Blue Ventures: Madagascar

In 2013 I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Marine Biology. After graduating I married my husband, a petty officer in the Navy, and moved to Virginia. After a year of working outside my field I had paid down my student loans enough so that I could afford to gain the dive certifications I will need to further my career in my field. After a lot of research I felt Blue Ventures was the best way I could not only get the dive certifications I needed but also gain experience in the field aiding conservation efforts while giving back to the local community.

I could not have made a better decision. As it was my first time out of my home country, USA, I was very nervous about leaving. From the fist step Sarah, from the London office of BV, was extremely helpful and was able to answer any questions I had, wether it was a simple passport question to getting me in touch with Madison the expedition manger in Andavadoaka, Madagascar.

I was very impressed with Blue Ventures involvement in the village. During my 8 weeks in Madagascar I was immersed in the local culture. I was able to participate in several community events such as Earth day, choir practice, dancing with the Nahoda, and the Malagasy Independence Day. I also developed a strong bond with my English student, Symphorian, who I am still in contact with.

I and the other volunteers formed a real sense of community with in the Blue Ventures team, who was very helpful throughout the expedition. As a group we dove twice a day while practicing dive skills, under water species identification, various surveying techniques, and eventually were able to conduct our own surveys. By the end of the expedition I was not only PADI Rescue Diver and Emergency First Responder certified, but also skilled in IDing local fish and benthic organisms as well as actively involved in the village community.

My expedition with Blue Ventures was a life changing experience and I would recommend it to anyone wether you looking for adventure, immersion in another culture, gaining dive experience, or kick starting a career in Marine Biology.