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This NGO is inviting you to spend a fortnight in the Andamans

Here’s how you can holiday in the archipelago while doing your bit

This NGO is inviting you to spend a fortnight in the Andamans

What if you could enjoy the paradise that is the Andamans, while also working to make it better? Marine-conservation NGO ReefWatch has lined up experiences that allow you to turn a regular, selfie-infested holiday into a voluntourism project you can actually be proud of. Food and accommodation is subsidised, you get to learn new skills (diving, anyone?), and though work hours may be long, you can wear flip-flops to office. And did we mention that opportunities for offshore projects are aplenty?

A typical day
ReefWatch is involved in various research, education and management projects, including coral-reef monitoring, artificial reef building, awareness drives, documentary films, SCUBA training, and school programmes around the country. With your base in Chidiyatapu, an island in the South Andamans, your day will likely start with snorkelling or diving. In the afternoon, you could assist ReefWatch in classes for village kids, log data from the day’s dives, help tidy up the island or chip in on any other project, depending on your skills and interests. In the evening, join in the workshops and chat sessions on coral reefs, conservation, marine life, and fish identification. You also get to go on guided tours of the islands and hikes.

What you need
You can choose from among the four programmes on offer. There is a basic facilitation fee for each, but you can offset some of those costs against the discounted diving expeditions. Here are your options:

  • General: For anyone over the age of 18yrs. You could help ReefWatch with their current projects or check if you want to contribute in some other way of your own. Volunteering opportunities range from one week to longer. Swimming skills are not mandatory.
  • Dive Master Naturalist Program: This two-month course certifies you as a professional diver while also training you as an island ecologist. Cost could range from Rs1.5 lakh–Rs2 lakh, inclusive of food, accommodation, diving, training and other expenses. Excellent swimming skills required.
  • For schools and for corporates: Programmes for them can be customised as per the group agenda.

Field volunteering season lasts from 1 October–30 May. ReefWatch advises doing at least 2–4 weeks of the normal volunteer programme, which is extendable.

To participate, email or, with a brief note on your skills, interests and why you want to volunteer.

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