Hugo – Seychelles Environment Project

Posted on 29 November 2024

Hugo spent 2 months on the marine research project in the Seychelles, here's his report on the mission and living conditions at base camp.

To put it simply, I loved my two months in the Seychelles on Curieuse Island, and I think that two months is the ideal length of time to witness as many things as possible on the island. Not being a student of biology or any other field related to the mission, I learned a lot about animals (turtles, sea turtles, sharks...) and about life on an island with the means at hand.

Your best memories?

It would be difficult to list all my best memories, as there are so many, but of course watching the sea turtles hatch was incredible. The time when two nests hatched at the same time, five meters apart.

The "shark outings" are also very fond memories. Being able to approach them, touch them, catch them by hand, weigh them, measure them and then release them was always an extraordinary experience.

The barbecues at base camp and the weekends spent on La Digue island with the other volunteers will stay with me forever.

I was also able to pass my first level of scuba diving (PADI Open Water) on the island of Praslin. A real opportunity to obtain this diving certification in the Seychelles.

Concerning the 5 out of 5 assessment of your organization:

Pre-departure information: 5, you always answered my questions, and I was perfectly prepared for my two months on Curieuse.
Registration process: 5, quick and easy.
Supervision: 4, really good supervision on the island, especially Jazzy. Passionate and very competent, thanks to her.
Schedule: 4, fairly evenly distributed, good balance between work and free time.
Food and lodging: 4. Knowing what to expect when I arrived on the island, I wasn't surprised by the sometimes precarious living conditions. Meals are always rather similar, but it's hard to do better with the resources on offer.

If you had to recommend Realstep

I've already recommended Realstep to two friends, including a marine biology student who might be interested in this type of mission. It was an incredible experience that deserves to be lived.

Good day, Hugo.