Madagascar Expeditions

introduction

Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world, and has been termed a "biodiversity hotspot" by ecologists, as 80% of the plant and animal species are unique to the island - a consequence of its 80 million year isolation.

In the tropical seas off the southwest coast of Madagascar lies the 4th largest coral reef in the world, the Grand Récif de Tuléar. Our research site is located next to it, on the most westerly point of the island.

Blue Ventures' field research & conservation projects are carried out by our overseas volunteers, who work closely with our field research scientists and camp staff. We are currently looking for overseas volunteers to work at our site in Andavadoaka.

Every 6 weeks a new team of volunteers arrives at the field site, ensuring year-round sustainability of our research in the region. We have, on average, 14 volunteers working at the camp, and we never have more than 2 volunteers per staff member.

In addition to volunteers, the camp comprises of Malagasy and international research scientists, as well as local and international Blue Ventures staff.

Our research aims to identify strategies and targets that Blue Ventures, local communities and local NGOs can work towards to develop sustainable local environmental management plans for these unique reef systems.

These plans will focus on improving the quality of life of the local communities who depend on these marine resources while maintaining the biological diversity and productivity of the reefs.

Considering potential threats to Andavadoaka’s reefs, and as a priority within the framework of the National Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Madagascar, it is now critical that data be gathered for use in local environmental management plans.

The work Blue Ventures is undertaking has significant importance both in terms of its impact on the ecology of the region and the role it plays in assisting the development of the local community. Blue Ventures’ project in Andavadoaka also fulfils one of the priorities of the International Coral Reef Initiative (UNEP & IUCN), which is to improve the amount and availability of data on coral reefs in the West Indian Ocean.

• Download our Volunteer Guide brochure for more information
• Check out the Gallery to see photo graphs of day-to-day life, diving and pictures from the surrounding communities and Madagascar.

Past Volunteers - How would you describe your Blue Ventures Experience?

"Amazing, impossible to describe, unlike anything or anywhere I have ever been before, a great learning experience, a true experience of a lifetime" - Nicola Reeve, July 2006

“Wow...a chance to learn first hand about the threats to our precious marine environment - coral reefs in particular - and to see how committed individuals - under the leadership and direction of Blue Ventures - are making a difference. And of course the opportunity to be a part of that.” - Carol Armstrong, September 2007

where we work

Where we work

The project was launched as a collaborative venture between Blue Ventures Conservation and the Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines (IHSM) in response to the need to develop a better understanding of the area's unique marine and coastal habitats.

The reef systems of Andavadoaka are thought to possess a significantly higher abundance and diversity of marine life than any other reef in Madagascar. This is due partly to their remoteness and isolation, as well as the large distance to the nearest scientifically-studied reef habitats in SW Madagascar - in the Ranobe region some 250km to the south.

Despite the uniqueness of this marine habitat, no data on the status of the reefs existed prior to the establishment of our research site in the area.

The main objective of the Blue Ventures research programme in the area is to survey and chart the un-explored coral reefs of the region, studying their biodiversity and health, and assessing the potential threats to these unknown ecosystems.

team

Expedition team

Our staff are there to help you, train you and advise you. Our in-field staff comprises up to fifteen full-time Blue Ventures representatives.

Click here to see our current team.

Heading our in-field team is the Expedition Manager, responsible for the day-to-day running of our field site. The Expedition Manager is in charge of all personnel on site, and is assisted by the other staff members.

All diving activities and training are co-ordinated and supervised by our Diving Manager, a qualified PADI Open Water SCUBA / Emergency First Response instructor. On arrival at our site, the Diving Manager will brief you fully on all relevant aspects of expedition health and safety.

The day to day research you will be undertaking will be managed and supervised by our two Field Scientists, who work closely with the Diving Manager to plan each day’s activities. Our Field Scientists, experienced tropical marine biologists, are also responsible for volunteer science training at the beginning of each project.

In addition, our Project Coordinator on site is involved in directing and supervising Blue Ventures’ overall research programme in the region and is assisted by our team of researchers and field scientists.

All of the field science staff work closely with local biologists from Madagascar’s principal marine institute, the Institut Haliéutique et des Sciences Marines (IHSM), based at the Université de Toliara. Staff and students from the IHSM regularly visit the site, providing a wealth of local taxonomic, marine biological and logistical knowledge.

