Overview
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most unique places on earth. These 19 islands have been called a “living museum and showcase of evolution”. While the archipelago has been the center of attention from conservationists around the world, it is under constant attack from environmental threats.
Join GLA off the coast of Ecuador in the Galapagos Islands where you will experience one of the most pristine natural environments where conservationists are working to protect this unique ecosystem. You will volunteer at a breeding center for tortoises during the first week, and also have the opportunity to hike and snorkel and explore the surrounding islands, volcanoes and reefs.
Programs are limited to only 13 students, so Apply Nowto reserve your spot.
Community Service
During the first week of the program, you will volunteer at a tortoise breeding center just outside the town of Puerto Ayora. In the spirit of service, we will do whatever needs to be done at the center. Duties may vary depending on their exact needs, but you may help feed the tortoises and clean their living area, or help collect eggs, tag the tortoises for tracking, or go to the high areas to check on how the wild tortoises are doing. You may also work in a tree nursery or help to release tortoises back to nature.
During the second week of the program, there is no volunteering, it is reserved for further exploring the other islands in Galapagos National Park.
Learning
The Galapagos Islands were where Charles Darwin first formulated his theory of evolution through natural selection by observing how species adapted differently as a way to optimize their chances of survival in different environments. You will visit many of the same islands that Darwin visited and see the different unique and beautiful species of animals on each island and underwater.
In addition, we will meet a local biologist who will talk about the current state of conservation in the Galapagos, and threats such as global warming, tourism, non-native animal species. We will also visit the Charles Darwin Foundation to learn more about the flora and fauna found on the archipelago.
Excursions
The afternoons are spent exploring the biodiversity of the region by snorkeling, kayaking and hiking and observing the unique and different species that exist on each island. We will climb the Sierra Negra volcano, hike along hardened lava fields, and kayak along the coast of Isabela island.
You will have the chance to swim with sea lions, float face-to-face with penguins or gaze in wonder at the humorous a blue-footed booby – all within one of the most beautiful and haunting landscapes in the world.
Lodging
We will stay on Isabela Island for 6 nights and Santa Cruz Island for 4 nights. On each island we will break up into two groups and live with local host families who will share home, culture and personal experiences of living on the islands with you. When we are in Quito, at the begining and end of the trip, we will stay at a simple hostel.
