Join us for an unforgettable educational adventure to one of the most extraordinary places on Earth. On this expedition, students will hike, snorkel, and explore two unique islands—Isabela and Santa Cruz—led by expert local naturalist guides. Daily activities introduce students to the remarkable biodiversity, volcanic landscapes, and ecological importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Like Darwin, students will investigate various habitats including highland forests, coastal mangroves, deserts, and coral reefs.
Through hands-on conservation projects and real-world science experiences, students will explore the connections between evolution, climate action, and marine ecology in one of the most biologically significant places on the planet.
Walk through forests of giant daisy trees, meet ancient tortoises, wander through lava tunnels, snorkel with sea creatures that look like dinosaurs, and enter a world where animals have no fear of people. This isn’t a fantasy—it’s the Galápagos!
Want to take your students on this incredible tour? Email Emily , our Student Groups Coordinator and we will be in touch!
Depart from a nearby Airport for Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital. After landing, transfer to your hotel to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Visit the IntiÑan Museum, where you’ll witness fascinating demonstrations of the Coriolis effect. Learn about indigenous Andean and Amazonian cultures. A perfect introduction to the middle of the world!
Lunch at a local restaurant. Sample traditional Ecuadorian dishes and marvel at the gorgeous architecture of the old city.
Explore Quito’s historic Plaza Grande, see the Presidential Palace, and learn about Ecuador’s independence. Continue to La Compañía de Jesús, the breathtaking “Golden Church,” known for its ornate gold-covered interior. Afterwards, visit a family-run, bean-to-bar chocolate maker to learn about sustainable cacao processing and sample delicious handmade chocolates.
Flight departs from Quito to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Just a short 2.5 -3 hour journey gets us to the islands.
After landing, meet our local guides and travel from Baltra to Santa Cruz Island and the town of Puerto Ayora. The journey takes you from the arid lowlands through lush highland cloud forests—keep your eyes out for giant tortoises along the roadside.
After lunch, load bags and prepare for a 2.5-hour speedboat ride to Puerto Villamil, located in the south of Isabela Island.
Arrive at Isabela Island and transfer to your home away from home on Isabela. (Gran Hostal Tintorera or similar)
Overnight at Gran Hostal Tintorera or similar. Students always have their own beds in doubles, triples, and quad rooms.
A lunchbox will be provided onboard the boat.
Paddle across the calm bay, weaving between volcanic rock formations in search of Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. We make our way to Tintoreras to look for sharks and rays. Your guide will share insights into the unique coastal geology and animal inhabitants of Isabela Islands.
Take a short bus ride to explore Isabela’s wetlands and the estuary-- a fascinating transition zone between freshwater and marine environments. As you walk along the trails and boardwalks, look for American flamingos, black-necked stilts, pintail ducks, black gallinules, mullet, parrotfish, filefish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and sea lions.
Mangroves are critical to the health of coastal ecosystems—they stabilize shorelines, protect against erosion, and serve as nurseries for juvenile fish and other marine life. With rising sea levels and increasingly intense tidal forces, these habitats are under threat. By replanting mangroves, students contribute directly to local ecological restoration and global climate action, as mangroves are also powerful carbon sinks.
Visit the national park tree nursery (and a local cave!) Spend the morning at your project site, where you’ll contribute to active conservation efforts that hope to restore coastal mangrove habitats.
Visit a salty lagoon to observe flamingos and other wetland wildlife, followed by a visit to the remarkable Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. Learn about the conservation work being done to protect and reintroduce tortoises native to the volcanoes of southern Isabela.
Board the speedboat and enjoy the scenic ride to back Santa Cruz Island.
Arrive in Puerto Ayora and drop bags at your hotel.
Enjoy a fresh local meal in the lush, misty highlands—an area known for its cooler climate and unique vegetation. Watch for Galápagos finches flitting about nearby.
Primicias is a private ranch where some of the oldest Galápagos tortoises roam freely. You’ll observe them up close as they graze, rest in muddy ponds, and slowly lumber through the vegetation. Our naturalist guides will lead you through the ranch to get (appropriately-distanced) up close and personal with these ancient, wild creatures.
Dinner and a walk through Puerto Ayora.
Overnight at Lava House or similar.
Often called the Darwin Research Station, this is the hub of conservation activities across the islands. We visit the Tortoise Breeding Center, an exhibition hall, and natural history collections. See the famous Lonesome George and learn from our naturalist guides about the significant ways the Galápagos have shaped our understanding of evolution and adaptation over time.
Meet with a local community-based NGO founded in 2017 following a powerful citizen-led movement to protest illegal fishing in Galápagos waters. This organization has since become a leader in conservation and social justice on the islands. You’ll be working alongside their team on a coastal cleanup, marine debris analysis, micro-plastics sorting or tortoise habitat restoration project.
