Travel to the crystal-clear waters of the Seychelles, in the warm Indian Ocean and contribute to critical marine conservation projects. While getting your PADI Advanced and PADI Coral Reef Research Diver qualifications, you ll participate in marine species research which contributes towards data provided to the local government on various conservation initiatives.
Learn how to identify fish and coral in the Indian Ocean while diving amongst tropical islands Enjoy fun-dives searching for the incredible mega-fauna in the area, such as sharks, rays, and dolphins Assist the Seychelles government and local NGOs with invaluable research. You will contribute towards various conservation-related surveys aimed at providing data on coral reef research, invertebrate surveys and turtle breeding areas Take your PADI Advanced and PADI Coral Reef Research Diver courses and learn how to identify fish and coral species, visiting and diving amongst deserted tropical islands Experience breath-taking sunsets while making life-long friends and having an amazing and unique adventure amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world Live and work from an iconic tropical island, in rustic accommodation near the beach In conjunction with our partners, the leading marine data collection organization in the Seychelles, we aim to provide a long term and consistent collection of data, assessing the overall health and development of the reef system within Northern Mahe, Seychelles. This will be used for regional coastal marine management and international understanding of changing reef systems. Besides this we look to increase the scientific output and awareness of the project through publication of findings. Some of our other goals are to increase in-country capacity by providing training in environmental education and minimize our environmental impact while raising awareness of environmental issues amongst USA volunteers Toll Free: and 1 800 visitors. 606 7185 UK Toll Free: 0800 098 8440
On this expedition, you will focus on coral reef monitoring and we ll assign you a specific topic such as fish, coral or invertebrates four-weeks prior to your arrival so to have plenty of time to study before coming to base. We monitor all these topics at our 24 sites over the North-West coast of Mahe. You will be collecting data on abundance and biodiversity, which helps to assess overall recovery of fish life on the reef. For the first half of the year we monitor coral cover of our sites, and in the second half of the year we monitor the recruits (juvenile) corals that are growing on our sites, both of which give us a better idea of the health and diversity of the reef. Slight variations in our methodologies throughout the year, but both focus on the diversity and abundance of different species found around the Seychelles. Everyone will get involved with this on a daily basis. We compile a species list and maintain a record of the daily occurrences of different marine creatures at the various dive sites. This data is passed onto OBIS Sea map which is an online database to see populations of different big species around the world. All volunteers get involved with monthly dives to clean up the reef. The data goes to Project AWARE who are monitoring the levels of trash that is being found on dive sites around the world. Also, everyone will conduct a separate monitoring technique of Coral Watch, a worldwide coral monitoring methodology, which looks into the levels of bleaching that is occurring on corals.
Depending on weather conditions, we aim for everyone to have 1 or 2 dives/snorkels each day, 5 days a week, during which you will conduct underwater surveys after completion of your training. Besides diving, you should expect to be involved in additional projects and activities, including training sessions, marine debris surveys and removal or environmental education sessions, depending on local and project needs. You will also be required to complete base duties. At the end of each day you will eat, relax and socialize with the rest of the team as you recount your sightings from below the surface. Weekends will be yours to explore the beautiful surrounding area and islands as you immerse yourself in the Creole culture of the Seychelles. During the expedition, we will usually organize a hike up Cap Matoopa for you to explore the surrounding area after all your hard work on surveys. The last days of an expedition are usually dedicated to taking volunteers to their favorite dive sites to dive just for fun, having completed all the survey work. Many volunteers head to nearby islands like Praslin and La Digue, and some like to take the 1+ hour ferry ride to Beau Vallon Bay. The bay is the main tourist area of Mahe with a lovely long beach, hotels and guest houses, shops and restaurants to suit all tastes.
