Expeditions

GVI runs marine expeditions in some of the most amazing scuba diving locations in the world.

Depending on the location and season that volunteers are in, you may find yourself living on beautiful palm-fringed beaches and working with whale sharks, turtles, crocodiles and shorebirds, as well as a kaleidoscope of other beautiful marine life. Expedition members are fully trained in all necessary diving, monitoring and data techniques; and the data volunteers collect goes towards vital conservation work to protect the natural resources of these pristine areas. GVI’s marine expeditions give expedition members the opportunity to work with and assist local communities and help to provide the foundation for vital conservation research. The marine expeditions also give you the chance to advance your own diving skills and make lifelong friends and dive buddies.

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GVI runs rainforest expeditions that take expedition members to witness the incredible wildlife and beauty of the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest or the lowland rainforest of Costa Rica.

After learning about rainforest ecology and the research techniques you need to use in these biodiversity hotspots, you will turn into a fully-fledged researcher; capable of finding new species and assist with the conservation of critically endangered animals. Getting off the beaten track, expedition members will canoe down lush jungle waterways collecting scientific data or trek through the forest to spend the night in a jungle hammock and fall asleep to the sound of the cicadas. You get to be much more than a tourist, actually getting to know the rainforest’s local communities whilst you help to preserve the vanishing natural resource that is their home.

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GVI runs diverse wildlife and community expeditions in a variety of biodiversity hotspots in the African continent.

In these areas of outstanding natural beauty, expedition members receive in-depth training in research methodologies; learning the practical skills to track and monitor African terrestrial and marine mammals and get involved with community education. The training you receive will allow you to get close to lions and cheetah, study the behaviour of primates in the forest or follow a pod of dolphins in the turquoise seas of the Kenyan coast. You may also assist education programmes which teach local communities about sustainable conservation and the value of their African wildlife. GVI’s African expeditions give volunteers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and honour to spend time learning about the private lives of African wildlife, whilst contributing to their conservation.

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Elements of community development form part of GVI's expeditions allowing you to make meaningful contributions while living in beautiful locations and helping inspirational communities.

From the first weeks of these expeditions you will be involved with local populations in a variety of new and established sustainable development initiatives depending on your location. You may be teaching English in formal or informal settings; providing workshops to focus groups on topics such as recycling or conservation practices; working alongside community members on projects such as mangrove replanting or non-native species eradication; helping local park rangers with tourist management and much more. You can make great friends with the community members you teach and work alongside, as well as your fellow expedition members. If TEFL is involved in your programme it is just one part of the expedition experience and will provide you with the tools you need to be as effective as possible in assisting the local communities with English language teaching. You also have opportunities to learn the local language and how to cook local food; go on side trips to spectacular locations, including famous ruins and natural wonders; and go on weekend trips to travel, explore and have a variety of adventures!

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All GVI’s expeditions contain elements of adventure, and take their expedition members to do and see spectacular things in some of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Whether you want to marvel at dramatic wildlife in fascinating habitats; be immersed in the lushness of the Amazon lowland rainforest; traverse the ice sheets of Patagonia’s mountains; live in the African bush with lions, cheetahs and zebras; or bathe in the turquoise waters of a tropical archipelago in the Indian Ocean, GVI expeditions are bound to have something for you. By joining a GVI adventure expedition, as well as receiving valuable training and taking part in the vital research, you could also find yourself summiting snow-capped volcanoes, exploring remote corners of the Amazon basin, canoeing down Costa Rica waterways, tracking big game through the African bush and scuba diving in Mexico amongst a mesmerising amount of marine life.

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See and work with unique wildlife on GVI expeditions around the world where wildlife conservation and research is the key aim and focus.

Come up close and personal with a leatherback turtle laying eggs on a Caribbean beach, swim amongst whale sharks in the big blue of the Pacific Ocean or observe the behaviour of impressive lions in a South African reserve. GVI works with many different species of animals many of which are threatened and face an unsure future without any conservation efforts. A wildlife expedition not only gives you fantastic sightings of the animals found in the field and often around base, you also receive valuable training and help to make a difference by working for the local partners in an effort to understand the precious species, their habitats and behaviour with the aim of supporting future wildlife conservation.

See all of GVI's Wildlife Expeditions