Whilst on site, your general health and well-being are looked after by the Expedition Medic, who will be available at all times in case of accident or emergency.

who volunteers?

Who volunteers?

We welcome applications from volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities.

We have, on average, 14 volunteers on site at any one time, and never have more than 2 volunteers per staff member.

In our experience these numbers allow us to maximise the research potential, whilst ensuring that the team gets the utmost enjoyment from the research. Larger numbers of people means that volunteers would dive less or feel less involved in the projects.

We have worked with volunteers from all over the world, many of whom have no scientific or biological background or training, providing a challenging, educational life experience that assists in successfully advancing volunteers' careers as skilled professionals and globally aware citizens.

We are able to assist student volunteers wishing to carry out undergraduate and postgraduate research projects during their time with Blue Ventures.

For more information, or ideas on potential research topics, please see our Independent Research page.

training

Science Training

Soon after arrival and acclimatisation at the Blue Ventures field site, volunteers begin an intensive scientific training programme, working closely with the marine researchers based at the camp.

Training is largely field based, involving numerous snorkelling and diving excursions as well as informal lectures, small group discussions, and practice exercises of the various research methodologies that you are likely to use during your work with BV.

For more information, please see the FAQs.

The length of the Blue Ventures training period is dependent on a number of factors but will take a minimum of one week, but typically lasts 10 to 15 days, at the end of this period volunteers will be tested on the scientific material covered.

Testing ensures that our research team know that volunteers’ knowledge is of a sufficient standard to carry out underwater surveys with our marine biologists coordinating the research.

The Blue Ventures 6-week expedition cycle is tailored to ensure that volunteers are given suitable time to receive scientific training, as well as sufficient time to have a rewarding experience playing an effective role in the research team.

SCUBA training

Both qualified and non-qualified divers can join our expeditions. All volunteers are required to be trained up to PADI Advanced Open Water standard or equivalent before they can participate in underwater surveys. Dive training is carried out in the first two weeks of expeditions.

We are also able to offer extra courses for those volunteers who want to advance their diving qualifications. The Emergency First Response (EFR) course, Rescue Diver course and Divemaster course are all available to take on site. Please see the Expedition costs page for more info.

costs

Costs

• Prices vary according to your current diving qualification (the more experienced you are, the cheaper your expedition. However, please don't let this put you off, as half of our volunteers have never dived before!)
• The full price expedition only applies to dive trainees - volunteers who are planning to learn to dive on the expedition.
• Prices valid for all applications received after 1st May 2008.
• Prices are for 4 volunteers sharing one ecohut. If you'd like your own ecohut, please add a supplement of 10% (for singles) and 7.5% for couples/two people sharing (per person - depending on availability). We can also accommodate families and groups.
  

other costs

Other costs

At Blue Ventures we strive to keep prices low on our expeditions to make our projects accessible to as many volunteers as possible.

Further information about costs:

• What is included and what isn't
• Additional dive training
• Payment protection
• Fundraising

What is included and what isn't

Your expedition cost includes

• Return transfers from Tulear to Andavadoaka (for all volunteers completing full 6 week expeditions and multiples of 6 weeks)
• Expedition accommodation for the duration of your stay
• Three meals per day, including tea and coffee at breakfast and lunch
• Science Training with our team of Field scientists and researchers
• SCUBA Diving and SCUBA certification to PADI Advanced Open Water (depending on existing certification level)
• SCUBA Diving equipment: BCD; Regulators; weight belt; weights and cylinder
• Comprehensive logistical support and pastoral care from our large team of permanent staff
• Health and safety provision from our Expedition Medic and SCUBA Diving Manager

Your expedition cost does NOT include

• Flight
• Personal diving equipment: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, watch or dive computer, dive torch and underwater slate
• Personal field equipment: e.g. sleeping bag; torch and mosquito net
• Malaria prophylaxis and vaccinations
• Entry visa for Madagascar
• Insurance
• SCUBA diving training manuals
• Carbon offset payment
• Spending money for drinks, snacks and souvenirs
• More information about all these purchases can be found in the Volunteer Guide.

Additional dive training

PADI Scuba Tune-Up - £49 (including manual and decal)

PADI Emergency First Response - £95

PADI Rescue Diver - £245

PADI Divemaster - £395

Volunteers wishing to undertake dive courses whilst on an expedition should inform Blue Ventures prior to the start of your expedition. It is possible to decide to take a dive course whilst on your expedition subject to a price supplement of 15% for the course manual and materials.

