I want to learn about Galapagos
Discover the unique wildlife and history of the Galapagos Islands, and the conservation challenges that now threaten the Archipelago.
About Galapagos
Islands of Hope
We’re on a mission to turbocharge nature recovery in Galapagos. Together, we can stop extinctions. We can clean up degraded habitats. We can inspire the next generation to imagine better. Nature and communities can thrive in balance. With your help, we can make this happen. Will you join us?
What would you like to do?
I want to visit Galapagos
A trip to Galapagos is a life-changing experience. Find out how to get the most out of your visit and experience these amazing islands in a sustainable, responsible way.
Travelling responsibly
I want to take action for Galapagos
You can support nature recovery in Galapagos by joining GCT as a member, adopting an animal, coming to an event or becoming a volunteer.
Support us
What we do
Galapagos Conservation Trust is the only UK-registered charity focused solely on the conservation and responsible stewardship of the Galapagos Archipelago. We believe that Galapagos can be a beacon of hope for the world as we tackle the interlinked crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Founded in 1995, we are adept at bringing together conservationists, communities, governments and businesses in a common endeavour to secure lasting protection for the Islands. We turn cutting-edge science into high-impact solutions, from the grassroots right up to the global stage. Our vision is simple: thriving islands and healthy oceans, with people at the heart of every story. A place that gives hope.
Success stories
Thriving islands
Galapagos rail rediscovered on Floreana after 190 years
The Galapagos rail, a secretive bird not seen on Floreana since Charles Darwin's visit in 1835, was rediscovered in 2025 following the removal of most of the island’s invasive rats and feral cats.
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Healthy oceans
New marine reserve increases protection for endangered sharks
The Hermandad Marine Reserve, based on years of ocean science supported by GCT and our partners, gives a huge boost to migratory species such as whale sharks, turtles and hammerheads.
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Pollution solutions
GCT and Galapagos National Park publish landmark plastics report
A groundbreaking report released by GCT and the Galapagos National Park Directorate presents the most detailed picture to date of the threat that coastal plastic pollution poses to Galapagos.
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Resilient communities
Environmental education supports young people across Galapagos
GCT has been instrumental in expanding opportunities for young people across all four populated islands, supporting environmental education programmes and creating bilingual resources for schools.
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Restoring Floreana
Once home to some of the most iconic wildlife in Galapagos, Floreana has been devastated by invasive species.
We are supporting a hugely ambitious project to bring back 12 missing species and restore the island to its former glory.
Safer seas for wildlife
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth.
We are funding research to expand ocean protection around Galapagos and protect marine wildlife from damaging fishing methods.
Reimagining tourism in Galapagos
Visitor numbers to Galapagos have more than doubled over the past 20 years, threatening the very wildlife that attracts tourists in the first place.
We are working with local authorities, tourism businesses and the Galapagos community to drive forward a new approach to tourism that allows both people and nature to thrive.
Plastic Pollution Free Galapagos
While the Galapagos Archipelago remains one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world, it is not immune to the devastating effects of plastic pollution.
We are working with partners across the Eastern Pacific to make Galapagos plastic pollution free once again, identifying the sources and impacts of plastic and driving forward innovative solutions.
The latest from our blog
Climate
El Niño and La Niña explained
GCT Ambassador, Henry Nicholls, takes a deep dive into the impacts of the El Niño climate phenomenon on the wildlife of Galapagos.
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Ocean protection
Overfishing
Can fishing and conservation coexist in Galapagos?
Galapagos is a globally important refuge for marine life, but it’s also a place where people depend on the ocean for their livelihoods, making fisheries management a complex conservation challenge.
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History of Galapagos
Attenborough at 100: Bringing Galapagos to the world
Few people have done as much to bring Galapagos to the world as the renowned British broadcaster, naturalist and writer Sir David Attenborough, who celebrates his 100th birthday this week.
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Ocean protection
Tourism
One woman's mission to protect manta rays
Love oceanic manta rays? We’d argue not as much as Professor Diana Pazmiño. We chatted to Diana about her work to protect manta rays and how we can help mantas to live alongside people in harmony.
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Will you join us?
By joining GCT as a member, you can help to scale up nature recovery and preserve the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands for many generations to come.
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