Travel to Seychelles and experience an island paradise while making meaningful contributions to communities there. Volunteering in Seychelles provides a unique adventure for conservation and biodiversity enthusiasts, allowing volunteers to get to know both the land and ocean surrounding these exquisite islands. In a nutshell:
- Sustainable volunteer programs with measurable impacts
- GoEco’s ethical values are behind all volunteer projects
- Award-winning programs with excellent volunteer reviews
- Comfortable volunteer accommodation, most meals, airport transfers, and 24/7 support are all included in the program fees
- Practice French in one of the most beautiful places in the world
Why volunteer in Seychelles? Seychelles isn’t just a getaway for honeymooners. The legendary beauty of these islands makes them a compelling destination for anyone who loves the beach. Whether sinking your toes into the exquisite sand bordering the turquoise waters or diving beneath the waves to discover the colorful coral reefs that ring the islands, this is oceanic idyll at its best. Volunteering in Seychelles is a remarkable way of exploring this archipelago of 115 islands. Scattered in the Indian Ocean, just east of mainland Africa, Seychelles has a history that spans Islamic mariners, French settlers, British colonials, Tamil and Chinese traders, and African slaves. The unique Seychellois culture reflects this myriad of influences. However, despite the appearance of being a paradise sheltered from the rest of the world, the pristine beauty of Seychelles is under threat. Marine ecosystems and wildlife face significant challenges such as plastic pollution, coral bleaching, and habitat loss. Volunteers interested in conservation can join programs to help protect delicate coral reefs and threatened sea turtles. What to know before you go English, French and Creole are all official languages in Seychelles. Most locals will speak all three, making it easy if you’re not confident in French. Located close to the equator, Seychelles is hot and sunny all year round. Pack light, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing. A raincoat can be handy though, as tropical downpours are common, especially between December and March. As you’ll be based in remote locations, away from the most populated islands, you won’t have regular internet access while volunteering in Seychelles. Embrace the chance to disconnect and dive deeper into nature. About once a week you will be able to use internet cafes to catch up on your messages and emails. Life on the base is a simple, stripped back existence that will allow you to better embrace the beauty of the location. Living arrangements are comfortable but simple. Your accommodation will be in simple, mixed-gender dorms with shared bathrooms. You will need to adjust to living without some of the amenities you have at home. For example, volunteers usually wash their clothes by hand, so make sure you pack biodegradable laundry soap. Locations GoEco offers volunteers the opportunity to join a wildlife expedition on Curieuse Island, a national and marine park managed by the Seychelles National Park Authority. Although tourists frequently visit on day trips, the island is almost completely undeveloped and there are no hotels or restaurants there. Curieuse Island is a breeding ground for hawksbill and green turtles, with rich red earth and lush green foliage, set against the deep blue Indian Ocean: it’s a study in colors. Curieuse is the only island, other than Praslin, where coco de mer trees grow in a natural forest. Coco de mer nuts are a cultural icon in Seychelles. You can also choose to go scuba diving for research and conservation in the Baie Ternay Marine Park. GoEco’s volunteer base in Cap Ternay will place you right in the middle of an incredibly biodiverse and beautiful area. Baie Ternay is known for megafaunas such as sharks, rays, and dolphins. Located on the main island of Mahe, volunteering in Cap Ternay will put you in a central position for exploring the rest of the country. Volunteer programs in Seychelles GoEco’s volunteer projects in Seychelles focus on preserving the unique array of wildlife that exists both on land and underwater. If you’re interested in marine biology and conservation, this tropical paradise is the ideal volunteering destination for you. Scuba dive in turquoise waters as you contribute to marine conservation and learn more about coral reefs. Our Wildlife Conservation Expedition is your chance to snorkel with reef sharks, rays, and turtles as you assist with conducting research and surveying Curieuse Island. This project also involves collecting data on the coco de mer palm tree, birdlife, and other creatures that live on the island. This is a great way to gain practical experience in marine, wildlife and environmental conservation. In your free time, you can roam the island exploring the multitude of walking trails, snorkel, or simply sunbathe to your heart’s content. You can also choose to gain your PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Coral Reef Research Diver certifications as you carry out dives for research and conservation. On this program, you’ll be learning from experts how to identify a range of fish and coral species, and will collect valuable data on coral reefs and turtle breeding grounds through underwater surveys. You’ll be taking part in one or two snorkels or dives each day, meaning you’ll spend most of your time in the glorious underwater world of the Seychelles islands. Set off to exotic islands to assist with marine conservation and research. Browse our volunteering opportunities in Seychelles or get in touch with us to find out more information today.
