Program Reviews

A really amazing program, run by really amazing people, in a really amazing place, doing really amazing work! This was a world perception altering experience for all of our students in so many ways. From the realities of "roughing it" in tents in a foreign country for a week, to learning about how biodiversity surveys of this type have a real and meaningful impact on the world around them. A truly excellent experience that I would heartily recommend to anyone!

This summer I participated in the conservation research expedition organized by Operation Wallacea in Samos and Lipsi (Greece). Overall I had an incredible experience. Not only did we help in monitoring vital species in the area such as the golden jackel or the chameleon (On our night survey I was lucky enough to catch, measure and tag four chameleons!) but we also had loads of fun. One of the most memorable parts about the trip was the opportunity to obtain my scuba diving license. The staff were all very friendly and supportive and helped in transitioning from the pool to the sea, reaching a depth of 15 meter. My favorite part of the trip was in Lipsi, which was not only gorgeous (especially the beaches which we helped clean up with the major of the island) but also the locals were friendly and appreciated our efforts. We also had the amazing opportunity to meet and talk to dolphin activist Richard O'Barry. We had watched his documentation "the cove" and had a great conversation about dolphins in captivity. His passion was truly inspirational and left its mark on me and my peers.

Had the most amazing time in the Amazon as a research assistant. Here the day to day activities included surveying some of the most amazing animals such as pink river dolphins, macaws and monkeys.

The experience was made completely unique with the fact we slept, ate and socialised on historic boats from the rubber boom period. From the boats during breakfast you could spot the elusive pink river dolphins.

The trip was challenging but was so rewarding, trekking through the rainforest in extremely high humidity, but seeing howler monkeys all around you makes the effort all worth while.

With no connection to the outside world for a month, it gave everyone on the boat to form really close relationships and by the end of the 4 weeks of research I had made some great friends.

I would highly recommend the program as it covers such a broad range of animals from frogs, to dolphins to monkeys to caiman, there is something for everyone. Also, it is extremely rewarding to know that my work has helped collect vital data about the ecology of that region in Peru, which can go on to help conserve the rainforest.

This wasn't my first expedition with Opwall - i went on a 2 week expedition to Mexico with my school back in 2014, and even that was literally lifechanging! The singe week we spent diving convinced me to study Marine Biology at University rather than my planned Archaeology.

This time I signed up for a 4 week Marine expedition in Indonesia, the price was high, but I was able to scrape together enough from fundraising, grant applications and a part time job. For those interested in applying, I would urge you to also apply for the Alfred Russel Wallace Grant, which can net you a £1000 grant! It's only for those going to Indonesia, and few discover it - the deadline has been extended twice because not enough people have applied, so definitely go for it.

Anyways, onto the review - I was only there for ~ 2 weeks, having to return to the UK early when an internship changed their starting state, so I can only talk about the South Buton site. Here's a rough description of the itinerary, it may change a little in future years but not by much. For the first week we were split into 2 groups, those who already have a diving qualification, and those without. Both groups dived twice a day at the same time, but again in separate groups.

Those with a qualification did their Reef Survey Course, which consisted of 2 lectures a day where we learned reef ecology and species/family names of the fish, coral, algae and invertebrates we encountered. In the two daily dives we were taught surveying techniques and surveyed the species/families we learned in the previous lecture. We ere then tested at the end of the week in an exam where we identified what were in photos. The required pass mark was high (I think it was 90/80%?) but you can repeat the exam and no-one has ever needed to do the exam more than twice.

Those without a qualification did their PADI Open Water Course, which had 1 lecture a day - the two dives will be spent learning techniques.

In the second week, those who just got their PADI qualification went onto learning the Reef Survey Course, the rest of us assisted the dissertation students with collecting data. Everyone was also given the option of doing the Advanced PADI Open Water Course for a cheaper price than if we had done it at home. I'd recommend you get your OW qualification before going so you can get that extra experience with the dissertation students and then do your AOW in your second week at the lower price (plus so you don't have to do the Reef Survey Course & AOW at the same time).

Every week there's a degassing day, where you an go into town to visit the supermarket complex, do your own thing and have a barbecue/party in the evening. Meals are buffet style, with rice, a variety of veg dishes, fried eggs and fruit. Despite being told meat/fish would be a rare treat, we actually ended having some for at least 1 in 3 meals. The food was great, and for those who aren't huge fans of rice they always had some noodles too (which tended to go quickly). The accommodation was very comfortable, 2-3 beds in a room with air conditioning (!) and an ensuite shower and toilet.

The diving centre staff were incredibly helpful and patient with us if we forgot to check a piece of kit back in or out, even when they have 3/4 groups to deal with at once! The opwall/administrative staff were also hugely helpful, when I had to go back early they helped me book tickets and made what might have been an incredibly stressful problem go much smoother. Everyone was always up for a chat - if you go talk to as many people as possible! Everyone has stories to tell and the researchers have so much experience and information you can learn, I study Marine Biology but I probably learned more in those 2 weeks from diving and talking to people than I did in a term back at Uni!

