SunsHADe Volunteers

About

If you’re passionate about protecting and conserving the environment or working to develop communities and are looking for a paradise beach holiday with a difference a volunteering holiday with Sun sHADe Volunteers offers the perfect getaway to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There’s a huge selection of meaningful activities to get involved with that will give you the unique opportunity to experience authentic Maldivian culture and make a lasting impact through conservation and community development work. Activities include rehabilitating turtles, surveying and planting coral reefs, mangrove reforestation and management, planting trees or even helping out with large beach clean ups to remove plastics and other litter from the shores. Other days may be spent assisting teaching at a local school,  participating in sporting events and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle or helping educate the community on environmental and conservation issues. Working 5-6 hours per day, Saturday to Thursday, and with activities, accommodation and meals included this placement is ideal for groups, families or solo travellers looking for something different.

Whether you’re happiest in the sea or on land Sun sHADe Volunteers will work with you to match your passion and skills to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.

But it’s not all work, during your placement you’ll have plenty of time to explore and discover the Maldives with a wide range of organised activities included in your stay.  Your stay in the Maldives promises to be a truly memorable experience that will leave a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the community, but across the oceans and coastal shores of the planet.

Quick Facts

Skills and Requirements - No experience or qualifications necessary but volunteers must have a passion for conservation and contributing to the local community with a flexible and positive attitude.  CV/Resume and application forms are required prior to placement for visa and immigration purposes

Minimum Commitment – 1 Week 

Working day – Saturday to Thursday, 5 - 6 hours per day

Price – $900 - £2200 dependent on length of stay, activities and costs involved: 

             Environmental Conservation - $900 for first week, $1400 2 weeks, $2000 3 weeks 

             Marine Conservation - $1000 for first week, $1600 2 weeks, $2200 3 weeks  

             Maldives Island Experience - $1000 for first week, $1600 2 weeks, $2200 3 weeks

Sun sHADe Volunteers is ran entirely by Huvadhoo Aid, an NGO based on Hoadedhdhoo island of Huvadhoo Atoll. This not-for-profit set up ensures that the entirety of your fee is spent on the costs of your placement meaning that your entire fee goes back into aiding the community

Features

• Cultural Activities Included
• Good For Large Groups
• Snorkelling & Diving Nearby
• Close to Beach
• Placement Transfers Included
• Accommodation Included
• Meals Included
• WiFi Included
• En-Suite Rooms
• Dolphin Watching
• Beach Parties

Pricing

1 Week     $900 - $1000 / 2 Weeks   $1400 - $1600 / 3 Weeks   $2000 - $2200 

Includes accommodation and all meals

Your Accommodation

Accommodation is included with your volunteering experience.  During your trip you will stay in Campus same sex dorm rooms, each sleeping three to six people in single beds with access to a shared en-suite bathroom with hot water. All rooms include breakfast, 2gb WiFi and cleaning services

Accommodation nearby

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About The Area

Famed for its pristine beaches, clear blue seas and incredible marine life the Maldives is a picture perfect paradise.  Most of the resorts are situated on privately owned islands, with tourists missing out on much of the culture and authenticity of Maldivian life, however there are many more islands in the archipelago to discover and a wealth of local hospitality, homemade authentic meals and traditions waiting for you. 

The island of Hoandedhdhoo, located in the Huvadhoo Atoll, sits on the western edge of the atoll, just 8 miles from the equator on one of the largest atolls in the world! Hoandedhdhoo is a beach lovers paradise that comes with a real community spirit, friendly people and a unique chance to experience authentic Maldivian culture. 

The island is home to approximately 1280 people who spend the majority of their time fishing, relaxing and playing football and Bashi (a traditional Maldivian sport). With a strong Islamic culture many of the local women wear Hijabs (headscarves) and alcohol is prohibited. But with the intense heat and so many activities to enjoy it’s rarely missed. However for those who want to enjoy a glass of wine or beer, day trips to resorts can be organised.    

Activities and Nearby Adventures 

There’s more to the Maldives than its beaches and diving although seeing marine life and relaxing on the beaches are probably top of your list of things to do! With such a varied schedule of volunteering work, activities and Island hopping excursions included with your stay you’ll have plenty of fun activities to keep you busy. Here’s some suggestions for your trip

• Discover deep water marine life and learn to SCUBA dive where you can swim with the giants including Whale Sharks and Manta Rays for a truly magical experience (additional costs apply)

• Get involved and learn to play Bashi with the islanders, a unique national sport that you won’t find anywhere else! 

• Spend an hour or two peacefully gliding over the ocean with Stand Up Paddleboarding

• Treat yourself to a day of luxury at a local 5-star resort (additional costs apply)

• Explore uninhabited islands with overnight trips arranged through Sun sHADe (additional costs apply)

Map

Activities and Nearby Adventures

• Beach Nearby
• Community Development Volunteering
• Conservation Volunteering
• Cultural Activities
• Diving
• Educational Volunteering
• Healthcare Volunteering
• Dolphin Watching
• Snorkelling
• Boat Trips
• Diving
• Conservation Volunteering
• Island Hopping
• Surfing
• Eco Excursions & Tours

Meet the hosts

Sun sHADe Volunteers is entirely led by Huvadhoo Aid (HAD), a non-governmental youth organisation located in Huvadhoo Atoll. Sun sHADe Volunteers aim to develop and improve the lives of rural communities whilst protecting the environment by bringing international volunteers together in a cultural exchange through education, community development, healthcare, sports and environmental conservation activities. 

Working with each volunteer to ensure their placements are perfectly suited to their interests and skills whilst meeting the needs of the local community Sun SHADe Volunteers offer a unique opportunity for a more meaningful trip to the Maldives.

How To Get There

Once you arrive at Male International Airport you will need to take a short connecting flight to Kaadedhoo Airport. On arrival in Kaadedhoo you will be met by a Sun sHADe guide to complete your journey to Hoandedhdhoo Island by speedboat.    

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