Volun­teering Seychelles North Island – Sarina

Profile

Name: Sarina

Age : 19

Project: Species conservation on North Island/Seychelles

Location: North Island/Seychelles

Duration: Beginning of September until beginning of October 2018 – 4 weeks

Rating

Support from the Natucate team:

Arrival:

Project partner:

Accommodation:

Volunteering in the Seychelles – Feedback: Eight questions to Sarina

1) Could you give us a short overview about your tasks during the project?

Every morning all the volunteers had to do beach patrol on every beach. While searching for nests und emergencies we also looked for/collected trash.
Furthermore, we had to go snorkeling (I think four times a week) and take photographs of the fish. When the schedule said „Data Entry“ we had to identify the fish we took pictures of to tell if the coral reefs are okay.
Then we had to do „vegetation“ which includes planting trees and working in the march.
Twice a week we had to clean the volunteer house.
Often we went to night patrol as well, but it was not on our schedule. Furthermore, we had to translocate some of the nests if the waves came to close to them (wind changes  beach translocation)

2) What were your biggest challenges during the project?

I was passionate about my tasks as a volunteer and always had a lot of fun, so nothing has really been a „big challenge to me“. However, sometimes it was really hard doing the beach patrols when it was hot.

3) Was there anything you liked most? Or anything that left you with a negative impression?

A turtle hatch is something I will never forget. But also getting to know the lovely, humane fruit bat „Lenny“ was a great, memorable experience.
I also was very impressed of the kindliness and friendliness of my fellow volunteers but also of the other staff members.

4) Did you have certain expectations before you started the project?

I didn’t expect to see this amount of tortoises, turtles and turtle hatchlings, so the project even exceeded my expectations. Moreover, I was amazed by the beautiful nature of North Island.

5) Did you do anything during your free time that you can recommend to following participants?

I hiked a lot during my free time: I got an impressive view of whole North Island! Furthermore, I went kayaking and on night patrols. The other volunteers and I also made a lot of bracelets out of ropes, pearls and sea shells which was quite fun!

6) Which recommendations would you give to other participants?

I would have liked to bring souvenirs from Germany for the other volunteers over there.
Another thing I would recommend: If you have enough time to do the project for two months or even longer – do it. I thought 4 weeks was a long time but it isn’t.

7) Can you guess how many additional expenses you had?

I bought stuff like cookies, cider and chocolate in the shop for about 60€. I also bought souvenirs at the boutique at North Island for about 70 €. If you want to spend some days on Mahé you have to bring money for your accommodation, food and drinks and souvenirs as well.

8) Here is some space for further suggestions or stories:

I am happy and grateful for this experience and would love to do it again! :-)