Pre-departure information - Whale Shark Research Project

The Great Projects, Heron House, Ferry Lane, London, N17 9NF | Tel: 0845 3713070 (UK only); +44 (0)208 885 4987
|www.thegreatprojects.com | TTA membership number Q0138
This pack contains all the information you need to know about us, the project, the Maldives, and
what you’ll be doing. We strongly recommend you carefully read through this
entire pack before you depart. Feel free to print it out, but we suggest you print only the
pages you require in order to save paper!
THE GREAT PROJECTS – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Program Name Whale Shark Research Project
Country The Maldives
Location Dhigurah Island, South Ari Atoll, The Maldives
Summary of
Program
Help out in vital marine conservation of the largest fish in the sea – the
magnificent whale shark!
Join daily trips out to sea to keep an eye out for these incredible animals. Once
one is spotted, it will be all hands on deck as you all get into the water and
help with photo Id-ing the sharks, helping to sex them and recognise individual
sharks. Since starting this project eight years ago, the team have managed to
over 3000 encounters with whale sharks, the team have identified over 208
individuals, cataloguing them into a worldwide database and making some
interesting and vital observations of the whale sharks that aggregate in South
Ari Atoll.
Other work for volunteers here includes cataloguing the collected data into a
database which will help to recognise the individual sharks themselves and
help to determine the health of South Ari Atoll’s population of the species.
What’s more, you will also help within the local community, helping with
beach sweeps and clean-ups.
Duration 2 or 4 weeks
Minimum age 18+
Start Dates The volunteer programme only runs for specific dates from June to November
(given the seasonary nature of whale sharks).

The Great Traveller Ltd is a responsible travel company with many years’ experience in animal
protection tourism. We use voluntourism and volunteering as a tool to fund great conservation
projects abroad. We started with a range of projects based around orangutans and their habitat in
Borneo under our flagship program ‘The Great Orangutan Project’
At the heart of the company rests a set of core of values of long-term social, environmental,
educational and economic development for the benefit of participating communities and natural
ecosystems.
The Great Projects seek like-minded partner organizations, to network and bring about sustainable
solutions to areas of mutual benefit and international participants to participate in truly
rewarding work that makes a real difference to the places they visit and to the causes that are
close to their hearts.

The Project
Situated in the stunning island paradise of Dhigurah Island in the Maldives, this is a fantastic
project offering volunteers the chance to get up close and personal with the world’s largest
fish – the magnificent whale shark.
Formed in conjunction with a not-for-profit charity and active member of the international
conservation coalition ‘The Shark Alliance’, this project offers volunteers the chance to
“conduct whale shark research and foster community-focussed initiatives throughout the
Maldives region”.
Volunteers here will spend much of their time out at sea, keeping their eyes peeled for the
distinctive shapes of these graceful giants gliding through the water! Once spotted,
volunteers will then get the chance to enter the water with these magnificent creatures,
measuring the sharks from head to tail and recording data via photo ID and written logs. The
island is one of very few in the world to boast a year-round population of whale sharks, and
you will most likely begin to recognise some of them! What’s more, you may also have the
chance to see some of the Maldives’ other famous marine inhabitants – including graceful
manta rays, turtles, dolphins, and whitetip reef sharks.
Another integral aspect to this project is the community outreach programmes that it
promotes. You will be able to spend every day of your time here talking and working with
the local community, learning from their experiences and helping to promote the
importance of whale shark conservation.

Duties
During your time here, you will be involved with a range of activities, including:
Marine research of whale sharks:
This will be the principle activity which volunteers will be involved with during their time
here. You will be able to spend all day out at sea (for at least four days per week), trying to
spot the inconspicuous shapes of the graceful whale sharks gliding beneath the surface. It
can be hot and hard work in the equatorial sun, however, the more eyes that are out on the
water – the better the chance of spotting the sharks. You will travel on the team's dhoni (a
traditional Maldivian vessel), from the top of which is a great vantage point to spot the
sharks. You will also log any sightings of other marine animals which you may spot, including
turtles, dolphins, reef sharks, and even manta rays if you’re lucky!
Once a whale shark is spotted, it will be all systems go for the both the facilitators and the
volunteers! You will be able to get into the water and take a left and right sided picture,
from where you will be able to analyse and recognise the spot pattern once back on land.
Those with good lungs may be asked to ‘sex’ the shark – this means holding a deep breath
and swimming under the shark to have a good look! If there is time, you will also be able to
measure the shark, either with a measuring line or with a laser measurement device.
Noticing new scars and other distinguishing can be really important in trying to record the
health of South Ari Atoll's population of whale sharks. Make sure you keep those eyes
peeled!
Data entry days:
As an active conservation research programme, you will need to collate all of the collected
data and shark encounters that are logged whilst out at sea for presentation to policy and
decision makers. Once all of this data is collated, you will help input it into a database which
will help to identify the individual sharks themselves (males/females etc.). You may also be
able to use your individual skills to help the team. From accountants to web designers to
graphic designers – all are really welcomed and appreciated!

