A window into another world: 9 things our turtle volunteers love

Cousin Island Special Reserve offers one of the most immersive turtle conservation programs in the world. As one of the most vital nesting sites for Hawksbill turtles in the western Indian Ocean, the island has monitored these majestic creatures since the 1970s. Every year, Nature Seychelles invites volunteers to help with the labour-intensive program. Here, we highlight the top 9 things volunteers appreciate about their experience during turtle nesting season.

Turtle encounters are rare for many volunteers

Seeing the turtles up close

Turtle encounters are rare for many volunteers. Seeing a sea turtle is magical. As Berthin describes: "She was the first marine turtle I had ever seen, so she was tagged with the number 1203, reflecting my birth date. This made it even more special. It was like a beautiful gift from God."

Observing nesting and hatching

Volunteers are captivated by the process of watching the mother turtles prepare their nests, lay their eggs, and witnessing the hatchlings' incredible journey to the sea. Louise enthusiastically shares her experience, stating, "I loved watching the mommies preparing the nests, laying their eggs, and the baby hatchlings making their way to the sea!"

A surreal moment for volunteers is when they hold the eggs as the turtles lay them. Being entrusted with a Hawksbill turtle plopping eggs into their hands is an unforgettable experience, Caitlin asserts.

A memorable encounter involves witnessing the hatchlings' incredible journey

Acquiring new skills

Volunteers receive comprehensive training from the conservation officer before working with turtles. They learn about the turtle monitoring protocol, which includes identifying tracks, nests, various nesting stages, collecting long-term data, and rescuing turtles. This training deepens their understanding of these ancient creatures and instils a lasting love for nature.

Contributing to nature conservation

Cousin Island also provides volunteers with the opportunity to contribute to endemic bird and seabird conservation. Despite fast-paced schedules and occasional exhaustion, every day provides a chance to explore an entirely new world, Alina says.

Connecting with the wild

Volunteers say their time on the island nurtures a deeper connection with nature, which is often overshadowed by modernity. Onya reflects on this saying, "It was awesome to wake up and see the birds flying, the tortoises wandering around, and hear the sound of the waves." Hobbitina adds, "Squeezing through a small, bushy path and landing on a small rocky plateau with a panoramic view of the forest, sea, and surrounding islands is a moment of pure joy."

Creating lasting memories

Cross-cultural exchanges

Volunteers meet not only local staff, but also fellow volunteers from around the world. It has been enriching to live and work with people from different cultures, according to Caitlin. “Everyone has a life outside of Cousin Island and can offer you a perspective outside of your typical frame of thought!”
Camaraderie and shared moments

Volunteers form strong bonds through sharing meals and leisure time. Aside from enjoying barbecues under a clear night sky filled with thousands of stars and playing beach volleyball, volunteers say they value the camaraderie and solidarity within their teams.

Embarking on an adventure

A volunteer experience is an adventure in itself, as it allows individuals to explore new places and broaden their horizons. Mathieu describes his experience as entering an untouched part of the world. Ute adds, "The pristine beauty of the beach gave me the feeling of being the first to discover it. This island's overall atmosphere is peaceful and pure."

Creating lasting memories

Volunteers love taking photographs of wildlife and landscapes on Cousin Island and cherish the memories they create. Lorenzo emphasizes the island's magical appeal for photography enthusiasts, with countless opportunities to capture wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, including the stunning Milky Way cutting across the sky.

If you would like to volunteer for turtle season, please see this link .