Know Before You Go

Adventure Gear Donations

Leading some of the most in-depth exploratory adventures in the Galapagos, Nat Hab goes through quite a bit of gear. Whether it’s upgrading our fleet of expedition kayaks, purchasing new snorkels or fins, or investing in a new set of wetsuits for one of our vessels, we’ve come to realize that not only is the used gear we are upgrading still very functional in some cases, but people in the Galapagos could really benefit from all this gear. From schools to community groups to friends and families of our staff and guides, Nat Hab donates gear consistently to local Galapagos communities, which in turn helps them get out and explore their incredible local environment. As they further understand and appreciate their own “backyard” and become stewards for conservation, the wildlife and environment benefit through further protection and advocacy.

Support for the Montemar Sustainable Living Project
Santa Cruz Island

Not many areas of the world have a home site as sustainable as Montemar. A model for sustainable construction and sustainable living, our educational visit to this off-the-grid retreat helps support sustainable development in the Galapagos. It also shows our guests novel ways to make green improvements to their own homes. Ranging from highly energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling, to using highly sustainable local products in construction, it could be considered more of a sustainability laboratory than an actual home. With it, we are able to continually learn about ways to raise the bar on sustainable construction and design.

Andean Condor Husai Project
Hacienda Zuleta

Many of our Galapagos adventures visit the renowned Hacienda Zuleta and its incredible Andean Condor conservation and rehabilitation program. Condor Huasi (as the program is called locally) is the only reproduction and liberation site licensed by the government protection agency in Ecuador. As with many other wildlife rehabilitation programs, the awareness and advocacy generated from visitation is perhaps one of the most profound effects of the project. However, we go one step further and donate directly to the project on behalf of each and every Nat Hab traveler who visits the site.

IGTOA Member Organization

We’re proud to be a member of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), contributing to the organization’s many accomplishments in improving communities and wildlife conservation in the islands. In addition to playing key roles in environmental victories, including the 1998 Galapagos Special Law, IGTOA is very involved in the day-to-day management of natural areas, such as invasive species control and conducting studies on wildlife diseases that, if left untreated, could pose major risks to the Galapagos. IGTOA is also very active in local communities, providing leadership in science education at all age levels.

Comprised of tourism industry professionals, IGTOA serves as a steward for both travel and the environment, ensuring that they complement one another and that tourism protects rather than harms the fragile Galapagos environment.