Working with the local community:
During your time here, you will be able to enjoy talks with many locals and local fisherman
about the local water and marine species prevalent within the area.
You may also be involved with a local initiative to improve the understanding of whale
sharks and the Marine Protected Area for the people who live here. In June 2012, the
project held a ‘Marine Discover Day’ for the pupils of schools whose islands are within the
Marine Protected Area, with volunteers involved in every step - from designing and then
running with the pupils through a ‘Ecosystem Treasure Hunt’ - to presentations, talks and
craft projects. Rubbish is a major problem in the Maldives, so volunteers will be involved
with regular beach sweeps. This makes a big difference to everybody on the island, so there
will often be half day beach cleans. In 2012, volunteers even made a giant model of a whale
shark out of old plastic bottles to highlight the problem of plastic on the island! Likewise, in
2013, the project hosted a ‘Whale Shark Festival’ for the pupils of schools whose islands are
within the Marine Protected Area, with the volunteers involved in every step - from
designing the festival to completely running it!
Free Time and Extra Activities:
As volunteers on this project have one day off per week, there will be a chance to get
involved in a range of activities at the TME Retreats Resort on Dhigurah Island. These
include scuba diving and snorkelling! Please note that none of these activities will be
included within the price of the project – you will have to pay for these yourself – and you
will need to make sure that these are covered by your insurance policy. Scuba diving costs in
the region of U$100 per dive, so make sure that you have adequately prepared for this.
There are no ATMs or cash points on the island either, so you will need to make sure that
you have brought the right amount of cash. The island itself also has excellent sand banks a
short walk away – these can be visited at a certain time of day, and you can also enjoy a
picnic here – really getting away from it all!
Please note that these activities mentioned above are at the discretion of project
facilitators and are entirely subject to change.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival into Male's Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (preferably in the early
morning or early afternoon to make the transfer). Here, you will transfer to a small sea
plane and will make your way to Maamigili Island. Once you have arrived at Maagmigili, you
will be met by staff from the accommodation who will then accompany you on a speedboat
transfer to your accommodation on Dhigurah Island.
Days 2 - 6: After an initial briefing on the first day, you will then begin your project work,
heading out to sea and keeping your eyes peeled for the world’s biggest fish! Activities will
depend on the day and on weather conditions, but you will be involved with marine
research of whale sharks on a daily basis, data entry, as well as working with the local
community.
Day 7: Today will be your day off from project work, and you will be able to chill out on
Dhigurah Island, where you will be able to scuba dive, snorkel, or just kick back and relax!
Days 8 - 13: Continue with project work.
Day 14: Fly back to Male to catch your return flight home or continue with onwards travel.
Please note that if staying for four weeks, the project will continue within this style.

Inclusions / exclusions
Included
• Accommodation in the TME resort for the entirety of the project.
• Three meals per day (including a buffet style breakfast and dinner and a packed
lunch for lunch).
• Daily Return Boat Transfers to and from the project site (where monitoring of the
whale sharks takes place).
• All project activities
Not included
 Flights (both international and domestic – this will be cost of £180 which you can pay
to us here at The Great Projects).
 Any extra activities which you want to try on your day off (including scuba diving –
this will be around U$100 per dive).
 Travel insurance (this can be provided by us here at The Great Projects through
Endsleigh Insurance at a cost £8.96 per week).
Duration
Volunteers can book for a total time of EITHER 2 weeks OR 4 weeks. Unfortunately, due to
visa constraints (30 days) and difficulty in getting an extension, four weeks is the maximum
time which you will be allowed to spend here.
Dates
The project runs throughout the months of June until November (dates are present on our
website). Whale sharks are present throughout the year in South Ari Atoll, but during these
months sightings and weather/water conditions are better.

