Overview
Marine Conservation Expedition in the Seychelles

Much of your research will be spent scuba diving in the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean on GVI’s marine conservation expedition in the Seychelles, assisting the Seychelles Government and local NGOs with their priority biological and conservation programs.

The unique training opportunities on this expedition are second to none; learning about and participating in coral reef research, invertebrate surveys, whale shark migration observations, plankton sampling, in-water turtle surveys and turtle nesting research. Volunteers will have the opportunity to vastly expand their knowledge of this tropical marine environment and gain research diving and marine survey skills in a stunning island location.

Further training options are also available at this location, including long-term internships, short-term internships and GVI's unique BTEC in Biological Survey Techniques qualification.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

GVI are a huge part of the Seychelles community, almost all of the local people know of them and getting to work with them was something which gave me a great sense of pride.

Claire Baillie, volunteer

What Difference Does This Expedition Make?

GVI, working alongside our partners, is the leading marine data collection organisation in the country. We do the work that our partners do not have the manpower, time or resources to carry out. We collect data on the coral reefs as well as on turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, octopuses and many more species; and much of this data is used by other organisations in the Seychelles. Our volunteers are trained to such a high standard that the information they gather is used to show an accurate picture of the overall health of the Seychelles coral reefs used by the government for management policies.

Highlights

Learning how to identify fish and coral in the Indian Ocean; visiting and diving amongst deserted tropical islands; extra dive courses at heavily discounted rates with local dive shops, enjoying fun-dives and searching for the incredible ‘mega-fauna’ in the area, such as whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins; developing the techniques you need to survey coral reefs,exploring different dive sites, visiting breeding areas for the hawksbill and green turtle, and endangered giant tortoises; having an amazing and unique adventure amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Location

This expedition takes you to the beautiful Indian Ocean paradise of the Seychelles islands. GVI operates 2 marine bases in the inner granitic islands, both within National Marine Parks next to stunning palm-fringed beaches and forested areas. The paradise of the Seychelles is the ideal location to enjoy conducting marine research, relaxing and exploring a well-preserved and tranquil tropical archipelago.

See Life on the expedition page for more information

Field Conditions

The expedition bases are located within National Marine Parks within the inner granitic islands of the Seychelles, 2 minutes walk away from stunning beaches with scenic views. Both bases supply basic living conditions with dormitory style accommodation, with up to 12 to a room in comfortable beds, or spacious tents with up to 6 people and comfortable beds. The research bases have basic facilities which include outside social BBQ and dining areas, generated power supply, running water and bathroom facilities, and are situated in idyllic locations.

See Life on the expedition page for more information