Written by Zoë Howie on 02 / 10 / 2024
Gap Year Advice
Calling all ocean lovers, explorers, and future world-changers. If you're between 18 and 21, you're probably planning the adventure of a lifetime. Maybe you're thinking about a gap year filled with travel, new experiences, and unforgettable memories. But here’s a question—what if your travels could also make a real difference in the world? More specifically, the ocean. Marine conservation is a vital part of our world and its ecosystems and it’s something that you can be play a crucial role in.
First of all, let’s talk about why marine conservation should be on your radar (even if you don’t live near the coast). The ocean covers over 70% of our planet and is home to millions of species, many of which you probably haven’t even heard of yet. It's not just about cool animals like dolphins, sea turtles, and coral reefs (although they’re pretty awesome). It’s also about how the ocean affects the entire planet’s health—including ours.
The ocean gives us oxygen (more than the Amazon rainforest, fun fact!), regulates our climate, and supports the livelihoods of millions of people. But here’s the problem: human activities like overfishing, pollution, and climate change are messing with this delicate balance, threatening marine life and everything connected to it—including us.
So basically, a healthy ocean = a healthy planet. And if you love this world and want to keep it in good shape for your future kids, now’s the time to act.
Now that we’ve established how important the ocean is, you might be wondering how you can help—especially if you’re planning to explore the world during a gap year. Well, I’ve got good news: there are tonnes of ways to get involved in marine conservation while traveling! And, the best part? They’re super fun and give you the chance to meet people, see cool places, and learn new skills.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Hello, waving The Leap flag here this is where we come in. We offer a revolutionary project in Kenya that is the ultimate in marine conservation. It is quite simply genius and we are so thrilled to support it. Join us as we tackle over fishing, coral bleaching and make a real change for the planet - from coral gardening and replanting into the ocean, to educating the local community on alternative food sources to lessen the impact of overfishing. This project is dynamic, rewarding and impactful. It even had King Charles visit last October to learn about what it is and the importance of it. Did you know, you can also learn to dive on this programme as an option if you wish.
When planning your gap year, make choices that are kind to the environment. Stay at eco-lodges, use less plastic (say no to plastic straws), and support local, sustainable businesses. Small actions add up, and eco-friendly travel is a genuine way of playing your part.
The ocean is drowning in plastic. By now, you’ve probably heard about the gigantic “rubbish patches” floating around in the Pacific Ocean. Plastics hurt marine life big time. Sea animals get tangled in it or mistake it for food. So, if you want to be a hero for the sea, start by cutting down on single-use plastics. Do this by travelling with your reusable water bottle (stainless steel is easy to clean), take a canvas shopper bag so you're not having to take plastic bags and use reef friendly suncream (available in supermarkets and pharmacies etc - readily available and states on the bottle if it is reef friendly).
If your gap year plans involve hitting some gorgeous beaches (and let’s be real, whose don’t?), take part in a beach cleanup while you’re there. You can even organize one with new friends or fellow travelers. It's a great way to meet fellow travellers as well as do good. Cleanups are simple but super effective ways to reduce the amount of trash that ends up in the ocean. Join our Kenya trip and this is a given - you will comb the beaches for microplastics and make a instant impact.
Ever dreamed of learning to scuba dive? Why not do it while helping to restore coral reefs? Coral reefs are like the rainforests of the ocean, but they’re being destroyed at an alarming rate. Some organizations combine dive training with conservation efforts, so you can help restore damaged reefs by planting coral, removing invasive species, and monitoring reef health.
The thing about giving back—whether it’s helping protect sea turtles, cleaning up a beach, or simply making better eco-choices while traveling—is that it makes your travels feel even more meaningful. You’re not just going through the motions or collecting stamps in your passport; you’re leaving a positive mark on the world. If you are fortunate enough to visit these places it feels only right that you pay thanks to the environment by giving something back. You’ll come back from your travels with not just cool stories, but a sense of pride that you’ve done something amazing for the planet.
Marine conservation isn’t just for scientists or people who live near the ocean. It’s for everyone, especially adventurous souls like you who are eager to explore the world. The ocean needs our help, and with just a little effort, you can be part of the solution.
So, next time you’re planning your trip, think about how you can make a difference - don't just take from these incredible destinations, give back. Whether it’s volunteering for a marine project, making eco-friendly choices, or picking up trash on the beach, every little action counts.
How many people go on your Kenya programme? 15-20 is the maximum capacity. We have departures most months of the year.
How long is your Kenya programme? 4 weeks
3 words to describe your Kenya programme? Innovative, beautiful and impactful.
