footed boobies, to the world’s largest waved albatross colony. Continue to Floreana Island and see flamingos! Enjoy Black Tortuga Bay on Sta. Cruz and witness a mangrove maze chock full of sharks, rays and sea turtles.

* If you are a diving fan, the Galápagos is a unique, world-class diving location. This underwater world is still private, pristine, and relatively unexplored. It is not the coral reefs that are the main attraction, but rather the unique mixture of marine animals and their fearlessness of intruders into their watery world. You will be diving next to sea turtles, manta rays, penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and numerous species of shark, including hammerheads and whale sharks. There are also hundreds of species of tropical reef fish, many of which are particular to this fantastic underwater sanctuary.

* Visit the Charles Darwin Foundation in Sta. Cruz. This is an international non-profit research organization dedicated to providing scientific research, technical assistance and information to ensure conservation success in Galápagos.

* Ask about adding Spanish Language Classes to your trip!

*Galápagos National Park Fee Is As Follows: Foreign Tourists non-residents of Ecuador – $115

The park permit is submitted to National Park Officials at the point of entry (normally at the Baltra or San Cristobal airport), where it is processed and recorded. It is imperative to retain the permit and have it available at the time of entrance. Persons not having a permit for any reason, including misplaced permits, will be required to purchase a new permit to enter the national park.