Galapagos Giant Tortoise protection for Schools
What’s included
Fundraising Advice
Travel and Medical Insurance
Flights – Upon Request
Reflective Journals – Upon Request
Trip Overview
Protect the Galapagos Giant Tortoise
Support conservation efforts with exclusive access to the National Park.
Survey various wildlife populations
Collect vital research data on sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds alongside park rangers.
Explore Santa Cruz Island
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, discover wild tortoises and natural lava tunnels at El Chato Reserve, and swim at the iconic Tortuga Bay.
Build independence and global perspective
Develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills as you immerse yourself in island life.
You will be based on San Cristobal Island, where you will contribute directly to the protection of the Galapagos Islands’ unique biodiversity while immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Conservation in action
You will play a direct role in preserving the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos by supporting essential habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring, including:
- Giant Tortoise work: At the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, assist with collecting and preparing the Otoy for feeding, enclosure cleaning, and general centre maintenance.
- Invasive species removal: Protect the island’s native flora by removing invasive plants and transplanting indigenous saplings at the nursery, creating a healthier environment for native species to thrive.
- Beach clean-ups: Remove rubbish from the shoreline to protect the local wildlife.
- Wildlife monitoring: Assist National Park rangers with vital population surveys for sea lions, sea birds, and marine iguanas, providing important data to support long-term conservation efforts.
Community engagementÂ
Beyond hands-on conservation, you will spend time planning and running interactive educational lessons for children at a local community centre. You’ll also learn how domestic animal management impacts island biodiversity by assisting at a local dog shelter, and work as a team to design and paint an environmental mural in town to leave a lasting educational message for the community.
Cultural discovery and exploration
When you’re not engaged in conservation or community projects, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the Galapagos’ stunning nature and unique traditions. From visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station and exploring underground lava tunnels on Santa Cruz Island to learning traditional dance, practising basic Spanish, and snorkelling at Loberia Beach, you will gain a deep appreciation for the islands’ heritage. By the end of the programme, you will leave with practical conservation experience, a broader understanding of global environmental challenges, and unforgettable memories of this iconic archipelago.
Why choose the Galapagos for your Community Development programme?
The Galapagos Islands are a living laboratory of evolution, offering a unique environment for conservation education. On these iconic islands, students work directly on projects that protect endangered species and restore fragile ecosystems, gaining practical skills in wildlife monitoring, habitat management, animal care, and invasive species control.
Beyond conservation work, the Galapagos Islands’ status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and their unique human-environment context provide an excellent opportunity to link environmental studies with History, Anthropology, and Global Citizenship. This combination of hands-on service, cultural exploration, and natural wonder enables students to build resilience, teamwork, and critical thinking while observing firsthand how conservation connects with wider social and cultural dynamics.
Start planning your trip today
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