Snorkeling Programs in Ecuador

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy mountain passes and through mysterious cloud forests to the remains of a fallen civilization. Then, it's time to explore Ecuador's natural beauty. From surfing and whitewater rafting to hiking and exploring volcanoes, Ecuador has it all! For your second project, you will spend three weeks deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest and complete vital conservation work. Get face-to-face and hand-to-paw with rainforest inhabitants while volunteering at a rescue center for wild animals. And learn the secrets of life in the rainforest directly from an Indigenous community while staying at an eco-lodge. Finish your epic journey with a visit to one of the most famous national parks on Earth, the Galapagos Islands! Hike, sail, and snorkel your way around the islands made famous by Charles Darwin. You will then return to Quito for the final trek to the center of the world!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

On the Ecuador: Galapagos & Andean Service Adventure program, immerse yourself in a meaningful homestay with local families on mainland Ecuador. Participate in impactful community service and cultural exchange. Work alongside community members, as well as visiting and learning from an indigenous community. Then, explore the biodiverse and historic Galapagos Island. Snorkel with penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and colorful tropical fish. Learn about the conservation efforts of a unique ecosystem! Hike one of the largest volcanic craters on earth at Isabella Island. Visit and interact with a giant tortoise breeding center. Traveling to Ecuador is truly the adventure of a lifetime!

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Visit the center of the earth! Ecuador’s capital is Quito, the closest major city to the Equator line on the planet! Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture and discover the country’s essence amidst its stunning landscapes. Whether you’re engaging in sustainable initiatives or connecting with locals, our travel programs provide impactful adventures in the heart of South America. Wild Galápagos Eco-Service: Come face-to-face with the wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution on the Galápagos Islands. Join this adventure that combines wildlife conservation and cultural immersion, plus explore the breathtaking capital, Quito!

Embark on a transformative 19-day service-learning program in Ecuador, where we delve into the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon and the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands. Our adventure kicks off with hands-on conservation efforts, including participating in an Amazonian reforestation project aimed at restoring critical habitats. We’ll gain firsthand experience in wildlife rescue, collaborating with local NGOs to rehabilitate endangered species and contribute to vital environmental initiatives. As we explore the lush landscapes, we’ll whitewater raft down the Río Napo and zipline through the Mindo Cloud Forest, soaking in the natural beauty around us. Our time in the Galápagos will be extraordinary, as we snorkel alongside sea lions and other marine life, while engaging in essential land rehabilitation projects to combat invasive species and preserve native flora. With 25 hours of community service dedicated to protecting Ecuador’s ecosystems, we will develop practical conservation skills and cultivate a deeper appreciation for biodiversity. Join us for this unforgettable journey filled with adventure, learning, and meaningful contributions to the environment!

This program is specifically interested in allowing volunteers to assist teachers working with preschoolers or teaching English to elementary and high school students. Volunteers are involved in playing education games and facilitating learning activities, as well as planning English lessons to ensure kids get the best possible education. Volunteers are expected to have a basic level of Spanish, allowing them to improve their speaking skills throughout the program as well as to effectively communicate with the children and teachers around them. Cultural exchange continues for volunteers who choose to stay with a host family, as they learn to live like a local. They also have the daily choice of restaurant for lunch, allowing them to sample the cuisine of the island.

Discover the soul of South America on a 10-week journey through Peru and Ecuador that blends adventure, purpose, and connection. Hike through the Andes, explore the Amazon, and immerse yourself in rich Indigenous cultures and living traditions. This program goes beyond travel; you’ll engage in hands-on sustainability and community projects led by local partners, learning through experience, not from a classroom. Designed for gap year students, alternative study abroad seekers, and values-driven travelers, this journey offers leadership development, guided reflection, and deep cultural exchange. You'll build confidence, develop real-world skills, and gain clarity for your next steps all in a supportive, close-knit group of like-minded peers. Whether you're looking to grow personally, earn credit, build your resume, or simply see the world through a more intentional lens, this is more than a semester off—it’s a transformative step forward. Travel with purpose. Return inspired. Reach Out to Learn More!

Explore the cultures and landscapes of Colombia and the Galapagos Islands on this 19-day family tour. Start in Bogotá, visiting the historic center and enjoying the city's charm. Travel to Colombia's coffee regions to learn about coffee production. Experience the colorful streets of Medellín and the stunning views from El Peñol Rock in Guatapé. In the Galapagos, nature is the star. Discover Isabela Island's wildlife and volcanic beauty and Santa Cruz's marine life. Snorkel with sea lions, see Galapagos giant tortoises, and explore diverse ecosystems. This tour combines cultural exploration with amazing biodiversity for a memorable family adventure.

There is no better teacher than the great outdoors! For many years, ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs has been coordinating and providing unique adventure education through its international service and experiential learning opportunities. Its student programs are designed to be more than just entertainment or recreation. They help students learn new concepts, develop interpersonal relationships, and gain personal growth, knowledge, skills, and educational experience through meaningful and rewarding outdoor settings. Past participants have described this journey as "challenging, inspiring, relaxing, exciting, and fun." ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs work to foster an environment in which students can learn through experience. It specializes in designing educational community service experiences (childcare, healthcare, animal care, environmental conservation, teaching/education, veterinary service, human rights, legal aid, micro-enterprise, microfinance, elderly care, sports coaching, etc.) combined with fantastic cultural adventures for students from all over the world and ages. Programs are available year-round and start every Monday.

Discover the unparalleled beauty of the Galápagos Islands on a luxury adventure designed for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking an extraordinary journey. Set sail on a boutique cruise that offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Explore the pristine ecosystems of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll encounter giant tortoises, playful sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. Daily guided excursions will take you to volcanic landscapes, secluded beaches, and underwater realms alive with vibrant marine life. On board, you’ll enjoy fine dining, spacious suites, and a welcoming environment curated for inclusivity and comfort. Whether snorkeling through crystal-clear waters, hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, or unwinding on deck with a cocktail in hand, this program delivers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where you can connect with nature and like-minded travelers in one of the world’s most unique destinations.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Olivia Travel, a leading travel company specializing in vacations designed exclusively for LGBTQ+ women and their friends. From thrilling outdoor activities in breathtaking destinations to relaxing getaways on luxurious cruises, Olivia blends adventure, inclusivity, and community like no other. Whether you're kayaking through turquoise waters, ziplining through lush rainforests, or hiking dramatic landscapes, Olivia’s expertly curated itineraries ensure every moment is both empowering and exhilarating. You'll also connect with like-minded travelers in a safe and welcoming environment. With Olivia, each journey becomes more than a vacation—an inspiring celebration of life, love, and adventure tailored just for you. Choose from intimate land tours, grand cruises, or action-packed expeditions, and discover what makes Olivia an unparalleled leader in LGBTQ+ women’s travel.

Experience the perfect holiday in a space where inclusivity and authenticity thrive. Voyemo’s unique travel program is tailored to provide unforgettable trips for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies. It combines luxury, cultural exploration, and community connection. Each journey is thoughtfully curated to celebrate diversity and create a safe, welcoming environment. From serene beach escapes to dynamic city tours, Voyemo offers hand-picked accommodations, personalized itineraries, and exclusive activities. Whether you’re indulging in culinary delights or connecting with local LGBTQ+ communities, every moment is designed to blend relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. Voyemo ensures your unique needs and preferences are respected, offering a travel experience prioritizing individuality and meaningful connections. Celebrate love, life, and yourself through extraordinary travel.