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.

Today, I find myself here, by the sea, writing about my experience living on an island. It all started when I was searching for an opportunity, and I found a living dream instead: volunteering in the Galápagos. I applied to the Landbird Conservation Program of the Charles Darwin Foundation and had the privilege of becoming part of their team.Today, I find myself here, by the sea, writing about my experience living on an island. It all started when I was searching for an opportunity, and I found a living dream instead: volunteering in the Galápagos. I applied to the Landbird Conservation Program of the Charles Darwin Foundation and had the privilege of becoming part of their team.

Savanna Barry, a collaborating scientist joined the Charles Darwin Foundation to study invasive frogs, restore endangered Scalesia forests, and dive into coral reef research. From field transects to fish dissections, these field notes reveal the science, mentorship, and conservation challenges shaping the future of the Galápagos.

The 1905–1906 expedition of the California Academy of Sciences, led by Rollo Howard Beck, introduced a systematic approach to studying the Galápagos. By documenting specimen origins, it revealed variation among islands, established the archipelago as a natural laboratory of evolution, and laid foundations for ongoing research and conservation.

The Galápagos Responsible Fishing Network brings together artisanal fishers, conservation organizations, scientists, and private-sector partners to promote sustainable fishing practices, traceability, and responsible markets. Through technology, collaboration, and transparency, the initiative strengthens local capacities while supporting marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and community well-being.

After more than a decade of conservation work, researchers have documented 56 fledglings so far in 2026 — with more nests still active

The Galapagos Coral Conservation and Management Plan (PCMCG) aims to protect and restore corals across the archipelago through a management plan to 2030 combining long-term research with prioritized actions, recognizing the role corals play in marine ecosystems, coastal protection, tourism, fisheries, and science.