Life at home base will be simple, island living, sleeping in basic dormitory style accommodation with shared bathrooms as well as shared cooking and cleaning duties. Facilities will be more basic than you are accustomed to so please travel with an open mind and a willingness to adapt to local conditions. Meals are prepared by volunteers on a rotational basis. The weekends are yours to explore and there is plenty to see and do, making this a guaranteed trip of a lifetime. Food is basic but nutritious, and primarily vegetarian with optional fish or meat available no more than once or twice a week. Breakfast could be porridge with fresh fruit, or occasionally pancakes or cereal, lunch and evening meals may include pasta, beans, rice, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, etc. Colorful tropical life abounds below the Indian Ocean waters of the Seychelles. For many people, a holiday here is an opportunity to kick back, relax and enjoy the fantastic food, beaches and culture. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful locations in the world for a volunteer working holiday. Whether it s part of a gap year program, or a shorter stay, you will discover a piece of paradise. The Seychelles climate is generally warm without hot or cold extremes. The temperature rarely drops below 24 C or rises above 32 C.
2019 GBP 4 weeks 2495 6 weeks 2995 8 weeks 3495 10 weeks 3995 12 weeks 4495 Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day at our volunteer house All airport collections and returns on specific dates and times Comprehensive orientation and training program All necessary project equipment and training, including First Aid, CPR and wildlife research training 12th January 9th February 9th March 6th April 4th May 1st and 29th June 27th July 24th August 21st September 19th October 16th November
During your stay you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the incredible attractions Seychelles has to offer. With 115 islands in the Seychelles group stretching over 800 miles, the possibilities of exploring this tropical paradise are endless. These excursions are also a great time for volunteers to interact and get to know each other better. Popular Outings: On the weekends many volunteers head to Beau Vallon Bay for a well-earned break. The bay is the main tourist area of Mahe with a lovely long beach, hotels and guest houses, shops and restaurants to suit all tastes Most people would agree that sitting at The Coral Strand Hotel bar with a cool drink and watching the sun set behind Silhouette Island is an experience not to be missed Visit the islands of Praslin, home to the Vallee de Mai (a world heritage site) thought by early explorers to be the original Garden of Eden, that is home of the famous Coco de Mer palm tree that produces the huge double nut famous for its provocative shape Visit the Island of La Digue, a perfect tropical island, small and intimate with quaint guest houses and arguably the most beautiful beach in the world - Anse Source d Argent Victoria is the capital city of the Seychelles, the smallest capital city in the world. Volunteers often visit to catch up at internet cafes, do a little shopping, or visit the market to soak up the local atmosphere At African Impact, we create the most transformative and impactful volunteer experiences on the planet for communities, wildlife and volunteers. Volunteering in Africa is what we do, it s in our DNA and what we are awarded for year after year. We ve built, grown and developed our very own projects, hand-in-hand with local African communities. We work with the most incredible people to make this happen and surround ourselves with inspiring human beings from every corner of the world. Every year is a chance to grow, learn and better our offering both for host communities and for volunteers themselves. We re constantly pushing the boundaries of excellence and know that volunteering can achieve even more. What do we believe in? Providing an extraordinary experience to our volunteers Making tangible, measurable impacts for our communities and wildlife initiatives Transforming the lives and perspectives of everyone who is part of our journey So, welcome to what good volunteering looks like. Join us and go #BeyondVolunteering to a place that connects cultures, mindset and ideas. A place that leaves you awed and inspired, able to do more, discover more and to make a real impact.
Pablo is your point of contact. He will walk you through the pre-arrival planning for your placement and give you all the information you need to make sure you re ready. Originally from Argentina, and having majored in Tourism, he has been fortunate enough to travel the world! He s also been volunteering in different countries in South America for over 10 years now, mainly focusing in poverty alleviation and community empowerment. After traveling to Africa four times and falling absolutely in love with the place, he has finally decided to move to South Africa and join the African Impact family. As an experienced traveler and volunteer, Pablo is happy to answer any and all questions you might have. Just drop him an email at: pablo@africanimpact.com