Destination Info as a whole
Name: The Maldives
Population: Around 360,000
Capital City: Male
Language: Dhivehi
Currency: US Dollar in resorts or Maldivian Rufiyaa
Time Zone: GMT + 5 hours
Country Code: +960
As a holiday destination, the Maldives’ reputation precedes it. Synonymous with the term
‘Island Paradise’, the 1,192 coral islands and 26 coral atolls that make up the nation offer
some of the best beaches and diving anywhere on earth. With countless five-star resorts
and a wealth of places to ‘get away from it all’, it’s no wonder that the Maldives are often
voted as the best place to take a honeymoon. With awe-inspiring sunsets over palm-fringed
beaches, azure waters lapping over kaleidoscopic coral reefs, and a whole host of marine life
– these legendary islands truly live up to their reputation as one of the ‘best locations in the
world for scuba diving’.
The key to a holiday here lies in the word 'relaxation'. Aside from the palpable attractions of
the white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and coral reefs, there isn't really much to 'do'
per se. But that's precisely the point - kicking back with an ice cool drink under the bright
rays of the Maldivian sun is certainly an experience you won't forget in a hurry!
What's more, perhaps the biggest attraction here is under the water, and it's easy to see
why. With a chance of seeing whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays,
dolphins, and a whole host of other fantastic marine species - all within the crystal clear
waters of the Indian Ocean - you wouldn't want to be anywhere else!

Dhigurah
Dhigurah (meaning long island in ‘Dhivehi’), the island on which you will be based, is in Alifu
Dhaalu (or South Ari) atoll, about 20 minutes by plane from the capital, Male. The island is
narrow but 3 km in length which is considered to be a reasonably long island in the
Maldives! With more than 3 km of natural white sandy beach (particularly when the sand
banks are not underwater) – you will most certainly be able to find your own private piece
of paradise!
It is also considered relatively rare in that it is an inhabited island (one of few within the
Maldives). With a population of about 600, Dhigurah has all the necessary facilities for
human habitation, including a school, a medical centre and a generous harbour for dhonis
and fishing boats. The population is concentrated within a small area in the north of the
island, and the rest of the island is mostly used for fruit and vegetable gardening.
Nearby has some of the most famous dive spots within the Maldives, including Kuda Rah
Thila, Manta Point (a cleaning station for manta rays) and Reethi Thila. Dhigurah is also
around the corner from the whale-shark research locations – so some pretty great marine
life a very short distance away!
Accommodation
Located on the beautiful inhabited island of Dhigurah, South Ari Atoll, TME Retreats is a
stylish guest house with all modern conveniences and amenities. Designed for maximum
privacy, the hotel is located a little bit away from the village, yet close enough to walk and
enjoy the island lifestyle of Maldives. Located just a few meters away from the 3 kilometre
long white sandy beach, this is the perfect place in which to chill out! Accommodation for
volunteers is in a guest house and rooms are on a shared basis of two people. There are 4
rooms so the project can have up to 8 volunteers at any one time. Mod-cons include en-
suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, king-sized beds and a terrace.

Meals and Beverages
Three meals per day will be provided for you for the entirety of your time on the project.
The food provided will be a mixture of traditional Maldivian cuisine – with delicious fish,
curries, cassava and coconut - as well as western choices. All food, apart from packed
lunches (which will be eaten on the Dhoni during working days), will be served in a buffet
style. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know PRIOR to travel.
Climate
The summer never ends in the Maldives! Although it is warm throughout the year there are
slight variations in the temperature during certain periods determined by the monsoons.
The Northwest monsoons, from November to April are mostly dry with very little wind,
whilst the Southwest monsoons, from May to October, bring some rain and wind. Being on
the equator, the monsoons are relatively mild and the temperature varies very little
throughout the year. The annual average daily temperature is between 30.4 and 25.4
degrees celsius. The average rainfall is below 2m per annum.

