3 Week Beginner Diving and Adventure in Nosy Be, Madagascar

• Due to the length and active nature of this program and as there are lots of outdoor activities under the heat of the sun, a decent level of fitness is required.

• Understand written and spoken English
• High level of energy and flexibility
• Able to cope with physically challenging conditions (late nights, hot weather and insects)
• Ability to learn and live with people of different backgrounds and nationalities
• Be flexible, thoughtful and respectful. You will be working with people of different nationalities/cultures and backgrounds.

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Fascene Airport (NOS). You must arrive between the hours 08:00 to 20:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times,we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and for a private transfer.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the airport to the accommodation it takes 30 minutes by road.  

Week 1: Reef Dive Immersion

Sunday

Your Madagascar adventure begins with a warm welcome as you arrive at the Nosy Be airport. A team member will greet you and escort you to the program accommodation, giving you time to settle in and adjust to your tropical surroundings. In the evening, you’ll join fellow participants for a welcome dinner, giving you an opportunity to connect, relax and get excited for the diving experience ahead. This low-key day is all about easing into island life and preparing for the week to come.

Monday

After breakfast, you go over the team introductions, projects, center orientation, dos and don’ts, code of conduct, child protection policy, and media consent guidelines. A presentation on culture on Nosy Be and a basic Malagasy lesson thereafter

You will travel to Hell-Ville after lunch to access banking services, currency exchange, and mobile phone connections.

• Tuesday
  Morning: Travel to the dive center, program briefing, and pool skill training
  Afternoon: Theoretical session at the dive center
  Evening: Rest and integration
• Wednesday
  Morning: First Open Water dive
  Afternoon: Theory session
  Evening: Data analysis and group debrief
• Thursday
  Morning: Second Open Water dive
  Afternoon: Theory session
  Evening: Data analysis and review
• Friday
  Morning: Final exam for Open Water certification
  Afternoon and evening: Rest and recovery
• Saturday and Sunday
  Free days for optional exploration, beach time, or rest
  Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided

Week 2: Dive & Theory Integration

• Monday
  Morning: Advanced dive 1
  Afternoon: Theory session
  Evening: Data analysis and reflection
• Tuesday
  Morning: Advanced dive 2
  Afternoon: Theory session
  Evening: Data analysis and review
• Wednesday
  Morning: Advanced dive 3
  Afternoon: Theory session
  Evening: Data analysis and group sharing
• Thursday
  Morning: Final exam for Advanced Diver certification
  Afternoon and evening: Free time and rest
• Friday
  Morning: Canoe crossing from Ambatozavavy to the village of Ampasipohy
  Afternoon: Guided hike in Lokobe National Park and traditional village lunch
  Evening: Return to accommodation and relax
• Saturday and Sunday
  Free days for relaxation or personal activities
  Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Week3: Rescue Diver & First Aid (React Right Certification)

• Monday
  Morning: Rescue dive training
  Afternoon: Theory session
  Evening: Data analysis and reflection
• Tuesday
  Morning: Advanced dive
  Afternoon: Theory session
  Evening: Data analysis and review
• Wednesday
  Morning: Advanced dive
  Afternoon: Theory session
  Evening: Data analysis and group discussion
• Thursday
  Morning: Final exam and React Right first aid theoretical session
  Afternoon and evening: Free time and rest
• Friday
  Morning: Visit to Lemuria Land (lemur sanctuary)
  Afternoon: Swim at a freshwater cascade
  Evening: Final evening at the accommodation
• Saturday – Farewell Day
  Morning: Farewell breakfast
  Check-out and onward travel

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

The sun shines year-round here, with Nosy Be being a beach and sea lovers paradise, hosting incredible snorkelling and diving. Nosy Be is packed with activities to get up to during your free, the most popular is checking out the paradise beaches. Here are just a few of the stunning beaches you can visit:

• Palm Beach
• Andilana Beach
• Ambatoloaka Beach
• Andilana Beach

Wildlife lovers and adventure enthusiasts will certainly be at home in Nosy Be too. See if you can spot the diurnal and nocturnal native lemur species, count the unique bird species, see reptiles or indigenous plants, whilst trekking through the lush jungle. There are also scuba diving & snorkelling tours and inland boat trips.

Additional Requirements

The following are further necessary in order for both the participants, local staff and everyone involved to have a meaningful, enjoyable and safe community program

• Strong dedication to protecting wildlife and awareness of the need to increase youth awareness of the significance of improving the role of fauna and flora species in conservation in controlled environments
• Yellow fever vaccination is a mandatory requirement for all participants arriving in Madagascar if you are traveling from Yellow Fever countries..

• Older participants or over 65 years are required to have a medical clearance as proof of their physical fitness as they may perform various activities.
• Participants below 18 years old need a signed parental consent as proof of involvement of their children for the program. If possible, accompaniment by an adult is highly advised.
• Due to the length and active nature of this program and as there are lots of outdoor activities under the heat of the sun, a decent level of fitness is required.

• Understand written and spoken English
• High level of energy and flexibility
• Able to cope with physically challenging conditions (late nights, hot weather and insects)
• Ability to learn and live with people of different backgrounds and nationalities
• Be flexible, thoughtful and respectful. You will be working with people of different nationalities/cultures and backgrounds.

Additional Equipment

Clothing

• Comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting wet or dirty.

