Volunteers who want to learn more about the Galapagos Giant Tortoise through conservation activities and educating visitors. Being able to speak Spanish at a conversational level is useful for this project.

Project details

Want to volunteer with giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands? International Volunteer HQ’s Giant Tortoise Conservation project is a unique opportunity to volunteer with the largest living species of tortoise, which is sadly endangered. You’ll get to learn more about these spectacular creatures, while helping care for them at a breeding center that aims to protect and preserve giant tortoise populations in the Galapagos. You’ll also help raise awareness of environmental issues and conservation activities by interacting with visitors, local guides, and park rangers.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

The Galapagos Giant Tortoise is the largest living species of tortoise and is an endangered species. As a volunteer on this project you will be supporting the staff and park rangers of the Galapagos National Park in the management, coordination, and maintenance of the Galapagos Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.

This project is well suited to those who want to learn more about these amazing animals and help in the efforts of preserving their numbers. As part of the center’s staff team, volunteer’s responsibilities will include feeding and caring for the giant tortoises, as well as maintaining and conditioning the center and the facilities that the tortoises inhabit. In addition to tasks directly related to giant tortoises, volunteers will support the rest of the staff in other tasks that are considered priority in the center.

An important part of the volunteer work will be the interaction and coordination of visitors to the center, to ensure that the tortoises remain safe, as well as education and awareness about the work at and objectives of the center, the Galapagos National Park and the environmental problems and conservation facing this tortoise species.

Your specific tasks will depend on the time of the year you volunteer as well as the needs of the project. This project has a minimum duration requirement of 2 weeks.

Volunteer work duties may vary but generally include:

Care and feeding of the giant tortoises of the Breeding Center
Support in cleaning the center
Education and interaction with tourists / students
Practice of conversational English with the guides of the reserve

Please note, a high level of physical fitness is strongly encouraged for this project. Along with the placement work being physically demanding, volunteers also walk 1 hour to and from placement each day.

Additionally, it’s important to note that the breeding center staff do not speak English. A conversational level of Spanish is encouraged to make your experience easier, though this is not a mandatory requirement to join this project.

One final point to note is that this placement is located outdoors. There are sometimes wasps in the vicinity of the breeding center and the tortoise enclosures, and while it’s not common for volunteers to get stung, we recommend you be mindful of this if you have a strong allergy to wasp stings.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Human activity has altered almost 75% of the earth’s surface and around 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. Nature is critical to our survival. We must promote kindness to animals and use regenerative techniques to combat deforestation, conserve biodiversity and protect wildlife.

Why do Giant Tortoise Conservation volunteering in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ?

As a Tortoise Conservation volunteer in Galapagos, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Helping protect the endangered Galapagos Giant Tortoise
Educating visitors on the environmental problems facing this species
Practicing your Spanish and communication skills
Gaining wildlife conservation experience
Immersing yourself fully in the local culture
Discovering the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate on this project independently. If you are under the age of 18 IVHQ offers alternative volunteer projects in Galapagos as well as other opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.

All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a recent criminal background check to IVHQ.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Not sure which program to join?

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Galapagos Islands photo gallery

IVHQ volunteers at the Ecological Conservation and Restoration project in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Ecological Conservation and Restoration project

Volunteering on the Giant Tortoise Conservation project in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ

IVHQ Giant Tortoise Conservation project

An IVHQ volunteer teaching English in classroom at the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Teaching English project

IVHQ sustainable agriculture volunteer working in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Sustainable Agriculture project

IVHQ Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring volunteer project in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring project

Students in the English teaching project at the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Teaching English project

IVHQ volunteers in the Galapagos Islands digital marketing social media volunteer project

IVHQ Digital Marketing volunteer project

IVHQ Teaching English project

A group of volunteer working together happily on the Giant Tortoise Conservation project in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ

IVHQ Giant Tortoise Conservation project

Volunteer in the Galapagos Islands at the Ecological Conservation and Restoration project with IVHQ

IVHQ Ecological Conservation and Restoration project

Volunteers in the English teaching project at the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Teaching English project

View of the school to complete IVHQ teaching english volunteer project at the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Teaching English project

Volunteers working in the sustainablt agriculture farm in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ

IVHQ Sustainable Agriculture project

IVHQ Volunteers in the English teaching project at the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Teaching English project

Volunteers at the Ecological Conservation and Restoration project in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ

IVHQ Ecological Conservation and Restoration project

IVHQ volunteer work results at the sustainable agriculture farm picking coffee beans in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Sustainable Agriculture project

IVHQ Teaching English project

Digital marketing social media volunteer in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ

IVHQ Digital Marketing volunteer project

IVHQ volunteer grinding coffee beans from the Galapagos Islands sustainable agriculture farm

IVHQ Sustainable Agriculture project

An IVHQ Volunteers in the English teaching project at the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Teaching English project

IVHQ Volunteers feeding giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Giant Tortoise Conservation project

Playground in school at the IVHQ Galapagos Islands teaching english project

IVHQ Teaching English project

Giant tortoise conservation volunteer project in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ

IVHQ Giant Tortoise Conservation project

Sustainable agriculture and garden IVHQ volunteer project in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Sustainable Agriculture project

IVHQ Volunteer with students in the English teaching project at the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Teaching English project

IVHQ Ecological Conservation and Restoration volunteer project in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Ecological Conservation and Restoration project

IVHQers volunteering in the Galapagos Islands giant tortouse conservation

IVHQ Giant Tortoise Conservation project

Volunteer abroad teaching english in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ

IVHQ Teaching English project

Daily life of a giant tortoise receiving help from IVHQ volunteers in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Giant Tortoise Conservation project

IVHQer in the Galapagos Islands teaching english in classroom

IVHQ Teaching English project

IVHQers in the garden volunteering sustainable agriculture project in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Sustainable Agriculture project

Group of giant tortoise resting at the volunteer site in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ

IVHQ Giant Tortoise Conservation project

Students learning with the IVHQ teaching English volunteer teacher in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Teaching English project

IVHQ Volunteers monitoring sea turtle nest in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring project

IVHQ Galapagos Islands teaching english volunteer project plants at outside of the school

IVHQ Teaching English project

IVHQ volunteer monitoring sea turtle nest in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring project

Giant tortoise conservation IVHQ volunteer project in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Giant Tortoise Conservation project

IVHQ teaching english volunteer project in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Teaching English project

IVHQ sustainable agriculture and garden project in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Sustainable Agriculture project

Volunteer in the Galapagos Islands teaching english with IVHQ

IVHQ Teaching English project

Group of giant tortoise being looked after by the IVHQ volunteers in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ Giant Tortoise Conservation project

Weekend exploring Galapagos Islands with IVHQ

Exploring during an IVHQ weekend

IVHQ volunteers explore Galapagos Islands during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring during an IVHQ weekend

IVHQ volunteers weekend in the Galapagos Islands

Exploring during an IVHQ weekend

IVHQ volunteers weekend activity in the Galapagos Islands

Exploring during an IVHQ weekend

Weekend activities in the Galapagos Islands as an IVHQ volunteer

Exploring during an IVHQ weekend

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

David Gurr

14 Oct 2024

This was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. To be so close to some of the world's most amazing creatures, and in particular getting behind the scenes access to help the incredible Giant Tortoises was something I'll never forget. My overall experience was unbelievable and only enhanced by the people I met and interacted with during my time on Isabela.

My host family was amazing! Despite the obvious language barrier, they were very patient with me as I tried to fast track my Spanish language. They couldn't do enough for me and I felt like one of the family. The local staff were always there to help and very approachable. The other volunteers (both at the Breeding Centre and on other programs) were fantastic and we created a strong bond despite various ages and backgrounds.

It has to come back to the people and community of Isabela, from the rangers to the locals and the family that I met during my time on the program. This was the most enriching part of the program and has given me so many positives to take back to my everyday life in the UK. THANK YOU!

...

Michelle Barnes

12 Jun 2024

I went on several trips to places around the world this year, but nothing touched my heart and soul as much as volunteering in Galapagos Islands did. I have spent this year travelling because I am getting older (I am 54 years old) and I am seeing more friends and family suffering from health conditions that prevent them from doing the things that they said they would get to some day.

