5 Weeks in Mikindani

In 2025, I took a six-month break from university to see more of the world and gain hands-on experience outside of an academic setting. My goals during this time were to learn as much as possible, meet new people, and - most importantly - give something back to the places I was lucky enough to visit.

Volunteering felt like the most meaningful way to achieve these goals, which led me on a search for the right program. Surprisingly, the biggest challenge was finding ethical amd sustainable volunteering opportunities that aligned with my values and were either within my existing skill set or something I genuinely wanted to upskill into. That’s how I discovered coral restoration projects.

Eco2diving ultimately stood out due to its location, affordability, and strong positive reviews—and I’m very glad I chose it.

The experience exceeded all of my expectations. Martha and Laurent are incredibly kind, passionate people who are clearly dedicated to both conservation and creating a positive experience for volunteers. They’ve built something really special.

The accommodation was very comfortable and the food was delicious, with the half-board option providing more than enough each day. I did experience some very minor plumbing issues, but they were impressively fixed within a few hours 🤯.

One of the biggest highlights of the program was the land conservation education days. These were incredibly engaging and informative, offering a deeper understanding of environmental issues beyond the reef. The strong focus on education meant that rather than simply participating, I learned why the work mattered and how it connected to the wider ecosystem. I left these days feeling inspired, empowered, and equipped with practical knowledge to continue conservation efforts beyond the program.

Another major highlight was the opportunity to progress quickly with certifications. In just five weeks, I earned my Reef Restoration Certification and advanced to an Advanced Scuba Diving license.

The daily schedule was well structured and thoughtfully balanced, with enough time for rest and personal exploration alongside the program’s activities making it possible for me to also maintain some freelance digital nomad work.

On a weekly basis, I did a minimum of three dives, one land conservation day, and a fortnightly outing to support seaweed farming—creating a well-rounded experience that combined hands-on marine work with meaningful land-based education.