Important Information
Please make sure you read this section VERY thoroughly!
Living on Dhigurah
Please be aware that the Maldives is a conservative Muslim country and the most important
aspect of your time here will be your respect to the Maldivian culture, people and religion
and a constant mindfulness of local level sensitivities.
You must obey all Maldivian legal and Islamic laws. On a day to day basis around the island,
here are a few key areas which must be impeccably adhered to:
Dress Code
Whilst this is important to both sexes, women in particular need to be especially aware of
the potential to offend if the dress code is broken.
Ladies
 At all times on the local islands, everything between your shoulders and knees MUST
be covered (a regular short sleeved t-shirt paired with long shorts is fine, as are
dresses, skirts or sarongs which reach below the knee).
 Do NOT wear bikinis anywhere on local islands. This also applies to swimming from
the beach or when sunbathing and relaxing.
 You MUST cover up when entering into the harbour of any local island.
 Transparent or sheer clothing is not suitable on any local island.
Gentlemen
 When in domestic areas of the village on Dhigurah, a top which covers the shoulders
should be worn (a regular t-shirt and shorts are fine in domestic areas of a village).
 Do not wear swimming briefs, speedos or skin tight trunks anywhere on local islands.
This also applies to swimming from the beach or relaxing/sunbathing on the beach.

 Do not wear sleeveless vest style or ‘wife-beater’ tops in the domestic areas of the
local islands. These are however fine for participation in sports activities.
 You MUST cover up when entering in to the harbour of any local island.
N.B. Anyone with tattoos should also minimise exposure in domestic areas of local
islands.
Items contrary to Islam
A full list of items which are not allowed in the Maldives will be provided for you on your
arrival card at Male airport. However, we would like to clarify a few of these below:
Alcohol – this is most certainly banned and possession of it can bring up to two years in
prison! NEVER bring alcohol with you.
Banned publications and symbols – items such as pendants or other jewellery bearing non-
Islamic religious symbols should not be worn at any time. Tattoos of this nature must also
be fully covered when on the local island.
One of the greatest assets of living on a local island is being able to see the real side of
Maldivian life which few visitors to the Maldives really ever see. Below are a few day-to-day
aspects of local life which we feel a clear understanding of will help you to settle in and
ensure a harmonious and fulfilling experience:
Photography around Dhigurah Island
 Photograph the scenery and wildlife as much as you wish!
 Do NOT enter peoples’ private property to take photographs nor try and solicit entry.
Only is directly and openly invited should you proceed.
 Always ask permission before taking portrait shots, and do not try and get people to
stage or pose for shots!
 If you are wanting to photograph children or those wearing a burkha, ask their (or
their parents’) consent first.
 Always try and show the picture to the person you have photographed.
 If you promise to print or email a copy – make sure that you do!
 Do not offer money in exchange for a photograph. Also, if the person has agreed to
be the subject of the photo, you will need to make it clear that this is on the
understanding that no money will change hands.
 Respect religious sites and people practicing religion. Please take no photos of
people at prayer or inside the mosques. The outside of these areas are fine – just not
during periods of prayer.

 Look after your camera gear – always have a way of waterproofing/sandproofing it!
Sports on the Island
Football, volleyball, badminton and netball (in that order) play a significant role in the
entertainment most evenings on the island. Should you wish to take part, please ensure that
you have been invited to do so. Generally speaking, football and volleyball is played by boys
and badminton and netball by girls. Exceptions are sometimes made however, but please be
sensitive to this. About an hour before sunset is the usual start time, however, play must
stop as soon as the call to prayer is heard.
Mosques, Ceremonies and Ramadam
Should you be a Muslim volunteer, please disregard the below.
Non-Muslims are NOT permitted to enter mosques during prayer times. Please also be
aware that if you are thinking of ‘poking your head around the corner’, you should not do so
if there is anyone inside – especially at prayer. As with the vast majority of other religions,
prayer time is very private for the individual and therefore must not be disturbed. If you do
wish to enter a mosque, please do so only after prayer hours when the mosque is quieter. In
addition, bear in mind that the dress code should be fully covered (full length trousers and a
t-shirt or shirt for men, a t-shirt/shirt and full length trousers or a sarong for women). For
women it is also strongly advised to cover your head with a scarf too.
The general rule of religious ceremonies and things such as weddings is – if invited, attend if
you would like, but remain humble and do not overplay your role!
During Ramadan
All sensitivities to religion are especially important during the month of Ramadan
(sometimes called Ramazan) – an especially important month in the Islamic calendar (the
ninth month) where fasting during daylight hours and a careful adherence to prayer time is
upheld. In particular, non-Muslim volunteers should always respect the following:
 Do not drink, smoke or eat (including chewing gum) openly on the island during
daylight hours in Ramadan.
 Be aware that people who are fasting will have less energy during the day than
normal, so account for that in everything you do or ask of people.
 Prayer times are usually strictly adhered to. Where possible, respect this by excusing
yourself to allow someone to pray in peace.

