The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is located in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island and is the operative branch of the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF).

The facilities were inaugurated in 1964 so that scientists could use the station as a base for their research on the Galapagos Islands to advise the management actions carried out by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD).

For decades CDRS has worked on conservation, restoration and sustainable development projects to ensure that the archipelago is well-managed. More than a hundred scientists, educators, research assistants, support staff and volunteers from all over the world have participated in this effort. Currently, the organization’s staff is composed by more than 75% Ecuadorians and is committed with the professional training of the permanent residents of Galapagos.

Our facilities include offices and labs for marine and terrestrial investigation, a conference hall and natural history collections. Areas open to the public include an exhibition hall, native gardens and public library. In addition to being a tourist destination, the Research Station is essential to provide scientific knowledge and technical advice to the Government of Ecuador to ensure the conservation of Galapagos.

CDF is a nonprofit organization and the work we carry out depends entirely upon our donors. Additionally, the Charles Darwin Foundation has just renewed its agreement with the Government of Ecuador in July 2016 for 25 more years of science in the archipelago.