Birdwatching Programs in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Since the booking procesos, everything was smooth, my travel Advisor was the greatest, being in Galápagos in this catamaran changed my way of traveling form now on. I highly recomend this amazing trip.

Me encantó la gran variedad de actividades a lo largo del viaje, desde caminatas por los paisajes volcánicos de Isabela y Fernandina hasta snorkel con lobos marinos, tortugas, rayas y pingüinos. Las visitas a Bartolomé y Rábida también fueron momentos destacados, especialmente las vistas desde la Roca Pináculo. Todo estuvo muy bien organizado, y la combinación de las actividades con la comodidad del catamarán hizo que la experiencia fuera aún mejor. Sin duda, una excelente opción si quieres ver gran parte de las Galápagos en un solo viaje.

Honestly, one of the most insane trips I've ever taken. The Galapagos alone is mind-blowing, but having a profesioanl there every day helping you frame the exact right shot of a marine iguana or a blue-footed booby made it next level. We were snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking nonstop, but still actually had time to chill, learn, and review our photos together. The absolute best part? Literally all the annoying logistics were handled for us—domestic flights, food, boats. I just showed up with my camera and had the time of my life. If you're into photography and wildlife, just book it. You'll come back with unbelievable shots and zero regrets. 10/10.

I was nervous about the decision to take a gap year. Pacific Discovery facilitated a life changing experience that not only made me a better person but connected me with life long friends. I’ll recommend this program to anyone who will listen.

Pacific Discovery was recommended to us by parents of a PD alumni (Aus/NZ) and it made a huge difference to us in our review of alternative programs. The points highlighted by the parents that appealed to us centered around personal growth, world/cultural/travel experience, great planning, and excellent guides; our student's experience was terrific in all these aspects, and we so appreciate the guidance he received during the program to help contextualize all of the amazing and mundane experiences he had on the progam. The opportunities and emphasis on the 'discovery' aspect of the program particularly for his individual development, was, for us, the main reason for selecting PD, and we couldn't be more pleased with how that purpose was achieved.

We loved the communication between Pacific Discovery and parents. The portal offered detailed information and forms prior to the trip. During the trip, the weekly summaries gave us a window into the activities and the spontaneous discoveries the group was making in their towns, service sites, and local hosts.

The South America Gap Semester pushed me out of my comfort zone both mentally, physically, and socially. Pushing my body beyond what I thought it could do, opening up to - and being vulnerable with- a new group of people, and communicating in a different language in a place so vastly different than I’m used to, were all challenging and rewarding experiences. I feel like I’ve grown a lot and learned a lot about myself from stepping out of my comfort zone and opening myself up to new opportunities and possibilities.

Going on a trip to another country without my family was something I had never done before this trip with Global Works and I am so thankful I did. This trip was one of the most amazing and memorable experiences I have ever had, and I tried so many new things. I snorkeled for the first time, and swam with so many really cool sea creatures, including sharks, which had previously been a fear of mine. I had thought I would miss my family, but my trip leaders, Jason and Katie, were awesome and so much fun. While on the Galapagos Islands, I was a boat, bus, and plane ride away from home, but my trip leaders and the island guides not only made me feel safe, but were a great support system throughout the trip. My time on this trip was spent making a ton of new friends from all over the United States, many of whom I'm still in touch with now. There was never a boring moment on the trip, and we had incredible activities planned everyday, most of which I wouldn't be able to do anywhere else in the world. We wrote about them and posted online each day (with photos) so our families could see all the fun we were having. The first day we went to Papallacta's natural hot springs, which was very relaxing, and later on, we hiked up the Sierra Negra volcano - which made for some incredible photos. While the trip was full of expeditions and trips all over the islands, we also did volunteer work on the island of Isabela to help the local community and the tortoises. Our group stayed and worked at Campo Duro , where there was a huge field in between all of the tents we stayed in. When we weren't working, we played cards and spent time around a fire just relaxing and having fun. (Tip: remember to pack cards and small, fun games.) While all of this was incredibly fun, my most memorable experience was our last day of snorkeling. After getting wetsuits and snorkeling gear, we took a boat ride to go to our final activity. We jumped off the boat and began swimming around to spot the many different animals. In the end, our group saw a sea horse, stingrays, sharks, a penguin, fish that seemed to be neon, and many, many sea turtles. These animals swam right past me and some even right next to me. They were unaffected by our presence, and I had never seen anything like it. The weather was perfect the entire 10 days I spent there. On the trip, I was finally able to put to use my years of Spanish classes. We spoke Spanish often - with our trip leaders and guides, people in the communities we worked and stayed with, shopkeepers in Quito, and with each other. My school Spanish was actually pretty good - and at times a bit embarrassing, but it just added to the laughter! I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to experience Ecuador's culture and highly recommend the Galapagos Island trip with Global Works.

