Conservation in the Galapagos Islands - Ecuador School Trips
Projects Abroad
The Galapagos National Park is understaffed due to insufficient government funding, which means that they cannot keep up with tasks such as research and maintenance.To help conservationists focus their efforts in the more important areas, you will complete a variety of essential tasks around the park, such as:
> Feeding and general maintenance at the giant tortoise breeding centre
> Collecting biometric data on the giant tortoises
> Conducting sea lion, marine iguana, and bird surveys
> Removing invasive plant species
> Working in the tree nursery
As you and your students take part in these tasks, you'll learn about sustainability, conservation, research techniques and more! Perfect for budding scientists and animal lovers, this is the trip of a lifetime.
Through this programme, your students will also develop a range of personal and employability skills. From communication and teamwork to public speaking, problem-solving, and investigation, they will leave more informed and with new skills, the perfect addition for an impressive CV!
Teacher Checklist
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Example Itineraries for our 2026 trips
Day 1: Arrival and Induction
Your group will be met by our local Project Abroad staff at San Cristobal airport and taken by minibus to your accommodation at the Galapagos National Park. The drive will allow everyone to take in the incredible surroundings you will call home for the next two weeks. Stay on the lookout; there’s a good chance to spot sea lions, sea birds, and marine iguanas on the way!
Get familiar with the city and placement setting, receive a thorough induction into the local culture and customs, and review the programme and everyone’s role.
Later on, enjoy a delicious welcome lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a trip into town and a walk along the beach.
Days 2-6: Conservation work
With support from expert conservationists, learn a range of skills and complete tasks such as (but not limited to):
> Collecting biometric data on the giant tortoises
> Removing invasive plant species
> Working in the tree nursery
> Beach clean-ups
> Awareness work in local schools and community
The tasks assigned to your group will depend on the needs of the Galapagos National Park at the time of your trip, but there will always be plenty for you to get involved with!
Days 7-8: Weekend trip
Load onto a speedboat and head to Santa Cruz Island with local tour guides. There, explore the impressive lava tunnels at the giant tortoise farm, El Chato Tortoise Reserve, where you will have the opportunity to see the giant tortoise in its natural habitat, roaming free.
Visit the stunning Tortuga Bay, famous for its black sea turtles and marine iguanas. You will stay overnight on the island, so you will be ready to start exploring again in the morning!
On Sunday, expand your conservation knowledge with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. You will get a unique insight into the research techniques of conservationists stationed on the Galapagos Islands before jumping back on the speedboat to return to San Cristobal Island.
Days 9-13: Back to work!
Time to get back to work at the National Park. Continue with the jobs you took on during your first week to develop a better understanding of the impacts of your work.
Talking to the conservationists will help your students learn how the activities are helping towards the reserve's larger goals and make them feel proud of the impact your group is making.
On the final night, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your group's hard work and thank you for your efforts. This is a great way to round off the trip and make final memories.
Day 14
The final day is always bittersweet. You have had an amazing week of new experiences and learned so much about conservation and Ecuadorian culture.
As you head to the airport, please know you are always welcome back anytime. We can’t wait to see what amazing things you and your students do with the lessons you have learned during this trip!
For a detailed day-by-day itinerary, please feel free to reach out to us by filling out the form.
Your group will be met by our local Project Abroad staff at San Cristobal airport and taken by minibus to your accommodation at the Galapagos National Park. The drive will allow everyone to take in the incredible surroundings you will call home for the next two weeks. Stay on the lookout; there’s a good chance to spot sea lions, sea birds, and marine iguanas on the way!
Get familiar with the city and placement setting, receive a thorough induction into the local culture and customs, and review the programme and everyone’s role.
Later on, enjoy a delicious welcome lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a trip into town and a walk along the beach.
Days 2-6: Conservation work
With support from expert conservationists, learn a range of skills and complete tasks such as (but not limited to):
> Collecting biometric data on the giant tortoises
> Removing invasive plant species
> Working in the tree nursery
> Beach clean-ups
> Awareness work in local schools and community
The tasks assigned to your group will depend on the needs of the Galapagos National Park at the time of your trip, but there will always be plenty for you to get involved with!
Days 7-8: Weekend trip
Load onto a speedboat and head to Santa Cruz Island with local tour guides. There, explore the impressive lava tunnels at the giant tortoise farm, El Chato Tortoise Reserve, where you will have the opportunity to see the giant tortoise in its natural habitat, roaming free.
Visit the stunning Tortuga Bay, famous for its black sea turtles and marine iguanas. You will stay overnight on the island, so you will be ready to start exploring again in the morning!
On Sunday, expand your conservation knowledge with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. You will get a unique insight into the research techniques of conservationists stationed on the Galapagos Islands before jumping back on the speedboat to return to San Cristobal Island.
Days 9-13: Back to work!
Time to get back to work at the National Park. Continue with the jobs you took on during your first week to develop a better understanding of the impacts of your work.
Talking to the conservationists will help your students learn how the activities are helping towards the reserve's larger goals and make them feel proud of the impact your group is making.
On the final night, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your group's hard work and thank you for your efforts. This is a great way to round off the trip and make final memories.
Day 14
The final day is always bittersweet. You have had an amazing week of new experiences and learned so much about conservation and Ecuadorian culture.
As you head to the airport, please know you are always welcome back anytime. We can’t wait to see what amazing things you and your students do with the lessons you have learned during this trip!
For a detailed day-by-day itinerary, please feel free to reach out to us by filling out the form.
Which Curriculum Subjects do we cater for?
Conservation Wildlife Animal Care
Due to insufficient government funding, the Galapagos National Park is understaffed. This means that conservationists are unable to keep up with tasks such as research and maintenance.
With your help, we can continue vital research, collect valuable scientific data, and look after the islands' biodiverse and unique ecosystems.
What size groups do we cater for?
All group sizes of 5 or more. Free staff place with every 9 students.
Access for visitors with disabilities?
Disabled facilities can be offered on request.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Visitors with special educational needs can be catered for on request.
Anything else?
Projects Abroad provides an individualised service and schedule planning, which is backed up by excellent pre-departure preparation and by a dedicated and highly experienced local team in each destination.
We aim to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for every student, promoting self-belief, resilience, leadership, teamwork, reflection, and a new perspective on the world.
Get in touch today! Our partnerships team is happy to answer any queries and guide you through the process of booking the school trip of a lifetime!
We aim to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for every student, promoting self-belief, resilience, leadership, teamwork, reflection, and a new perspective on the world.
Get in touch today! Our partnerships team is happy to answer any queries and guide you through the process of booking the school trip of a lifetime!
Who are Projects Abroad?
Projects Abroad arrange challenging, meaningful, educational, and safe overseas service and internship programmes.
We have been taking students overseas since 1992 and work in over 20 developing and emerging countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Key to our work is the dedicated in-country staff whose diverse skill sets, local knowledge and love of their community allow us to develop relevant, immersive and worthwhile schedules for school trips which give the students responsibility and teach them to see the world through a different lens.
We offer programmes in community development, conservation, construction, education, sports, empowerment, human rights, and healthcare, among many others. These projects are designed to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, broadening the student experience to see the contribution of a few to a movement for global change.
All school trips are individualised. We realise that each school has its own goals and interests, and the students have their own passions. We work with the school to develop a tailored itinerary that reflects their values and allows the students to make a connection with the community in which they serve.
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Inspection Visits Free Places for Teachers Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge Tailor your trip Help promoting your trip Offset your trip carbon footprint
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