Further Information
Marine Conservation Volunteer Program in the Seychelles

Expedition Member Opportunities

Based in the Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by spectacular scenery and wildlife, the training and opportunities for personal development on this expedition are second to none. This program is aimed particularly at science graduates and under-graduates, and ex-GVI Marine Expedition members who hold a minimum dive qualification of PADI Open Water Diver, or equivalent (GVI can arrange for you to do this qualification in the Seychelles before the start of the expedition if necessary). This is your opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to both make a difference and have the experience of a lifetime.

The expedition offers numerous incredibly exciting opportunities to its participants. You will have the opportunity to:

• Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise, living and working alongside local people and experiencing the Creole culture, food and way of life
• Increase your personal knowledge in tropical, coastal and marine conservation, its importance and the threats to it, and help to increase both local and global knowledge and awareness
• Learn a variety of marine survey skills within the tropical environment
• Receive specific training for research purposes and increase your dive qualifications to PADI Advanced Diver or beyond at a local dive centre
• Experience warm water diving in one of the most diverse tropical marine environments and, if you are lucky, see whale sharks, turtles, dolphins, rays and sharks up close in their natural environment
• Visit prime breeding areas for the hawksbill and green turtle
• Experience thick tropical forest and see fruit bats, a host of reptiles and the celebrated birdlife
• Experience the marsh and mangrove ecosystems, and see species of juvenile fish, mudskippers and terrapins
• Have a close-up encounter with the extremely endangered giant tortoises, which can be well over 100 years old
• Assist in a marine education and awareness program, visiting and teaching within the local schools, dive centres and the open marine environment
• Take the time and opportunity to visit and work on nearby neighbouring islands
• Relax and party with your new-found friends at the well-deserved Saturday Night Fiesta!

Openwater Add-on Package

For non-divers we are offering a beginners package, incorporating the PADI Openwater certification, which is the minimum level if dive training needed to start the Seychelles Expedition. The duration of this package is a minimum of 4 days, so participants must arrive in the Seychelles at least 4 days prior to the start date of the Expedition. The cost of this package is Euro 360 for the PADI course and bed and breakfast accommodation is 63 Euros per night (single) or 43 Euros per night(shared twin with another GVI volunteer). The package includes: Accommodation, bed and breakfast rate, at a beachside hotel or guest house in Beau Vallon. Airport transfer to your hotel on arrival. PADI Openwater course at a local dive centre including all training materials, dive equipment (except snorkel, mask and fins) and certification. 4 boat dives during the course. Please Note: Food (other then breakfast) and additional excursions / transport is not included as part of the add-on package.