The Galápagos Marine Service Adventure was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. This was my first time out of the country, and I felt safe, excited, and welcomed by counselors and fellow travelers. Every summer I go to one or more summer camps, but this one was like none of the summer camps I have ever been a part of. The landscapes were breathtaking, the housing was rustic and beautiful, the people were so friendly, the wildlife was very unique, and our counselors brought important topics up for discussion every evening. As a group, we discussed privilege, adversity, diversity, and how to positively impact our communities with the lessons we learned from nature and other experiences in the Galápagos. One thing I learned was to be grateful for my many privileges and to use those privileges to better my community and help others. I was also reminded that community service is not for hours or potential scholarships, but an act of kindness that should teach the volunteer a lesson and give them a sense of community.

It's incredibly difficult to summarize two-months worth of amazing experiences that I know I'll cherish for my whole life. We adventured, we lost ourselves in nature, we were enchanted by the beautiful cultures, and through it all, our whole group became a close-knit family. Looking back, I can definitely say I've grown as a person - I've become more open to embracing new experiences and that sense of adventure compels me to keep exploring. Through all our adrenaline-pumping activities such as bridge-jumping, white water rafting, trekking, canyoning and so much more, I developed a deep love and appreciation for nature. Our traditional homestays were magical - not only did we hear our families' life stories and connect with them through language, but even more significantly, we connected through actions. We laughed, danced, sang, cooked and learned a lot with each other. It was amazing. Overall, I don't have to think twice about recommending this trip - you'll walk out rejuvenated, with your perspectives broadened and horizons expanded. It really is the trip of a lifetime.

This trip was definitely a trip of a lifetime. With everything from adrenaline-pumping adventure to rich cultural immersion and service projects, I can wholeheartedly say that this trip has been extremely character-building. I experienced the magic of the natural landscapes of Peru and Ecuador and the enchantment of its traditional communities through the numerous homestays that we participated in. I fell in love with being outdoors, trekking, running, rock-climbing - and even rappelling down waterfalls! Some of the most powerful things I took away from this trip were the deep and genuine connections I formed with my instructors and fellow travelers, a bond that will last for many years to come. It’s easy to recommend this nine-week adventure to anyone who wants to truly experience the culture of Peru and Ecuador, partake in a ton of exploration and lose themselves in nature. You’ll walk out a better person with a more worldly perspective and stories to last a lifetime, guaranteed. I know I did.

Can not say enough great things about this trip. I went on the South America trip during the fall of 2016 to Peru and Ecuador. This program is a perfect mix of everything-- homestays, outdoors, city-life -- and I would not change a single thing. You will meet amazing people, both in your group (including the BEST instructors), and in the local communities. The instructors are extremely adventure-driven, and join in on the bridge-jumping, paragliding, and snorkeling with sea lions. I would never have gotten an opportunity like this elsewhere, and I feel much more prepared, and matured, for college. Trips like these really open your eyes to the world and make you realize all there is to live for around you. Unlike if you planned a trip yourself, or even with other groups, this trip let us be part of the community, rather than seeing the world from the outside as tourist.

