The Location:
The eastern-most Galapagos Island, San Cristóbal was formed by two adjoining volcanoes. It features the archipelago’s only freshwater lagoon, surrounded by endemic vegetation and eccentric wildlife. Visitors can observe an array of creatures: marine iguanas, lava lizards, giant tortoises, vivid tropical fish, and blue and red-footed boobies. San Cristóbal also boasts spectacular white sandy beaches, warm aqua waters, as well as the provincial capital—Puerto Baquerizo Moreno—which contains the archipelago’s main port.

The Situation:
One of five inhabited islands in the Galapagos chain, San Cristóbal is an ecological phenomenon. The island’s flora and fauna feature some of the most unique life forms on earth. But because there is little fruit and vegetable production on the islands, boats from the Ecuadorian mainland unload these foods to restaurants and markets on San Cristobal daily. Because many quarantine regulations are disregarded, non-native plant and insect species are continually introduced to the islands. These invasive species have spread throughout the islands, threatening the extraordinary and essential native flora and fauna.

What’s Being Done:
In order to protect and preserve the unique local flora and fauna on San Cristóbal, our partner organization has built a biological reserve where they work to eradicate invasive plant species and help restore native trees and vegetation. Our partner also collaborates with local landowners to develop sustainable agricultural alternatives for the production of vegetables and fruits to sell to local universities, restaurants, and hotels. This reduces the need for produce from the mainland, the main carrier of the non-native plant and insect species that threaten the Galapagos’ rare ecosystems.


What You Can Do:
As a volunteer in the Galapagos, you will have the opportunity to preserve and protect one of the world’s most ecologically diverse islands. Volunteer help is needed to contribute both on the habitat restoration and agricultural components at the biological reserve. You will replace exotic invasive plants with native species and help develop organic production processes for fruits and vegetables on the island. You may also work in schools and communities, educating the local people on the importance of environmental protection and sustainability.



Airport Pickup and Orientation:
Volunteers should fly into Quito on either Monday or Tuesday morning, so that you can attend an orientation meeting at 3 pm Tuesday. You will need to book a hotel for your one or two-night stay in Quito, as your flight to San Cristóbal will leave on Wednesday morning. There are plenty cheap hotels and hostels in Quito, ranging from USD $7 to USD $50 per night. Our partner organization can help you make these arrangements if you’d like assistance.

Your flight to San Cristóba will leave on Wednesday is not included in your project, so please budget between USD $410 and $450. Volunteer Adventures will be happy to book this flight for you.

Once you arrive on the Galapagos Islands, you will need to pay a $100 entrance fee IN CASH. You must also purchase a $10 immigration card.

Transportation:
Volunteer Adventures will arrange transportation for the following:
Airport pickup
Transportation to the project site by truck (US $15 each way)
Travel between project site and accommodations
Delivery to airport on day of departure

Accommodations:
At the research station, there are two houses made of native bamboo and cement. The houses contain 11 rooms each, plus a resting area. Each room can accommodate two to three people. In addition, there are two cabins that can house six volunteers each. These accommodations are rustic, but comfortable.

There is electricity in the main house of the reserve and in the kitchen, but the cabins do not have electricity. Volunteers and staff must use candles and flashlights at night. There are also flush toilets and showers where you can wash up. Please note that the shower water is not hot. This is often not a problem because the weather on  the islands is so warm..

Meals:
During your stay on San Cristóbal Island, you will receive three meals per day. You will also have access to the kitchen where you can store any groceries or leftovers. 

In-Country Support:
We work directly with our in-country volunteer coordinator to provide support during your time in the Galapagos Islands. You can expect help from project coordinators, field guides, fellow volunteers and other staff. We provide a 24-hour cell phone number for emergencies.

Activities and Excursions:
Once a week, volunteers will be taken on a guided hike throughout the reserve and nearby areas to learn about biodiversity themes, natural history, and ecology. Other activities include:

Hikes around the rugged cliffs of Cerro Tijeretas.
Surfing at Playa Punta Carola.
Swimming at Playa Mann or Playa de Oro.
Trips to volcanic Crater Lake at the top of the island.
Snorkeling along the leeward side of the island     via chartered boats.
Trips to Ochoa Beach and Isla Lobos where     concentrated populations of sea lions, marine iguanas,     blue footed boobies, frigate birds, and other sea life      occur.
Visits to León Dormido, a large isolated rock jutting out     of the ocean where snorkeling and diving conditions     are especially good.