• Life Below Water
  • Quality Education

Marine Conservation and PADI Training Expedition

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Explore dive sites among the tropical islands of Seychelles and experience incredible local marine megafauna like turtles, sharks, rays and dolphins.
  • Contribute to ongoing environmental projects that address critical challenges aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Help monitor coral reefs, assess bleaching, coral growth, and engage in invertebrate, fish, seagrass, shark and megafauna surveys.
  • Join local conservation partners and qualified professionals to ensure your efforts are ethical, meaningful and sustainable.
  • Identify species and conduct surveys that contribute to data collection efforts and help build an inventory of marine species in Seychelles.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Gain your PADI Advanced dive certification and work alongside esteemed partners such as the Seychelles National Parks Authority on critical marine conservation efforts.

Earn your PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Reef Ecosystem Diver (RESD) Specialty certifications while making a real impact on marine conservation. Your research will provide valuable data for local government initiatives, focusing on coral reefs, fish and invertebrates. 

With plenty of time spent ...

About the program

Earn your PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Reef Ecosystem Diver (RESD) Specialty certifications while making a real impact on marine conservation. Your research will provide valuable data for local government initiatives, focusing on coral reefs, fish and invertebrates. 

With plenty of time spent underwater, you'll need at least a PADI Open Water certification to join. Don't worry if you're not certified yet – we can connect you with local dive centres to get you qualified before the program starts. And if you stay with us for over two weeks, you'll have the chance to dive deeper into coral reef survey techniques with the PADI Reef Ecosystem Diver (RESD) Specialty segment of the PADI Divemaster course, a unique opportunity from GVI and PADI.

Location

Welcome to Mahe, the biggest island in the Seychelles archipelago, where the Indian Ocean's turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs are calling your name. Our Cap Ternay coastal and marine research station is perfectly situated next to the stunning Baie Ternay Marine Park. It's just a quick three-minute walk from the beach, nestled in Baie Ternay Marine National Park, where the weather is always tropical. With the nearest village and shop a thirty-minute walk away, our base feels like our own private oasis – the road literally ends at our doorstep.

The marine life here is seriously impressive. From reef sharks to dolphins, eagle rays to colourful tropical fish, there's a ton to see. Plus, you'll spot endemic birds and all sorts of cool coastal creatures.

Typical day

Begin your day with sunrise views before diving into marine research. Connect over team meals, lend a hand with conservation efforts, and wind down with your new friends in the evening.

Example of a typical day:
6:30 Rise and shine! Start your day with a beach walk to catch the sunrise and soak in the ...

Typical day

Begin your day with sunrise views before diving into marine research. Connect over team meals, lend a hand with conservation efforts, and wind down with your new friends in the evening.

Example of a typical day:
6:30 Rise and shine! Start your day with a beach walk to catch the sunrise and soak in the ocean view.
7:00 Enjoy team breakfast, then gear up for the day ahead – whether it's prepping for your first dive or getting ready for coastal activities.
7:30 Dive into training for diving or conservation work. Once trained, jump into surveys to support project goals.
12:00 Lunchtime. Whether in the dining hall or on the boat, refuel for more research.
12:30 Back to training or marine activities like research dives and beach cleans, contributing valuable data.
17:30 Return to base for kit cleaning and storage duties.
18:30 Dinner prep time. Teams take turns cooking up a variety of meals to share.
19:30 Wind down with social activities or chill out in the common areas.

Free-time activities

Explore the local scene during your downtime:

  • Takamaka rum distillery: Check out the rum distillery at Pointe Au Sel for a taste of local flavours. Nearby, you can also visit a tea plantation and a village showcasing local crafts.

  • Victoria City: Dive into the diverse culture of Seychelles in Victoria, ...

Free-time activities

Explore the local scene during your downtime:

  • Takamaka rum distillery: Check out the rum distillery at Pointe Au Sel for a taste of local flavours. Nearby, you can also visit a tea plantation and a village showcasing local crafts.

  • Victoria City: Dive into the diverse culture of Seychelles in Victoria, the capital city. Experience the mix of cultures through visits to temples, cathedrals, and trying out dishes with unique influences. Don't miss the lively vibes at Eden Island, offering a range of dining, shopping and nightlife options. Take a boat tour to discover coral reefs and island history.
  • Beau Vallon Bay: Chill out and enjoy the beach life at Beau Vallon, the hotspot on the main island. With its long stretch of sand and bustling atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for relaxation.
  • Water sports: Get adventurous with water sports like surfing, kayaking, sailing and snorkelling. Or simply take a dip in the ocean and lounge on the beach.
  • Cap Matoopa hike: Take a scenic hike to Cap Matoopa for stunning views of Cap Ternay Bay. Climb through the jungle to catch breathtaking sunrises or sunsets.
  • Recreational diving: Beyond project dives, there's plenty of time for casual dives, exploring the mesmerising underwater world at your own pace.
  • Hiking and climbing: Explore the unique landscapes of the inner islands through hikes and climbs. Venture to Morne Seychellois National Park for challenging trails and unique rock formations.
  • Inner island hopping: Hop on a ferry from Victoria to explore other inner islands like Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette. Discover natural wonders, beautiful beaches and unique wildlife habitats.

