Environmental Science: Galapagos

Overview

Expand your students’ understanding of fascinating ecosystems and native wildlife as they experience first-hand the importance of protecting the natural world.

Led by expert environmental scientists and biologists, students will take part in vital conservation activities, aiming to protect some of the world’s most spectacular wild animal species and unique environments.

On our trip to the iconic Galapagos, students will get involved in tortoise restoration and reforestation projects, conduct an investigation into micro-plastic pollution, and learn what happens at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Your experiences

Kayaking

Swimming & snorkelling

Hiking along coasts

Scientific investigations

Expert-led workshops

Learn about new ecosystems

Discover volcanic peaks

Witness the Galapagos tortoise

Swim with sharks & sea turtles

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals (Quito)

Students will take a private transfer from Quito’s Internacional Mariscal Sucre airport. They’ll enjoy a walking tour of the historical center, followed by an introduction to the program.

Day 2: San Cristobal island (Galapagos)

After breakfast, we’ll fly to San Cristobal island. Here, we’ll take a tour around the interpretation center and snorkel with sea lions on a nearby beach before heading to our private hacienda. Students will meet farm workers and national park experts, and then enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars.

Day 3: Giant tortoise protection program (San Cristobal)

Students will take part in a giant Galapagos tortoise protection program, learning how to feed the majestic animals and discovering the importance of their survival. You’ll tour the island with our local guides and enjoy dinner in the town center.

Day 4: Reforesting a fragile ecosystem (San Cristobal)

Students discover how endemic plants begin to grow as seedlings in a greenhouse. They will then help transplant the seedlings to permanent locations for planting. Students will directly contribute to the conservation of the island as the data they collect will be sent off and used by national park employees.

Day 5: Eradicating invasive species (San Cristobal)

Students learn how to eradicate invasive species. They’ll join conservation experts to identify and eliminate varieties that cause an imbalance in the fragile ecosystem and threaten biodiversity. They will then take part in a reforestation project and discover essential techniques using GPS.

Day 6: Snorkelling with sea turtles and sea lions (San Cristobal)

Students can choose from a variety of day trips, including a visit to a deserted beach to swim and snorkel with sharks, turtles, and sea lions. Alternatively, they can explore smaller beach islands to discover blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas.

Day 7: Explore a new island! (Santa Cruz)

Students will head to the island of Santa Cruz via speedboat, taking a local lunch in Puerto Ayora before enjoying some free time in this busy port that brims with restaurants, shops, and an array of sea lions and pelicans. Our evening meal will be at the port before an overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 8: Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)

Today students will enjoy a hands-on tour around the world-class Charles Darwin Research Station. As well as seeing how the facility is working to preserve the animal species on the island, students will also learn the story of Lonesome George, the iconic tortoise.

Day 9: Recycling program & kayaking (Santa Cruz)

Students join an organization that makes jewelry out of recycled materials. They will also visit Tortuga Bay, choosing from a variety of activities like kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, or just snapping local blue-footed boobies.

Day 10: Departures (Santa Cruz)

Kagumu staff will accompany students on private transport to their airport with plenty of time to catch flights home.

Essential information

Locations visited: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Quito

Cost: From $999 per person, depending on the number of days (price doesn’t include international flights)

Teacher: Teachers travel for free!

Language: Spanish or English

Accommodation: Traditional farmhouse in San Cristobal. For the rest of the trip, the group will stay in 3* hotels and hostels.

Alternative destinations: Colombia & Ecuador

Your students will:

Learn the importance of reforestation and GPS tracking techniques
Discover the importance of protecting native ecosystems
Learn how to control invasive species
Develop a greater understanding of evolution

Transport once in the Galapagos
Kagumu guides
Free teacher places
Accommodation (rooms are shared but privates are available on request and at an extra cost)
All scheduled excursions and activities
Local guides and translators
Safety documents – risk assessment, safety protocols, liability cover
Health Insurance
One Kagumu guide for every 15 students
All meals (giving you a taste of the Galapagos with every bite!)

Carbon emissions: 225 kg of CO₂e p/p – we offset 100% of these emissions plus your journey here!

You can learn more about how we measure our carbon emissions by reading our climate action policy here.

Book this itinerary or tailor one to suit your curriculum by contacting us.

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.