Galapagos Islands: Volunteer, Travel and Meet Like-Minded People!

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
San Cristobal

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Start days: Monday and Wednesday

Description: Volunteers looking to do something worthwhile, combined with the unique opportunity to travel and meet people from all over the world will appreciate our volunteer programs. With Lead Adventures you can experience the beauty of the Galapagos Islands by working at an amazing biological station. Be one of the few people who get to experience one of the wonders of the world while also helping to preserve it!
The Galapagos Islands sit in the Pacific Ocean about 1000km west of Ecuador. Because the islands were never connected to the mainland, many species of plants and animals are unique to the Galapagos. Highland conservation, development and poverty issues have been almost completely neglected by conservation, development and government agencies. As a result of the lack of fruit and vegetable production on the Galapagos Islands, boats from the Ecuadorian mainland unload fruits and vegetables to hotels, restaurants, and markets on a daily basis. The Biological Station has worked to develop reforestation, habitat reconstruction, and agro forestry activities utilizing native species for the last 18 years throughout Ecuador.
Volunteers will work on both the habitat restoration and agricultural components while at the reserve. In addition, foundation staff will lead volunteers on various destination hikes to nearby lagoons, native forests, beaches and local villages to explain the ecological and human dynamic of the Galapagos Islands. Opportunities to work on group research and monitoring projects are available through Lead Adventures.

Highlights: During your free time, along with your new volunteer friends, you can enjoy the following activities:
*Bird-watching. On San Cristobal you may be lucky enough to see the red-footed booby. This island is also the home of the Chatham mockingbird, which is only found here.
*Local Attractions. Take time to visit Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to get to know more about the local culture.
*Cliff Walks. If you want to see where the magnificent Frigates nest, go past the Centro de Interpretacion, into the Scrub forest. It is a great 35-minute walk to the cliff areas of Cerro Tijeretas, seeing all types of birds and wildlife along the way, and you don't need a guide.
*Surfing. There is an excellent surfing spot at Playa Punta Carola. The waves may be too big and daunting for swimmers, and so we recommend Playa Mann (through Avenida Northia) or Playa de Oro for swimming.
*Hiking. Take a 20-minute walk south of town to La Loberia. Here you will find the sea lions, marine iguanas, seabirds and even tortoises.

Qualifications: Great interest in conservation, enthusiasm and willingness to improve the Galapagos Islands future! A good level of fitness is necessary in order to perform the duties at the station. Be ready to work, meet others and have a life-changing experience!

Cost in US$: starting at 752

Salary / Pay: None- Voluntary position

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers will work at the following activities: * Reforestation with native and endemic species in the reserve and in local farms (collecting seeds, classifying seeds, nursery work, planting within the reserve or nearby reserve, helping to maintain reforestation lines, etc.) * Environmental education with local people and schools * Station maintenance (trail maintenance, sign elaboration for trails, basic construction activities, helping to clean the fresh water supply, helping in kitchen, etc.) * Organic agricultural activities and vegetable production (helping to maintain and secure food production for the station) * Guided hikes throughout the reserve and/or nearby related areas (learn about biodiversity themes, natural history, & ecology). There are also mini-projects where volunteers can participate, but because of the amount of work that is needed at the station with the above mentioned projects, volunteers cannot dedicate entire days to the mini-projects * Petrels observations: nest finding, clearing around the nests to facilitate the other birds entrance, birds behavior * Fenology studies and flora inventories: observation and classification of native, endemic and invasive species * Bird observation at the reserve to determine if they are native, endemic or invasive * Germination Project: Determine the most effective method for germination in vegetable production and other species * Coffee production to explore the possibility of exporting coffee

Age Range: 18+

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

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

LEAD Adventures Ecuador's Mission Statement: Since its creation in 2004 LEAD Adventures has been extremely successful launching programs in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and establishing mutually beneficial partnerships abroad. Up to date we have efficiently managed over 2,000 inbound participants individually and in-group programs. Our programs are targeted to young minded people from all over the world that want to experience the great destinations Ecuador and South America have to offer.

Year Founded: 2004