Marine Conservation Volunteering with IVHQ in Madagascar

I spent 7 weeks living/working with IVHQ Madagascar, and I would recommend this trip to anyone. The Housing and outdoor living was good, it was like camping, with comfy beds. The Nightlife was so full of life if you like to dance you will love it there. I had the most incredible time ever and met some of the coolest people ever. The staff was always helpful and cautious when it came to our safety. The food provided was delicious especially for the vegetarian option I thought. Madagascar is an experience I'd recommend to anyone and IVHQ is your best option when it comes to travel.

Volunteering in marine conservation in Madagascar for one month was an incredible experience. The support before, during and after my trip was impeccable. The IVHQ staff got back to me ASAP with all of my questions answered. They made me feel much less scared and more prepared. Whilst in Madagascar, the activities carried out were very well organised and well thought out in order to help the marine environment. I achieved my open and advanced open water fortifications whilst out there, both of which were completed quickly and thoroughly. I now feel like a confident diver and I feel as though I can carry on using my skills in order to further help the ocean. This trip has changed me as a person, helped me to grow and to become more independent.

I got the opportunity to start this program as one of the first groups brought into camp and I have had an even better experience than I thought I thought I would have. I didn't come into it with the highest of expectations but I was blown away. Obviously you aren't going to have the same luxuries as you would at home but thats why you travel... To be able to see how other people live and whats it's like in there society and culture. When I was there, the camp wasn't completely built to what I'm sure it looks like now but I loved it. I felt like I got to be apart of something and give my ideas to help make the camp better for the next group of volunteers. The accommodation is beautiful and you quickly become a family with all the volunteers there. Thats the best part about being in situations like this... You instanly bond with people from all over the world. In the marine program you get to go on at least 2 dives a day and also get the opportunity to learn about something that many people don't get the chance to. I gained so much knowledge about the marine life that is there (which is unreal). The instructors there do a great job at making you feel safe and comfortable with diving as I was a little nervous in the beginning since I had never dived before this trip. I was never once worried about my safety there because I knew that someone was always looking out for me. I gained a lot of confidence through my 64 dives I got to do in 2 months, and even got to lead some survey dives which was a rewarding experience. You go through quite a lot of training for the research part of it, which helps you collect better data and it becomes second nature after awhile. You get to go out on fun dives as well, where you get to explore the reef. You end up knowing your way around underwater like you would walking through a city. You can really see your impact instantly too because when I was there we were starting to do weekly beach and reef cleans. The local people there are amazing... and everyone is so friendly towards you. A lot of people don't speak much english so its cool to get the opportunity to learn some Malagasy and French. My experience was one I'm never going to forget... I can't wait until I get to return. There is so much of Madagascar to explore!