GoAbroad

Projects Abroad in The Galápagos

by: Projects Abroad

4.63 (8)VerifiedSince 1992

The Galápagos Islands are a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and adventure. By participating in our programs, you’ll go beyond tourism to immerse yourself in daily life within this legendary biodiversity hotspot. Work alongside local experts to meet real needs in the community while waking up in one of the world’s most incredible island chains. Whether you’re on a gap year, a career break, or a summer adventure, our home base on San Cristobal Island offers total immersion in a place where nature and humanity coexist. Protect the archipelago's unique wildlife by working directly with the Galápagos National Park to monitor animal populations and care for iconic giant tortoises. If you prefer working with people, you can support local children through education, sports, and teaching projects designed to advance early childhood development. You can even take Spanish lessons alongside your project. Between scenic volcanic hikes, scuba diving with sea turtles, and island hopping, you'll have the adventure of a lifetime. With our full-time staff providing 24/7 support, you can explore with total confidence. The Galápagos is waiting for you!

Program Highlights

Monitor endangered species and care for iconic giant tortoises.

Live in a world-renowned "living laboratory" surrounded by marine iguanas, sea lions, and rare birds.

Spend your weekends scuba diving, island hopping, and trekking across dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Rely on 24/7 staff assistance so that you can explore the islands with total confidence.

Gain exclusive access to the Galapagos National Park

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
  • San Cristobal, Ecuador
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • Multiple Year
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 14+
Types & Subjects
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Work Experience
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Biological Research
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Business
  • Childcare & Children
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Culture
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Environment
  • Organic Farming
  • Orphans
  • Parks
  • Reforestation
  • Social Work
  • Street Children
  • Teaching
  • Tree Planting
  • Tutor
  • Wildlife
  • Youth
  • Youth Development
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Awards

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Study Abroad ProgramInnovative Volunteer Abroad Program 2023 FinalistTop Rated Notable Mentions 2022Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022Notable Mention 2021 - High School Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.63

Total Reviews

8

Tortotsises & Teaching

June 21, 2026by: Marian Savio
5

Projects Abroad is an exceptional program!! I would recommend volunteering at any of the locations to get an insight into the conservation. I learned so much about the culture of the people, how living among the sea lions, iguanas & any other creature is respected, & how family is so important. I can't say enough about this program!!!! At the age of 78 I couldn't have asked for a more enriching experience !!! You're never too old to learn something new!!

Adventure on San Cristobal

June 24, 2024by: Ailish Scanlon
5

I took part, with 3 others in a project for over 50s, volunteering in the Galapagos. The first week we helped the community by teaching local children English. The second week we had a great variety of tasks looking after giant tortoises and helping and monitoring sea lions. We worked with local volunteers and within days felt that we were part of the island. The food on the island is wonderful, always fresh and local and I enjoyed eating the many fish and fruits that are expensive and difficult to obtain back home. The projects manager and all the local people were really friendly. As we painted murals, locals would stop to thank us.

Amazing time at the Galapagos Islands

August 27, 2023by: Jeroen
4

We had the best time at the Galapagos Islands with Project Abroads. It was amazing helpign out with projects, feeding the tortoises and being with between all the wildlife.

From site-seeing to tortoise feeding: my time in San Cristobal

January 10, 2022by: Abby Chaplin - United States
4

I had an amazing time in San Cristobal. It was difficult being away from my family for Christmas but my host family made me feel included and celebrate with them. Volunteering with conservation allowed me to see the work done behind the scenes to make the attractions as amazing as they are! Having nights and weekends off also have time to visit the local beaches and interpretation center to see what made the island the island.

To learn on the Galapagos Islands

December 12, 2021by: Ronald Sijtsma - Netherlands
4

My time at Projects Abroad was great. I taught sports in the Galapagos Islands. First I taught Taekwondo and I also taught as a gym teacher at a primary school. The inpack that it had on me is that you can teach children new things that they normally would never get because the gym classes are different than in the Netherlands. The children and I had the time of my life when I came to teach. I recommend everyone to volunteer. It opens so many doors and you get to know new people and cultures. And you have a lot of time to explore the country.

Volunteer experience of a lifetime

March 19, 2020by: Hannah M - Ireland
5

I volunteered in the Galápagos Islands with Projects Abroad as part of a High School Specials trip, doing Conservation and Summer Camp projects. It was fantastic. We were always kept busy with conservation work or working with the children. The staff were amazing, they were always very helpful and friendly. The accommodation was comfortable with a good social atmosphere. The wildlife was beautiful. I would definitely recommend this project to anyone considering volunteering abroad.

Trip of a lifetime

March 19, 2020by: Rhys Bowen - Ireland
5

I went on Projects Abroad’s High School Special on the Galápagos Islands in March 2020. It was a trip of a lifetime. I went with a group of friends but you could easily do it alone. Even before we got to the Galapagos Holly Hubble from Projects Abroad flew all the way with us. It made the whole journey so much easier and fun, even with the problems with our flights. For the first week on San Cristobal we helped out in one of Project Galápagos summer camps and fixed up a playground in a local school. On the weekend we went to Santa Cruz to see the tortoises and Tortuga Bay. The 2nd week was Conservation Work so we would do sea lion monitoring at sunrise, then after breakfast, feed the tortoises and control the invasive plants or do a beach clean up. After lunch we had sea lion or bird monitoring. On our last day we got a 360 tour on a boat around the island. We got to go fishing, swimming and snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, loads of tropical fish and even sharks. The food at our accommodation was nice having rice in every meal. The staff in both Projects Abroad and Project Galápagos were so friendly and helpful with everything. I do definitely do it again

Sea lions on Carola Beach

A wonderful experience in Eden

February 12, 2020by: Luisa Cordova - Italy
5

I spent 3 weeks in san Cristobal, with Project Abroad. I experienced a very close contact with turtles, iguanas, sea lions, caring them in their natural habitat. I also had the possibility to travel around the other islands, enjoying stunning views and local lifestyle. A perfect combination of work and fun, away from the crowed places. You always feel safe and involved, thanks also to the great supervision of William Puga, that I highly recommend for any question and/or problem you could face.

Sunset in puerto Baquerizo  Moreno

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
  • San Cristobal, Ecuador

Types and Subjects

  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Work Experience
  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Biological Research
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Business
  • Childcare & Children
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Culture
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Environment
  • Organic Farming
  • Orphans
  • Parks
  • Reforestation
  • Social Work
  • Street Children
  • Teaching
  • Tree Planting
  • Tutor
  • Wildlife
  • Youth
  • Youth Development

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • Multiple Year
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
  • Summer

Age Requirement

14+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Wifi Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Group Meals
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Training
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
  • Alumni / Networking Membership
  • Guide / Chaperone
  • Emergency Support
  • Required Equipment
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Certificate of Completion

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Related Programs

    Browse programs you might like