Galapagos Learning Service

As you step off the plane at San Cristobal Airport, you’ll be met by Projects Abroad staff, who will help you settle into your new surroundings before starting your project. Embark on an orientation tour of the charming town of San Cristobal, familiarising yourself with the surroundings and key landmarks. Say hello to the sea lions sunbathing around town.

Learn about the ongoing conservation work in the Galapagos with a Conservation Workshop. This will provide context into local efforts to preserve the surrounding ecosystem. Contribute to these efforts as you care for the tortoises at the San Cristobal Tortoise Breeding Center, conduct sea lion surveys, and clean up the beach at Opuntia Bay.

Raise awareness of local conservation issues through a workshop designed by your group. Present your activities and motivational talks to young people at the nearby community centre. You’ll also spend an afternoon with young people planting Indigenous plants. By including them in the solution, you will empower them to create positive change.

Round off the week with a trip to Santa Cruz! Learn about the history and research techniques of conservationists on the islands further with a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Station, go underground to explore the Lava Tunnels, relax on the breathtaking Tortuga Bay, and spot black sea turtles and marine iguanas.

Continue your island exploration with a trip to the remarkable island of Isabela. Here, you’ll witness the raw power of volcanic landscapes, hike across lava fields, and encounter unique wildlife, including flamingos, blue-footed boobies, and penguins. You’ll also learn about the geological forces that shaped these islands and the delicate balance between wildlife and human habitats.

Returning to Santa Cruz Island, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Las Grietas, marvelling at the vibrant marine life. You’ll then continue your conservation work at the Tortoise Breeding Center and engage with the local community through games, activities, and cultural exchanges.

As your adventure draws to a close, you’ll reflect on your experiences and the importance of preserving the Galapagos ecosystem. You’ll share insights, celebrate friendships, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to sustainable practices.

• The Galapagos National Park covers 97% of the Galapagos.
• Straddling the equator, the Galapagos Islands are in both the northern and southern hemispheres, making the Galapagos Penguin the only penguin to live north of the equator.
• The Galapagos Islands consist of 18 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and 107 islets.
• Nearly 20% of marine life is endemic, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world.
• Created by volcanic activity, the Galapagos is currently home to 13 active volcanoes.
• Charles Darwin developed his Theory of Evolution while visiting the Galapagos.
• The Galapagos National Park has strict regulations to manage tourism and protect the fragile ecosystem. These include limiting the number of visitors to certain sites and requiring all visitors to be accompanied by a licensed guide.

We handle all the essentials, so you can focus on the experience.

Your trip includes the following as standard. Talk to us if you’re looking for anything customized, we can help.

• Accommodation
• Three meals per day
• Drinking water
• In-destination transportation, including airport transfers
• One free staff place for every nine students that travel
• Excursions, cultural activities, and social events
• Project materials
• 24/7 staff support for the duration of your trip
• A custom-made reflective journal (upon request)
• A fully customisable bespoke itinerary
• An in-person or online talk before you sign up
• A Q&A presentation for students, parents, and teachers
• A pre-departure presentation prior to travel
• A full risk assessment for every group trip
• Support from application to departure
• Fundraising advice
• Assistance with booking flights
• Comprehensive induction and orientation upon arrival
• Dedicated group pre-departure support

For more information, request your Teacher Handbook, our practical guide designed to support you plan, organize, and deliver a safe and successful school trip.

Projects Abroad is a Certified B Corporation, which means we have joined the global movement of businesses committed to using business as a force for good.

We also calculate emissions linked to our programmes before funding climate action projects that offset what is produced. We then go further, adding a 10% contingency to account for any variation, and planting a tree for each participant. This makes our operation climate positive — we offset more carbon than we create.

Read more about our commitment to Sustainability.