Ecuador

Volunteering in the Galapagos Islands

Live and work in the stunning Galapagos Islands while supporting local communities

Volunteer in the Galapagos Islands and experience daily life living and working in the incredible Galapagos Islands. The work you do here is designed to meet real needs in the local community. We offer several different kinds of projects, so you’re sure to find something that suits you.

You can do important conservation work in the Galapagos National Park. You’ll monitor animal populations, collect data, and remove invasive species. Or you can help to support the education and early childhood development of young children. You can even take the time to brush up on your Spanish, signing up for a language course while you’re here.

We are based in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on the island of San Cristobal, the easternmost island in the Galapagos. It’s a truly incredible place to wake up and work in each day. Local Projects Abroad staff are there 24/7 to support and help you.

There’s a lot to see and do during your time off, especially for those of you who enjoy the great outdoors. Take in the scenery on a hike, travel to the different islands, or go scuba diving. See how much of the local wildlife you can spot, the most famous being the giant tortoises!

Choose a project in the Galapagos

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Nico S

My time in the Galapagos was a 10/10 experience. I made friends I'll keep forever, improved my Spanish confidence, and made a difference helping the planet.

Kieran T

As we got to know the kids, it was easier to know which activities they would respond well to and which areas of English they needed to work on the most.

Cameron S

Doing your part with something like Projects Abroad is so important. Traveling is great, but the volunteering aspect of traveling, learning the language, the local culture… I think that’s much more valuable.

Melike O

I decided to do the Care and Conservation High School Special volunteer trip during my gap year, as it was somewhere I had always wanted to visit. Did it live up to what I had seen on David Attenborough’s Galapagos documentaries? Well, it was certainly above and beyond what I could have imagined!

Amelia B

I had the most amazing experience in Ecuador and I would recommend it to everyone. It was honestly a life-changing experience and for me, a perfect step towards independence before university.

David W

We spent a morning cutting back brambles and weeds with machetes in the 2 hectare otoy plantation managed by PA and on another day worked in the Galapaguera greenhouses tending young endemic plants, part of the initiative to re-establish native flora.

Sue H

I chose the Galapagos because I love wildlife, have always been intrigued by the islands and could combine teaching and conservation. It is also an extremely safe environment which I wanted for my first foray into volunteering. William Puga, Projects Abroad’s organiser in San Cristobal, does a great job and makes all volunteers extremely welcome.

Ronald S.

The first few weeks I was working on the island I taught taekwondo. I really enjoyed doing this because I've done a lot of martial arts myself in my life. I also really enjoyed having my own group to whom I could transfer my knowledge to.

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!

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.

Meet the team in the Galapagos

Mr William Puga Vasquez

Country Director

William was born in the Galapagos on the island of San Cristobal. He has worked with volunteers for more than 15 years and has worked for various organisations, such as the Galapagos National Park. Besides being the Director for Projects Abroad Ecuador, he is also the town’s councillor for San Cristobal Municipality and has spent many years improving the local education system through government and community programmes. William enjoys swimming and hiking in his spare time.

Mr Jose Luis Criollo

Conservation Deputy Coordinator

Jose joined Projects Abroad in January 2016. He studied tourism and hospitality and then worked in the tourism industry for several years. He has a passion for conservation and environmental care, and enjoys playing sport and spending time in the countryside during his spare time.

Still got questions? We’re happy to help!

Our trusted accreditations

British Youth Travel Award 2025, Best Experience of the Year (Silver) Award
Go Overseas Rating
SDG Contribution finalist
Go Abroad Winner
Learning outside the classroom badge
GoOverseas community choice award
Sustainable tour operator finalist
GoAbroad Rating
Volunteer Forever award