It is more than just a vacation where you do something different. It is living in and being part of a community. It is making a positive impact while experiencing personal growth.

I am so proud of all the younger volunteers and interns who are doing this now rather than waiting. I wish that I had done something like this sooner.

...

Jenny Holm

22 Apr 2024

This was my first time traveling solo internationally. I felt safe the entire time supported by the confidence in having specific people I could call or reach out to at any time, though I never needed to. I was extremely nervous about taking this plunge and am so incredibly happy I did. The local people and fellow volunteers are now some of my closest friends. If you are hesitant, DON'T BE! We never regret the things we try; only the ones we don't. It was an absolutely amazing experience and I am grateful I actually did it - instead of continuing to say "one day".

...

Alexandra Todd

02 Apr 2024

I had the most memorable time. The best way to get to know the Galapagos is through volunteering - I feel that volunteers really make a difference on this program.

...

Carol Pochardt

02 Apr 2024

I was nervous about going to a new isolated place, with limited language skills. The IVHQ and local team made it easy, and I made so many new friends while making a positive impact on an endangered species.

...

Aundy Morton

25 Mar 2024

My hosts were exceptional, and the location to my worksite was close. Meals were tasteful with lots of variety. The fresh fruit was delicious!

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Volunteer Abroad in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ

Location

The IVHQ Galapagos volunteer program is based in Puerto Villamil, a small port village located on the southeastern edge of Isabela Island in the Galapagos Islands. This is where orientation and general administration is carried out by our local team. Volunteer placements are located within walking distance around Puerto Villamil with the exception of the Sustainable Agriculture project, which is a 30 minute bus ride outside the village to the highlands.

Arrival and orientation

The Galapagos volunteer program begins every Monday and you need to arrive on Isabela Island on your Monday chosen start date.

After you have registered for the program, please book your travel into Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island. From here you can either catch a ferry boat to Isabela Island (this ferry trip is included in your program fee) or take an island hopper plane from Baltra Island to Isabela Island with EMETEBE airlines (this flight is not included in your program fee).

Most volunteers arrive in mainland Ecuador on Sunday and spend this night in either Quito or Guayaquil. On Monday they then travel from mainland to Baltra Island, and then onward to Isabela Island. When you arrive on Isabela Island you will need to walk a few minutes up from the pier to the ABG (Biosecurity Agency) office where you will be met by a member of the local team who will transfer you to your accommodation (also included in your program fee) and then have a small town tour. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and begins from your Monday arrival through the morning of your last Sunday.

On Tuesday, orientation is hosted by our local team in Galapagos and runs for half a day, after which you will be taken to your placement. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Galapagos – Introduction to Galapagos, Galapagos Customs, Rules and Expectations, Safety, Travel Opportunities in Galapagos, Introduction to your Project and Placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

Volunteer schedule example

Weekdays

A volunteer day is subject to change depending on your specific placement and the current needs of your project. A typical daily schedule might be as follows:

7:00 AM	Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation and walk to project (except for Sustainable Agriculture volunteers).
8:00 AM	Volunteers join local placement staff and begin work on your project.
12:00 PM	Finish up at the placement and head home to clean up and relax.
1:00 PM	Lunch at one of the participating restaurants in town.
2.00 PM	Volunteers have the afternoon free to explore the island, do some local snorkeling or take a surf lesson. Alternatively, if previously discussed with local placement staff, return to the placement to volunteer an afternoon shift.
7:30 - 9:00 PM	Dinner with your homestay family or at one of the restaurants in town. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.

Weekends

During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Isabela Island and other Galapagos islands such as the nearby Santa Cruz.

There is a dive site with great diving from Isabela, hike active Volcano Sierra Negra, snorkel site Tuneles and see the lava tunnels, visit islet Tintoreras, snorkel local dive spot Concha de Perla with turtles, seals, rays, etc., kayak the bay, rent a bike and visit the ‘Wall of Tears’ along the stunning coastal route passing lagoons, mangroves, and giant tortoises in the wild.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers are accommodated in a homestay with a local family, which is an incredible and unique cultural immersion experience. Volunteers can expect to share a twin room with one other volunteer or have their own private room if there is capacity; each bedroom has its own bathroom.