 The breaking of the fast at sundown is a big event. Always allow a fasting person to
go first should dinner coincide with this time. Do not involve yourself in the
celebration unless invited, and then remain in the background.
Politics
Island politics is a very complicated warren of community interactions and beliefs.
As well as governmental politics and local level council politics, there is a politics in the
other sense of the term. Most islands will have different groups or clubs who are separated
along belief lines.
On Dhigurah Island, the volunteer project and its staff always attempts to be a neutral
presence, working with any individual or group who is interested in our work regardless of
their affiliations. We ask that as representatives of the project, you do not overtly side with
any one political group or other social groups but maintain the neutrality to island
operations that our foreign naivety should enforce upon us.
Days Off
Your days (Days 6/13) and afternoons (Days 5/12) off is your opportunity to relax and
unwind, recharge your batteries from the week’s strains or to get out and enjoy your
environment!
Whilst you are here, you may befriend someone who could offer and activity for you on
your day off. Before confirming, we request that you chat it through with a member of the
research team first, as there may be safety concerns or other considerations you may be
unaware of that may make your position as a volunteer untenable.
Should you wish to use the beach during your day off, please check with the team and/or
TME Retreats staff as to the area which you are able to use. As a reminder, sunbathing in
bikinis for women or swimming briefs for men is not permitted on the island.
The Guesthouse Environment
Your accommodation at TME Retreats Dhigurah will be shared with other guests outside of
the project. As such, you need to respect your fellow guests. We request that you do this by
the following points when at the guesthouse:
 Dress appropriately (keep t-shirts on and dress as culturally required).
 Respect other guests on the property and their holiday experience.
 Please avoid creating noise disturbance through loud music/television/evening
games etc. This is a particularly essential in the evenings.

Clearly, bad language, rude or aggressive behavior is not something that belongs in the
guesthouse environment, and TME Retreats has the right to penalise not only you (but also
the project as a whole) for any instances where unacceptable incidents of this nature occur.
Remember that you are a representative of the project and your actions will reflect on the
programme as a whole.
As part of the efforts to continuously project a positive image of the programme to TME and
the people of Dhigurah, we request that you respect this by keeping your rooms clean and
keep careful so as to avoid damage to the furniture and fittings. In the instance that
something is damaged, please advise the infield co-ordinator of the project who can follow
up with the guesthouse team.
Volunteers are responsible at all times for their personal property. Under no circumstances
will the TME Retreats or project as a whole be liable for the loss or damage to personal
property, regardless of the mechanism of loss or damage. A safety deposit box is available in
your room for your valuables. We would also like to remind you that the below items should
NOT be kept in your TME Retreats accommodation:
 Any items which endanger the safety of others.
 Any items that contravene the country’s governmental or religious laws.
N.B. Smoking is NOT allowed in any of the rooms.
Behavioural Policy
In order to promote the good name of the project and the good working conditions for all
involved with the programme, we request that you take note of and most certainly abide by
the advisories detailed below.
Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
As a very small organisation with a limited staff that requires your assistance to operate, you
will be exposed to information on the organisation’s procedures. It is requested that this
information is not shared outside of the programme.
Similarly, any material or intellectual property created by the project as a whole and not
published directly is considered to be confidential. This also includes personal details of all
the staff and other volunteers.
Working Guidelines
What is explained below is a guideline only. Your infield co-ordinator will advise you
thoroughly of the daily work load and allocate you with specific tasks. It should also be

