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, reforestation projects, an investigation into micro-plastic pollution, and research activities in the Charles Darwin Research Centre,

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals (Quito)

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

Day 2: San Cristobal island (Galapagos)

After breakfast, we take a flight to San Cristobal island. Here we take a tour around the interpretation center and snorkel with sea lions on a nearby beach before heading to our private hacienda. Meet the farm workers, national park experts, and enjoy a typical dinner under the stars.

Day 3: Giant tortoise protection program (San Cristobal)

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 center.

Day 4: Reforesting this fragile ecosystem (San Cristobal)

Students discover where and how endemic plants begin to grow as seedlings in a greenhouse. You 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 the National Park.

Day 5: Eradicating invasive species (San Cristobal)

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

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

Students choose from a variety of day trips including a visit to a deserted beach 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: Explore a new island! (Santa Cruz)

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. Evening meal in the port before an overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 8: Charles Darwin Research Centre (Santa Cruz)

Today students will enjoy a hands-on tour around the world-class Charles Darwin Research Centre. Explore the center is working to preserve the animal species on the island and of course discover the story of lonesome George, the iconic tortoise.

Day 9: Recycling program & kayaking (Santa Cruz)

Students join an organization making their own jewelry 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 (Santa Cruz)

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

Essential information

Locations visited: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Quito

Cost: From $999 per person, depending on 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: 225kg 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.