If you book a course in advance and decide during your expedition that you do not wish to take the course, the course fees will be refunded but not the cost of the course manual. Please note that it is a requirement for every student to have their own copy of the relevant PADI manual.

These manuals may be purchased from Blue Ventures for the following prices.

To purchase these manuals - please call or email us. These prices may be subject to change. To guarantee availability of the manuals and materials for your course, please order 4 weeks prior to your departure date. You may also purchase these manuals and materials at your local stockist or online.

Payment protection

Package travel regulations require that all tour organisers provide financial protection and repatriation cover in the event of their financial failure.
This may be in the form of either:

• Placing all pre-payments into a designated trust account

• Arranging a bond linked to an approved body such as ABTA, ABTOT, AITO etc

• Arranging an approved insurance policy

At Blue Ventures we protect our volunteers by placing all pre-payments into a designated trust account.

Fundraising

For all volunteers, raising the funds needed to cover the costs of travelling and joining a Blue Ventures expedition can be a big problem.

In order to minimise this problem, we have worked hard to keep our costs as low as possible, while at the same time ensuring that your stay on a Blue Ventures project will be safe and comfortable, enabling you to play an active and rewarding part in the conservation, research, and educational initiatives carried out by the team.

Since we started accepting volunteers to work with us on our projects, we have been involved in helping our volunteers raise the money needed to join us in the field.

We are a not-for-profit organisation, so you can carry out a range of fundraising activities to assist you in meeting expedition costs.

Many volunteers have been pleasantly surprised at how easily they have been able to raise money for projects.

Over the past three years, volunteers have carried out a huge variety of fundraising ideas, and every month we hear of ingenious new initiatives.

We have taken a record of some of the most successful fund raising ventures carried out over the last few years, to assist future volunteers in funding their participation in our research projects. Click here for our Fundraising Guide.

dates

Dates

We currently have volunteer vacancies for our Andavadoaka project starting and finishing on the following dates.

We recommend that you join at one of our Expedition start dates (first table), but there are also mid-expedition start dates available (please see the second table) and further flexibility for start and end dates can be offered if required.

If you do decide to join or leave an expedition midway, please note that you are responsible for arranging your own transport from Antananarivo to Toliara (Tulear) or Morombe. We can arrange your transport for you from Toliara or Morombe, options include a 4x4 with driver for £200 per transfer from Toliara (split amongst the number of passengers), or public bus and boat transfer for £40 per person from Toliara, or 4x4 with driver from Morombe for £40 per person.

We also run very popular overland expeditions from Antananarivo (the capital) to Toliara (a large city in the southwest where we organise transport to our research site). This trip departs at 06:30am, so we advise volunteers to arrange their flights to arrive in Antananarivo at least the evening before the departure date. The trip covers 1,000km, through some of the most famous national parks in Africa. The cost for this 4-day trip is £160, and includes minibus hire, driver, accommodation, national park entry and park guides. We also offer a 3-day return overland trip (from Toliara to Antananarivo) at the end of expeditions for £135. Please let us know if you're interested.

Expedition start dates (we provide all transfers to & from our research site and Toliara)

Mid-expedition start dates (you are responsible for your own transfer costs)

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

• Expeditions and Money

• Diving

• Other

Expeditions and Money

How do I join an Expedition?
Firstly, phone the office or send us an email and someone from the office will contact you within one day. To contact us, please click here.

Can anyone go on Expedition?
Anyone between the ages of 18 – 70 is welcome on a Blue Ventures Expedition providing they are in a reasonable state of fitness; we demand that volunteers are checked physically by a Doctor prior to departure, to ensure a good level of health. Volunteers must also be comfortable in the water and able to swim 400m confidently and tread water for 2 minutes unaided.

I am an international citizen - can I go on a Blue Ventures Expedition?
Blue Ventures has alumni from all around the world, from India to Alaska, and all are welcome on our projects. However applicants must be able to speak and read English, as all literature and lectures are in English.

What is the average age of a Blue Ventures volunteer?
Blue Ventures has had volunteers of all ages from 18 – 70. Often the best friendships are formed over the most unlikely of age ranges. We do however insist that all volunteers who wish to SCUBA dive are at least 18. We accept volunteers under 18 to participate on non-diving projects.The average age of our volunteers is 28.

