Overview

This volunteer project offers you the chance to actively contribute to nature and wildlife conservation in the Seychelles and, at the same time, experience the incomparable beauty and fascinating biodiversity of a true island paradise.

Details

In the middle of the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa are the Seychelles, one of the most biodiverse areas on earth**. The Seychelles are in every respect a special place, where one can live in close harmony with nature, far from the rest of the world. Numerous creatures find a haven here in complete seclusion and isolation, which is why this practically unspoiled paradise is home to one of the highest number of species on our planet.

In a team of research workers and other volunteers you will take part in fascinating projects for the preservation and protection of this unique natural environment, based in this extraordinary island kingdom which is teeming with natural habitats for an overwhelming abundance of plants and animals. North Island is a picturesque corner of the world in the middle of the Indian Ocean, where impressive rock formations with lush vegetation rise steeply out of the sea and are surrounded by maybe the most beautiful beaches on earth.

As a volunteer, you will be fully integrated into their activities, made easier by their infectious ideology and their commitment to the task. You will be part of a project that will continue to be a success story thanks in part to your efforts. The concept is perfectly named “Noah’s Ark”, and its ambitious target is to return the island ecosystem to its original state through renaturation measures.

This includes the monitoring of and data collection on existing species, both on land and in the surrounding waters. You will patrol the beach each morning, looking for signs of turtles and their nests. This process has enabled the successful reintroduction of tortoise species that are native to the Seychelles, such as the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, the Green Sea Turtle, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, rare land and sea birds such as the wedge-tailed shearwater or the white-tailed tropicbird and many endemic plant species.

Accommodation & Meals

The four participants will live in a shared-accommodation house and will have opportunities to mix with conservation staff after hours, if they so choose. The house consists of 2 bedrooms, 1 lounge and 1 bathroom. The house has air-conditioning in the shared lounge and standing fans in each room.

Sometimes males and females will be accommodated together. As you will be located on a tropical island, there will be insects including mosquitoes, cockroaches, spiders, beetles etc. They may occasionally come into the house as well. Participants need to take responsibility for cleaning the house.

Participants eat together in the staff canteen – all meals are provided (three meals a day). Breakfast usually includes a variety of cereals, eggs (either scrambled, fried or boiled), baked beans, a meat item (sausage or bacon etc.), porridge, bread, jams, spreads etc. Lunch and Dinner are buffet-style, with staples such as fish, rice and lentils provided daily.

A second meat option is provided at every meal, together with vegetables and various salads. Local and international cuisine is cooked Vegetarians need to bring supplements to add to their meals to ensure a balanced diet – the island does not cater well for vegetarians and vegans.

Services, Dates, Cost

Services:

Included:

  • Placement in the programme
  • Assistance with travel arrangements
  • Assistance with selecting travel insurance
  • Assistance with booking flights
  • Risk coverage certificate
  • Pre-departure information pack
  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • Accommodation during the programme
  • Full board during the programme
  • Drinking water
  • Training during the programme
  • English-speaking support by long-term experienced staff
  • 24/7 support throughout the programme

Not Included:

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses and optional excursions
  • Accommodation outside programme hours
  • Further beverages (e.g. liquors, soft drinks, bottled water)

Dates:

2024: 14.10.2024, 11.11.2024, 09.12.2024

2025: 06.01.2025, 03.02.2025, 03.03.2025, 31.03.2025, 28.04.2025, 26.05.2025, 23.06.2025, 21.07.2025, 18.08.2025, 15.09.2025, 13.10.2025, 10.11.2025, 08.12.2025

Fees:

Fees (2024): €2650.00 EUR

Fees (2025): €2.750,00 EUR

Find out more and apply here