Madagascar Volunteer

Research & Conservation Institute

   
  • HOME
  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • Meet The Team
    • Partners in Conservation
    • Commendations
    • Achievements
    • Volunteers FAQ’s
  • Programs
    • Marine Conservation
    • Sea Turtle Monitoring
    • Forest Conservation
    • English Teaching
    • Community Development
  • PADI Courses
  • Camp
  • Reviews
  • Blog
    • Teaching
    • Forest Conservation
    • Marine Conservation
    • Sea Turtle Monitoring
    • Community Development
    • Island Life
    • Gallery
  • Madagascar
  • Job Vacancies
  • Contact

The Spirit of Malala is Filled with Adventure

Author: Kelly King
Date: September 2018

The Spirit of Malala

Island outreach on The Spirit of Malala

One of the amazing volunteer programs that we offer is Island Outreach, where volunteers spend 10 days sailing on our conservation and research vessel, The Spirit of Malala, to surrounding islands as well as to the mainland of Madagascar. The trip is a combination of projects giving volunteers the opportunity to teach, do construction, participate on turtle and bird data collection, collect batteries from local villages for recycling and go on regular hikes!

The Spirit of Malala

For Volunteers with a limited time frame the trip allows for them to participate in projects, and travel around Madagascar at the same time! Each trip is accompanied by a staff member, a forest guide as well as The Spirit of Malala boat captain, Abdou, and a private chef! I was lucky enough to get to go on a recent trip and had an incredible time with the group of Volunteers that I went with.

The Spirit of Malala

The journey began in Nosy Be where the Volunteers and I visited the CNRO museum and learned about Madagascar’s marine life. Hearing about the local marine life, especially seeing the whale skeleton, had all the Volunteers excited to get in the water! When we left the museum, we headed to the port where we were picked up and brought to The Spirit of Malala for the first time! The boat is incredibly comfortable, there are two bathrooms (both with showers) a table with enough chairs to sit 14, a kitchen, and even a swimming platform to make entering and exiting the water easier.

The Spirit of Malala

During the trip, all of our bags were stored on The Spirit of Malala but we would actually set up tents and sleep on the beach at night! Meals were prepared and ate on the boat (all were extremely delicious), and we were able to take showers on The Spirit of Malala as well. When we were traveling from place to place everyone could be found lounging in the beanbags or sitting up in the front of The Spirit of Malala, journaling, napping or getting to know one another. Seeing how we were all living in very close proximity for 10 days, everyone got to know each other quickly and it was never difficult to find someone to join you in a game of cards or a conversation.

The Spirit of Malala

By far one of the highlights of the trip is that it gives the volunteers the opportunity to see many places in Madagascar over the 10 day period. Every day we arrived at a new white sand beach, or swam on another unbelievable coral reef. We traveled to multiple islands and the north of the mainland. We even stopped in Nosy Iranja during the trip which is by far one of the most beautiful places I personally have ever been.

Other highlights of the trip besides the amazing locations, we were able to see 4 different species of lemurs, we had 4 whale sightings and getting to see new born baby sea turtles at the turtle conservation center we visited! Everyone also agreed that the locals in the communities we stayed in made the trip so enjoyable for us all. Multiple times during our trip, people would join us for a bonfire on the beach, and would perform traditional Malagasy music around the fire.

When the 10 days came to an end we all agreed we could happily do another 10 (or 40) on The Spirit of Malala!

Learn More About Our Island Outreach Program Here

The Spirit of Malala

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with our adventures!

 

 

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Marine Conservation Team: Solly
  • Volunteering in Madagascar during a Pandemic
  • Mitsios Boat Trip
  • Dive Certification Well Earned
Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

3 hours ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Meet Solly, our much-loved Marine Conservation Officer.Solly’s dream is to become a PADI Diving Instructor.MRCI has undertaken to create this GoFundMe account in collaboration with Emily Borth to help Solly achieve his dream.Please donate and help us make Solly’s dream come true!The link can also be found in our story Highlights!https://gofund.me/176e591d ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

1 week ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Look at the goodies we just recieved! As our volunteers and staff know, getting new eqipment, spare parts etc. is a real challenge! Luckily, @lunamoonsailing just arrived from South Africa, with a “boat-load” of spare parts, new aluminium tanks, a new generator and many other things! It feels like Christmas morning!#Madagascarvolunteer #mrci #nosybe #nosykomba #lunamoon ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

1 month ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Thanks all for the funds that we received up until now ❤️ Solly has worked so hard to get where he is and we need your support now to achieving his final dream as a PADI Instructor in his professional diving career! 🎉If you feel like you could support Solly, click on the link below to donate! 🙏🏼🎉https://gofund.me/176e591d#madagascar #madagascarvolunteer #sollysdream #fundraiser #padiinstructor #PADIIDC2023 #PADIIDC2024 #paditv #localmarinebiologist #marineresearch #padiprofessional #futurecareer #gofundme ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

2 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Look at these cool finds from one of our recent drift dives! Have you ever seen a nudibranch feeding train? #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

2 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Do you want to join our teaching program? We teach many different classes, at different levels and with many different age groups!In fact our classes are becoming so popular, that we have to double the number of classes per level! Join us via the link in our bio!#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
When we’re not exploring the island and surrounding reef, our volunteers prepare presentations to educate their fellow volunteers!Once presented on camp, we head to Be village, to present in a class filled with students who are eager to learn more about their surroundings!#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Look at this cool find! We see some cool stuff on our sunrise dives - yesterday we found 28 nudibranchs! Some of them over 14cm! #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated #oceanconservation #marineconservation ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Sophie is teaching our local kids class🌞We love to see how the kids are so engaged and motivated to learn.To join our community program, check our link in bio! #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Did you know we go on night hikes every week?Lots of creatures are mostly active at night and look at this cool find! #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Meet our volunteer of the week Fionn! Along with forest officer Fedy and Donna, staff of the week!Fionn has been a great champion on Forest program and a great friend all around! 🦎#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-9-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-8-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-7-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-6-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-5-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-4-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-3-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-2-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-1-of-9-Web.png

Contact Us

Madagascar Office: Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute, Home Sakalava, Rue R Tsiomeko, Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Phone: +261 32 50 891 57
Office Hours: Please take note of the time zone differences when contacting us.
Email: volunteer@madagascarvolunteer.com

Social Profiles

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Accepted Payment Methods

Visa / Mastercard / American Express / EFT / Direct Deposit.

Log In

Teaching | Marine Conservation | Forest Conservation | Combinations

Disclaimer:  We reserve the right to change our Volunteer Programs at any time, without prior notice.