Galapagos is a wonderful site to visit at any time of the year. The only thing to bear in mind is that there are two seasons, the "garua" season (June - December), and the hot season (January-May). During the garua season, which is dry and cool, the highland areas are lush and green due to a constant fall of mist (garua).

What kinds of tours are available?

There are a variety of tours available to Galapagos, which range from small sailboats to luxury cruises, from groups as small as ten to groups as large as 90. The vast majority of visitors travel by boat to and among the various islands. An excellent book on the subject, A Traveler's Guide to the Galapagos Islands, by Barry Boyce, is available by calling 1-800-969-9014.

Are There Volunteer Opportunities in Galapagos?

Both the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park have volunteer opportunities, which are both time-specific and job-specific. Most volunteers work directly with the Station, based in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, carrying out research, conservation and education, public relations or administrative activities.

There is not an expected length of stay, although generally the longer the volunteer can stay in the islands, the greater the contribution he/she can make. Therefore, volunteers available for 6 months or longer have a higher chance of acceptance. This of course will vary depending on the project or activity and will be discussed on an individual basis prior to the volunteers' arrival. The CDRS does not offer internships, post-docs, study grants, traineeships, exchanges or travel grants.

The staff asks that you send down your resume, with a short note identifying your skills and availability to: Head of External Relations. Email address: cdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec. Postal Address: Charles Darwin Research Station Casilla 17-01-3891 Quito, Ecuador. Create a cover sheet with your name, status (volunteer), languages, expertise, and availability. This will help the Station "log you in" Volunteers must be self-funded. They pay their own travel costs, housing, and food (usually at the Station). The Station dormitory costs for volunteers are approximately US$ 6 per night and US$ 6 for 3 meals a day. You are expected to make a deposit of anticipated costs for your stay upon your arrival.

Volunteers should be able to adapt readily to a small island community and it is highly recommended that they be proficient in Spanish (the ability to read, write and converse in Spanish will greatly enhance your experience).

What is the Campaign to Save Alcedo?

The Campaign to Save Alcedo is part of an overall effort to restore the compromised ecosystems of Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago and home to the largest total number, and the largest number of species, of giant tortoises in Galapagos. These tortoises, many over one hundred years old, are the last of their species and found nowhere else on earth.

The Alcedo tortoises depend heavily on the moss and lichen-encrusted trees which act like giant sponges to trap fog and rain, providing tortoises with water to drink, small ponds in which to wallow and cool off, and life-saving shade. They are losing ground before the onslaught of 50,000 to 100,000 introduced goats on northern Isabela. These animals consume and trample the low vegetation that the tortoises usually eat, and then shred the canopies of the protective trees, exposing fragile volcanic soil and tortoises to the punishing sun.

Similar processes have nearly deforested Santiago Island in the central archipelago (home to another subspecies of tortoises), and have recently begun on the two northernmost volcanoes of Isabela.

The Galapagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station have together successfully developed and implemented a control program in the most critical areas over the last 18 months. Although this effort has greatly reduced the number of goats, we have lacked sufficient resources to eradicate these animals. The remaining populations require a far greater effort if we are to remove these animals completely.

Do you have an Adopt a Tortoise Program?

At present, there is not a formal "adopt a tortoise" program, complete with photos and certificates. However , we can accept donations specifically targeted for tortoise repatriation, captive breeding, etc., and earmark those donations for work on specific islands. We do recognize the importance of such a venture, and hope to build an effective "adoption" program in the future.

Are there two organizations?

The Charles Darwin Foundation and the CDF, Inc.? Yes, there are two bodies. The CDF (Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Isles) is an independent scientific institution founded in 1959 and headquartered in Quito, Ecuador, with a research station in Galapagos. The CDF, Inc. is a "sister" organization, founded in 1992, which grew out of a trust fund program of the Smithsonian Institution.