Participate in coral restoration

We’re diving into Volunteer Tourism

aka Voluntourism

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For the shoulder seasons, March, April, and October, we are offering an opportunity to come stay on paradise island, and participate in coral restoration. The collecting of coral fragments that break off the reef naturally, and are then planted on frames we’re building for the lagoon.

Read on

Sea Turtle Sanctuary

This reef and lagoon isn’t just home to the world class wave Scarecrows, it’s also the “fish store” for the 2 villages nearby. On any given day you’ll see small dugout canoes powered by paddles, trolling the lagoon with hand lines, or the odd person with a snorkel diving for sustenance. It’s an important area for the locals.

The island is also a Sea Turtle Sanctuary, every year turtles lay their eggs in the months of January, February, and March Through helping to educate the locals the last 15 years, the nests are no longer disturbed and the babies hatch in March and April.

The El Niño, 2014-2017 there was global bleaching of reefs around the world, we were not immune. The reefs have mostly recovered but some beautiful corals have been lost - this is where we would like to step in and lend a helping hand. So we are diving into coral gardening, and would love to have your help.

Visiting Coral Scientist or Marine Biologist

We will have either a coral scientist or marine biologist here on the island during these months to assist in educating all of us, and maybe even coming up with new ideas 🙏

Note, these trips will be focused primarily on coral restoration. But of course if the waves are good for those who surf we’ll be on it!

Here’s an idea of what to expect on a coral planting trip:

  • 7-12 volunteers per trip
  • 10 day project, food & accommodation included for your time on the island (alcohol not included).
  • Must be a strong swimmer
  • All free diving/snorkeling (no air tanks available)

Trip itinerary

We aim to have you in the water for 3-4 hours a day working on the reefs, if you’ve got more energy, fabulous, we can do more after food and a rest. Or there are many reefs to explore on all sides of the island.
1

Day 1

Arrival before noon, get settled into bungalows and have a bite for lunch. You’ll be briefed on timing for the week, by the on site coral expert. They will go through the dos and don’ts for this project. Walking tour of the island to get familiar, then once lunch has settled get your snorkel on and go visit the reefs. Dinner is at 7.
2

Days 2, 3 & 4

planting the reefs or putting out new frames usual happens at low tide, this timing will vary per trip. Collecting corals can happen at most tides, depending on currents and swell. Your hosts will have an idea of this once you’ve arrived.
3

Day 5

Rest and spend your time anyway you like. Do note, this day off might not land on day 5, depending on the swell and weather the schedule can vary, but you will get a rest day!
4

Day 6, 7, 8, & 9

More collecting coral & planting coral, as above timing will depends on the tides. Some days this will happen in the morning and you have your afternoon free, or the other way around. Those of you with lots of energy are most welcome to keep at it, but you may want to also spend some time exploring the natural reefs around the island too. (And of course collecting any recently broken off bits to be planted)
5

Day 10

You’ll be getting packed up to go back to Sumatra, with new friends, and knowledge of how to help fish and coral populations around the world. Our hope is that you take this knowledge to another beautiful place and apply it, or come back to visit your garden again.
We will also have yoga available for any one who feels like a stretch in between.
Trip Dates

October 2023 are coral planting trips, then March & April 2024

Get in touch today