Humpback Whale Project - Combine Volunteer Projects and Adventure Tours in Ecuador!

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Guayaquil,  Cuenca,  Banos,  Manta,  Portoviejo,  Ibarra,  Esmeraldas,  Santo Domingo de los Colorados,  Tena,  El Coca,  Ambato,  Latacunga,  Archidona,  Nanegalito,  Pichincha,  Bahia de Caraquez,  Otavalo,  Tungurahua,  Canoa,  Chiguilpe,  Pijal,  Chinimpi,  Churute,  Pedro Moncayo,  Intag,  Columbe,  Cotacachi,  Cumbaya,  El Porvenir,  Babahoyo,  Chone,  Puyo,  Morona Santiago,  Mindo,  Montanita,  Muisne,  Nanegal,  San Pablo,  Pedro Vicente Maldonado,  Piedra Blanca,  Puerto Baquerizo Moreno,  San Cristobal,  Puerto Lopez,  Calderon,  Loja,  Cayambe,  Yunguilla,  Atacames,  Guaranda,  Rio Blanco,  Salango,  Tabacundo,  Vilcabamba,  Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Programs depart regularly throughout the year

Description: Humpback Whale conservation
Be a part of a crucial team obtaining data that will assist with species monitoring of migrating endangered humpback whales.

International Student Volunteers (a non-profit organization) offers you the chance to volunteer in a conservation program for humpback whales, which have been endangered since 1966. After giving back to the local conservation efforts, you will then reward yourself by participating in an incredible two week adventure tour, where you'll go rock-climbing, rappelling, snorkeling, horse riding, white water rafting and so much more, as you continue on the adventure of a lifetime!
About ISV's Humpback Whale Projects:

About ISV's Humpback Whale Program
ISV's Whale Project is located on the coast of Ecuador near Puerto Lopez. It is here where you will contribute to the success of long term conservation plans for these incredible creatures. This project focuses on community development and environmental education, specifically targeting the valuation of threatened humpback whales through monitoring and awareness. Not only will you be working alongside the humpback whales, but you'll also be supporting alternative tourism efforts through family home stays and English classes, and working with the local community school as part of the Ecuador Children´s Program.

Other ISV Volunteer Projects in Ecuador:
Humpback whale community awareness programs, indigenous community support, school and playground construction, jungle management programs, Andean Spectacled Bear research.
Adventure Tour:
glacier climbing on the Cotopaxi volcano glacier, white water rafting, bridge jumping, mountain biking adventure, whale watching, surf lessons, visit to Otovalo markets.

Spanish language and dance lesson package available.

Adventure Tour
Participants will travel throughout Ecuador, exploring the Andes Mountains, tropical glaciers, the Amazon, the Pacific coast, scenic rivers, national parks, cloud forests and cultural attractions such as Ecuador's capital city of Quito and the world-famous Otavalo indigenous market. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

* Puenting jumping off a bridge for a 30-foot pendulum over a raging river
* Rock climbing in the Andes beginner through advanced climbs at a local crag
* Waterfall rappelling repel down a 90-foot waterfall!
* Whale watching and snorkeling off Isla de la Plata chase after Humpback whales on their southbound migration!
* Horseback riding through the cloud forest access remote trails at the base of Tungurahua Volcano
* Learning glacial travel techniques on the world's highest active volcano, the Cotopaxi
* Whitewater rafting the Pastaza River from the Cloud Forest to the Amazon Jungle basin
* Going shopping in Otavalo, Latin Americas' largest market
* Getting personalized surfing instruction in Montanita, Ecuador's surfers paradise
* Visiting an Amazon indigenous Quechua community

Highlights:
Key achievement example from last year:
Almost 30 different humpback individuals were identified with over 200 photos taken for identification purposes.

Galapagos and Machu Picchu Excursion
After your ISV Program, take on the once in a lifetime six-day adventure exploring the incredible Galapagos Islands. See the giant tortoises, and snorkel with the seals and iguanas as you explore the world's most unique ecosystem! Or if that isn't right for you, perhaps you'd like to spend an incredible week exploring the magical colonial city of Cuzco before we embark on a four-day trek through Incan ruins and visit the mystical ruined city of Machu Picchu.

Spanish lessons
Before your adventure begins, ISV also offers you a five-day course of Spanish lessons in the morning and dance classes in the afternoon. This is a great way to brush up on your language skills and you will even stay with a local family.

Why travel with ISV?
* Combine meaningful volunteer projects with exciting adventure travel
* ISV has support offices in every program country we operate in
* Trained staff to guide your project and tour
* Group travel- you will make friends from across the globe and not be alone
* Educational - learn a lot and possibly receive academic credit (if applicable)
* ISV is not a sending agent -we run our own programs with our own trained staff to ensure you have the most amazing experience possible.

Qualifications: No qualifications are necessary; ISV will give you all the training you need. To maximize your experience it is preferable you can speak English fluently. You do not need to speak the language of your host country, as you will have bi-lingual project and tour leaders to guide your experience. Minimum age is 18 years old by the time of departure. This program is open to everyone, not just students.

Cost in US$: Program prices vary. Please see website for details.

The program cost also goes towards the equipment or building materials needed for your projects, your in-country support, your adventure activities, your amazing trained project and tour leaders, AND towards the ongoing sustainability and training of each project. We give you and our projects the support and structure many other volunteer organizations cannot, as we have an office in each country to look after your entire experience and develop lasting relationships with the communities in which we operate.

Cost does not include: passport costs, insurance, international flights, in-country domestic flights (if required), vaccinations, spending money, extra activities on tour (available through Optional Activity Package).

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Despite our name, any person may volunteer with ISV as long as they are over 18 years old. The majority of our participants are 18 to 30 years old, but we welcome anyone who wishes to join us and make a difference. You do not need any special skills to volunteer with ISV. We just ask that you are willing to give back to your host country; you are willing to learn as much as you can about the people, environment and issues facing your host country, and are ready to make the best friends along your adventure of a lifetime.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

International Student Volunteers's Mission Statement: To create an environment that combines conservation, community development, education and recreation into the ultimate adventure travel program for anyone who desires to make a difference by volunteering in local communities abroad.

Year Founded: 1981