Isabela Island is very remote and it is important that volunteers are aware that internet reception is very spotty. There is WiFi in the office and in a few restaurants/cafes in town. Visitors cannot purchase a SIM card in Galapagos, only residents. Volunteers can purchase a SIM card on the mainland before traveling to the island, or use an international phone plan that covers them abroad. The Internet is too poor to expect to watch Netflix or have video calls while on the island.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Breakfast and dinner are provided at the homestay and volunteers can expect fresh fruit, fried eggs, bread and cooked green plantains. Lunch is provided at local associated restaurants and volunteers will have a variety of menu items to choose from. Lunch and dinner meals will include protein (meat, fish), rice and some veggies (varied depending on the season) and meals often start with a soup and include a natural drink.

There is filtered water available in the local teams office and in homestays, and volunteers are requested to bring a reusable water bottle with them.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know so we can make arrangements for you. However, we need to stress the point that you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.

Volunteer accomodation

IVHQ accomodation for the volunteers in the Galapagos Islands

Volunteer accomodation

IVHQ volunteers homestay bedroom

Bedroom environment at the homestay for IVHQ volunteers in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ volunteers homestay bedroom

IVHQ volunteers homestay rooms in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ volunteers homestay bedroom

IVHQ volunteer homestay bedroom in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ volunteers homestay bedroom

IVHQ Galapagos Islands homestay volunteer bedroom

IVHQ volunteers homestay bedroom

Bathroom environment at the homestay for IVHQ volunteers in the Galapagos Islands

IVHQ volunteers homestay bathroom

IVHQ homestay environment in the Galapagos Islands

Typical volunteer lounge

IVHQ volunteer kitchen in the Galapagos Islands

Typical volunteer kitchen

IVHQ volunteers bathroom in the Galapagos Islands

Typical volunteer bathroom

IVHQ volunteer having dinner with homestay in the Galapagos Islands

Volunteer dinner with homestay

IVHQ volunteer lunch in the galapagos islands

Typical volunteer lunch

IVHQ volunteer dinner in the galapagos islands

Typical volunteer dinner

Dinner provided at the homestay for IVHQ volunteers in the Galapagos Islands

Typical volunteer dinner

Typical volunteer dinner

Example of IVHQ Galapagos Islands volunteer dinner provided at the homestay

Typical volunteer dinner

IVHQ Galapagos Islands volunteer dinner provided at the homestay

Typical volunteer dinner

Example of dinner provided at the homestay for IVHQ volunteers in the Galapagos Islands

Typical volunteer dinner

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

Duration	Program Fee Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you. USD United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
2 weeks	$1,430 Equivalent to $102/day
3 weeks	$1,950 Equivalent to $93/day
4 weeks	$2,470 Equivalent to $88/day
5 weeks	$2,990 Equivalent to $85/day
6 weeks	$3,510 Equivalent to $84/day
8 weeks	$4,550 Equivalent to $81/day
10 weeks	$5,590 Equivalent to $80/day
12 weeks	$6,630 Equivalent to $79/day

All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$437) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Program Fees for the Galapagos Islands program are non-refundable once inside 30 days of the program start date. Any changes or cancellations within 30 days of the program start date are subject to a US$500 late change/cancellation fee.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Transient visa (for all volunteers aged 18+ - this visa is specific to Galapagos National Park only)
Local pickup
Return ferry from Santa Cruz to Isabela island
Accommodation
24/7 in-country support
In-country program orientation
Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

Transit Control Card
Water taxis
Bus transfer from airport to ferry dock
Return bus from ferry to the airport when your program finishes
National Park Entry Fee (only required for volunteers under the age of 18)
Flights
Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Check what's required to visit the Galapagos Islands

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.

Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital	Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal
Population	2,500 on Isabela Island and 33,042 across the Galapagos Islands
Languages	Spanish
Currency	US Dollar (USD)
Time zone	UTC-06:00

Weather and climate: Galapagos can be divided into three Climatic regions. The Pannonian Plains in the north have a continental climate of cold winters and hot summers, the mountainous Dinara Region in Central Galapagos has an alpine climate and the Adriatic coast, where our volunteer program is based, enjoys a Mediterranean climate of cool, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.

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