STEM in Galapagos

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Overview

Enhance your students’ STEM learning as they learn by taking part in data-driven science field work in one of the most irreplaceable ecosystems in the world.

During this experiential trip in the Galapagos students help reforest degraded areas, take part in a controlling invasive species project and discover the global impact of microplastics in the ocean.

Of course, students will come up close and personal with the Galapagos tortoise, native bird species, sea lions, sea turtles and many more iconic animal species.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Trip highlights

Snorkel with sea turtles

Swim in crystal clear waters

Witness iconic wildlife like Galapagos tortoise

Kayak in secluded bay

Join reforestation project

Explore Galapagos beaches

Cost from $1,399 per person

Teachers travel for free

Stay in 3* hotel

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals (Santa Cruz)

After arrival on Santa Cruz, you will transfer to the southern part of the island and across the sea on a short ferry ride to Puerto Ayora where you will check into your accommodation. We enjoy an evening meal in the port. After students will participate in an engaging evening workshop with a local biologist or scientist, including an explanation of our environmental and social impact. 

Overnight: stay in 3* hotel in Santa Cruz

Day 2: Reforestation & controlling invasive species (Santa Cruz)

Students enjoy a short guided walk learning about organic farming, sustainable buildings and protecting giant tortoise population. Students participate in service activity such as reforesting the land, creating compost, controlling invasive species and trail maintenance.

Overnight: stay in 3* hotel in Santa Cruz

Day 3: Community service & mural creation

Students join a local project in helping to restore public spaces through area clean up and painting community murals. Students will share their project work with locals by creating a photo and painting exhibition. A short reflection will follow which will test students’ presentation skills!

Overnight: stay in 3* hotel in Santa Cruz

Day 4: Charles Darwin Research Center & snorkelling (Santa Cruz)

What better place to learn, see and experience the theory of evolution than a visit to the famous Charles Darwin Research Centre? Today students will help local experts in their work to maintain and expand the number of iconic Giant Tortoises living on Santa Cruz.

Overnight: stay in 3* hotel in Santa Cruz

Day 5: Explore a new island full of new wildlife (Santa Cruz)

We will board an eco-boat this morning, travelling around the island’s perimeter, swimming and snorkelling at various times. The intricately planned route is home to colonies of sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds. We continue on our boat journey, looking out for Galápagos sharks, eagles and golden rays, as well as dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish, and marine invertebrates.

Overnight: stay in 3* hotel in Santa Cruz

Day 6: Kayaking in Tortuga Bay - sharks & sea turtles (Santa Cruz)

Today we visit Tortuga Bay, coming face to face with more wildlife including sharks and blue footed boobies before a kayaking adventure in the bay. Before leaving students visit a local social enterprise that is recycling plastic waste to make beautiful jewellery. 

Overnight: stay in 3* hotel in Santa Cruz

Day 7: Departures (Santa Cruz)

Your dedicated Kagumu tour guides will accompany you to your transport terminal and wave you off at the gate.

Essential information

“First off, the trip was a blast. Both the students and teachers had a great time.  I appreciate how well you have blended the scientific inquiries into the day to day activities. At no time did these feel contrived or out of line with the rest of the trip’s experience.
The trash clean up and micro plastics investigation were ways of analyzing the smaller impacts of humans and collecting quantifiable data to support and solidify the idea about how humans have left an impact on the island, even when there are so many protective measures already in place.”
Scott Gawura, Design Technology, Coding, and Robotics Teacher Nido Aguilas School, Chile

  • Locations visited: Santa Cruz + island day trip
  • Date: Anytime
  • Cost: From $1,399 per person (price depends on group size)
  • Teachers: Teachers travel for free
  • Language: English or Spanish
  • Other STEM destinations available: Colombia, mainland Ecuador, Peru.

Students will:

Use data-driven methods to learn the importance of reforestation and GPS tracking techniques.

Learn the importance of protecting native ecosystems and the planet’s biodiversity.

Develop a greater understanding of evolution.

  • All meals (you’ll get a real taste of the cuisine on the Galápagos Islands)
  • All activities (all equipment for service activities like gloves, aprons, digging tools)
  • All transport (private bus transfers)
  • All accommodation – 3-star hotel
  • Two native bilingual Kagumu guides
  • Post-trip impact report, focusing on your curriculum and our sustainability practices

Fully Customizable

Remember we customize every itinerary to your curriculum. If you have a specifc academic focus in mind, allow us to tailor a trip for you.

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