Operation Wallacea Conservation Research Expeditions for Schools

This was an amazing experience and definitely one of the best trips I have been on. All of the different animals that we saw were so different from anything I had seen before. I discovered a new interest in snakes and many other animals that we studied. I made many new friends who will stay with me for a long time. This experience has opened my eyes to the different living conditions and cultures of different people in other countries.

On the long travel up the coast, as we stopped in the resort for an evenings rest, myself and the other teacher snuck away for a quick dip in the ocean. As we entered, the waves and fleeing fish turned bright blue with luminescence. Soon the whole camp was out for a midnight swim, chasing blue fish and painting blue snow angels in the water. It was a magical splash that was uncapturable by a camera and left only in memories and stories.

When we arrived on the outskirts Balule National Park we began the drive in we began the journey of a life time, within 5 minutes an Elephant was only 20 metres away, and every single on of us on that vehicle we speechless. However moments later we drove for the maximum of 1km before we saw not one but two black rhinos. They are one of the rarest animals on the planet and we had the privilege of seeing not only an adult female, but also its calf. The reality of what we had just seen finally set in when our ranger, had to call in on his radio the location and time we saw these two rhinos. We had only been there 10 minutes and we had already seen of the rarest animals on the planet, that is when I knew this was going to be the trip of a lifetime.

This trip was definitely the most unforgettable trip I have ever experienced. It was the perfect balance between learning and fun. Academically, I gained so much knowledge about ecology while on this trip as well as about the forest itself. However, when we got back for the night things got really fun as well. I made lifelong friends on this trip and I feel like since we shared this trip together we're all connected through it. I also feel like I had more opportunity to learn about the Amazon river than anyone else my age. I was completely surrounded by experts who knew the answer to just about any question that came to mind. It was fascinated to be surrounded by such knowledgeable people and this trip is the reason I have decided to go to college for science. In addition to the positive social environment and environment filled of knowledge, it also helped me practice my Spanish skills. I am a seventh year Spanish student and I feel like the staff and native people taught me more about the language than I have ever learned sitting within a classroom.

"Not just the best school trip but the best holiday I have ever been on." This was a quote from a pupil after our expedition to the Yucatan Peninsula and Akumal and it pretty much summed up the trip for the group. The staff were fantastic, the journey was challenging and the experience a once in a life time. The pupils went on the trip from a range of different backgrounds and friend circles but after a week in the jungle became close friends. Bring on the next trip in 2017!

On the last day of our terrestrial week we went on a vulcanology tour around the island Dominica. It was amazing as we had our own expert tour guide and went to see all these volcano ruins. We also went to a waterfall site and got to swim in small bodies of fresh water, which was absolutely beautiful and a once in a lifetime experience. On the same day we hiked up a sulfur deposit area on the side of a volcano which led to one of the prettiest sights I have ever seen. All in all this day was filled with amazing views and opportunities and was most likely the best day of the entire trip.

My trip to Dominica was a life changing experience. I got to see and try things I never did before. I learned about the culture and people of this beautiful island. I enjoyed learning how to snorkel in prestine waters and hike up a mountain. It was exciting to work with knowledgeable scientists and study bats, birds, marine life and lizards. Charlotte was a great help.
I definitely trip to any high school or university student seeking a life changing experience.

Life is just better 12,000 km from home, 60 feet deep in the Indian Ocean, at the mouth of a cave, quietly watching a reef shark go about its day. Our South Africa expedition was hands down the best thing I've ever done. From start to finish, everything was new, exciting and insanely fun! The experience and knowledge we gained was invaluable and the memories we made unforgettable. The trip was made even better by the cool people we counted impala and had impromptu swims with.

From the moment I signed up for this trip I have been interested in Wallace. I had never heard about him before but I think it's incredible that Opwall was founded on and is dedicated to his research. If you have the opportunity to go on an expedition, go!!! It will literally change your life.
Hopping on the back of a game viewer to chase lions is an experience I'll never forget. However, my favourite moments have to be the sleepy early mornings eating toast and watching the breathtaking African sunrise, waiting for the day's adventure.