Volunteers who are able to speak Spanish at a conversational level, are passionate about agriculture or gardening, and have an interest in learning about farming in a tropical climate. You should arrive ready to get your hands dirty and prepared to work outside.

Project details

Want to support sustainable farming initiatives by volunteering in the Galapagos Islands? International Volunteer HQ’s Sustainable Agriculture & Gardening project aims to create food sovereignty, lower the island’s carbon footprint, and boost income for the local community. As an Agriculture volunteer, you’ll get to learn sustainable farming practices that are better for the health of both people and the planet. You’ll also be based in the lush highlands in a tropical climate, which makes for a rich and abundant setting to develop your agriculture and gardening skills!

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Most of the local population on Island Isabela depend on tourism and fishing to support themselves however, the objective of this project is to create food sovereignty and to create alternative income sources by supporting sustainable tropical and urban agriculture initiatives.

Volunteers will learn local techniques for sustainable tropical agriculture and will help to create food sovereignty, lower the carbon footprint of island life, lower waste from shipping materials, which in turn lowers cost to local consumers, increase local income, and increase the nutritional content of the food available in Isabela.

The farms of Isabela Island have begun working with greenhouses to optimize production year-round in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Volunteers will work in the highland town of Tomás de Berlanga, which is about 10 miles uphill from the coastal part of town. Located on the side of Volcano Sierra Negra. The highlands are fertile, lush lands with rich volcanic soil - perfect for agriculture. 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:

Soil tilling in preparation for tree planting
Assist in planting local sustainable crops
Assist during harvesting season
Invasive species eradication programs
Livestock feeding in relevant farms
Assist with the implementation of water efficient irrigation systems
Greenhouse construction
Prepping for farmers market

Additionally, it’s important to note that the farmers 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.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #13: Climate Action

Climate change affects everyone, everywhere. 2010 - 2020 was the warmest decade ever recorded and Carbon Dioxide levels have risen to an all-time high. In order to keep global temperatures below the Paris Agreement’s 2 degree Celsius limit, we must take action to educate communities, conserve nature and promote sustainable solutions.

Why do Sustainable Agriculture & Gardening volunteering in the Galapagos Islands with IVHQ?

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

Helping create food sovereignty for local people
Lowering the carbon footprint of the island
Practicing your Spanish
Developing your communication skills
Learning local techniques for sustainable tropical agriculture
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 travelling as a family, volunteers under the age of 18 must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program. They will be required to provide IVHQ with a parental/guardian consent form and two character reference letters in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team. Volunteers must speak fluent English. It is recommended that volunteers have a basic to intermediate level of Spanish in order to communicate with fellow workers, the local community and homestay families. 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.

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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!

...

Laura Martin

05 Aug 2024

My time volunteering in the Galapagos Islands was incredible and I didn't want to leave! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about organic and sustainable farming and I could tell how appreciative the family on the farm were to have me there helping them out, which felt very rewarding. My advice would be not to hesitate! You will not regret taking part in this incredible program.

...

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.

...

Deborah Thornton

24 May 2024

It was interesting to be part of a program to monitor turtles and to see what is done to help protect these animals. The people I met as part of this were great and it was nice to have a group of colleagues with whom I could discuss things. The local team was great and my host Mum was a very good cook, providing us with a delicious variety of food.

...

Jane Barnes

24 Jan 2024

I had such a great time! The Sustainable Agriculture & Gardening project was so great, and the family that hosted me were so kind. I felt support from IVHQ and all in-country coordinators the entire time.

...

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:

6:30 AM	Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation and walk to the bus stop.
7:00 AM	Bus to placement site where volunteers join a local farmer and begin work on your project.
12:00 PM	Lunch provided by your host at your placement site.
2:00 PM	Return to town via bus, then volunteers have the afternoon free to explore the island, do some local snorkeling or take a surf lesson.
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 $299) 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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