Every year since 1971 we have welcomed and trained volunteers from all over the world who are committed to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. Volunteers are a vital part of what makes the Charles Darwin Foundation such a special place to be.

From shy “Shark-Strangers” to a united “Shark-Family,” the Charles Darwin Foundation Leaders Club is transforming young lives in Galápagos. Through leadership workshops, mentoring, adventures on Isabela Island, and unforgettable bonds, these youth are learning to believe in themselves and to protect their home. Discover their inspiring journey here.

Explore delicious recipes from sustainable agriculture in Galapagos.

With a heart-shaped face and silent wings, the Galapagos barn owl is a quiet force of balance in the archipelago’s ecosystems. Endemic to the Islands, this elusive predator controls invasive rodent populations, supporting the survival of critically endangered species and ongoing ecological restoration. In the shadows of lava tunnels and forest canopies, it hunts with precision—and reminds us that even the smallest wings can carry the weight of conservation.