Free Time
Volunteering with us not only allows you to participate in programs assisting disadvantaged communities or endangeredecosystems, but it also offers wonderful opportunities to travel in the local area in your downtime or further afield either before or after your program. Below is some information on trips and travel options in the Seychelles.
Optional Side Trips
Volunteers may have the opportunity to visit the islands of Praslin and La Digue. Praslin is home to the Vallee de Mai (a world heritage site) thought by early explorers to be the original “Garden of Eden”, that is home of the famous Coco de Mer palm tree that produces the huge double nut famous for its provocative shape. La Digue is the picture perfect tropical island, small and intimate with quaint guest houses and arguably the most beautiful beach in the world - Anse Source d’Argent.
Public transport is cheap and frequent and many parts of Praslin can be explored easily by catching a bus.
Accommodation is in shared (mixed sex) dorm rooms. There is cold running water available for showers and bottled water available for drinking. Bathroom facilities are shared, and participants also share base duties, including cleaning and other chores.You need to bring your own mosquito net and bedding for example a thin sleeping bag liner.
If you need to stay additional nights before or after your project you need to book these separately, ask your travel consultant for help.
Arrival
Most volunteers arrange international flights to the Seychelles' main international airport on Mahé Island, arriving on or before the expedition start date. It is highly recommended that you arrive at least a day or two earlier if possible, to recover from jetlag and acclimatise. Most people stay in the village of Beau Vallon which is right on the beach and the main centre for tourism in Mahé with restaurants and shops close by. Note if you plan to stay on other parts of the island you will be required to make your own way to one of the pick-up points. There will be one airport pick-up the day before the start of the expedition at 07:30, which will drop off in Beau Vallon. On the morning of the expedition the pick-up point will be at the car park behind the Pearl Noire restaurant in Beau Vallon at 09:30. Please ensure our field staff are aware of your arrival plans.
Departure
Departure: Departure flights from Mahe should be booked for late afternoon/evening, as the ferry leaves to Mahe quite early between 08:00 and 09:00 it takes 1 hour by ferry to Mahe, and then 30 to 40 mins to the airport by taxi.
Meals while on project are included. Participants take turns to prepare meals for the group. Food is basic but nutritious, and primarily vegetarian with optional fish or meat available no more than once or twice a week. Breakfast could be porridge with fresh fruit, or occassionally pancakes or cereal, lunch and evening meals may include pasta, beans, rice, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, etc.
Internet Access
You will have access to long distance communications whilst on the program, but make sure friends and family know how often they can expect to hear from you. Participants typically use internet cafes to keep in touch, with access to internet about once a week. Local SIM cards and pay-as-you-go credit can be bought affordably in the Seychelles and the signal is good in most areas. Contact your mobile/cell phone provider for more information before travelling.