The Galapagos Tortoise Conservation program is driven by a passionate commitment to protecting one of the planet’s most unique creatures. Located amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands, the program works closely with the Galapagos National Park to safeguard and restore the population of giant tortoises. Each year, conservation volunteers join the effort, helping with feeding, care, and habitat maintenance for these iconic animals while educating visitors on the importance of conservation.
The history of the Galapagos tortoises is one of resilience and recovery. Despite facing challenges like exploitation and habitat destruction, our partners and its volunteers are dedicated to creating a future where tortoises can flourish. The center aims to foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and tortoises, believing that through awareness and hands-on conservation, we can ensure the survival of these ancient creatures. The program’s combination of direct animal care, habitat preservation, and environmental education reflects our partner’s broader mission: to drive impactful conservation efforts and inspire a global community to respect and protect the extraordinary natural heritage of the Galapagos Islands.
As a conservation volunteer at the Galapagos Tortoise Center, you’ll be an integral part of our partnership with the Galapagos National Park, engaging in the care and preservation of the iconic giant tortoises. Your responsibilities will encompass various activities designed to nurture these majestic animals and their environment.
The Galapagos Tortoise Center is designed to provide optimal conditions for breeding the endangered Galapagos tortoise. As a volunteer you will help care for the breeding adults and their babies, which are released on the island when they are old enough able to survive on their own. You will get to participate in all aspects of tortoise care. This includes:
Feeding and caring for the tortoises as well as maintaining their enclosures.
Assisting the Park Rangers with zoo-keeping type activities.
Assisting in educating visitors about Giant Tortoises and about the rules and regulations keeping the tortoises safe and the habitats intact.
Volunteers shifts run Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If interested, the schedule can be extended to 40 hours/week. Work takes place primarily outdoors, so be prepared for warm temperatures and lots of sun.
We have two options for volunteers based on their interests, needs and wants. Our program partners have diverse and established connections in the community with their home-stay program as well as a volunteer house for more independent living. Air conditioning is available in both the home-stays and the volunteer house.
When staying with the home-stay families, the volunteers have their own rooms and bathrooms. Meals are generally shared with the families but there is always flexibility to check out the local restaurants and cafes on the island.
When staying independently at the volunteer house, bedrooms may be shared depending on numbers. There is a shared kitchen, common room and laundry facilities. Volunteers get an ID card for local restaurants so they can eat off a special prix fixe menu.
All volunteers also have full access to the research base and offices where there is always potable water, coffee/tea, hammocks and very fast and reliable wi-fi.
Got any questions about safety? We’re ready with answers!
We’ve got you covered every step of the way! Your volunteering journey includes:
Pick-off and drop-off from the ferry on Isabella Island
Comfortable accommodation with a local family or in a shared volunteer house (with air conditioning)
All meals
Wifi
Comprehensive pre-departure & on-site training
A donation to our Placement Partner
AEI Travel Manual brimming with key travel insights including packing list, currency information and in-depth placement description
Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to USD 500,000 in emergency medical coverage)
24/7 emergency support throughout your placement
One tree planted for every volunteer to help offset carbon emissions and create more livable ecosystems for wildlife
Enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering
Joining the Galapagos Tortoise Conservation project empowers you to significantly impact the survival and well-being of one of the planet’s most iconic species. The Galapagos tortoises are native to seven of the Galapagos Islands, and they are the world’s largest species of tortoise, with males weighing up to 500 pounds (227 kgs). Over the centuries, overexploitation drove the tortoises to the brink of extinction. The Galapagos National Park was created to protect tortoise habitat, and through this tortoise breeding program, captive-born tortoises can be returned to the wild where they play an important role in the ecosystem. Your role will extend beyond direct animal care, incorporating the vital task of educating visitors about giant tortoises and the essential rules and regulations protecting these animals and their environments.
Experience the unparalleled joy of contributing to the conservation of the Galapagos tortoises, while staying in the beautiful paradise of Isabela Island. While volunteering you will make a difference by helping care for this iconic species. During your down time, you can enjoy hikes through the jungle (where you may even see a wild tortoise!), sip drinks at sunset on the beach, swim with penguins or take a snorkelling tour to see sea turtles, tropical fish, small sharks and rays! Wherever you look, you will be amazed by the wildlife of the Galapagos and the hospitality of the small seaside town.
B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013, and since then, we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefits to the environment and the communities in which we operate.
We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal Experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
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