Volunteer Abroad Seychelles: Nature conser­va­tion at Platte Island

Our project offers a variety of services that are included in the price to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. These include placement on the programme, assistance with travel planning, travel insurance, and flight bookings. You will receive a certificate of risk cover and a comprehensive pre-departure information pack. The flight from Mahe to Platte Island and back is included, as well as accommodation and full board during the programme. You will have access to drinkable water. Moreover, you will receive in-depth training during the programme. The highly experienced staff are available around the clock for English-speaking support to ensure you are supported throughout the programme.

We are looking for volunteers who are interested in tropical marine ecology and nature conservation. Volunteers for our Platte Island project should be able to learn quickly and be prepared to work independently in the field after just a few days of orientation. Volunteers must be prepared to work in high temperatures between 30 and 35 °C and high humidity (up to 80 %) at certain times of the year. You should also be a confident swimmer and have a good basic level of fitness. You should also not be afraid of insects such as spiders, mosquitoes, or cockroaches, as these are common on tropical islands.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travelling to Seychelles, although vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis A are generally recommended for travel worldwide. A yellow fever vaccination is only required for travellers coming from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission or for travellers who have travelled through the airport of a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. The Seychelles is malaria-free. For emergencies, Platte Island also has an equipped clinic with a doctor and nursing staff.

Note: Mosquitoes can be very numerous on the islands (depending on the time of year), so it is recommended that you bring a mosquito net and plenty of insect repellent and antihistamine creams or tablets. Platte Island is generally less affected by mosquitoes, but precautionary measures still help.

Yes, every Natucate guest must take out suitable international health insurance for the duration of their programme.

In addition, it may be necessary to take certain medical precautions before travelling. As Natucate cannot give professional medical advice, we strongly advise you to consult your GP about any vaccinations, medication, or other health measures you should consider. You can also find detailed information on health and safety on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As a member of the conservation team, you will be given a special uniform that is perfectly adapted to the local conditions and is worn while working on the island. This uniform will allow you to explore the whole island and will be greeted with a smile by the locals. If you prefer to wear your trousers, you can bring simple navy blue trousers without a pattern. You will only need other clothing for personal use in your free time or for excursions to the mainland. As you will spend most of the day in your uniform, a large amount of personal clothing is not required. We ask volunteers to always dress appropriately in their free time as well in order to respect the professional standards of the project. This means to please avoid wearing bikinis or other clothing that may be deemed immodest.

You can do your own laundry in the shared laundry room. Therefore, you can buy detergent in the staff shop. If you have your snorkelling equipment, please bring it with you. Otherwise, we will be happy to provide you with one. Binoculars or other special equipment are not required.

The duration of participation in the project is four weeks.

To take part in the project, you should be at least 20 years old. There is no upper age limit, but we recommend that the project is suitable for up to 65 years of age, as the climate and activities can be quite physically demanding.

Flight to the Seychelles:
After you have booked your flight to the Seychelles International Airport on the main island of Mahé, you can reach Platte Island on another flight, which takes 20 to 30 minutes. The exact flight times for arrival on Monday will be confirmed two to four weeks in advance and then sent to you immediately. It is advisable to arrange accommodation for one or two nights on Mahé Island before your onward journey to Platte Island on Monday.

Onward flight to Platte Island:
If you are travelling to Mahé without an overnight stay, it is important to arrive before 08:30 to have enough time before your onward flight. Flights to Platte Island from Mahé depart on Monday at 11:00 am, with check-in starting one hour before the scheduled departure. Check-in takes place in the "Domestic Departures" area of Mahé Airport. After check-in, you will be escorted to the VIP Airport Lounge where you can relax and use free Wi-Fi while you wait to board the propeller plane Platte Island.

Arrival on Platte Island:
On arrival on the island, your luggage will be stowed in a trailer and taken to the rat control centre. There your luggage will be checked by a security officer before you go to the ecotourist flat to settle in. To enter the country, you will need a passport valid for more than six months, a return or onward flight ticket, and proof of any overnight accommodation on Mahé Island, including contact details. In addition, we will provide you with an invitation, which will allow you entry access.

After your arrival, you can take your time to settle in before you are gradually familiarised with your tasks.

Your group consists of a maximum of four volunteers.

Those interested in volunteering abroad should be able to adjust to different living standards. The accommodation and sanitary facilities provided can be basic and may not meet European standards. On Platte Island, participants live together in a one-bedroom flat, share a bathroom, and can socialize with the conservation and hotel staff after work. The air-conditioned flat includes two single beds, wardrobes, office chairs, tables, and a kettle. As the island is tropical, insects such as mosquitoes, cockroaches, spiders, and beetles are to be expected and participants are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

Yes, this is possible in principle, just let us know when booking.

Meals are organised 3 times a day at Cafe Koko. Breakfast usually consists of a selection of cereals, eggs (scrambled, fried, or boiled), beans, meat (sausage or bacon etc.), porridge, bread, jam, spreads etc. Lunch and dinner are served buffet style, with staple foods such as fish, rice, and lentils offered daily. Participants are free to choose their preferred mealtimes within the specified operating hours. Breakfast (6 am – 8 am), lunch (11.30 am – 2 pm), dinner (5.30 pm – 8 pm).

For vegetarian participants, there is a range of plant-based meals. If you have other dietary requirements, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

The official languages are Seychellois Creole, English, and French. You should speak English fluently to be able to communicate with the other participants and the project team.

On Platte Island, you can experience a wide variety of wildlife, both on land and in the water. Giant tortoises, exotic birds such as frigate birds and terns as well as endemic species such as the Seychelles white-throated dove live here. Underwater, you may be lucky enough to spot sea turtles, rays, colourful coral fish, and even the occasional dolphin and whale shark. The rich biodiversity makes Platte Island a paradise for nature lovers and explorers alike.

Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will see a variety of animals, as nature is unpredictable. Such a guarantee would be unprofessional and contrary to our company philosophy. We also reject any form of direct interaction with wild animals, as this is detrimental to animal welfare and harbours safety risks. If you see a wild animal and are unsure how to behave, get support from the local team.

You will be accommodated in the staff village with your team, so a contact person will always be close by.

In general, you don't need a lot of money during the project. You could spend money on additional snacks, drinks, or activities as well as additional transfers outside the project. The currency is the Seychelles rupee, and we recommend exchanging or withdrawing money at the airport; there are also ATMs in the larger towns. You will need cash especially if you are travelling to Mahé, La Digue, or Cousin. Check the current exchange rate before you start your journey.

Internet access (WiFi) is available so you can keep in touch with family and friends - mainly for e-mail purposes and WhatsApp messages. There is no mobile phone reception on Platte Island.

The Seychelles is an ideal holiday destination all year round, as it is always warm, and the temperature rarely drops below 24°C and rarely rises above 34°C. It is warmest from December to April and the humidity is high - often 80% or more. It is generally cooler from November to March when the northwest trade winds blow. The sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid, with average winds of 15-22 kilometres per hour. Throughout the year, the months of December to February are rainier than others. These are usually short spells of rain rather than continuous rain. In the months from May to November, the weather is drier and cooler, the sea is livelier and there are winds of 19 to 37 km/h.