Every four weeks, you can enjoy cultural immersion through GVI Experiences. These are included in your program at no extra cost.

Examples of activities may include: 

  • Learn to cook traditional Seychellois Creole dishes.
  • Visit the Mission Ruins at Venn's Town.
  • Paddleboard across the bay.
  • Hike through lush forests and across rocky plateaus.
  • Explore the ocean at night with a dive/snorkel.
  • Go fishing with local fishers.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

PADI Medical Form and PADI Open Water qualiffication (or equivalent) qualification

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

All participants must be PADI Open Water certified before joining the program and should be able to walk 400m over uneven ground carrying their dive equipment. Training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start through self-paced training materials.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to alumni services and discounts
  • Airport pickup (unless otherwise stated)
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff
  • Community work workshop
  • Coral reef ecology
  • Diving compressor training workshop
  • First aid and CPR training
  • Location orientation
  • Long-term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
  • National park fees and permits
  • PADI Advanced Open Water
  • PADI Marine Megafauna (MMF) Distinctive Specialty 
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Use of O2 equipment workshop
  • Welcome meeting

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • Extra local excursions
  • Flights
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • PADI Open Water
  • Personal dive kit, e.g. mask, fins, wetsuit, timer etc.
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Police or background check
  • Visa costs (where necessary)

Airport Pickup at Seychelles International Airport

Airport pickups can be arranged between 07:00 and 10:00 AM the day before your program start date. Please request this service beforehand if need be. 

Meeting point on your project start date (very important).

The morning of the expedition, we will meet at the pickup point behind La Perle Noire restaurant in Beau Vallon at 11:00 AM. Please ensure punctuality, as we are unable to accommodate late arrivals.



Accommodation

Experience life off the grid! We've got three dorm rooms, each with 6–10 single beds. Bathrooms are separated by gender and shared, featuring showers and flush toilets. Plus, we've got electricity throughout the entire building. Our base consists of two buildings: one houses the kitchen and dining area, with outdoor seating, while the second, a two-story building, includes volunteer dorms, a kit room, staff accommodation, office and lecture room.

Food & Beverages

Indulge in the diverse flavours of Seychellois cuisine, from refreshing coconut water straight from the fruit to zesty green papaya salad. All food is provided by GVI and prepared by participants. For breakfast, you'll find the classics: eggs, bacon, pancakes, oatmeal and fresh fruit. Lunch and dinner are a mix of whatever the group is craving, ranging from flavourful curries and stir-fries to pastas, pies and salads. And if you're looking for snacks, check out the local shops at Port Launay for treats like banana chips and dried salted fish.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) in Mahe Island. We assist you to find cheap flights to Seychelles. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Seychelles provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Seychelles you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Seychelles. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

2024

  • 09 Nov 2024
  • 23 Nov 2024
  • 07 Dec 2024
2025
  • 04 Jan 2025
  • 18 Jan 2025
  • 01 Feb 2025
  • 15 Feb 2025
  • 01 Mar 2025
  • 15 Mar 2025
  • 29 Mar 2025
  • 12 Apr 2025
  • 26 Apr 2025
  • 10 May 2025
  • 24 May 2025
  • 07 Jun 2025
  • 21 Jun 2025
  • 05 Jul 2025
  • 19 Jul 2025
  • 02 Aug 2025
  • 16 Aug 2025
  • 30 Aug 2025
  • 13 Sep 2025
  • 27 Sep 2025
  • 11 Oct 2025
  • 25 Oct 2025
  • 08 Nov 2025
  • 22 Nov 2025
  • 06 Dec 2025
  • 21 Dec 2025

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 4,345€
4 weeks 5,545€
6 weeks 6,795€
8 weeks 7,895€
10 weeks 9,095€
12 weeks (max. stay) 10,245€
Average fees 1,513€/week

Program fees

1,513€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

GVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

221 reviews · rating4.8

I volunteered for a month in April 2023 in Mahé on the marine conservation programme and for me the staff and volunteers on base really made the month extremely special. I got my diving qualifications and experienced some absolutely amazing marine life. The staff on base are so lovely but the ...
From the moment I arrived the group and staff was very welcoming and helped with all our questions! The work is great and you get to do a lot of different things. The walks to the beaches are amazing especially the view points. So far the best thing on curieus island is the sharking this is where ...
My time in the Seychelles was the best of my life so far. It was my first time travelling alone and so far away from my home. At first I was worried about getting there and what activities I would be doing and conditions I would be living in. I met my group in the airport and we were immediately ...
Staff members are very nice. It takes a bit of time to get used to the base and your daily schedule but once you get used to it you will have a wonderful time. You get introduced to a life of a marine biologist who has to take care of his/her diving equipment which includes filling up your tanks by ...
It was hard at first, getting used to living in expedition conditions. But I would recommend this program to everyone!! Its literally changed my life. Diving two to three times daily, making some amazing friends ill have for life and memories ill forever cherish, all I can say is do it!! Dont come ...
GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...

Location

Africa > Eastern Africa > Seychelles > Cap Ternay

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Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Marine Conservation in Seychelles
Contact Bianca
  Very high response rate
English

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