Projects Abroad Volunteer Programs in the Galapagos

This is quite a physical program. I could do it at my age and level of fitness, but the first week I was very tired!

Take very old robust clothing, wellies, and strong gloves. I think 2 weeks is on the short side; 3 or 4 weeks would be better and would also give more weekends to travel the islands.

Take enough money to do side trips.

On 3 mornings, you leave at 5 am to conduct a sea lion census on beaches. On those days, there is then a post-breakfast and afternoon sessions. There is a clearing of alien species with machetes, weeding, cutting of otoy to feed tortoises and inspection of petrel nests and placing of rat poison. You will also clean the tortoise enclosures and lagoons and chop feed for the various sizes of animals. We spent a day painting a mural at a school.

I didn’t have any specific fears; my commitment was two weeks and I was pretty sure I’d cope. I was impressed that there were 9 different nationalities and a 55 year age span and we got on well and supported each other. I knew very little about the Galapagos or their flora and fauna, so the hands-on experience and the excellent interpretation centre and research centre gave me insight and knowledge.

You will probably be able to shine a torch into a petrel nest and see a chick, notice a newborn sea lion pup, with placenta being eaten by birds and spot black iguanas on black volcanic rocks. I can now say that I can tell the difference between an alpha male, male, female, juvenile and pup.