Scuba Diving for gap year and career break divers

Programme Details

Working in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, you will be surveying the reefs surrounding this remote South Pacific island in order to create a UNESCO Seascape multi-use reserve. Diver training is available for those that require it and survey dives are carried out around twice per day. When you're not diving you can explore the island, venture off to the local village, swim, sunbathe and simply enjoy being at this lovely, remote beachside location! There are 4 start dated each year and you can join the project for 6 to 10 weeks.

After dive and science training have been completed, you carry out survey dives twice a day from Monday to Friday. Saturday is a recreational dive day where you might do a deep dive or a night dive, all of which works towards your advanced dive training. On Sundays volunteers can go to the village to attend church, have lunch with local families or even brave the odd rugby match!

Some essentials you should know about the programme...
- We aim for at least 2 dives a day!
- Fun dives take place on a Saturday.
- Sunday is relaxation day, where you have no obligations whatsoever. Most volunteers head into the local viallge for church services, family lunches and then chill out on the beach.
- Most people can survey by week 5 (training is required before surveying can commence)
- Dive training and surveys depend on the weather
- Teaching in the local viallge takes place on a regular basis. In the 10 weeks, you should get to know many of the wonderful school children.
- All volunteers undertake a rota system for cooking, cleaning, jobs etc.

Itinerary / Schedule

Please read, keeping in mind this is a sample itinerary only and is based upon previous expeditions and is subject to change.

Science Training

The science training takes place alongside the dive training and it is made up of four main components: fish identification, invertebrate identification, substrate surveying and survey techniques.

The fish identification is the largest and most challenging aspect of the learning. You learn to identify around 150 species of fish as all surveyors need to be able to identify these confidently. Learning the Kubulau fish species usually takes around three weeks and is very much dependent upon your effort and enthusiasm. Once everyone is ready to survey fish you are taught about a range of invertebrate species, how to conduct a substrate survey, how to identify coral lifeforms and how to do a complete an underwater survey. Science and dive training normally takes around 3 - 4 weeks.

Diving & Surveying

Survey dives are shallow and are mainly carried-out at the reef crest at 6m to 12m where marine life is vibrant. Training dives and fun dives can be deeper and are carried out between 18m and 30m. Dives are usually 45-60 minutes long but please be prepared to snorkel from time-to-time as some surveying requires snorkelling rather than diving.

During your time on the island you should expect to dive over 10 times a week. Once science and dive training is complete the team aim for 2 survey dives a day (Monday to Friday). On Saturday the focus is on recreational diving when you can expect to do 2 to 3 dives. Please note that all diving is subject to the weather and you might not dive on some days if the weather is bad.

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Flights

Flights are not included and they need to be arranged by you. Most people fly from London to Los Angeles and then fly to Nadi. From Nadi it's a short hopper flight to Labasa where you are met.

Transfers

All customers are met at Labasa and taken to the camp. It's about a three hour drive from Labasa to the port where you join a boat to take you to the island (approx. 10 minutes). After the programme has ended, volunteers are taken back to Labasa for their return flight.

Accommodation

You stay in traditional grass bures, just like the locals. Although basic, they are comfortable and a great cultural experience. The big open communal bure with a dining area is where you will have your science lectures too.

Meals

The diet is expedition rations based on local produce and designed to support strenuous activities on a daily basis. The food is mainly high in carbohydrates and rich in vegetables. We supply sufficient fish and meat with eggs as well to meet protein requirements. Just imagine how fresh the fish is - caught that day! Vegetarian and vegans are easily catered for. You will take it in turns to cook, so it is up to you to use your imagination!

Requirements

Text

PADI Materials

All PADI materials have been included in this programme if you require diver training.

PADI Fees

PADI Fees are included in this programme if you require PADI diver training.

Prices

Start dates

Extra Costs (for dive training as required)