What is your favorite travel memory?
The most memorable moment I had while SCUBA diving in Seychelles is finding an illegally placed fishing dredge, with two sharks and one ray stuck in the net. Dredger nets are illegal in many places in Seychelles and are harmful to the megafauna in the area. I always dive with a knife in case of emergencies and this was the biggest emergency I have ever experienced while diving in Seychelles! I used my knife to cut through the net which the two sharks and one ray were caught in, while the divers that I was guiding dismantled the attachments to the buoys above. We were able to release one of the sharks and the ray; the second shark was unfortunately already dead and there was nothing we could do.
It's hard to call this my favorite memory as it was quite an enraging experience, but I was very proud to be able to assist the helpless wildlife.
Which destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?
The most overrated destination in Seychelles is Eden Island. It is completely man-made and lacks the flair of Seychellois culture and the country's natural beauty.
The most underrated destination in Seychelles is La Digue! This island does not allow motor vehicles (with the exception of government vehicles) and is only traversable by bicycle. The national park on La Digue is gorgeous and the giant tortoises are the most lovable and gentle creatures in the entire country. La Digue is also home to some of the most recognizable beach rock formations.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Safety.
What unique qualities does your company possess?
GVI is not a travel agency and we do not provide holiday packages for vacationers. We are a team of individuals who are quite passionate about community development, outreach and education, conservation and cultural immersion. Our company was built by, and currently operated by educators, conservationists, developers and most importantly volunteers. We are genuine and will not back down from our desire to improve the well-being of the world we live in.