About Us
Our Safari Camp, roamed by wild giant tortoises and bordering the Galapagos National Park, is small by design and exclusive by definition. We design tailor-made safaris to meet incredible Galapagos wildlife.
Located on the edge of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is a cornerstone of conservation and scientific research in the Galapagos Islands. Since its establishment in 1964, CDRS has been the scientific research campus of the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), the largest and oldest science and conservation organization in the Galapagos.
Photo @Juan Manuel Garcia-CDF
The Charles Darwin Foundation
The Charles Darwin Foundation, founded in 1959 with the support of UNESCO and the IUCN, was created to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. In collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), CDF has been instrumental in providing scientific research, technical advice, and practical expertise to conserve the unique biodiversity of the archipelago. This longstanding partnership with Ecuador, renewed in 2016 for an additional 25 years, underscores the vital alliance between the Ecuadorian Government and CDF in safeguarding the Galapagos Islands.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station is to address the most pressing threats to the Galapagos through scientific research and targeted conservation efforts. Their vision is to establish the Galapagos Islands as a global model for conservation, inspiring sustainable practices and educating future generations to protect our planet’s natural wonders.
Conservation Initiatives
The CDRS is home to several groundbreaking projects aimed at protecting the Ocean, Land and People of the Galapagos. From the restoration of Scalesia forest and threatened plant species to mangrove conservation and deep-ocean exploration, their work is crucial in ensuring the protection of the islands for future generations.
A Hub for Scientific Research
The CDRS campus includes offices, labs, a conference hall, and lodging for visiting scientists. One of its most treasured resources is the Natural History Collections, which houses over 135,000 specimens from over 7500 species, making it one of the largest collections of its kind in the world. These collections are important for ongoing research and play a key role in understanding and preserving the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos.
One of our favourite exhibits is Lonesome George, the last known Pinta Island tortoise. Discovered in 1971 after thought extinct, Lonesome George became a symbol of conversation around the world. Preserved by taxidermy, he can be viewed in a glass cabinet at the Research Station.
Visiting the Research Station
Visitors to the Charles Darwin Research Station can explore the exhibition hall, which is open year-round and offers a deep dive into the station’s scientific and conservation work. The station also provides an opportunity to learn about the challenges facing the Galapagos and the innovative solutions being developed to address them.
Personalize Your Safari
We can include a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in your Safari. To personalize your itinerary and immerse yourself in the rich history of conservation in the Galapagos, please explore our sample Safaris and contact one of our Safari Designers to start planning your wildlife adventure.