Conservation in the Galapagos Islands for teenagers

Destination

Ecuador

Age

15-18 y/o

Minimum Stay

2 weeks

Start Date

During school holidays

Accommodation

Lodge

Service Hours

What’s included

Certification

Certified record of service hours, workshops, and activities for your CV.

Activities, Training & Equipment

All programme activities and equipment, including training and workshops from experienced professionals.

Pre-departure Support

Everything you need to prepare for your trip, including visa advice, cultural awareness training, access to your dedicated pre-departure portal, and more.

Excursions, Socials & Fun

Excursions to famous sights and cultural exploration throughout the programme.

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Starting at €2,530 EUR for 2 weeks

Flexible 0% Interest payments
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Trip Overview

Join the Galapagos' living legacy

Work hand-in-hand with experts to protect its unique wildlife. Feel the thrill of contributing to a living, breathing natural wonder.

Play witness to time and tide

Care for the marine environment and connect directly with Giant tortoises, which can live for over 100 years.

Protect paradise

Get your hands dirty, restoring the Galapagos’ pristine beauty. Plant native species, remove invasive threats, and leave your mark on a landscape

Join a dedicated conservation crew

Go beyond tourism and immerse yourself in the local culture alongside other teens who share your passion for travel and nature.

Unlock your inner adventurer

Step outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and discover hidden strengths as you build a global network of new friends.

View Itinerary

What you need to know

Overview

Do you want to spend your summer living on a unique island, helping people and the environment? Then you’ll love our Conservation Teen Programme in the Galapagos. It’s for any teenager looking to do something different and be outdoors.

This project is designed specifically for teenagers. We have a set itinerary in place and our staff are there every step of the way for guidance and support.

You don’t need any experience. A willingness to help, learn, and explore is all we ask of you. This programme is a great way to get practical experience and learn new skills like teamwork and planning. Use it to give your application or CV an edge for university or a job.

Activities

You’ll spend two weeks working alongside National Park rangers and community leaders, learning how to do a variety of hands-on conservation activities.

You will:

work with conservationists at the Galapagos National Park
expand your own horizons by being immersed in a unique island culture
explore multiple island ecosystems
snorkel with marine life
teach local children about the importance of the environment

Work with conservationists

The Galapagos is home to a unique population of bird and animal life. It’s also considered a research hotspot for scientists from around the world. During your time there, you’ll work with conservationists on various research projects in the Galapagos National Park.

The park is understaffed because of a lack of funding. Because of this, it’s difficult for staff to do a lot of the research needed by themselves. As an extra pair of helping hands, you’ll help collect data during surveys. This is important work, as the results are used to advise the Ministry of Environment for policy-making.

This involves feeding and caring for giant tortoises at a breeding centre. You’ll collect data, clear paths, and fix enclosures at the centre. Take this chance to monitor and support these amazing animals until they can be released into the wild.

You’ll also get involved in the removal of alien plants. These plants are a threat to local species that are only found in the Galapagos. You’ll help plant endemic plants to restore the local ecosystem.

By leading workshops in the local community, you also raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Galapagos’ unique ecosystem.

Expand your horizons

As a volunteer, you’ll spend your days immersed in the laid-back island culture of the Galapagos while leaving a positive impact. Since you will be living with a host family, you’ll interact with local people on a daily basis, discovering a different way of life.

This is also an excellent way to improve your Spanish or learn a new language.

As part of the itinerary, we’ll take you on a weekend trip to one of San Cristobal’s neighbouring islands. This will show you more of the Galapagos Islands, offering a deeper understanding of local life.

Aims & Impact

The aim of this project for high school students is to assist staff with local conservation work.

Due to insufficient funding from the government, the Galapagos National Park is understaffed. This makes it difficult for staff and conservationists to do everything that’s needed. It also means that research projects get delayed.

You’ll play an important role in doing wildlife surveys, collecting valuable scientific data, and doing reforestation work in the park. You’ll even get to help remove invasive plant species and feed the famous Galapagos Giant Tortoise.

Lastly, this project is also all about giving you the opportunity to travel safely to a unique destination and make new friends from other parts of the globe. Of course, it’s also an excellent way of being part of something positive for the local community and environment!

Map & Location

The Galapagos Islands are a “living laboratory” and world-famous biodiversity hotspot. Located 1,000 km west of mainland Ecuador, their isolation has resulted in unique species found nowhere else on earth. A real “Bucket List” destination.

With no natural predators, the animals show almost no fear of humans. Get ready for up-close encounters with incredible creatures like Galapagos Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, and Blue-footed Boobies.

San Cristobal

San Cristobal is the fifth largest and farthest east of the Galapagos Islands. Although not the biggest in terms of population, it is home to the capital of the Galapagos Province and oldest settlement on the islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

With a population of around 7,000 people, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a sleepy, tropical settlement with all of the essentials. You’re just as likely to find friendly sea lions lounging around town as you are the welcoming locals!

Food & Accommodation

Despite living in the heart of the restricted Galapagos National Park, you will have everything you need to enjoy an incredible island expedition. With us, you’ll get a clean bed, fresh drinking water, three home-cooked meals a day, and even high-speed Wi-Fi!

You’ll stay in a comfortable, safe, and secure house with other Projects Abroad participants, where we will try to put you in a room with someone of the same gender and age. There is a large common area with dining space and a pool table, and a large outdoor space with hammocks and sports in the sun.

There is a couple who live on the conservation camp and will cook your meals while you are there. Get stuck in, learn some Spanish, and make friends with like-minded travellers from around the world.

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Ecuador Arrival Procedures page.