What is the Galapagos Islands?

There's no better laboratory for conservation and biology field studies than the Galapagos Islands. From the waters teeming with species found only here, to the highlands inhabited by giant tortoises, you'll work to understand and protect this fragile ecosystem.

Galapagos

Go Behind the Scenes & Work With Tortoises in Nature's Finest Laboratory

These islands are overflowing with unique species, stunning ecosystems, and important conservation issues. Dive deeper through EPI's exclusive partnership with the Galapagos National Park.

A lone marine iguana enjoys the view

Dr. Stephen Blake is a renowned scientist, exceptional teacher, and inspirational mentor for EPI students. He is famous for his extensive work with elephants in Africa and is the top giant tortoise researcher in the Galapagos Islands. Stephen involves EPI students in his work because he hopes to inspire youth to conserve this distinctive species and its habitat, and to share how real scientists work. EPI students participate in his research by counting the different seeds in tortoise dung, to determine giant tortoise migration and seed dispersal of native and invasive plant species. Students also take part in his field trips to scout for giant tortoises in the wild, secure transistors onto their shells, and then collect GPS data which is entered into special... Learn More

EPI would like to thank the following contributing photographers for the photos you see throughout our website:

Professional Photographers & Friends of EPI:

• Matt Carter
• Chris Kamman
• Oliver Grunewald
• Don Herbert
• Francisco Laso
• Mavis Negroni
• Eric Ramos
• Art Westwood

EPI Staff:

• Simon Buzzard
• Rachael Caldwell
• Erin Clark
• Corey Constantino
• Haley Hanson
• John Kamman
• Lisa Macki
• Scott Pankratz
• Melissa Peterson
• Carlos Trejos
• Kyle Watson

And countless instructors and participants since the beginning of EPI in 2000.

THANK YOU!