Galapagos Conservation Projects

Product Details

Two week and four week working holidays on the Enchanted Isles...

Project Overview

This unique project-orientated Venture is taking positive steps to conserve the Galapagos Islands’ endangered species. You can join the project for two weeks as part of your wider travel plans, or stay for four weeks which includes an island-hopping, five-day Galapagos cruise during the final week.

Galapagos Background

1000 Km offshore and straddling the Equator, the Galapagos Islands consist of 6 main islands, 12 smaller ones and over 40 islets, all of which are the tips of ocean-bed volcanoes. When measured from the ocean floor, these islands would be the highest mountains on Earth, even higher than Mount Everest! The islands have never been connected to the mainland and gradually, over the millennia, plants and animals have washed up on their shores, carried over from the mainland. The Galapagos species have grown apart from their mainland ancestors and are now unique to the islands, "endemic". The greatest threat to endemic species, both plant and animal, is from introduced species which are often more vigorous and aggressive.

Project Background

VentureCo’s projects on the Galapagos Islands come under two headings: to repair and conserve the natural habitat so that endemic fauna can thrive: And to provide assistance to local schools enabling the topic of conservation to be introduced, thus encouraging today’s school children to become tomorrow’s custodians of the environment.

Our project HQ is on Santa Cruz Island where we work in partnership with the Galapagos National Park (GNP) and in consultation with the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS). There is a tremendous amount of work to be done: tasks vary from doing site surveys, identifying and counting native species and eradicating introduced plants. Our links with schools on Santa Cruz Island helps strengthen awareness of conservation issues amongst the young population which is vital for the long-term survival of many endangered species.

It’s not all work and no play! Weekends are free to explore some of the sites around Santa Cruz Island and the town of Puerto Ayora is never far away for a taste of the local lifestyle.

This is an all-inclusive trip, with full support and a range of services provided before, during and after the Venture.

Project Galapagos Highlights:

- Travel safety course in the UK before departure
- Five-day sail-trek abound the Galapagos Islands (four week option only)
- Galapagos conservation and community development project with Charles Darwin Research Station.
- New friends and the time of your life!

Itinerary for Project Galapagos (two week and four week options)

Weeks One and Two:

Join forces with the Galapagos National Park, the Charles Darwin Research Station and local conservationists to tackle some of the islands’ most serious threats.

Weeks Three and Four:

A further week of project work on Santa Cruz island before a Galapagos Islands sail-trek and return to Quito. You also will also enjoy a five-day island hopping cruise around the Galapagos Islands to appreciate the unique and diverse flora and fauna. For experienced divers, SCUBA equipment is available in Puerto Lopez.

About VentureCo

Between us, the VentureCo staff has explored all 11 South American countries including the Galapagos, and all seven Central American countries. Call us to talk through your ideas and to develop a travel plan.

Onward travel suggestions

- Five or eight day cruises to other parts of the Galapagos.
- Stop-over in Quito to access the Amazon Jungle
- Fly down to Lima to access Peru and the Inca heartlands.

The VentureCo Trust: Registered Charity No 1111268
Funding for our development projects comes directly from the VentureCo Trust. For each person that joins a Venture, we as a company, donate $400 to the Trust. 100% of the money the Trust receives is spent on projects. To date, the Trust has funded 63 development projects to the tune of over £152,000.