Adventure Travel: Galapagos Volunteer Adventure

All Access Volunteers

206-1035 Auckland St New Westminster, British Columbia V3M 1K9 Canada

Contact All Access Volunteers

Description

Island hop, volunteer and travel, all in one experience! Participants on this program will work during their first week at the Santa Rosa Reserve in Sta. Cruz Island doing conservation work. During their second week, participants will be in San Cristobal Island working with community, conservation and social projects. The program ends on the fascinating island of Isabella, visiting the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, Las Tintorera Islet (white-tip sharks) and more!

The interior waters of the Galápagos Islands, plus those within 40 nautical miles measured from the baseline of the Archipelago, were declared the Galápagos Marine Reserve on 1994. This is the only protected coastal marine area in the east Pacific, and the second largest Marine Reserve in the World. The islands' tumultuous volcanic history of scorched earth and fiery flows are evident the moment you arrive. The creatures of the Galápagos are survivors of a marvellous landscape, an otherworldly archipelago nine hundred miles out at sea. Due to their long history of isolation from humans, both land and sea animals remain virtually fearless and unaffected by visitors. As a visitor to the Galápagos, you will swim with sea lions pups, penguins, sea rays, turtles, tropical reef fish, blue-footed boobies and more!

Why this Volunteer Program makes a Difference?

There are many environmental and social issues affecting these world-famous Islands. Traditional cruise companies and tours are growing in demand, affecting not only local ecosystems but also social interactions between the animals. The Galápagos are populated islands that must generate local income in order to keep its inhabitants away from depleting the natural resources. Cruise companies do not use local providers for their packages (not to mention the fuel consumption and pollution issues they create). Therefore the Galapagos' residents do not receive the benefits from cruise-based tourism. On the contrary, All Access Volunteers & our partner organization's travel volunteer program leave most of its proceeds with the local community, which helps the locals stay away from depleting the islands natural resources and instead take care of their natural environment!

Program Details
* Program Duration: 3 weeks. Extensions available on each island. 2 week programs available upon request
* Program Dates: Open all year round. Starts every Monday
* Project Costs: USD 2,269
* Project Location: Galapagos Islands (Santa Cruz/San Cristobal/Isabella)
* Arrival Airport: Volunteers arrive in Quito (UIO) on Sundays and then depart Tuesdays for Baltra Airport on Santa Cruz Island
* Activities: Conservation work eradicating invasive flora species, combined with travel with local guides in the 3 Islands
* Working Hours: From 8am to 5 pm on the days scheduled for working
* Getting to the project: We provide all the logistics to fly into the Galápagos and get to the projects.
* Ideal For: Individuals, Couples, Groups, Families
* Requirements: Minimum Age 18, No Maximum

Highlights

Program Highlights & Extras
For an extra charge, make the most of your free time and explore the different activities that the islands have to offer:

* Island Hop! Start at Española Island and enjoy natural wonder after natural wonder, from the immense blowhole, to the thousands of nesting blue-footed boobies, to the world's largest waved albatross colony. Continue to Floreana Island and see flamingos! Enjoy Black Tortuga Bay on Sta. Cruz and witness a mangrove maze chock full of sharks, rays and sea turtles.

* If you are a diving fan, the Galápagos is a unique, world-class diving location. This underwater world is still private, pristine, and relatively unexplored. It is not the coral reefs that are the main attraction, but rather the unique mixture of marine animals and their fearlessness of intruders into their watery world. You will be diving next to sea turtles, manta rays, penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and numerous species of shark, including hammerheads and whale sharks. There are also hundreds of species of tropical reef fish, many of which are particular to this fantastic underwater sanctuary.

* Visit the Charles Darwin Foundation in Sta. Cruz. This is an international non-profit research organization dedicated to providing scientific research, technical assistance and information to ensure conservation success in Galápagos.

* Ask about adding Spanish Language Classes to your trip!

Travel Types

BackPacking Abroad
Birdwatching
Camping
Cooking
Deep-Sea Fishing
Eco Tours
Environmental Studies
Fishing
Hiking
Homestay
Horseback Riding
Kayaking (Sea)
Language Immersion
Native Culture Studies
Nature Tours
Off Road / 4X4 Driving
Photography
Scuba
Snorkeling
Soccer/Football
Surfing
Volunteering

Qualifications

There are no specific qualifications required for this program. Everyone is invited to take part in this amazing opportunity!

Languages

English
Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 2,269

Cost Include Description:

Flight to and from the Galápagos is included in the package price listed.

What's Included
* Accommodation: Local hostels and project accommodations; shared rooms.
* Airport Pickup: Upon arrival in Quito and in the Galápagos.
* Training: Pre-departure "Introductory Package" will be mailed and in-country orientation with our Volunteer Coordinator.
* Support: Pre-departure briefing & help-desk, local in-country Volunteer Coordinator and 24 hour emergency support.
* Insurance: All AAV volunteers will receive "Basic" Travel & Medical insurance included in their package.
* Transportation: Flights, to and from the Galápagos, are included.
* Bonus: "Welcome Package" with and AAV t-shirt, local tips and coupons to help you get settled quickly and enhance the duration of your stay!

What's Not Included
* Airfare: However, we would be happy to help you find and schedule your flight to Quito.
* Project Transportation: On the way back from the projects to Quito

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types

Agriculture
Animal Welfare
Arts
Building Maintenance
Community Centers
Community Development
Consciousness-raising
Conservation
Cooking
Culture

Cutting Wood
Digging
Eco-tourism
Education
English Teaching
Environment
Grassroots Organization
Organizational Development
Parks
Public Education

Reforestation
Sea Turtle Protection
Social Services, Social Work
Teaching
Volunteering
Wildlife Surveying
Youth
Youth Development

Typical Volunteer

A typical AAV volunteer taking part in the Galápagos Volunteer Adventure is environmentally conscious and adventurous. They are often someone who is looking to explore the far reaches of our earth to see some of the most diverse and vibrant animal life on the planet. Our international volunteers come from all edges of the globe with a variety of backgrounds, everyone is welcome! Our volunteers all carry an open mind and a big heart!

Age Range

Minimum Age Requirement of 18 (unless accompanied by a guardian) No Maximum Age

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

Dormitory
Group living
Guest House
Home-stays

Participants Travel to Ecuador

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

In-Person Interview when Feasible
Online Application plus Application Assessment
Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

48hrs

Post Services Include

Alumni Network
Exit Debriefing Abroad
Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

All Access Volunteers's Mission Statement

To provide a unique volunteer experience and assist in the long-term sustainability of our partner organizations throughout Latin America.

Year Founded

2009

Boomers Abroad

Galapagos Volunteer Adventure