Many would say that a visit to the country of Ecuador is not complete without a trip to the Galapagos Islands. But we say that your trip to the Galapagos is incomplete without giving something back to this fragile island ecosystem.
With this program, you will be receiving an in-depth look at the islands, something that tourists aren’t able to do on a regular vacation. This project is perfect for students or those who are interested in learning more about ecology. However, you don’t have to have previous experience in order to participate. Each volunteer project is carefully explained and catered to all skill levels.
Our partner on San Cristobal Island was one of the first local initiatives to develop long-term programs for the eradication of invasive species and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Because of their history on the islands, they have extensive knowledge about the ecosystem and are able to provide knowledge-hungry volunteers with huge amounts of information.
However, don’t worry- you’ll still have time to do plenty of other activities because the volunteers have weekends free to explore. Lead Adventures is happy to help volunteers arrange activities on the islands so that everyone gets to have the fullest Galapagos Experience Program possible. You can still enjoy tourism activities such as snorkeling and trekking. But all the while, you’ll do so knowing that you’re more than just a tourist-you left a positive impact on the Galapagos Islands!
Quito – Ecuador (Google Map)
The Ecuadorean foundation which manages the San Cristobal Biological Station on the Galapagos Islands has worked in reforestation, the restoration of native ecosystems and sustainable agroforestry activities for over 18 years throughout Ecuador. Its work on San Cristobal continues is an important extension of the efforts that it has successfully carried out on the mainland.
The reserve maintains a biological corridor going running from 150 m.a.s.l. to 550 m.a.s.l., from the border of the dry forest, through transitional, Scalesia, and humid “brown” zones up to the area of Miconia forest. The Biological Station is a privately-owned reserve and is open to researchers, student groups, and volunteers.
The station manages a nursery of native tree species which are planted after the elimination of the invasive Himalayan blackberry Rubus niveus, and other invasive species. The work doesn’t stop with the planting of the trees, however, since the blackberry is an aggressive competitor and will come back to overgrow and kill the planted the trees without regular cutting back every three months.
Most of the trees planted will need twenty to twenty-five years of growth before they can outcompete the blackberry and survive on their own. Once they do though, the shade they provide will diminish the growth rate of the blackberry so much that it will then actually become possible to eliminate the blackberry completely.
The station has been fortunate enough to have benefited from the continued commitment of many volunteers throughout the past twelve years and so are halfway through this process in some places. But it’s also obvious that their need for volunteers will continue for at least ten years more, and every volunteer is critically important.
Your contribution is critically important. In addition, the foundation works collaboratively with local landowners to develop clean agricultural alternatives for the production of vegetables and fruits to sell to local universities, restaurants, and hotels.
The station is composed of some cabins that are made of different materials (native bamboo and cement). Each cabin contains 11 rooms each and a comfortable rest area where volunteers can read and relax during their free time. The kitchen and dining areas are separate from the cabins.
Accommodations are basic and rustic, consisting of bunkbeds in shared rooms. In total, the biological station can hold up to 45 people. Drinking alcoholic beverages and taking drugs is strictly prohibited on station grounds.
We strongly suggest using long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and insect repellent because of the biting blackfly. This is another invasive specie that is present on the island in substantial numbers. Some volunteers are concerned by the somewhat large huntsman spiders that can be found on the cabin walls, but these are completely harmless and even help control the invasive cockroaches. Fire ants may also be present in some of the shrubby vegetation, but it is easy avoid them if you pay attention.
Researchers can obtain needed permits with assistance from the foundation. The reserve has recently obtained electricity, but there is no Internet or telephone access. (Although most volunteers travel down to the port on weekends where Internet access is available.)
Despite the overall rustic condition, volunteers still have access to regular toilets in showers (although there is no hot water). Each stall is made up of wooden doors and the showers are lined with tiles. Volunteers should make sure to bring shower shoes.
There is also a waterfall at the site where volunteers often swim in during their free time. It is only a short walk away from the rooms and volunteers can use the provided rubber boots to walk there. Volunteers eat all together, but each person is required to help cook for different meals. Afterwards, each person washes his/her own dish.
You can also enjoy tours on the weekends on San Cristobal Island.
San Cristobal island itself has numerous attractions, including wonderful beaches with sea-lions, great snorkeling, a volcanic crater lake and a tortoise reproduction center. Trips to these destination are easily arranged at an additional cost.
After the Friday hike it is the volunteer’s decision to stay in port for the weekend or stay at the reserve. Your room and food will be available if you care to stay at the station. Majority of the volunteers will spend the weekend in port. If you choose to stay in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno taxis will be arranged to bring you to and from the highland station. This taxi trip is $20 and will evenly divided between passengers.
Hostels in port usually cost $20 per night. There are more expensive hotels available if anyone is interested. The hostels are quite comfortable and most include hot showers.
All meals are included. A communal kitchen and dining area is available for the use of volunteers and staff. The kitchen area is large and well-equipped with all the necessary appliances and utensils.