considered a minimum, as we strongly believe that the more you put in the more you will
get out. By being proactive and a team member, you are much more likely to ensure that
your – and your fellow volunteers – experience in the Maldives is a positive one which has
genuinely contributed to marine conservation within the area.
On the Dhoni
Your time on the dhoni is probably the bit that you have been day-dreaming about since you
first enquired – and rightly so – it is incredible!
The points raised below are purely generic points relating to the expected workloads and
behavior whilst on the dhoni. Please read this carefully.
The Dhoni Crew
The project is fortunate enough to have a fantastic crew on the dhoni. We would look to
emphasise the fact that unlike the crew of resort’s dhonis, they are considered as members
of the team whose job it is to facilitate the work at sea – they are not there to serve your
every whim! Please make sure you show respect and courtesy to them as they will be to
you.
N.B. If you feel that the crew have really looked after you during your stay, a tip of U$10
per person per week would be gratefully received!
Spotting behaviour on board
There is a general rule on the dhoni – whilst you are up on the sundeck, you are working.
This is important as it has a large effect on the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project as a
research organisation rather than some glorified tour operator. A group of alert people
standing and spotting for sharks shows a lot more intent than just lazing on towels!
It will be hot and tiring standing on the roof, and generally you can only really be effective
for two hours before fatigue can blunt the senses! Further, we encourage you to ensure that
you are not getting sunburnt or dehydrated through your attention to duty. As such, we
consider downstairs to be an area in which to cool down and rest.
We ask that however that as volunteers you do not leave any team members alone in the
sun – please ensure that all rest periods are staggered so that there are a combination of
volunteers and team members on spotting duties at all times.
Should it be rough or if you are feeling fatigued, it is fine to sit, as long as you remain on
spotting duties.

Paperwork
Compiling baseline data is at the heart of this project. For every shark, environmental
variable or megafauna you see the accurate and conscientious completion of the
appropriate paperwork allows the team to create outputs later. It is not glamorous, and it
often tedious, but we ask that all volunteers chip in and complete the paperwork as
required.
On the Island
Time spent on the island will likely wither be part of a community project or completing
data obtained whilst at sea. Both of these parts of the work are critical and probably form
the most important aspect of what the project does. Again, the below is just a guideline.
More extensive information will be given to your by your facilitators once you are on the
project.
 Data Entry – Inputting the days’ encounter information, photographs and other data
is the most critical aspect of the work done here. This work is most likely to be
completed each evening as data is best uploaded whilst memories are fresh. We ask
that every volunteer is present and fully commits to this aspect of the work and
that everyone takes on an equal weight of the workload.
 Community Projects – During your time here you will most likely participate in a
community project. If you are lucky, it may be at one of the big events (for example
in June 2013 there was even a ‘Whale Shark Festival’ on Dhigurah)! As these projects
are very important, we ask that volunteers are present and fully participate in all
aspects of the work. However, in some instances of community work, if you feel that
the assigned task is not something that you are physically capable of or are
uncomfortable doing, we ask that you advise the field co-ordinator and that you take
it upon yourself to find an alternative aspect of the task which you are happier/able
to do. Please don’t expect a holiday whilst others are working!
Media, the Internet and Public Domain Policy
The MWSRP has worked hard to establish itself as a charity of positive repute within the
scientific and local Maldivian environments.
The public domain can be very beneficial to the cause of the project when handled in a well-
managed way. This includes increasing awareness of the organisation and helping to attract
future volunteers to participate in research.
Even though everyone has a right to freely express themselves on social media, it is
requested that confidentiality standards be upheld – it is also requested that no details

(such as emails and telephone numbers) are shared. If you are expressing an opinion on a
matter that may relate to the project, it is requested that you acknowledge that you are not
speaking on behalf of the organisation, and that your thoughts and views are your own.
Should a volunteer member see any aspect of the project being represented badly within
the public domain, it is requested that a link of the post be sent to a staff member.
Using Computer Equipment
It is requested that all computer hardware and software belonging to the project should not
be used outside of work commitments without the approval of a staff member. Please
remember, that no inappropriate material (including sexual content or anything which can
be accused of being copyright) should be created or accessed whilst on these computers.
An advisory on cultural variances to the perception of harassment
What constitutes harassment or acceptable behaviour may vary in a legal and cultural sense
between countries. As such, volunteers are advised to take a preventative approach to
exposing themselves to unwanted attention. Bearing that in mind:
 Be aware of your body language and choice of words when dealing with members of
the opposite sex.
 Avoid requesting for or distributing a personal phone number.
 Before requesting someone to be a friend on Facebook etc., be aware of what
effects your presence may have on their page. Also, be aware of how much
information you could expose.
 Be careful of inviting persons to individual meetings, meals or excursions, as this may
be misconstrued as an advance which may have ramifications with family members
or the local community.
 Volunteers are asked to consider the implications of embarking on a relationship
with a fellow volunteer. It should be stressed that should a relationship be
considered with a member of the local community, local laws and customs, as well
as religious constraints, must be considered most severely. As such, it is strongly
advised that no volunteer enters the house under any relationship notion (this
applies to both ladies and men).
 Likewise, it is requested that no volunteers invite any local or other person into any
of the rooms.
 Keep public displays of affection at a minimum.

