Marine conservation expeditions in Madagascar

Travel with an award-winning charity, highly commended at the 2004, 2006 and 2007 Responsible Travel Awards for its marine conservation work in South Western Madagascar. This is an invaluable opportunity to enjoy a diving holiday whilst partaking in a highly regarded environmental conservation project based at one of the most remote and beautiful locations in the world. 

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and all ages to join our expeditions. Volunteers with no diving experience are trained at our project site to PADI certification level (Advanced Open Water or higher) and all volunteers are trained by our scientific staff in marine research and on-the-ground conservation.

Teams of 12-18 volunteers from all over the world work side-by-side with international scientists, Madagascar’s national marine institute, NGOs, and community members whose livelihoods depend on healthy coral reef ecosystems for survival. Expeditions usually last six weeks, but longer and shorter expeditions can be arranged.

Madagascar’s southwest coast is home to some of the most biologically diverse and yet least explored marine systems on Earth. Local villages rely on these systems for food, transport, cultural identity and income. But these habitats face growing threats from pollution, physical degradation and over-exploitation of marine resources.

Through daily dives, our volunteers and scientists collect critical data on marine species and habitats needed to implement and monitor effective conservation strategies. We also work closely with local villagers to raise environmental awareness and develop sustainable livelihoods that provide an alternative to destructive fishing practices.

Along with project work, there are opportunities for recreational diving and spectacular offshore snorkelling, football matches against the local fisherman’s team, and a beach bar for the less energetic! Meals consist of local fish, rice, and vegetables and are consistently described as “superb”. Volunteers can chose to get up for an early morning dive and watch the sunrise over the sea, or they can sleep in until an 8 am hot breakfast prepared by a local chef and go on a dive later that morning.

Outside diving, there is a huge amount to do and learn. Volunteers can give English lessons to local school children, go boating with locals on hand-carved outrigger canoes, take bird-watching treks or explore legendary baobab forests where trees can grow more then 10m in diameter.

There is plenty of time in the early evening to read, enjoy a game of beach volleyball, or to enjoy a beer. Dinner is usually fresh fish from the day’s catch (special dietary requirements can be catered for) after which most enjoy soaking up the sunset on white sandy beaches.