Galapagos: Environmental Science

Overview

The Enchanted Archipelago

Explore one of the most sought-after destinations for scientists and nature lovers. Students visiting the Galapagos enjoy hands-on experiences with some of the world’s most spectacular wild animal species. Activities include helping with tortoise restoration, reforestation, investigation into micro-plastic pollution, activities in the Charles Darwin Research Centre and island day trips.

Details

Location: The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Duration: 5+ days
Number of participants: 6+
Cost: From $699 p/p (price doesn’t include international flights)
Language: Spanish or English
Subjects: Environmental Science, STEM, Biology, Geology, Geography, Spanish
Carbon emissions: 317kg of CO2e p/p – we offset 100% of these emissions plus your journey here! See below for more details.

Available Activities

Participation in a giant tortoise restoration project
Reforestation project on Island San Cristobal
Clearing invasive species on San Cristobal island
Microplastic beach clear up
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Centre – interviews and activities with local scientists and biologists
Organic cooking challenge
Snorkelling with hammerhead sharks, turtles, sea lions
Swimming in a lava cave
Day trips to a variety of islands and beaches

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals

Private airport transfer from Quito’s Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre. Walking tour of the historical centre. Introduction to the program.

Day 2: San Cristobal, the Galapagos

Tour around the interpretation centre, Snorkel with sea lions on a nearby beach before heading to our private hacienda. Meet the farm workers and enjoy a typical dinner under the stars.

Day 3: Giant tortoise protection program

Take part in a giant Galapagos tortoise protection program, learning how to feed these majestic animals and discovering the importance of their survival. Tour the island with our local guides and enjoy dinner in the town centre.

Day 4: Plastic pollution problems & solutions

Witness first-hand the environmental dangers of disposing waste incorrectly. Students take part in a beach-clean up on a secluded bay. Evening cooking class, using locally-sourced ingredients to make a delicious dinner.

Day 5: Eradicating invasive species

Learn how to eradicate invasive species. Join with conservation experts to identify and destroy species that cause an imbalance to the fragile ecosystem and threaten biodiversity. Take part in a reforestation project, discovering essential techniques using GPS.

Day 6: Tailored day trip

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

Day 7: Santa Cruz Island

Head to Santa Cruz Island via speedboat. Enjoy 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.

Day 8: Charles Darwin Research Centre

Private tour around the Charles Darwin Research Centre. Explore the centre is working to preserve the animal species on the island and of course discover the story of lonesome george.

Day 9: Recycling program & Tortuga Bay

Students join an organization making their own jewellery out of recycled materials. Visit Tortuga Bay, choosing from a variety of activities like kayaking, snorkeling, swimming or just snapping local blue-footed boobies.

Day 10: Departures

Kagumu staff will accompany students in private transport to their airport in plenty of time to catch their flight home.

More Information

Environmental science trip, the Galapagos, what is included
All meals
Transport once in the Galapagos
Kagumu guides
Free professor place for every 15 students that sign up
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

We have worked out this trip generates an average of 317kg of CO2e per person. This includes all the carbon equivalent emissions (CO2e) from your trip including accommodation, food, transport, guides, and staff operations.

Extra potential CO2e emissions from your journey to and from Santa Marta.
Miami – Quito; Quito – Miami 586kg (round trip)
Bogota – Quito; Quito – Galapagos 394kg (round trip)
Panama – Quito; Quito – Galapagos 438kg (round trip)

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

Flexible bookings

Book now, pay later. Due to changing circumstances we make it easy for you to reserve your educational trip without paying a deposit upfront!.