What to do when you arrive
Before landing into Male International Airport, we advise that you get a copy of the ‘Arrival
Card’ on the plane and fill it in, as queues at passport control can move slowly. On it, you
should state that the ‘TME Dhigurah’ is your destination and that the reason for your visit is
‘Holiday’.
What to do after you have passed passport control
Unless you are stopping over in Male beforehand, you will be transferred to the TME
Dhigurah by a domestic ‘FlyMe’ flight (booked through us at a cost of £180) on the Sunday
of your arrival. If this is the case for you and you are not heading to Male, when you come
out of the international arrivals hall, you will need to go into the domestic terminal (it is well
signposted).
Once you have made it to the domestic terminal, you will need to check in to your flight.
Although your final destination is Dhigurah, the flight will take you to Maamigili airport (this
flight takes around 25 minutes).
Tell the ‘FlyMe’ check in that you have a flight booked for Maamigili and that the booking
was made by the TME Retreats on Dhigurah Island. Once checked in, make a note of the
flight time and go to the gate. Please be aware that due to limited flights, you may be
waiting for a bit. There are plenty of eateries to keep you amused however!
Once you land in Maamigili, you will pass through security and will collect your bags. Make it
clear to the ground staff on Dhigurah, and they will direct you to a minibus that will take you
to meet a small boat which will take you the rest of the way (about 30 minutes). Keep an
eye out for manta rays along the way!
A member of the team will meet you at Dhigurah harbour, and then it’s time to relax! The
project staff will talk you through everything that you need to know. Welcome to paradise!
What if I’m stopping in Male?
If you are arriving on the Saturday, we can recommend a stay in the welcoming ‘House
Clover’ on Male Island. Their web address can be found at www.houseclovermaldives.com.
To get from the airport to the city, you will need to get onto the ferry for the short trip over.
Once you have disembarked, grab one of the millions of taxis (which are around U$3 per
trip) to the guesthouse. Feel free to ask Hamdy, the lovely guesthouse owner, for
recommendations on the city and transfers for flights – he will be more than happy to
oblige!

Insurance
It is ESSENTIAL that you have adequate and correct insurance for the duration of your stay.
Please note that many household policies and cheap backpacker policies do not provide
adequate cover, particularly for marine based projects. In the unlikely event that you do
have an accident you must covered for all contingencies including emergency air evacuation
and repatriation. You must fax, scan or e-mail a copy of your insurance policy to the office
with your information form, we need this information to activate the emergency response
teams in the unlikely event of an accident – it is incredibly important that we have this
information. When you are accepted in this program, you will have to sign liability, copyright
documents, as well an agreement that you are knowingly partaking in dangerous activity.
You will not be covered for accidents or illnesses, so please do organize your own medical
and health insurances.
Chances that you will be injured whilst on this project are pretty much non-existent if you
follow the safety guidelines and do not try anything foolish which we would not approve
anyway. But you will be working on a boat and out in the Indian Ocean in conditions which
can, at times, be slightly rough. And accidents on a boat may occur, so it is important to be
covered in case of an emergency or accident. Be sure to have an insurance cover for your
entire stay in The Maldives. If you would like to purchase insurance through us with
Endsleigh at a cost of £8.96 per week, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.
Please note, if you are wanting to scuba dive, you will need to make sure that you have
the correct insurance policy package.
Safety
Please be aware that the majority of this project work will be out in the open ocean, so
you will need to ensure that you are a capable swimmer (able to swim around 200
metres/8 lengths unaided). You also must be comfortable with swimming in deep water.
It is VITAL that you meet these requirements; otherwise you risk not only putting yourself
at risk but other volunteers, staff and crew at risk also.

