The most common type of volunteer work in the Galapagos Islands is environmental preservation and wildlife conservation. The human population of the Galapagos Islands has exploded over the past century, and as such many native species now face a threat of habitat destruction, which formerly did not exist in nature. Those who embark on volunteer trips to the Galapagos Islands will have the opportunity to help with reforestation, replanting, and even volunteer work directly with animals, such as sea turtles and sea lions.

Due to the budding population, individuals can also find volunteer placements in the Galapagos Islands in the areas of education and community development. The Galapagos Islands are one of the few places in the world with no indigenous population, however, since it has become such a popular area for travel and research, five of the 18 major islands are now populated. Most inhabitants come from Ecuador’s mainland, where they lack access to many vital resources. Overall, the most common placements for volunteering in the Galapagos Islands are teaching English and childcare.

Many volunteer programs in the Galapagos Islands combine volunteering with adventure tourism. Participants who volunteer in these programs will have the opportunity to hike, snorkel, or scuba dive, and explore the islands under the supervision of a guide in their free time.

Volunteer opportunities in the Galapagos tend to be available year round, depending on the volunteer placement and organization you select.