Galapagos School Trips & Expeditions


About trips to Galapagos

At Gapforce we have found that the Galapagos Islands, with their stunning scenery and unusual wildlife, are one of our most popular locations for schools from around the world.

The Galapagos are home to the Charles Darwin Centre (in honour of the evolutionary biologist whose most famous work, On the Origin of Species, was conceived on an expedition there). A UNESCO World Heritage site and United Nations Protected region, their isolated location has enabled unique species development.

Thanks to the historic role the Galapagos Islands played in Darwin’s development of the theory of natural selection, this beautiful Pacific archipelago has become a preeminent location for a variety of school trips, including those focused on geography, environmental sciences and of course biology.

Home to such astonishing creatures as the famous Galapagos giant tortoise, blue-footed booby, frigatebird and the Galapagos rosy iguana as well as the finches whose varying beak sizes inspired Darwin, pupils who visit these islands will never forget the experience.

Suitable for:  Science School Trips, Geography School Trips, Outdoor Education School Trips, World Religion School Trips

Support we offer on trips to Galapagos

We support schools embarking on trips to Galapagos in a variety of ways, including:

  • Tailormade itineraries to match your school’s learning objectives
  • A launch evening at the school for parents, students and teachers
  • One point of contact for planning and preparation
  • A comprehensive pre-departure briefing
  • A highly qualified Expedition Leader to accompany your group

For more information regarding planning and executing an expedition to the Galapagos Islands with your school, see our comprehensive guide on how to plan a trip here.

Day 1

Fly to Ecuador

Fly from London to Quito. On arrival, you will be met by your Gapforce Leader and transferred to your accommodation.
After checking in to your rooms, you will receive a welcome & safety briefing over dinner followed by an early night.

Day 2

Mitad Del Mundo

This morning, you visit the Middle of the World museum and stand slap bang in the middle of the world and your guide will play various tricks on your mind!
On your return to Quito you will stop in the town of Otovalo, renowned for its incredible markets selling local crafts, and you can try bartering skills!

Day 3

Quito Sightseeing

After breakfast you will enjoy a half day guided walking tour of the city including The Basilica, Independence Square, The Government Palace, The Compania Church and City Museum.
In the afternoon, subject to how the group is feeling there are several activities available including The Teleferico or local markets.

Day 4

Huasquila

Transfer to Huasquila Amazon Lodge, an exclusive ecotourism complex located in the Sacred Valley of Cotundo within the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve.
After lunch, you will walk down jungle trails to find two 50 feet high waterfalls, formed by the topographies of small and large cliffs.

Day 5

Huasquila

This morning you will assist on a conservation project helping to reforest the endemic Guayusa plant used for centuries by indigenous populations in the region.
In the afternoon, an Ecuadorian native Kichwa guide will accompany you on an Amazon jungle hike adventure.

Day 6

Fly to Galapagos

Today we take an early morning coach transfer from the lodge to Quito airport to catch our flight to Santa Cruz island on the Galapagos, then by ferry to Isabella Island.
After lunch, you will visit Flamingo Lagoon which is the largest coastal lagoon in the Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites of flamingos.

Day 7

Isabella Island

Today you hike to the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano, the largest basaltic caldera in Galapagos offering impressive views a rich display of vegetation.
In the afternoon we visit Concha de Perla, a calm bay with crystal clear water and the perfect spot to snorkel and enjoy the fascinating marine life.

Day 8

Santa Cruz

Early morning transfer to Santa Cruz and visit to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Centre.
In the afternoon, you will walk over to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! On the way there, we can see vegetation typical of the arid zone, the giant catus Opuntia and Jaminocereus.

Day 9

Santa Cruz

This morning you will visit the giant tortoise reserve at Rancho Primicia, The tortoises migrate here in search of cooler shaded area, water holes, and places to lay their eggs.
In the afternoon there are the incredible Lava Tunnels at El Mirador where you can go into the earth at one place and come out 30 minutes later at another.

Day 10

North Seymour Island

Today is a full day tour to North Seymour island, a natural haven for some of the most sought-after residents in the Galapagos Islands, the Blue-Footed Boobie.
There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wildlife and nature by hiking, swimming and snorkelling

Day 11

Return Flight Home

This morning you will head back to the airport with a chance for a final stop on the way at Los Gemelos holes, formed by the collapse of a magma chamber.
You return flight will take you first to Guayaquil where you will connect with your international flights to the UK.

Day 12

Arrive UK

You will arrive back into the UK this morning.

Whats included poster

Gapforce Galapagos Expedition Leader

Throughout your expedition you will be accompanied by a Gapforce Galapagos Expedition Leader. Gapforce is renowned for the select team of enthusiastic leaders who run our worldwide expeditions.

We hire great people experienced in delivering inspiring and safe travel experiences, many of whom have graduated from our intense 4-month Galapagos Expedition Leader Training which includes:

  • Mountain Leader Training
  • RGS Off-site safety management
  • RLSS Water Safety
  • QA Level 2 Activity First Aid
  • Rescue Training
  • Wilderness Medical Training
  • Advanced Survival Training
  • Expedition Planning
  • Incident Management