When do the expedition dates start throughout the year?
Please check out the dates of our expeditions.

How long can I stay?
Generally volunteers stay from 6 weeks to 12 weeks, but if you are enjoying yourself, and we are enjoying having you, essentially the stay can be as long as you wish. The longer a volunteer stays, the lower the price of the additional weeks.

If I can't go for the whole 6 weeks, can I still go?
The projects rely on some continuity evolving within groups of volunteers. Science and SCUBA training (if you are not already a diver) can take up to 3 weeks. This may mean that if you attend for a 3-week duration you might not get the opportunity to become so involved with the research surveying work. However, there are terrestrial-based projects that you can also contribute to, so it is worth phoning us to discuss how we can tailor your time on site.

Will I meet my fellow volunteers before the expedition starts?
Volunteers are put in contact with the entire expedition 6 weeks before the expedition. This helps to break down some barriers before volunteers even meet each other. It also allows volunteers to co-ordinate their travel movements if someone is unsure of travelling. We also offer an overland trip from Antananarivo to Tulear that departs four days before the start of each expedition. Most volunteers join this trip and get to know each other on the journey.

What’s included in my expeditions fees?
This price includes all aspects of the expedition on site, from science training, to board and lodging and includes all diving kit (apart from mask, snorkel, wetsuit, fins, dive knife, slate and watch).

Can I fundraise to fund my Expedition?
Yes, because Blue Ventures is a not for profit organisation, we have an associated charitable arm and it is possible to fundraise. Blue Ventures has also compiled the experiences of our previous volunteers in a Fundraising Guide. Please speak to us before you begin fundraising

Who do I make cheques payable to?
Please make all cheques payable to Blue Ventures Expeditions.

How much money do I need to take with me?
Whilst onsite there will be little or no opportunity to spend money - this is one of the benefits of running a remote site. Your main expenditure may be a well deserved Coke after a long hard day in the sun. Time in Madagascar itself will never be too expensive and monies can be tailored to suit the most lavish or the most thrifty traveller. We find a good rule of thumb is £20 per day when travelling and £5 per day when on site. Additional charges that you may need to budget for include sending/receiving emails and phone calls via our satellite system.

If I pull out will I lose all my money?
Blue Ventures asks for an up front £100 deposit which is non-refundable in all circumstances. It is also very important that you sign the Booking Conditions when you pay your deposit. This will guarantee you a place on your chosen expedition. Volunteers who pull out 4 weeks or less before the start of the project will not be refunded at all. Volunteers who pull out before this date will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. In the unlikely event that you are not able to attend an expedition and you have already paid your balance, your travel insurance company will be able to offer you a refund. Please check your policy for more details.

Do I need insurance?
To go on a Blue Ventures Expedition we require you to have two forms of insurance, basic travel insurance and specific diving insurance provided by Divers Alert Network. They are our chosen partner for our SCUBA emergency evacuation plan and we insist all BV Volunteers have a DAN insurance policy.

Do I need a Visa?
Most nationalities will need a Visa when entering Madagascar. Please note in most cases this cannot be obtained at the airport, and must be purchased before departure. For further details please read the Volunteer Guide.

Diving

Do I need any diving experience?
No – dive courses are conducted in the first week of a scheduled 6 week expedition period. You can also take additional PADI dive courses whilst on site.

Do I need my own diving equipment?
We provide Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs), scuba tanks, regulators, weights and most other gear you will need on site. What you will need is a wet suit. You will be wearing this daily for 6 weeks, so it's imperative it fits and is comfortable. A mask, snorkel and fins are essential - these are the most important pieces of kit which need to fit the individual. Dive slates and pencils are also essential for our research work underwater as you record survey data. Other items you will need include a dive watch or, preferably, a dive computer, a dive knife and a dive torch (if you wish to snorkel or dive at night time - perhaps one of the most exciting dives we do).

What if I have diving accreditation through BSAC, NAUI or another Organisation?
All Volunteers must be trained up to Advanced Open Water (PADI) or equivalent, please contact Blue Ventures London office to check your qualification level if you have trained with a different SCUBA training agency.

How much diving will I do in a week?
We dive 5 days out of every 6. You will normally dive once per day, and occasionally twice per day. The majority of our dives are science related - for example, dives might include training sessions, recording fish and benthic transect data or searching for new reef sites. Diving is strictly weather dependent due to safety and subject to logistical restrictions.

