Maldives Group Volunteer Adventure – Surf, Sand & Sea

MALDIVES VOLUNTEER ADVENTURE

Upcoming Group Tour Dates: April 29 – May 20, 2020

Opportunities Year Round – Require a Minimum of 2 people

Prices: $2,500 CAD / $1,750 USD for a 3 week adventure


Travel beyond the 5 star resorts and spend your winter holidays on the breath-taking remote islands of the Maldives and experience authentic local island life at its best while supporting community development projects. Because of the remote location of the islands there is a lack of human resources to move forward with a variety of community initiatives.

You will have an opportunity to assist local NGOs with enabling the local people to work effectively in promoting and advancing the interests of the rural communities to attain basic needs and to create a solid foundation for sustainable development.

Your participation in this unique opportunity will assist with poverty alleviation in the community by promoting equity and equality.

Join Travel Roots on a group tour to this amazing island paradise and explore the islands while giving back to the local communities.

There are volunteer opportunities in a variety of different sectors from education, environmental conservation, healthcare, climate change prevention & awareness, grant writing, and various research opportunities.

Travel Roots will work with you to coordinate a volunteer program that is suited to your interests and fills a need in the community.

During your stay you will have plenty of time to enjoy the island life and on the weekends you will have time to snorkel or SCUBA dive, try surfing and wake boarding, have private island picnics, go fishing, and relax on the pristine beaches.

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 10 participants so reserve your spot today!

Highlights:

  • Enjoy the laid back culture on the island
  • Assist with a variety of community development projects such as a Teacher's Assistant, environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, mangrove reforestation, coral gardening, marine conservation and more!
  • Travel to uninhabited islands for a picnics and snorkel excursions
  • Opportunities for SCUBA diving, surfing & wake boarding
  • Relax on the pristine beaches

What’s included: All meals, accommodations, domestic travel, volunteer activities & program development, local sim card, picnics to an uninhabited islands, snorkelling trips, fishing trips, surfing / wake boarding (optional - based on availability of local staff), and Local Group Leader.

A sample 3 week itinerary may include:

You will be working from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday being your weekend. Sunday to Thursday volunteer from 9:30am – 2:00pm.

Week 1 :

Sunday – Volunteering and Dhivehi language lesson

Monday – Volunteering and Fishing trip

Tuesday – Volunteering and afternoon snorkeling

Wednesday – Participate in local sports activities

Thursday – Volunteering and Night fishing

Friday – Picnic on an uninhabited island & snorkelling tour

Saturday – Surfing and/or wakeboarding

Week 2: Sunday to Thursday volunteer from 9:30am – 2:00pm.

Activities: Sunday – Island hopping tour to surrounding local communities to meet and learn about other volunteer programs

Monday – Cooking lesson

Tuesday – Afternoon snorkelling

Wednesday – Free Day – Participate in local sports activities

Thursday – International Group Dinner – The volunteers will cook dinner for the local volunteer team

Friday to Saturday – Overnight trip to an uninhabited island

Week 3: Sunday to Thursday volunteer from 9:30am – 2:00pm.

Activities:Volunteer in Maldives Sunday – Snorkelling and/or Scuba Diving

Monday – Group BBQ feast

Tuesday – Surfing and/or wakeboarding

Wednesday – Free Day – Participate in local sports activities

Thursday – Dinner at a Luxury Resort (own expense)

Friday & Saturday will be left open to enjoy a final group activity based on the interests of the group.

*Please note that this is a sample itinerary and may be subject to change based on group interests and local realities.

All volunteers will stay in a volunteer guesthouse which will be the main area for everyone in the program to hangout. It is located in the middle of the community. Each volunteer will share a room with one other person of the same sex that is equipped with a private bathroom. All the meals will also be served here cooked by the volunteer staff.

What is the dress code?
 
Since it is a Muslim nation, you must dress conservatively when in the local communities. Meaning that women have to cover their shoulders and wear longer skirts or pants (cotton / linen will be cooler). A typical outfit can be a t-shirt (no v-necks or cleavage showing) and a long skirt. Flips flops and sandals are fine.
 
For men - cover your shoulders (t-shirts) and long shorts at or below knee level.
 
When you leave the local island for excursions to uninhabited islands, which will be often throughout your experience, then you are free to wear your bikinis, swimwear, sun dresses, etc. I will send a packing list on what to bring if you decide to book.
 
Can you drink alcohol?
 
Drinking alcohol is not allowed on the local community islands. It is a dry country so alcohol is forbidden unless you are on a private resort island. They do have a vibrant coffee culture though!
 
What is the name of the uninhabited islands?
 
The uninhabited islands do have local names but some of them aren’t labeled on Google Maps. The name of the local island is called Hoandedhdhoo and it is located in the Huvadhu Atoll. Here is a link to Google Maps so you have an idea of the location - https://goo.gl/maps/dh93TZD6KNmkGxNB8 
 
What programs can you volunteer with?
 
The volunteer options they currently have available are for the teaching assistant program and the Environmental Program which includes coral reef gardening, and mangrove reforestation. There may be a possibility of working / studying the turtles as well but it is dependant on local volunteer staff’s expertise. It is also possible to assist with Grant Writing, Community Sports Programs, Cultural Exchange Programs and working with the Youth. Myself and the local volunteer coordinators will work with you to find a good match for your skill set. 
 
Is there Internet access?
 
You will get a local SIM card that is charged with cell service and data. If you run out you can easily top it up. There is also Internet connection in the local volunteer office with a computer - you will have access to this. 
 
Is there local staff support during your stay?
 
You will work with a local on-site coordinator as well as a team of local volunteers. They will be able to assist you 24/7 and ensure that you are comfortable, fed, have water, and everything you need for the experience. There may also be other international volunteers while you are there since they recruit from other countries such as Australia and Europe. 
 
What is the name of the local Volunteer Organization this supports?
 
The name of the volunteer organization is Huvadhoo Aid and its subsidiary SunsHADe Volunteers - http://www.sunshadevolunteers.com/index.html 
 
When is the Tour Deposit Due?
 
A deposit of $500 CAD is due at the time of booking to secure your spot. Early commitment helps with planning and logistics of the trip. Travel Roots' Booking Terms and Conditions are found here - http://www.travelroots.ca/booking-terms-and-conditions
 
If you book as an individual the deposit is due at the time of booking.

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