My trip to South America with Pacific Discovery was amazing! I was able to meet many new friends from my group, as well as many inspiring individuals and families, while traveling through Peru and Ecuador. Pacific Discovery provided me with incredible opportunities such as learning to surf in the Galapagos, paragliding in the "adventure capital of Ecuador", hiking to Machu Picchu and so many more. What I loved about the program was that we were able to explore the places we visited, while also giving back to the communities that welcomed us. Along with many activities we did, we also took part in community gardening, cleaning up mangroves and beaches and a few other things. PD did an awesome job of putting together two months of travel, and I would definitely do another one of their programs!

I've done a fair bit of traveling with my family, and while those experiences were enjoyable, this program was the most memorable trip I've ever taken. From the trip leaders- who were supportive, relaxed, and pretty good with dealing with twenty teenagers- to the activities we did, the entire program was incredible. I met wonderful people just like me from all around the country (and abroad!) who I made lasting friendships and memories with. The trip was a perfect balance of education, service, and fun- from the incredible snorkeling to building a community garden. My only regret about this trip was not taking another sooner!

I love Pacific Discovery! They do such an amazing job at organizing so many different activities in a 2 month program. I got to see so many incredible things like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca but we also volunteered quite a bit too. Those really made me feel like we were there to not only see the sights but give back and help out as well! Some of my favorite memories were while we were in Lake Titicaca at a school, I loved playing with the kids when we took breaks while volunteering. One thing that always makes these types of trips so fun is the people you meet in your group. It made every bus ride, bike trip and spanish lesson 10 times more fun. I made some really great friendships and had a great experience on this trip!

I worked with IOI Galapagos as Social Media Communication volunteer. I took photos of events and other volunteers.  I produced a video for IOI's youtube and Vimeo channels.  I also wrote descriptions and quizzes for pictures that were used for weekly updates on IOI's Facebook page. I also partook in the flamingo count, mangrove planting, and beach clean up which were projects conducted along side with the Galapagos National Park. I enjoyed taking pictures and film. I believe my specific service project was important because I helped promote IOI Galapagos to the general public through their social media outlets.

Galapagos Giant Tortoises (Chelonoidis nigra) are an endemic species unique to the Galapagos Islands. It has long been the symbol of Galapagos tourism and more recently conservation efforts. Once abundant throughout the archipelago, these gigantic terrestrial reptiles were decimated by sailors and whalers for their meat during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Today, these animals face new challenges such as loss of habitat due to human activities and rampant invasive species which easily destroy tortoise nests or directly predate on the young. Centro de Crianza de las Tortugas Gigantes (Giant Tortoises Breeding Center) in Puerto Villamil, Isabela was established by the Galapagos National Park to breed, raise, and repatriate these charismatic animals to help restore their population size in the wild. Meanwhile, the National Park hopes that interaction with tourists would be a great way to promote conservation. Over 10 weeks of the Spring 2014 UGalapagos semester, I was very fortunate to volunteer at Centro de Crianza as my community service project. Every Wednesday and every other Friday, my partner Kevin Kahover and I fed about 200 adult and sub-juvenile tortoises with a type of juicy plant called otoy (Xanthosoma sagnittifolium). The adults were fed with 25kg of otoy, and the sub-juveniles were given 15kg each time. On Thursdays we cleaned up their waste and fallen poison apples in the pens. Quite often, early morning visitors would be very curious about our job, and Kevin and I would always be willing to answer their questions on what we were doing, why these tortoises needed to be protected, and how Foundación IOI coordinated various community outreach programs to benefit Isabela. The work is highly physically demanding, and on hot, sunny days, sweat would easily soak our shirts within ten minutes. However, I loved the work not only in that it was such an enjoyment watching these giants chewing large chunks of otoy up close and personal (we did not have to stay 2 meters away from these tortoises and sometimes they would approach and surround me if they saw me carrying a bundle of otoy), but also I felt I was accepted as a member of the Isabela community instead of a temporarily visiting tourist. What we did, even little, did help Centro de Crianza operate.