What dive courses are offered while on expedition?
All expedition members are trained up to PADI Advanced Open Water, although there are the opportunities to reach Rescue Diver and Dive Master.

N.B. Please note that volunteers must be onsite for a minimum of 2 expeditions to complete their Dive Master and must complete in this order: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Emergency First Response, Rescue Diver and finally Dive Master.

Other

What do we have to learn?
BV will take each and every volunteer through a detailed teaching scheme to learn species that are being researched. A high proportion of the material is self-taught, by completing snorkels and dives doing fish, coral and invertebrate “spotting sessions” with other team members and Blue Ventures research personnel.

What are the tests like?
The tests are there to ensure that the data collected is scientifically viable and that the research we are carrying out is the best available. The tests are designed to make sure that you know the different species that you will be researching. We have some practice tests so you'll be familiar with all the different species before you get out to Madagascar.

How do I get there?
Flying to Madagascar isn't as difficult as it may seem. There are regular flights from Paris, Milan, Bangkok, Johannesburg and Mauritius to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, and we have links with travel agents to ensure the best possible prices and in order to ensure availability. We recommend checking prices from Air France, Air Madagascar and Corsair.

When I get there how do I get to Andavadoaka?
Blue Ventures representatives will meet you in Tulear, the regional capital for the south west of Madagascar, the evening before the start of the expedition. To get there is either a simple plane journey from the capital Antananarivo, or we offer a popular overland minibus tour. The tour last 3 days, travels 1,000 kilometres, and stops at some of the most spectacular national parks in Africa. If you're interested in this tour, please let us know at the time of your application, as the trip fills up fast.

What will the weather be like in Madagascar?
Madagascar is a huge island that spans several latitudes and as such, weather and temperatures vary across the island. There are two main seasonal variations, the Hot / Wet season (November to March) where the temperatures soars, making diving very pleasant due to the water temperature. The Dry season (April to October) where it is slightly cooler, making a wetsuit a necessity.

How safe is travelling in Madagascar?
Madagascar is a safe country to travel in provided the same laws of common sense are obeyed as should be observed when travelling in any developing country.

Will my previous degree be of use to me during my Expedition?
The chances are that you will find aspects of a wide range of environmental courses in the Marine Science Training Programme that is taught out on site, and so any previous experience can be beneficial, however a degree is not a pre-requisite.

How can I be contacted whilst in Madagascar?
Owing to the remoteness of our field sites, communications in the field are difficult and expensive. We have satellite telephones and emails can be relayed via a forwarding service which can send plain text emails. We also have a 24-hour telephone messaging service in case of emergency.

Can I use the data I collect on a BV expedition to write my dissertation?
Absolutely. Please have a look at our independent research page for suggested dissertation projects and feel free to contact us to discuss your dissertation with a member of our research team.

Do I need previous experience to go on a Blue Ventures Expedition?
No. With an extremely high staff-to-volunteer ratio, Blue Ventures employs fully qualified staff to tutor you in dive training and aspects of marine ecology in which you will be working on a daily basis.

How does Blue Ventures ensure the safety of its volunteers?
Due to the remoteness of Andavadoaka, we must have rigourous safety procedures in place. We employ only profession al staff with the training required to ensure safe expeditions. On site, the Expedition Manager is in charge of safety for all the expedition volunteers and staff. The expedition Dive Manager is a fully qualified professional capable of dealing with onsite diving emergencies until outside help is reached. The Expedition Medic is well qualified for Expedition conditions and has access to a comprehensive medical station whilst onsite.

What happens in an emergency?
In the event of an emergency, Blue Ventures has prearranged emergency procedures such as evacuation plans. These emergency action & evacuation plans can be put into action at a moment's notice. The Expedition Manager is in 24hr contact with the London office, allowing the staff to liaise directly with their base. If you would like to see any of our Health and Safety protocols or evacuation plan please contact us.

What inoculations will I need when visiting Madagascar?
Before you go on a Blue Ventures expedition you should see your doctor or an accredited Travel Clinic who will advise you on the relevant inoculations necessary for Madagascar. The standard inoculations are:

• Polio, tetanus and BCG (Tuberculosis)
• Yellow fever (only necessary if staying in sub-Saharan Africa en route to Madagascar)
• Diphtheria
• Meningitis (A & C)
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies