An incredible and unforgettable experience

Volunteering on Aride Island has been an incredible and unforgettable experience, though not without its challenges. In my first few weeks, I was plagued by mosquitoes and even got stung by a centipede. However, the discomfort of the bites was far outweighed by the island’s breathtaking beauty and the opportunity to work alongside knowledgeable conservationists and rangers. Their passion and expertise deeply enriched my understanding of island and bird conservation.

The island’s untouched flora and fauna left me in awe; I could hardly believe the abundance of certain species, such as the skinks scurrying around and the seabirds nesting just outside my house. My time on Aride was bookended by remarkable experiences: my first week saw the translocation of 50 giant Aldabra tortoises via helicopter, and my last week was highlighted by snorkeling with whale shark. In between, I participated in the sooty tern and seabird censuses, which allowed me to explore every corner of the island and witness huge seabird colonies, including roseate terns. I also loved the weekly task of monitoring the breeding success of brown noddies and white-tailed tropicbirds, as well as helping with surveys of the bronze-eyed geckos on the island.
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Despite the challenges, I completely fell in love with Aride Island and am already planning my return.