The Galapagos Islands are twelve main islands and more than two hundred smaller islands, islets and rocks about 1000km west off the coast of mainland Ecuador.
97% of the Galapagos Islands is a protected National Park and 3% is inhabited.There are an estimated 30,000 inhabitants spread out over 4 islands (Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal and Floreana). In 2009 there were 21,067 people living in the Galapagos and 59.9% living on Santa Cruz Santa Cruz island, which is also the main hub for tourism. The other islands are uninhabited, but worthwhile visiting for the astonishing fauna and flora.
The Galapagos Islands are rich with volunteering opportunities, and organizations offer a range of opportunities to contribute to the people of the Islands, helping develop sustainable, health and education services.
You could make a big difference by volunteering in the Galapagos, while discovering a unique eco-system and culture.
Location of Projects
Most volunteering projects takes place on San Cristobal, an island of approximately 8,000 people where organisations have bases. Some projects are based in the main town of Puerto Baquerizo. In order to obtain employment with the tourists the inhabitants must have a knowledge of spoken English.
Popular Projects
You can work on a range of projects striving to address the harsh realities of life in the islands, for the residents. Volunteers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the culture of the Islands, connect with the people and ultimately graduate with a sense of having personally and leave the Galapagos richer for the experience and with a sense of connection with the people who inhabit these islands. Taking a personalized approach to learning about your skills, talents and interests, local organisations strive to connect you with the local communities and individuals who need your abilities.
Organisations work to support the community in the Galapagos Islands and have campaigns that focus on our three major areas of work: Health, Education and Sustainability.
These are some of the main ways you can help:
Community Development
Tourists pay a park entry fee in addition to an inflated price for a boat cruise to the different islands. Most of this money, however, is kept by the private tour operators and the islanders rarely benefit. Most of them are dependent on fishing and farming. They often struggle to make ends meet.
Medical and Healthcare Volunteer
Improving healthcare and health education for the people of Galapagos is of prime importance. Whilst addressing the immediate needs of the islanders, we also focus on building an essential attitude of ‘prevention rather than cure’ and are working to embed this into the local culture over the longer term. Owing to the relatively small size of the Galapagos Islands and distance from the mainland, the communities of the Galapagos desperately need more medical staff and more specialists to help overcome the many of the daily challenges they face. One of the most common challenges medical practitioners face is in health education, gaining local confidence and trust in, often the most basic medical care.
Previous healthcare projects have successfully built-in prevention and control clinic hours for hypertension and diabetes patients, now operated by the Galapagos Municipal Government, to address the growing problem of obesity in the islands and associated issues related to diabetes and hypertension. There are ongoing programs of nutritional education which is now being expanded into our local schools. Please note, the Ministry of Health does not allow volunteers in the Hospitals or Government Clinics, they are asked to work on outreach in the community and prevention projects.
Education
It goes without saying the Galapagos Islands are famous for the diversity of the wildlife and the extraordinary environmental balance required supporting this unique corner of the world. This has bred a great number of environmental initiatives and volunteering opportunities across the archipelago. However, because of strict laws from the Code for Children and Adolescence Rights/ Código de Niñez y Adolescencia actualizado, volunteers cannot volunteer in the schools working directly with the students unless they are contracted by the educational institution. Some education programs are mainly mainstreamed through Healthy Lifestyle initiatives from an alternative angle designed to bring a sense of consciousness Health Promotion to the people of the Islands. The school year runs from April until January.
Volunteering in Galapagos FAQ
The Galapagos Islands are unlike any place you have ever visited! Here is some practical information to help you prepare for your stay on the Islands.
Accommodation
Accommodations vary, from standard rooms, with bed linens, towels, and basic furnishings, to more elaborate situations. All rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. Upon arrival in Puerto Ayora, volunteers will arrive at the office and transferred to their new homes to meet their host families. As the vast majority of the local population does not have warm water at home, it is best to expect a refreshing shower experience at your homestay!
Language
Spanish is spoken in the Galapagos Islands and it is beneficial for all volunteers to have a basic understanding of the language to succeed on most of the projects. Volunteers are usually asked to attend an intensive language course in Quito before flying to the Galapagos Islands. This gives all non linguists sufficient language skills to get started on the project of their choice. You have your own private tutor, so regardless of your level you will be challenged.