The Galapagos Islands
Wonder, Curiosity, and Science
During this immersive journey, students will travel to the Galápagos Islands, one of the most ecologically significant and scientifically important locations on Earth. The group will work closely with the ECOS foundation, a leading local organization dedicated to environmental education and conservation in the Galápagos. Students will be provided with hands-on learning experiences that connect them directly with the island’s wildlife and ecosystems. Students will engage with local experts in lectures and activities where they will learn about iconic species of the Galápagos such as marine and land iguanas, sea lions and giant tortoises, and will be led through different ecological zones of the Galápagos Islands.
Throughout this experience, students will deepen their understanding of evolution by natural selection, gain field research skills, and consider the challenges of sustaining biodiversity in a changing world. This is a program for students who are curious, adventurous, and eager to contribute meaningfully to the protection of one of the planet’s most extraordinary places.
Program Notes
- This program takes place in a rural setting with simple accommodations. Students should be prepared for a more basic living experience with limited amenities. The group will be camping for three nights in the highlands of Santa Cruz, and the remaining nights will be spent in hotels on Isabella Island and Santa Cruz Island.
- As part of Deerfield’s commitment to face-to-face interactions, during certain times of the program students will be “unplugged” without access to cell phones.
- This program ends half way through the March Break. Families are responsible for transportation from the arrival U.S.-based airport at the end of the program to the student’s destination for the remainder of the March break.
- Students and faculty leaders will update families and friends at home through our Notes From The Field blog.
Program Dates
March 7 – 15, 2026
Program Eligibility
This program is open to all students, but students must pass the Deerfield swim test prior to departure. Financial Aid is available to all qualifying students.
Students will need to have or obtain a Passport or Passport card for this program.
Please note that this program overlaps with the following:
- SATs on March 14, 2026
- The following athletics programs:
- Total overlap with NEPSAC championships (girls and boys swimming, girls and boys hockey) (March 7 – 8).
- Travel day overlap at the end of the program with the following athletics commitments:
- Baseball (March 15-22)
- Boys & Girls Rowing (March 15 – 22)
- Girls Waterpolo (March 15 – 22)
Program Snapshot
Accommodations: Hotels and Camping Sites
Meals: Group meals at Hotels, Restaurants and Camp Sites.
Activities: This program will include a high level of physical activity and extensive site visits with a significant amount of field-based research. Activities will be primarily outdoors.
Faculty program Leaders
Megan Washburn
Heidi Valk
Estimated Cost: $6,700
All meals, transportation, accommodations, and activities during the program dates are included in the program fee.
2026 Preliminary Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change
After arriving in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, the group will fly to the Galápagos via the island of Baltra and begin a multi-day exploration of Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands. On Santa Cruz, students will camp in the highlands and collaborate with ECOS, a local conservation organization, on fieldwork related to giant tortoise ecology. Through direct involvement in data collection, students will contribute to long-term conservation efforts in one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems. The group will also visit El Chato National Park Reserve, where they’ll encounter the native flora and fauna that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. Next, the program continues to Isabela Island, where students will stay in a hotel and investigate wetland conservation and biodiversity through the exploration of a hypersaline lagoon. They’ll snorkel in the island’s vibrant coastal waters and observe wildlife including marine iguanas, sea lions, and tropical fish, while learning about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. The program concludes with a return to Santa Cruz, where students will explore the stunning Tortuga Bay and the coastal town of Puerto Ayora. There, they’ll reflect on the intersection of science, conservation, and culture.
Health & Safety
We take student health and safety seriously. Please review the resources and information below as you consider applying for the program.
Travel Health & Risk Advisory
We encourage families to review the latest travel guidance for Ecuador:
Travel Medicine Advisory Letter
A letter from Dr. Bryant Benson provides important guidance on health preparations for travel. View Letter
Vaccination Guidance
No vaccinations are required for entry to Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands. However, we strongly recommend reviewing the CDC’s list of recommended vaccines and consulting your healthcare provider.
Travel Insurance
All students are covered by Deerfield Academy’s International SOS travel insurance policy while on the program.
Visa Information
Students and parents are directly responsible for the student’s immigration status and/or visa application process to comply with local laws for participation in this program. Deerfield Academy and the CSGC office are here to assist and can provide specific supplemental documentation as required for the application.