Whilst there you'll spend most of your time - diving, eating, relaxing, learning - with the other research assistants, even though I was only there for 2 weeks I formed great friendships with some and am still in contact with them months later - I even met up with some in London a few weeks ago.

Also, a couple things that aren't necessary but are useful - an underwater camera (and bring the right charger! still killing me that I took the wrong one) and a small laptop or tablet for revising.

So, a bit of a lengthy review, but I hope I've given you a good insight into what you'll be doing in your 2 weeks at South Buton. These expeditions are amazing, whether you study the biological sciences or not, and if you're thinking of going on an expedition then I cannot recommend Indonesia and Opwall enough! Go for it!

All in one was this two-week program not only a unique experience but it had many benefits in terms of learning new material, which included getting to know the environment and people. In these two weeks, I didn't just learn how to cooperate with people from around the world but also to conserve certain areas. As a group, we were stationed on Samos for the first week and during the second week on Lipsi. Personally, the second week on Lipsi was more enjoyable, with great evenings and adventures tasks during the day. Also, the boat tour from Samos to Lipsi was a moment in which I started to realize how beautiful the Aegean. In general, this experience helped me to understand how important our ecosystem is and how difficult it is to maintain a stable environment. Furthermore, would I definitely repeat this trip because it was fun and also very productive.

Most amazing Story of the trip:
This was by far the moment when our group arrived on Samos. The weather, the first impression and of course the beautiful and fun people around us. Even though this might not be a complete story but it was definitely something that I won't ever forget. I am very honored that I was able to take part in this two-week program. Shoutout to all the marvelous people and staff members that helped contribute to this amazing trip.

My trip to Peru was absolutely amazing. There is truly no place like the Amazon. The scenery of the calm river and the huge forest was breathtaking, and all of the daily surveys are fun and educational. I loved hiking through the forest and catching birds and frogs, but I also learned a lot about the ongoing problems of conservation of the forest and how the local communities are trying to help. I also learned a lot about the different animals that live in the Amazon and how they behave and interact with other species. A highlight of my trip was during the fishing survey. My group stayed on the main boat, to fish with rods, while I went in a small, metal canoe with a guide to set up the net. We paddled along the river. It was so serene and beautiful, but then we entered a dark forest with spiky trees that we had to dodge. We set up the net, caught a couple of wolf fish a headed back to the main boat. On the way back, the guide spotted a sloth in a tree and told me to wave to it. He said if it waved back its good luck. Slowly, but surely, the sloth waved back! It was truly amazing. Back on the boat, we talked about everything we saw that day and played lots of games. From then on, my friends called me 'perezoso'. I became good friends with other kids from my own school, the other school, and the local biologists and guides. We had a big salsa dancing night at the end of the trip that was very fun, and I still talk to all of my new friends today! Overall, this trip only made me more interested in biology and ecology, and if I could, I would do go on this trip again in a heartbeat!

My second favorite animal is the chameleon so I as incredibly exited when I got to that expedition. After 1 hour of walking is the dark and seeing absolutely nothing we found one. We were all exited, we got to learn how to keep track of them, how to measure them and weight them. It was an amazing experiment and helped me understand how field work should be carried out avoiding to cause distress to animal.

The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is an awesome place to survey wildlife; dolphins and primates are common sights, and if you're lucky you may see a jaguar, anaconda or harpy eagle! There is a diverse range of surveys to join, and you will get the opportunity to handle various animals. Living on boats is a great experience and I found it easy to get used to. The food is good and there is always plenty. I made loads of new friends, my Facebook friends list increased by ~50 people! There are extra activities held in the evenings, we watched Game of Thrones!

I think Opwall expeditions are incredible, this was my second experience with them and I would love to go again.

Cracking experience! Something I've been wanting to do since I was 5 years old. Fantastic times catching caiman, fish, birds and getting up close and personal with these amazing creatures. Staff were amazing and the locals were very knowledgeable about the ecology and biology of the area. Even got to see a swimming wild green anaconda, which was something I'll never forget. would certainly recommend for a first time travel experience, as Opwall are helpful with everything from fundraising to flights.

When I first arrived in Honduras, the streets lined with armed guards were just as I had imagined due to the news articles I had read prior to my trip. However, once I looked past this, I embraced the rich culture of Honduras and gained experiences like no other. When I ventured into the cloud forest I was immersed by this alien territory which was as beautiful every morning I woke up as the first time I saw it. The wide range of activities set out for us was often overwhelming and tiring but it ensured that the no 2 days were the same and each were as good as the last. When we left the cloudforest, we went to Roatan, a carribean island off the coast of Honduras. It was here that I learned to scuba dive - something that I have kept up and taken a huge interest in since returning from the trip. The location was breathtaking and inbetween dives you could easily go snorkelling on the mesoamerican coral reef as it is so large, it was on one of these snorkelling trips that I found 2 loggerhead turtles swimming with each other as well as seeing a barracuda and an octopus - a trully magical experience. My experience in Honduras has provided me with a burning desire to travel and explore.