Be A Clean Water Courier

Waves for Water (W4W) provides clean water solutions worldwide through projects funded by the “Clean Water Courier” program. Operating across dozens of countries, W4W’s mission is to provide access to clean water to every single person who needs it.  The nonprofit’s philosophy is to empower people to take initiative, step outside their comfort zones and create unique personal experiences. W4W was born out of a love for discovery, travel and adventure and the group wants its volunteer model to similarly encourage and empower individuals during their trips.

For prospective travelers, Waves for Water has teamed up with surf company Hurley to develop an independent volunteer program called Clean Water Couriers. It is not a traditional volunteer model, but more of a do-it-yourself method meant to be utilized by travelers who want to make a positive contribution to local communities. Each person creates their own travel experience and then crowdfunds on the site to buy water filters to distribute while on their trip. W4W provides the online platform and serves as a resource for information about the filtration systems and how participants may donate them on the ground. Travelers can make a huge difference in the lives of people and communities in distress by packing a few water filters for their trips. The filters are compact and easy to use and can provide up to 100 people with clean water for up to five years. They cost $25 to $50 each.

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Waves for Water

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Sail in Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Explore the wonders off of the southern shore of India, beginning in the scenic Sri Lankan city of Negombo and ending on the sandbars of Malé in the Maldives. The two Indian ocean countries are just over 600 miles apart, and Sri Lanka has significantly impacted  the Maldives’ culture. Travelers can move between the islands in a traditional dhoni boat, a multi-purpose sailing ship used in Sri Lankan and Maldivian cultures for decades. These islands provide plenty of opportunities for relaxing on the beach and enjoying scenic views. Still,  they also offer a great deal of unique cultural experiences. Travelers can visit spice plantations in Kandy and visit the AMBA Estate, an organic farm, guest house and social enterprise in the Uva Highlands of Sri Lanka. Adventurous spirits can also embark on a wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park. Then, snorkel to shipwrecks and coral reefs in the Maldives and enjoy authentic local seafood. All of these adventures and more are included in this 14-day trip which will cost travelers $2,559 per person. 

G Adventures is a sustainable, small group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Surf with Kids in Capetown, South Africa

Work in an adventure club for 12-14-year-old children who come from disadvantaged areas of Cape Town. The club is primarily focused on surfing and swim lessons, and volunteers will receive free surf lessons (no surfing exp. necessary, but must be able to swim!). Local kids will be taught sports, hikes, and life lessons (HIV, drugs, etc.). Volunteers will work with children 2-5 days a week and can spend their mornings relaxing on the beach, learning to surf, or helping out in a school. Afternoons are spent doing activities through the adventure club with 5-20 different children! On the trip, volunteers will have plenty of free time to explore the beautiful city, Cape Town, and explore Table Mountain National Park, see African Penguins, and explore beautiful hiking trails throughout the area!  The min length for this trip is 14 days for $990, and the maximum length is 8 weeks for $2,730.  Upcoming Departures: Every Friday.

GO ECO

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