• Modest outfits covering knees and shoulders (respecting local customs)
• Comfortable walking shoes, sandals and water shoes/booties
• Sun hat, fleece sweater, and a windproof rain jacket (weather-dependent)
• Towel
• Swimwear
• Wetsuit (optional – gear is provided, but you may prefer your own)
• A pair of socks (recommended if fins are slightly loose)

Documents

• Passport (ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your stay)
• Flight information, insurance details, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates

Essentials

• Toiletries (travel-sized shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc.)
• Day pack, small travel towel and reusable water bottle
• Money belt and bag locks for added security
• Personal entertainment (books, playing cards, music player, or e-reader)
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer and face masks (if required)
• First-aid kit with essential medications, insect repellent and rehydration tablets

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: MG – Holidays – All Programs

Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island, known for its rich biodiversity and culture. This exotic country is home to some unique wildlife, including 101 different lemur species, 285 bird species (105 of which are unique to the country). You can also find 860 orchid species, that are native to the island, as well as 6 of the world’s 8 incredible baobab trees, found nowhere else in the world. Over 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife is native and cannot be seen in the wild anywhere else on earth. Human presence however, is constantly threatening these natural wonders.

Madagascar is a very culturally distinctive island, with 18 ethnic groups forming the Malagasy population, whose customs are based on the respect of their ancestors and the harmony of the living. The country also has many multi cultures, taking influence from Arabic, Chinese, Indian, French and English settlers.

Although being a large island, it is also a very poor country, with 75.3% of Malagasy living below the poverty line. The gap between the rich and poor is increasing more and more. Despite this poverty, Malagasy people are very much open-hearted to anyone and welcome visitors to explore their beautiful island and cultural heritage.

You will be greeted with smiles and friendly locals and can be sure that a trip to Madagascar will be the ultimate adventure! Not only will you discover an entirely new culture (think of it as a mix between African & Asian influences), you will also explore the incredible flora and fauna this island has to offer.

Madagascar has a hot, subtropical climate with cooler temperatures in the mountains. There are two main climate seasons: the rainy season from November to March and the dry season from April to October. The length of each season does vary from one region to another. As Madagascar is a large country, terrain, weather patterns and climate can change quite dramatically between regions.

Central Highlands

Because of the altitude, the temperature in the Central Highlands sits around 25°C. From June to August this goes down to a chilly 5°C. The wet season starts in November until March or April but is also the warmest season in the Highlands, with an average of 28° / 30°C.

Northern Madagascar

There are several climatic zones in Northern Madagascar.

On the North-Western coast around Mahajanga, there are two distinct seasons, a dry and warm season from May to November and a hot and wet season from December to April, with temperatures reaching over 35°C. Around Ambanja and Nosy Be, there is a micro-climate with wet and dry seasons, although rainfall is more evenly dispersed throughout the year. Temperatures are warm all year round, with an average of 28°C.

Southern Madagascar

The rains start from January to March. The rest is almost completely dry, especially on the South-western coast from Toliara. Around Fort-Dauphin, there can be a little more rain, but still very dry. It gets really hot from February to May and between October and December. The most pleasant period is during the winter, from June to September, with temperatures around 25°C.

Eastern Madagascar

Eastern Madagascar is known for consistent rainfall, although this decreases when moving southwards. The driest season is from August to December, but still with downpours almost every day. February to March is cyclone season with heavy rain, so best to avoid. March, April and December are the warmest months with an average temperature of 30°C. Temperatures are cooler throughout the rest of the year, sitting between 20°C to 28°C, and nights being a little cooler.

Western Madagascar

From May to November is dry season with little rain and pleasant temperatures from 20°C to 25°C. Wet season is from December to April, and it rains heavily, depending on the area. The warmest months are March and April and November and December, with an average temperature of 30°C or more.

In general, the best months to visit Madagascar are between April to mid-December.

January to March is cyclone season, so we would advise against travelling to Madagascar during this time.

Heavy rains can still be expected in April, May and June, but between these showers there’s sunshine. However, the wet season does make the landscape lush and green, with wildlife such as lemurs and reptiles often visible.

July to August is a great time to spot humpback whales as they arrive in Ile St Marie. The weather is cool and dry, making this a pleasant time to explore. During September, Humpback whales can still be seen in Ile St Marie, whilst lemurs begin to give birth to their babies.

In October, temperatures begin to increase around the country, but you will see colourful purple jacarandas in bloom. From November to December, temperatures continue to increase, as well as an increase in rainfall. At this time lemurs, reptiles and tenrecs can often be spotted.

Some of Madagascar’s people, such as the Indonesian-looking Merina’s, are believed to be descendants of sailors from Indonesia and Malaya, who reached the island by travelling over the Indian Ocean. These Asian migrants introduced their beliefs to the country, as well as their rice-based diet.

There is also an African and Arab influence in the population. Arab merchants and African migrants travelled to Madagascar centuries ago and include the Arabic Antaimoro people in the east of the island and the Sakalava to the west. The Malagasy language includes several Bantu and Swahili words.

Today, there’s 18 diverse ethnic groups living in Madagascar. These include Merina, Betsimisaraka, Betsileo, Tsimihety, Antaimoro and Sakalava. Despite the ethnic variety, Malagasy people share a common culture and language.

The Malagasy language has Asian origin, similar to the language spoken in Borneo. The dialect is very poetical, descriptive and rich in metaphors. For example, where we might say “dusk”, the Malagasy will say “maizim-bava vilany” which means “when the mouth of the cooking pot is dark”.

The Asian-African origin of the island’s inhabitants has led to a unique and distinguished culture, with a multitude of set beliefs and customs.

One of the main beliefs is in the power of dead ancestors, or “razana”. These spirits are believed to still look after their descendants even after they have passed.  The wishes of these ancestors are to be respected and obeyed. Because of this, families and communities have certain taboos known as “fady”, like avoiding certain actions to ensure the approval of the “razana”.

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