The IVHQ programs in the Galapagos Islands are amazing! I volunteered on the Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring project for two weeks and then on the Giant Tortoise Conservation project for two weeks. Everyone in Puerto Villamil is friendly and welcoming - from the local staff to the host families to the local people. I always felt safe and supported. Getting the experience of living with a local host family and working alongside the local people on the projects is like none other. I highly recommend this program; don't hesitate to join - just go for it! This was my 5th time volunteering with IVHQ and I have yet to be disappointed!

Volunteer in the Galapagos Islands
Volunteer in the Galapagos Islands with International Volunteer HQ on a unique range of volunteer abroad projects. This program is an eco volunteers dream, with options to volunteer in Giant Tortoise Conservation, Environmental Conservation, Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring, Sustainable Agriculture, Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Conservation Marketing & Social Media, and Teaching English. Galapagos volunteers are based in Puerto Villamil, on the southeastern edge of Isabela Island. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 149,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in the Galapagos Islands.
Highlights:
- 6 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $1430 for 2 weeks
- Includes orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in a homestay with a local family
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Volunteer program is based in Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in the Galapagos Islands
Conserves the environment
4-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1430
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based on Isabela Island
- Volunteers aged 18+
This is a unique project that enables volunteers to gain digital marketing and social media experience within the conservation field. You'll help raise awareness of the sustainable development activities taking place in the Galapagos National Park, while contributing towards the protection of this incredible place.
Conserves the environment
5-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1430
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in the Highlands on Isabela Island
- Volunteers aged 18+
Join forces with National Park Rangers of the Galapagos Islands to preserve and revive the precious, one-of-a-kind plant species indigenous to Isabela Island.
Conserves the environment
4-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1430
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based on Isabela Island
- Volunteers aged 18+
Help to conserve one of the world's most biodiverse National Parks! Help protect the Galapagos Island's unique and fragile ecosystems through a variety of conservation, sustainable tourism, and community development initiatives.
Protects animals
4-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1430
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based on Isabela Island
- Volunteers aged 18+
Help conserve the famous and sadly endangered Galapagos Giant Tortoise. You'll care for these magnificent creatures at a breeding center in the Galapagos National Park and raise awareness of important conservation activities that helps protect these tortoises in the Galapagos.
Protects animals
4 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1430
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based on Isabela Island
- Solo volunteers aged 18+ and families aged 12+
Help conserve endangered sea turtles in the Galapagos National Park. Support nesting and hatching activities by collecting data, patrolling beaches, monitoring nests, identifying species, and more! This project is only available from January to the end of May.
Conserves the environment
4-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1430
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in the Tomás de Berlanga highlands
- Solo volunteers aged 18+ and families aged 12+
Learn local agriculture techniques and work towards a more sustainable future for the Galapagos Islands and its inhabitants. You'll be based in the lush tropical highlands of Isabela Island.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
This was my second trip. IVHQ is great. It gives me confidence to know there is a second tier of help if something goes wrong during the visit.
I do actually feel like I was helpful as a volunteer. Understanding the dynamic on the project, a nonprofit doing critical work without enough funding, made it feel even more useful. The fact a species is being saved from extinction by a couple employees and volunteers is truly remarkable
IVHQ and the local team answered all my questions without a problem. They were very clear about goals and expectations, and were helpful with instructions and guidance. I can't wait to plan my next trip! To others I say, do it. The experience you will have and the lessons you will learn will have an impact on the rest of your life and can even change how you view other countries and people.
The whole trip, from beginning to end was extremely well organized and thought out by IVHQ. The local team was absolutely OUTSTANDING! Everyone there was so helpful, kind, knowledgeable and overall just wonderful and friendly. I’ve gained a new knowledge of living simply. Having only what you need and living happily in your environment. I feel deeply moved by this experience on so many levels.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Webinar: Volunteering abroad in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ
Considering volunteering abroad in the Galapagos Islands? Watch the replay of our webinar where our experts will answer all your questions, give their top program recommendations, and give you tips and tricks to make the most of your volunteer abroad program.