Experience a honeymoon with a difference.
Relaxing honeymoons in the Maldives are a thing of the past, the new age couple need something more challenging, something that requires energy, enthusiasm and a thirst for adventure.
Earthwatch has the perfect solution and you can still visit the white sand beaches of Barbados, the coral reefs of the Virgin Islands and the tropical blue waters of Jamaica. If you would prefer to share the beach with an endangered hawksbill turtle than a flock of newly weds, and if a rustic beach hut sounds more appealing than a five star holiday resort, then read on.
Earthwatch has six research expeditions currently underway in the Caribbean including the, Saving the Leatherback Turtle, Jamaica's Coral Reefs and Damselfish of Barbados to name just three. All of these projects are coordinated by Earthwatch scientists who are dedicated to conserving the regions threatened species and habitats.
In recent years, tropical honeymoon hot spots have suffered increased threats from land and sea based pollution. You can play your part in their preservation and at the same time enjoy a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget, but be warned this is no holiday.
Join the Hawksbill Sea Turtles of Barbados project and have the rare opportunity to observe and work with hatchling, juvenile, and adult hawksbill turtles. Rotating between beaches, you will go on night patrols to look for nesting hawksbill females and hatching babies in order to take individual measurements and record nesting success.
Your work will further the conservation of the critically endangered hawksbills both on this island paradise and throughout the wider Caribbean.
As past team member Jen Alger recalls, 'The Earthwatch experience is something very special, it made me feel like I was making a real difference as I was personally involved in saving turtles. My only warning - beware, it will change your life!'
If you want to explore deeper then the Coral Reefs of the Virgin Islands will appeal to the snorkellers among you. Snorkel in relatively undisturbed turquoise waters to monitor fish and invertebrate populations in coral reef, mangrove, and seagrass communities. The results of this study will directly assist the local government in their guide policy for tourist development.
After your days in the field, you can return to comfortable accommodation with all the modern conveniences and sit back to enjoy the incredible sunsets. Meals will be a group effort, using fresh produce and local delicacies when possible.
All of the above Earthwatch projects last for 2 weeks. For more information on dates and prices please visit www.earthwatch.org/europe or call + 44 (0) 1865 318831.
For press information, images and interview please contact:
Zoe Gamble, Press Officer, Earthwatch, on + 44 (0) 1865 318813 / zgamble@earthwatch.org.uk
Photo credit: ©Jen Alger/EWE