Join our ocean conservation program to restore biodiversity in our oceans - sea turtle conservation, coral reef restoration, shark research, and more.
Platte Island, a mid-ocean oasis 130 km south of the inner islands of Seychelles archipelago, has just commenced a unique and exciting ocean volunteer conservation project. As an ocean volunteer, you will spend much of your time in the calm tropical water around the island, helping to conserve an array of both land and marine wildlife, including the endangered Green Turtle and critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle. Volunteer to become a valued member of our marine conservation team on this spectacular coralline island sanctuary, encircled by a 13km fringing coral reef forming a shallow lagoon (or atol) holding over 8% of seychelles’s seagrass beds, creating ocean nursery to a breathtaking array of marine wildlife.
Price
2700
Duration
4 - 8 weeks
type
Volunteer
Requirements
Ages: 20 - 65
Marine conservation volunteers will amongst others, participate in Sea Turtle conservation work such as daily Sea Turtle nesting and hatching patroles, turtle egg translocation, helping baby sea turtles reach the ocean, tagging of sea turtles, and snorkeling in order to monitor and survey juvenile sea turtles and their habitat in the calm, reef protected lagoon waters that surround the entire Island.
As an Ocean volunteer you will also help with various snorkeling surveys, juvenile shark monitoring, Manta Ray monitoring, seagrass and reef mapping. Island volunteer work includes vegetation management, seabird monitoring, Aldabra Giant Tortoises care, beach cleanups and organic gardening. Up to 4 marine conservation volunteers will live in the newly built 2 bedroom houses within the staff village, with meals served Cafe Koko, the staff cafeteria.
Ocean Conservation volunteers will be required to spend a fair bit of their time in the ocean conducting marine turtle conservation work and more, and as such, should be comfortable swimmers and have experience snorkeling. Diving experience would be an additional bonus. One of the largest focuses of this volunteer programme involves daily endangered sea turtle patrols and nest checks, which comprise lengthy walks along the beach in hot and humid conditions, and when required translocation of eggs which can be tough work. A good level of fitness is therefore required.
Situated in the Indian Ocean 130 kilometers south of the main inner islands, Platte Island is a truly unique jewel in the Seychelles archipelago: This coralline island is encircled by a 13km fringing reef, effectively forming a shallow, mid-ocean lagoon (or atol). The island itself is a low wooded sand cay 1,3mkm long and 550m wide, and boasts a pristine white beach coastline stretching 3.3 kilometers. The waters surrounding Platte Island are a sanctuary for various marine species, including sea turtles, rays and various species of shark pups.
The island's extensive seagrass meadows play a crucial role as a nursery for endangered Green Turtles, and critically endangered Hawksbill turtles, various rays and shark pups, and a magnificent array of other marine life. Once a coconut plantation, the island is currently undergoing a transformation through an innovative and exciting restorative conservation process which you will contribute to as an ocean volunteer.
Marine biologists Dominique Dina and Athina Antoine head the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island (WASPI) Environment Department team, and coordinate marine conservation volunteers during their time on Platte Island. The WASPI team works with the Island Conservation Society (ICS) promotes the conservation and restoration of island ecosystems of Seychelles, the sustainable development of islands, and awareness of their vulnerability and vital importance to the planet's biodiversity. Founded in 2001, ICS today runs conservation centers at five islands across Seychelles.
As an ocean conservation volunteer your involvement will encompass among others, daily sea turtle nesting and hatching patrols, snorkeling surveys, monitoring of birds, conducting bird censuses, and participating in the care and monitoring of Aldabra Giant Tortoises, beach cleanups as well as removal of invasive species.
With Platte Island being a new marine volunteer conservation project, there is plenty of work to be done! Participants should ideally be confident swimmers, who will be comfortable spending much time in the water snorkeling doing marine monitoring and surveying. Activities may vary according to the priorities at the time of your visit.
Marine conservation volunteer activities include:
The azure waters surrounding Platter island await your exploration, with the unspoilt 360 degree beaches never more than a few meters away no matter where you are on the island. Participants can swim, snorkel, and have access to an array of leisure equipment including canoes and stand-up paddles. A multicourt in the center of the staff village allows for lots of fun activities including basketball, and have 24 hour access to a fully equipped gym. You will have lots of spare time for the simple things like enjoying a relaxing sun-downer in the afternoon after work.
To foster a sense of community and engagement, our Waldorf team manager organises regular activities for the island crew. These events can include movie nights, games nights, karaoke nights and sunsets gatherings. These events provide an opportunity for everyone to meet others, socialise, and enjoy a well-rounded experience on the island.
SEYCHELLES PLATTE ISLAND CLIMATE
Seychelles is an ideal destination all year-round, as it is always warm and does not reach extremes of heat or cold. The temperature rarely drops below 24°C or rises above 32°C.
December to April is generally a bit hotter than the remaining months with more rain (that falls in short bursts rather than prolonged rain), but still just as pleasant for a trip to the seychelles. This is also the high hawksbill turtle nesting and hatching season. As a rule, the south-eastern parts of any island will provide calmer oceans than compared to the north-westerly side of an island.
May to November temperatures are on average cooler and drier. The north-western side of an island will enjoy more shelter and calmer waters compared to the south-easterly side, and could make for livelier seas. This period also falls within the green-turtle nesting and hatching period.
