Your Questions Answered
What does my money pay for?
Your financial contribution* covers all the costs associated with planning and running our research projects, as well as preparing volunteers for their field experience with professional support. This includes comprehensive briefing materials and orientation in the field, volunteer events and dedicated staff to answer your questions, field training, equipment and ALL your accommodation, food and transport on the project. The contribution covers emergency medical evacuation in the field and also the cost of offsetting the carbon emissions for your travel to the host country and project.
It covers the cost of local people hired to help run the project, such as cooks or drivers. In some cases, it helps toward the costs of research staff and facilitates the inclusion of research students from developing host countries to gain insights into practical conservation techniques. Your contribution may also be used to develop new research projects.
Your support in terms of time and money is critical; without it the research simply would not happen. Your contribution allows us to continue our vital work to help save species and habitats around the world.
*This does not include airfares to the project rendezvous, passports, visas, airport taxes, vaccinations and the costs of any excursions during time off from the project. You will also have to arrange your own travel insurance. For more information, see our booking terms.
Concerned about the cost?
Visit our fundraising page for useful tips on how to fundraise and see whether we have any grants available.
Is it like an ordinary holiday?
No. You are not a tourist on an Earthwatch project. You will be working as a field assistant helping scientists in their research on real environmental projects and learning about conservation issues. We make every effort to describe the conditions in the field as accurately as possible. However, fieldwork in remote locations is a delicate business and can be prone to last minute change. The excitement and inspiration you will feel during the project will far outweigh the possible unpredictability of various aspects of your experience. This is part of what makes an Earthwatch project unique!
How can I minimise the environmental impact of flying to my project location?
Earthwatch has teamed up with Climate Care to offset carbon emissions from your flights, thereby reducing your overall effect on the environment. The cost involved in offsetting is included in your project cost. Climate Care's projects currently include funding a project to introduce renewable power for cooking in schools in India; making fuel efficient cooking stoves available to some of the poorest communities in Honduras; and restoring rainforests in Uganda.
Who leads the project?
All Earthwatch project research is designed and managed by a lead scientist known as the Principal Investigator (PI). However, in the field the PI may be absent, delegating the running of the team to a member of research staff. Neither PIs or research staff are tour leaders. They all share an enthusiasm and passion for the project.
What size are the teams?
The team size will vary from project to project. Generally you can expect to be in small groups of between four and 12 people.
Do most people travel alone?
You will find some couples or participants who are travelling together, but the majority of our participants travel alone. Earthwatch offers a great way of travelling to sometimes remote places, safe in the knowledge that you will be met at the rendezvous site and will soon be part of a friendly team.
Who else will be on my team?
Earthwatch participants range in age from 18 to 85*, are drawn from different countries around the world and have a variety of jobs and backgrounds. You are likely to find that you all share some of the same interests and spirit of adventure and many become lifelong friends.
*The standard minimum age for participation on an Earthwatch project is 18 years, unless participating in a family team, teen only team, or if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Family teams have a minimum age of 10 and teen teams are exclusively for 16-18 year olds. There is no maximum age limit.
Can I stay longer or leave early?
Unfortunately, you cannot stay on the project longer than your team or leave before the end of your team. It is possible, however, to join two teams back-to-back. Many people choose to travel on elsewhere in the country, either before or after their time on the project.
Will I have any time off?
Yes, it is not all hard work! The PI will designate time off during the project and may recommend a number of local sights and attractions nearby that would be worth a visit.
I have certain health requirements - does that matter?
There are projects to suit nearly everyone. If you do have a particular health requirement, whether it is a physical disability or a specific medical condition, call us and we will do our best to find a suitable project.
Can you provide for special diets?
Most projects can cater for a wide range of dietary needs. However, when working in more remote areas, the diet will tend to reflect what is available locally. When in doubt, check with us before booking.
How do I know how hard the project will be?
Most of our projects are perfect for moderately fit people. A select number of our projects are more extreme, and require higher levels of fitness. Please call us if you would like further information.
Do I need any special skills?
All that you need to know will be taught by the research staff once you arrive. The majority of tasks are simple and you will quickly master them. The only exceptions are those projects requiring SCUBA qualifications or high levels of fitness.
What about local customs?
Many of our projects are based in remote communities, some way off the tourist track. Earthwatch stresses the need for responsible behaviour and common courtesy when travelling in these areas. It is a good idea to do some background reading about the area you are visiting; refer to a selection of travel guides and the Internet for further information.
Do you offer funding or group rates?
If you are a teacher and would like to accompany your students on an expedition, or you are a member of a club or group, you can call us to negotiate an individual budget for your expedition, based on the needs and resources of your group.
Sometimes we also have grants available for students (aged 16 and above) and teachers applying for expeditions. Call us on +44 (0)1865 318831 for the most up to date information.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes. Past team members are eligible for the following discounts:
2nd through 9th expedition………5% off
10th through 19th expedition……10% off
20th+ expedition………………… 15% off
Past team member discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Past team member discounts only apply to those who have fully funded their previous project/s.
How do I book my place on a team?
You can either book online or you can ring our office on +44 (0) 1865 318831 - a team of friendly expedition professionals will guide you every step of the way. See our booking conditions for more information.