I loved this experience as it allowed me to have a direct positive impact on a threaten species (giant tortoises). I was able to live with and get to know a local family and therefore better understand how life is for locals. It was very cool to see different places and exotic animals (lots of tours to do). For future volunteers I'd say just enjoy life on a paradise island with other volunteers, who definitively made the whole experience better for me! I totally recommend this program in the Galapagos Islands.
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 140,000 travellers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organisation in the Galapagos Islands.
Highlights:
- 7 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from £1161 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 £1161
- 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 £1161
- 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 £1161
- 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 £1161
- 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 £1161
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based on Isabela Island
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
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 £1161
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in the Tomás de Berlanga highlands
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
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.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from £1586
- Duration: 3 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based on Isabela Island
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help local people improve their English language skills by teaching in the Galapagos Islands. In a place that relies heavily on tourism, you’ll be helping local children progress at school and supporting local adults to secure long term employment.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Carlos Santos
25 Jul 2024
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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.
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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.
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Patrick Neve
21 May 2024
Through IVHQ's thorough advice pre-departure and the local team's support on the ground, I gained a much better understanding of how volunteer programs work as well as knowledge about Green Turtles. My host family were fantastic and it was hard to say goodbye! The meals were one of the highlights, with lots of different traditional dishes. I would advise anyone thinking of volunteering to embrace the different culture and food and make the most of the volunteering work itself. It’s not all glamorous and some work is hard and tedious. But it’s for a short period of time and it adds a lot of value.
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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".
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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.
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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.
