About this trip
Join GoEco in the Galápagos and help care for ancient, giant tortoises and sea turtle nest conservation!
Program Highlights:
Directly impact wildlife conservation efforts in the Galápagos
Volunteers will be assigned to work with giant tortoises or sea turtle nest monitoring based on the active seasons, project availability and volunteer preference
Gain experience in wildlife care
Ethical wildlife volunteer tasks and interactions
Visit other nearby islands during free time
Location of the Project: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Project length: Min 2 weeks – Max 12 weeks
Arrival Airport: Baltra Airport (GPS)
Volunteer Work: Feeding and caring for tortoises and their enclosures. Sea turtle nest monitoring that encourages turtle and habitat conservation.
Age: 18 – 60
Group Size : 1 – 10
Number of volunteers: Up to 6 international volunteers
Important Note: Volunteers taking part during the months of January to May must choose to work at either the tortoise breeding center or with sea turtles. Volunteers should apply at least 4 weeks in advance to have enough time to apply for the visa.
A$1,800 Deposit: A$450
Giant Tortoise & Sea Turtle Conservation in the Galápagos - 2 Weeks
This project has been instrumental in the conservation of these ancient animals that were very close to extinction. At one time, a quarter million of these giants roamed these South American islands, but over time, that number diminished to around 3,000. Several factors were responsible for the decline, beginning with sailors and settlers hunting them for food.
As a volunteer on this project, you will work closely with the Galápagos National Park in their efforts to continue to conserve this indigenous species! During your time at the tortoise center, you will be a full-time member of the center’s staff, aiding in the conservation and care of these fascinating, ancient creatures. Volunteers taking part during the months from January to May will be assigned to work at either the tortoise breeding center (as described above) or with sea turtles, depending on the placement availability and the season. We will consider your preference when determining your placement, however, availability will be the deciding factor. Sea turtle nest monitoring tasks include walking the beach while looking for nests, turtles, and hatchlings. Actual sightings may be rare.
Tortoise center tasks may include:
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Feeding and caring for the tortoises
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Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
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Explaining the rules and regulations of the center to tourists.
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Additional assignments as needed
Sea turtle conservation tasks may include:
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Searching for sea turtle nests
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Searching for sea turtle hatchlings
A typical day: Your schedule is based on 20 hrs/week and can be extended to a regular 40 hr work week. You will work from Monday – Friday, from 7.30AM – 11.30AM. This may change depending on the tasks at hand.
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