There’s something magical about standing face-to-face with a blue-footed booby or watching sea lions nap in the sun without a care in the world. But even more powerful than the wildlife itself is knowing that your visit is helping protect it.
When you travel to the Galápagos with us (our next trip is in November!), you’re not just exploring one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet — you’re actively contributing to its future.
For every traveler who joins our Galápagos adventure, The Travel Yogi donates to the International Galápagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), a nonprofit dedicated to the long-term protection of these incredible islands.
It’s one small way that you — and we — help keep the Galápagos thriving for generations to come.
What’s IGTOA? And Why Does It Matter?
The International Galápagos Tour Operators Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit made up of travel companies like ours, united by a shared mission: to preserve the unique beauty, biodiversity, and cultural integrity of the Galápagos.
They fund grassroots conservation and education efforts across the islands — the kind of work that doesn’t make flashy headlines but makes a huge difference on the ground.
This year, thanks in part to travelers like you, IGTOA will award $109,200 in grants to organizations and people working on the front lines of Galápagos conservation, science, education, and community.
Where Your Dollars Are Going
This year’s grants reflect a powerful belief: that the future of the Galápagos lies in the hands of its young people — and that education is one of the most effective tools for lasting protection.
Here’s a look at some of the incredible work your travel is helping support:
- ECOS and Frente Insular: These two local organizations are teaming up to bring science to life for Galápagos youth. From hands-on fieldwork and climate monitoring to leadership training and marine conservation, they’re giving students real-world experiences that inspire a deeper connection to their environment.
- The Community Library in Puerto Ayora: As the only public library in the Galápagos, this welcoming space is so much more than books. It’s a hub for learning and curiosity, offering internet access, after-school programs, workshops, and a place for kids and families to explore ideas and grow.
- Naveducando: Imagine learning about marine life while sailing through the Galápagos Islands. That’s exactly what this floating classroom offers — bringing students and teachers on board to snorkel, explore, and study the ecosystems they live alongside every day.
These are hyper-local, grassroots organizations, the kind that depend on ongoing support to do what they do best. And none of it would happen without travelers like you.
Your Adventure Makes a Real-World Impact
You may not see it as you kayak past mangroves or float above a school of fish, but your trip is helping fund real, tangible change.
By choosing to travel responsibly — and by supporting tour operators who invest in the places they visit — you’re not just exploring the Galápagos. You’re protecting it.
You’re helping a young student discover their passion for marine biology. You’re helping a local teacher bring science to life for their classroom. You’re helping ensure that the Galápagos remains as wild, weird, and wonderful as it’s always been.
Want to Learn More or Get Involved?
IGTOA shares updates on the work their grantees are doing each year, and we love staying connected to the impact we’re all making together.
If you’d like to dive deeper into their work or spread the word, you can learn more about their grant recipients here.
Because when we travel thoughtfully, we don’t just take memories with us — we leave support, stewardship, and connection behind.
And that’s the kind of adventure we can all feel good about.