Pirates, Privateers and perilous seas

> Our Work > Educational resources > Pirates, Privateers and perilous seas

History History of Galapagos

This activity introduces students to the pirates and privateers that visited the Galapagos and their reasons for doing so.

Scalloped hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos Marine Reserve

Introduction English resources Related resources

A whale shark in Galapagos, which plays an important role in blue carbon capture

Introduction

Learning objectives

To consider reasons for early exploration.
To understand why pirates and privateers used the Galapagos as a base.
To consider the life of an explorer.

Students’ outcomes

To explain the purpose of early exploration.
To explain the importance of Galapagos as a base for explorers in a historical context.
Write a recount from the perspective of an explorer.

Resources in English

Pirates, Privateers and perilous seas

Available downloads

Download all resources

Dr. Sylvia Earle and Salome Buglass, Marine Ecologist at the Charles Darwin Foundation are traveling down in the submersible for an exploratory dive in the twilight zone a couple of miles off Wolf Island © Rolex/Franck Gazzola

History

Advances in technology and exploration

This activity allows students to explore advances in technology and exploration since the time of Darwin.

View resource

History

Changes over time: Darwin's kit list

This activity investigates science during Darwin’s time and now. Students are introduced to the scientific equipment Darwin had on board ‘The Beagle’ and consider its purpose.

View resource

History

Changes over time: How did Darwin preserve specimens

In this activity students will have the opportunity to investigate how animal and plant specimens were preserved during the time of Darwin’s voyage.

View resource

History

Meet the crew of the HMS Beagle

This activity allows students to investigate the role and responsibilities of crew members on board The Beagle and what it would be like to live and work on board such a ship.

View resource

Española mockingbird and waved albatross

2nd Apr 2025

Events History of Galapagos

GCT 30th Anniversary Webinar 2025

On 1 April we held a very special webinar to reflect on both the successes and the challenges of the last 30 years, and to look ahead with hope to the next 30 years.

27th Feb 2025

Education and outreach History of Galapagos

Understanding the impact of adaptation for British Science Week

There is no better place to study this year's British Science Week theme ‘Change and Adapt’ than on the iconic Galapagos Islands.

10th Sep 2024

History of Galapagos

The legend of Patrick Watkins

The first-known resident of Galapagos was Patrick Watkins, an Irishman marooned (either forcefully or perhaps voluntarily) on Floreana from around 1807 to 1809.

Isabel Cooper painting during the 1925 Arcturus expedition

23rd Feb 2024

History of Galapagos Women in science

Isabel Cooper: A pioneering woman in Galapagos

Isabel Cooper was one of the first professional women to work in Galapagos, an artist on board the Harrison Williams Expedition to the Archipelago in 1923.

Pirates, Privateers and perilous seas

Introduction

Learning objectives

Students’ outcomes

Resources in English

Pirates, Privateers and perilous seas

Available downloads

More resources like this

Advances in technology and exploration

Changes over time: Darwin's kit list

Changes over time: How did Darwin preserve specimens

Meet the crew of the HMS Beagle

Related articles

GCT 30th Anniversary Webinar 2025

Understanding the impact of adaptation for British Science Week

The legend of Patrick Watkins

Isabel Cooper: A pioneering woman in Galapagos

Get the latest news from Galapagos