Collected more than 130 years ago, some of the oldest marine specimens from Galápagos are preserved at the Marine Organisms Collection of the Charles Darwin Research Station. These historic corals, gathered during the 1888 Albatross expedition, continue to provide valuable insights into the past and present of Galápagos marine biodiversity, highlighting the importance of scientific collections for research and conservation.

The Charles Darwin Foundation reveals its new mission and launches its 2022 Impact Report during its 52nd General Assembly

In 1973, evolutionary scientists Peter Grant and Rosemary Grant began a research project in the Galápagos Islands that would permanently change the modern understanding of evolution.

Orchids, art, and perseverance intertwine in this remarkable story of Daniel Weber, a Swiss architect whose passion for botany left a hidden legacy in Galápagos. Decades later, a near-lost orchid collection is rescued against the odds—revealing a powerful journey of science, memory, and the people determined to bring it back.

Scientists have discovered extensive, ancient deep-sea coral reefs within the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR) – the first of their kind ever to be documented inside the marine protected area (MPA) since it was established in 1998. The first reef observed was found at 400-600m (1,310-1,970 feet) depth at the summit of a previously unmapped seamount in the central part of the archipelago and supports a breathtaking mix of deep marine life.

By donating to the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station, you are helping our scientists continue their research in order to better protect the unique animals and ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands.

A recent study published in the prestigious scientific journal Global Change Biology reveals that nearly a quarter of chondrichthyan species (cartilaginous fish including sharks, rays, and chimeras) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) are highly vulnerable to climate change.

Planning your trip to the Galapagos Islands? Here are our top travel tips to help you prepare for an unforgettable and responsible journey to this unique destination.

A tiny blue octopus discovered nearly 6,000 feet beneath the waters of Galápagos is rewriting what scientists know about deep-sea life. From a chance encounter during an underwater expedition to cutting-edge CT scans revealing a species never seen before, this remarkable discovery highlights the mysteries still hidden in Earth’s oceans.

Former Ecuadorian President Rodrigo Borja played a pivotal role in strengthening the institutional foundations of conservation in Galápagos. As an Honorary Member of the CDF, he supported science-based stewardship through key agreements, governance frameworks, and lasting commitments that continue to shape conservation efforts today.