Learn about the impact of plastic pollution in one of the world’s most sensitive marine ecosystems. As we help collect trash from important habitats and coastal trails, sort, analyze, and catalog the types of plastics found we get to contribute to scientific data that helps shape conservation strategies and policy. This project goes beyond cleanup—your participation supports real-time research and empowers local efforts to protect the Galápagos for future generations.
Lend a hand with the ongoing efforts to maintain this pristine beach environment.
After snorkeling, enjoy some time to relax on the beach, take photos, or wade in the shallows.
Watch a documentary film about the young people of the Galápagos and the ways the islanders are protecting the archipelago for the future.
Take some time to rest, explore town, visit a local café, or shop for souvenirs and local crafts.
Ride back through the highlands and transfer to Baltra for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival at the airport, we’ll check in, go through biosecurity screening, and head to the gate.
Each student will receive a box lunch from a local cafe to enjoy at the airport or during the flight.
Farewell group dinner and rest at the hotel.
Late evening transfer to the airport for overnight/redeye flights home. Most flights depart late from Quito to U.S. destinations.
All activities described in the itinerary.
A mix of double twins to dormitory rooms. Shared bathrooms. Students will always have their own beds.
From arrival to departure you will be well-fed.
Professional, permitted local guides. 1 Green Edventures Tour Leader.
This can be part of a comprehensive trip cancellation insurance policy.
Filtered water is included.
Checked bag fees are paid directly to the airline.
For your convenience, we offer a travel protection plan through Travelex Insurance Services. If you would like to enroll in the plan, please click below:
In general, participants will need waterproof rain jacket and rain pants, hiking boots, backpack (school backpack ok), and a few pairs warn non-cotton layers.
Installments
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ACH / Checking Account
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Choose your destination.
Contact us with your dates and we'll get you penciled in!
Talk to your students about this tour and why you want them to go with you!
From beginning to end, everything is organized, affordable, communication is quick and easy, and the trip is well planned with plenty of activities as well as downtime. I will travel with them again and recommend that every teacher looking to take a group of high school students on a trip that has both fun and educational aspects does the same. Green Edventures is the best!
– Shannon S., Baja Tour
Our trip was one of the most impactful experiences I've ever had for so many reasons- the location, the wildlife, the deep knowledge of the on-the-ground partners, the authentic learning and service opportunities, the emphasis on safety and connection for our students, and how smoothly everything went is truly exemplary.
– Lindsay R., Galapagos Tour
In the past 4 years I have been on 6 trips with Green Edventure and have one planned for this summer and next. If you are a person who values the outdoors, biology, and ecology and wishes to instill these same values into your family, friends, and/or students then look no further. Green Edventures is in a league of its own from an educational, fun, and ecotourism standpoint. My family, students and myself have had such wonderful and enlightening experiences through these trips!
─ Todd K., Baja, Alaska, Trinidad & Tobago and Galapagos Islands Tours
We have taken a group of Nebraska students to Baja with GE for 4 years. It has always been an awesome experience!! The students love the hands-on approach. They bring memories back that will never be lost. We always feel that what they have learned and experienced about the ecology will make them better informed naturalist and voters.
─ Karen G., Baja Tour
Thank you very much for all of your hard work in organizing a fantastic trip for my students. I am very appreciative. You did a great job. Every student loved you, Courtenay and the rest of the gang.
─ D. Hoffman, Trinidad & Tobago Tour
I took a small group to Alaska with Green Edventures in 2009. It was an amazing experience. I have not traveled with students for many years but when my family situation slows down and I make the commitment, I know I will use Green Edventures.
─ Dawn P., Alaska Tour
I still dream about the trip! Amazing memories I want to go back!
─ Brittany P., Costa Rica Tour
First, we genuinely were cared for- in terms of our dietary restrictions, personal comfort, and needs. There's a difference between feeling cared for and actually being cared for. Definitely was the latter with Green Ed. Second, we were made to feel safe. Driving was extremely safe and efficient, all local restaurants were well-chosen, and all excursions were done with regard for our physical and emotional safety. Third, there is great knowledge of the wildlife and the ecosystems. Because local guides and establishments are utilized, great care is taken to introduce students to the local flora and fauna in a knowledgeable manner with expertise. In total, I would certainly recommend Green Ed for any future trip I was taking to a region where I had little (to no) experience. The staff and contracted partners are completely knowledgeable and trustworthy. It was truly an unforgettable experience for everyone in the group (including me, the instructor).
─ Matthew F., Baja Tour
Awesome trip!
─ Tristan T., Galapagos Islands Tour
Wow, What an amazing experience for my students and chaperones. This is my 3rd time taking a large group of students on an Eco-Tour out of the country, but the first time with Green Edventures. The difference in my trip to Roatan compared to the others in value, experience, and safety is beyond compare! 10/10 experience.
– Jim N., Roatan, Honduras
My son loved this trip! He had quite the adventure and learned a lot.
─ Rebecca A., Galapagos Island Tour
