Tortoise Project on the Galapagos Islands

About the Project

The center for the famous endangered tortoises of the Galapagos is quite a unique experience. It is only here that you will be able to take such a hands-on approach when working with these tortoises. Located on Isabela, the most diverse of all the Galapagos Islands, you are constantly immersed in the natural beauty of your surroundings.  From its many active volcanoes to its beautiful beaches, there is always something to enjoy.  Focused on preserving this particular species of tortoise, the breeding center is dedicated to monitoring their health, aiding in new births, providing a healthy living environment, and securing their release back in to the wild.  

Volunteer Responsibilities

Depending upon what needs to be done at the time of the volunteer’s program, he or she will be helping to feed and measure the tortoises, collect eggs in the park and look after them until hatching time, assist in tracking tortoises behavior and life cycles, clean and build their corrals, work in the tree nursery and on reforestation projects, and mark eggs for identification. There may be other duties depending upon the season. Volunteers will mostly work in the morning to mid-afternoon leaving some extra time to explore the island and spend time with your host family.

Location

The center is located on the Island of Isabela in the Galapagos, about 200 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. All volunteers will be met at the airport in Quito, given an orientation and overnight stay, and then taken to the airport the following day to travel on a domestic flight to The Galapagos Islands. You will then take a ferry boat to Isabela Island.

Accommodations and Meals

Accommodation during the project is with a carefully screened host family located on Isabela. All meals with your host family are included during your stay.

Requirements

Volunteers must enjoy working outdoors and must be interested in working with the animals. Experience and/or education in biology, ecology or environmental studies is helpful but not required. Basic Spanish is helpful. Spanish lessons are available prior to the volunteer project in Quito for an additional fee.

Need more information?
Request a Brochure

Send us a message

Feel free to contact us by phone toll free (in the U.S. only), 1-888-ABROAD-1 (888-227-6231).

Travel Guide

Other programs in Ecuador

Volunteer Application (pdf)