Passport / Visa Requirements
A thirty day free visa is issued on arrival to all nationalities, provided that they:
• Possess a valid passport (with six months validity left and room for a stamp)
• Have a valid onward flight ticket to leave the Maldives
• Have enough funds to cover expenses for the duration of the stay or a confirmation
of accommodation reservations.
If staying for longer than thirty days, a tourist visa may be renewed (up to a maximum of 90
days) if you apply to immigration before the expiration of the visa already granted. An
extension can only be applied through the Visa Extension Application Form at the head
office in the capital Male during official working hours. A visa fee of 750 Rufiyaa (around
£30) will be charged for the full extension (30 days free + 60 days chargeable). No visa fee
will be charged if the extension does not exceed 30 days.
Finance
Unfortunately, there are no ATMs on Dhigurah Island, so you will need to plan ahead with
regards to your spending money. We recommend that you bring US Dollars as this is
accepted everywhere and much easier to arrange beforehand than getting the local
currency Rufiyaa. Small denominations of notes (U$5, U$10, U$20) are best, and U$10 is
enough per day if you just want to purchase soft drinks and snacks, though please note that
if you are wanting to scuba dive (to sites including ‘Manta Point’), you will need to bring
considerably more. Each dive is around U$100 (around £60), so please take this into
consideration.

Health and Safety
Vaccinations and medications
The Great Projects are not qualified to give advice regarding vaccinations, please speak to
your GP and they will be able to provide you with more details. A good source for
vaccination advice is:
http://www.mdtravelhealth.com
The Sun
Throughout the year in The Maldives, the temperatures regularly reach 30°C and so it is
essential that you wear sunscreen and a hat whenever you are out of doors during the day,
particularly between 10am and 4 pm, regardless of whether there is cloud coverage or not.
Even if you have a dark complexion you can still get sunburn and sun damage if you are
from a cooler climate and have not had much exposure to the sun.
Sunglasses are also not only advised, they are essential! Make sure that you have a good
pair of polarized sunglasses, as the glare of the sun on the water can make it very hard to
spot the whale sharks!

Things to pack checklist
Please be aware that your clothes are likely to get wet and sun-bleached – remember to
bring clothing that you do not mind this happening to! Please also remember that many of
the items mentioned below are ESSENTIAL. There are no masks, snorkels or fins out at the
project site so please make sure you bring these yourself.
Passport, insurance certificates and all
personal documentations – including some
certified copies stored separately
Spending money in U$ (around U$10 per
week for regular spending – around U$200+
if you plan on doing a couple of scuba dives
on your day off.
Camera with enough memory/film and
batteries for the duration of the project –
underwater cameras if you wish! If bringing
a handycam, make sure you bring
underwater housing
Mask, snorkel and full-foot fins (all of these
are ESSENTIAL ITEMS for this project!). Make
sure you check these are suitable BEFORE
you leave your country of origin! There are
no spares on the island.
Personal medical first aid kit, insect
repellent, toiletries, sanitary products for
women and medications
Proof of recommended inoculations (as
given to you by your GP pre-travel)
Rash Vest (vital for sun protection and for
protection from stinging plankton and
jellyfish)
Scarf/Sarong for ladies (as the Maldives is
an Islamic island it is vital that you respect
the culture – keep shoulders and knees
covered)
Day to day clothes (t-shirts, shorts, flip-flops,

and maybe light waterproofs)
Notebook and pen, books, iPod, mp3 player,
E-Book, personal snacks (sweets etc.)
Factor 30+ sunscreen, aftersun, a sun hat
(preferably with a cord to stop it blowing
away) and polarized sunglasses – these are
all essential!
Mask, snorkel and full-foot fins (all of these
are ESSENTIAL ITEMS for this project!)
A small day bag (this is ESSENTIAL)
Books, iPods, playing cards etc. for down
time.
International travel plug adapter
An old mobile telephone – Be aware of
roaming charges!
What NOT to pack
Please make sure that you are no bringing anything banned into the country with regards to
products. This includes the obvious (like drugs – of which there is a VERY harsh penalty), but
also other products including alcohol and pork. Please visit the Maldives’ customs website
(http://www.customs.gov.mv/en/?p=1111) for an extensive list.

Emergency Contact Details:
We also recommend that you join our Facebook page, The Great Projects, to liaise with past
volunteers that have participated on the project. This online community will be happy to answer any
questions you may have, and who better to know than someone who has been there and done it.
The Great Projects, Heron House, Ferry Lane, London, N17 9NF
During office hours UK: 9.00 – 5.30 Mon-Fri
Tel: +44 (0)208 530 5343 from overseas; 0845 371 3070 (UK only)
Out of hours UK: Email: harriet@thegreatprojects.com OR michael@thegreatprojects.com ;
Txt or call : +44 (0) 7549 085269
In the Maldives:
Maldives:
Shameel: +960 7932 446
Katie: +960 751 4236
richard@maldiveswhalesharkresearch.org

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