Galapagos Giant Tortoise Conservation

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: First Monday each month

Description: The giant tortoises are currently on the endangered species list and a number of species on several islands are sadly now extinct. Exclusive species such as 'Lonesome George' are currently on the edge of extinction.

By taking part in this programme, volunteers play a key role in aiding the Galapagos National Park Services and the Darwin Foundation with their Giant Galapagos Tortoise breeding programmes. Their research centre on the Galapagos Islands helps to safeguard the future of these unique and magnificent species.

You will be playing a vital role in helping feed the baby and adult tortoises, cleaning and maintaining their encloures, taking care of the eggs so they are in the best possible condition for when they hatch, measuring the tortoises to manage how fast they are growing and how healthily they are eating.

This programme may not have a set itinerary. Information about the schedule of this programme can be found on the Extra Info page. If there is anything you would like to know about this programme please contact us and one of our travel advisers will get back to you.

Highlights: * Orientation
On your arrival at the project on Isabela Island you will have a comprehensive orientation, explaining what you will be doing during the project, your tasks, ideas about what to do in your free time, and health and safety considerations. This will also be a chance for you to ask any questions that you have about the project.
Project Support

Throughout your stay in Galapagos you will have the full support and guidance of the on site coordinators. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.

In addition, you will have access to our 24-hour emergency number in the UK, so you can always contact a member of our UK team should you need to.
Accommodation and Meals

On Sunday and Monday nights you will be staying at a hostel in Quito. On arrival at Santa Cruz Island you will have one night's accommodation before traveling onto Isabela Island. While on Santa Cruz Island you will receive two meals a day.

During your volunteer work on Isabela you will be staying at a volunteer house. The accommodation is in a great location, nearby the central square. There are two double bedrooms, two single bedrooms, kitchen facilities and a nice garden. Each room has a private bathroom and bed sheets are provided but you will need to bring your own towels.

During your stay on Isabela you will have three meals a day included. Lunch and dinner will generally be soup, a main dish and a drink. Drinks and extra meal options will be available at an additional cost. It is recommended that you drink bottled water (a 4-litre bottle will cost approx USD3.50).

* Free Time
During your free time you will be perfectly placed to make the most of exploring the islands. Just some of the activities available to you are:

    - Explore the ocean and scuba or snorkel among tropical marine life, hammerhead sharks, and rays. There are dozens of hidden coves where you can snorkel the days away and some top dive schools on the island for beginners and advanced divers alike.
    - Scuba dive, or snorkel at the beaches East of the Port, the main one is Concha Perla, where you will have the opportunity to observe sea lions, flamingos, and different species of birds and fish.
    - Join an organised tour to the Sierra Negra volcano, located 1.3 miles from Puerto Villamil, the World's second largest volcanic crater measuring six miles in diameter and 300 feet deep.
    - Visit Las Grietas, an interesting site where you will be able to see the white-tipped sharks. Local fishermen will arrange a trip for around $10 US per boat but always try to bargain with them!
    - Visit to the Flamingo lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon in Galapagos
    - Go to Islote Tintoreras, a large crevice with very clear, calm water in which white-tip sharks (tintoreras) rest daily on the bottom. You can also see Penguins, Sea Lions, marine Iguanas and snorkel with sharks and colourful tropical fish while enjoying the beaches of Isabela.

Cost in US$: from 1,489 up

Experience Required: no

Age Range: Minimum 17 years

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Written Application

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement: We are ambitious for our company, our partners and the communities in which we work. We take our responsibilities seriously - understanding that the development of our business impacts directly on our partners, the communities that we visit and work with and that ultimately, our success is their success too.