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ECOTOURIST ACCOMMODATION ECOTOURISM & ISLAND ACCOMMODATION
Ocean volunteer accommodation is situated on the East side of the island in the staff village, and consists of two newly built apartments with two participants sharing the single bedroom apartment. Each apartment enjoys air-conditioning, shared bathroom facilities, and a terrace for a comfortable living experience. The interior is equipped with two single beds, two wardrobes, additional storage space, office chairs, tables and a kettle and set of mugs. As responsible travelers, participants are expected to maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of the house, as well as promote sustainable tourism practices.
Given our tropical island setting, it’s only natural to encounter insects such as mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches, spiders and more. Occasionally, they may find their way into the house. It's essential for ocean volunteers to be mindful of this and take responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of the house.
MEALS
Cafe Koko, the staff diner offers a diverse selection to cater to individual preferences. The canteen operates from 6am to 8am for breakfast, 11:30am to 2pm for lunch, and 5:30pm to 8pm for dinner. Additionally, the canteen remains open throughout the day, providing tea, coffee, juice and water. Participants have the flexibility to choose their preferred meal times within the specified operational hours.
Vegetarian participants will find a range of plant-based meal options available at the canteen, ensuring a diverse and satisfying selection of vegetable dishes to accommodate their dietary preferences.
A water dispenser is conveniently installed in the canteen - accessible to participants from 5:30am to 8pm when the canteen closes, providing complimentary water access. Participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and can refill them at the canteen, contributing to sustainability and reducing plastic waste.
The staff shop operates daily from 9am to 5pm and offers essential and everyday items.
INTERNET ACCESS
Upon arrival, volunteers are provided with a WiFi password. However, it is important to note that the internet speed is not particularly high, and as all team members share the same connection, streaming and downloading large files is restricted to prevent slow internet performance.
MEDICAL CARE
There is a full time Nurse on duty every day at the well equipped medical centre on Platte - the clinic even boasgts exray facilities. An international Dr is stationed on the island at all times and consults with those that needed from 9 to 11 in the mornings, and again if needed in the afternoon. Be sure to have your medical travel insurance in place, as you will have for any out of country travel around the world.
PROJECT LOCATION IN THE SEYCHELLES
The Seychelles is an island nation situated off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Platte Island is a part of this archipelago and is known for its private and secluded character, offering a unique and pristine sanctuary for marine life and conservation efforts.
Platte Island is situated approximately 130 kilometers south of Mahe and is a private coralline island enveloped by a fringing reef, offering a captivating coastline that spans 3.3 kilometers. Platte Island's marine ecosystem is a haven for diverse marine life, including endangered sea turtles.
The “Seychelles International Airport” is located on Mahé Island – the gateway to the Seychelles nation. Platte Island is a small island located approximately 130 kilometers to the south of Mahé Island. The only means of arriving to Platte is via a 20 to 30 min flight from Mahé, on a Twin-propeller airplane.
Our Wildlife ACT Ocean Conservation Volunteers will fly from Mahé to Platte on a MONDAY, and fly from Platte back to Mahé on a FRIDAY.
The exact flight times for the arrival Monday and departure Friday, can only be confirmed 2 to 4 weeks prior to the day of the intended flight, since the confirmation of arriving and departing Villa guests must also be factored in, to be able to finalise the flight times.
The exact flight time schedule will be sent to you as soon as it is finalised.
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL FLIGHT to MAHÉ:
Ocean Conservation Volunteers need to book a flight that arrives to the Seychelles International Airport on Mahé by no later than 08:30 AM on the MONDAY. This allows sufficient time to collect luggage and clear customs, before checking in for the flight to Platte.
The Monday flights from Mahé to Platte can start from 11:00 AM onwards, but check-in starts 1 hour before the scheduled departure. If Ocean Conservation Volunteers are unable to find a flight that arrives by 08:30 AM on MONDAY, they will need to book a flight arriving to Mahé Island on the SUNDAY, and overnight at any accommodation preferably close to the airport and arranging their own Taxi or shuttle to and from that accommodation, in time to check in for the flight to Platte Island.
MAHÉ to PLATTE:
Our Ocean Conservation Volunteers will check in at “Domestic Departures” area of the Mahé airport. Check-in starts an hour before the scheduled departure.
Once checked in, Ocean Conservation Volunteers will be escorted to the VIP Airport lounge by the Platte Island concierge. There you will be able to relax, connect to the free WiFi, and take a refreshment while you wait to board a Twin-propeller airplane.
The flight from Mahé Island to Platte Island takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
PLATTE back to MAHÉ:
The flight from Platte Island to Mahé Island takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
The airplane will land at the “Domestic Arrivals” area of the Mahé airport.
On the departure FRIDAY, flights can depart from Platte any time after 08:00 AM, but can sometimes leave as late as 17:00 PM.
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE FLIGHT from MAHÉ:
Our Ocean Conservation Volunteers need to book a flight that departs AFTER 20:00 PM on the FRIDAY, from the Seychelles International Airport on Mahé.
Alternatively, Ocean Conservation Volunteers can instead choose to book a flight departing from Mahé Island on the SATURDAY, and overnight on Mahé at any accommodation (suggest not to far from the airport on the Friday night, making sure to arrange their own Taxi or shuttle to and from that accommodation, in time for their departure flight.
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The Seychelles is an island nation situated off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Platte Island is a part of this archipelago and is known for its private and secluded character, offering a unique and pristine sanctuary for marine life and conservation efforts. Platte Island is situated approximately 130 kilometers south of Mahe and is a private coralline island enveloped by a fringing reef, offering a captivating coastline that spans 3.3 kilometers. Platte Island's marine ecosystem is a haven for diverse marine life, including endangered Sea Turtles.