Category: Volunteer Expeditions
Our award-winning expeditions offer international volunteers the opportunity to contribute to our marine research and conservation work at our remote dive camps in Madagascar and Belize.
Diving into Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste volunteer Fiona Westheim describes a coral identification dive from her marine conservation expedition.
Homestays in Andavadoaka: a unique opportunity
Lesley Wicks, one of the first volunteers to experience the Homestay programme in Andavadoaka, gives her perspective on the experience, and some useful advice!
Tinan ida iha Timor-Lorosae: a year in Timor-Leste
In January 2016, Sean Clement was arriving in Timor-Leste for the first time, and now he reflects on a remarkable year on Ataúro Island that has laid the foundations for a bright future.
From Ataúro to Raja Ampat: a homestay adventure
Homestays offer a way for coastal communities to diversify and strengthen alternative livelihoods, providing a clear and measurable link between protecting the environment and the economic benefits that tourism can bring.
Water between the rocks: a volunteer’s experience of Sarteneja
Before heading off to the gorgeous but isolated Bacalar Chico Dive Camp, Blue Ventures’ Belize volunteers spend some time in the coastal village of Sarteneja for a more immersive experience of the country’s people and culture. This is Tom Smart’s...
Christmas in Andavadoaka: a focus on what’s important
Our Field Scientist Catherine Pigeon and our Madagascar volunteers find out how Christmas is celebrated in Andavadoaka.
Amazing Madagascar part 3: hungry for adventure
In this third and final instalment of the Amazing Madagascar series we savour some delicious Malagasy recipes, and help you decide on your next destination.
Amazing Madagascar part 2: fascinating culture
In this second instalment of the Amazing Madagascar series we focus on the history, language, and traditions of the Malagasy people.
Jared’s journey: gaining new perspectives on life above and below the water
Recent marine conservation volunteer Jared describes his experiences of cultural immersion, stunning diving, and the broadening of his perspectives of the world.
A cetacean migration! The whales and dolphins have arrived
Our Timor-Leste expeditions are based in Ataúro Island, which just happens to be a global hotspot for cetacean sightings. Sounds like a whale of a time!
Amazing Madagascar part 1: unique wildlife
In this first instalment of our Amazing Places series we take a look at some of Madagascar's fascinating endemic species!
Coral bleaching: a volunteer’s perspective
Our Madagascar volunteer Sophie Plant has now witnessed coral bleaching first hand, an experience she found shocking, but also inspiring.
El Niño explained: The global weather phenomenon that contributes to coral bleaching
Our Andavadoaka volunteer Sophie Plant, who has now seen coral bleaching firsthand, shares her knowledge on the role of El Niño in global bleaching events
The Caribbean Spiny Lobster: our Belize volunteers learn from an expert
From fishery closures to how to measure a carapace, our volunteers found out everything they could ever have wanted about the Caribbean Spiny Lobster!
Corals in crisis: monitoring the third global bleaching event in southwest Madagascar
This summer Blue Ventures volunteers and staff in the remote fishing village of Andavadoaka in southwest Madagascar have been enjoying warm waters and calm weather. However, beneath the waves the picture is less idyllic. Where once we dived on reefs...