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Welcome to our all-in-one FAQ hub. Whether you’re wondering how tough the expeditions are, what to pack, or whether you’ll see any sharks, you’re in the right place.
If you still can’t find your answer, just email us or book a call.
What it’s really like to be marooned on a deserted island.
It’s the combination of untouched wilderness, small groups, and highly talented instructors who genuinely know how to look after people while pushing them just far enough. You sleep under the stars, make your own fire, catch your own food, and gradually realise you can do far more than you thought. It’s challenging, but in a way that leaves you feeling reset, stronger and strangely proud of yourself. Learn more on our About page.
You’ll learn the five survival priorities (shelter, water, fire, food & survival psychology) through hands-on teaching. By the end of the week you’ll know how to start a fire by friction, find and purify water, build a shelter, catch food, and signal for rescue. As our instructors say, “Skills matter more than kit.”
We minimise risk through careful island selection, safe-season timing, highly trained instructors, and clear evacuation procedures. We can’t eliminate risk, but we do everything we can to mitigate without making your adventure feel contrived. You can find the full details in our Risks & Informed Consent guide.
You will experience some of your highest highs and even lowest lows all within hours of each other. Deep type two fun. Our experiences are designed to be challenging, not miserable. Expect tired muscles, sweating, and some hunger, during the survival phase. But you’ll always have guidance, a safety net, and a group going through it with you. Most guests say it’s the perfect blend of discomfort, fun, and a huge sense of achievement.
Mostly solo travellers in their 30s–50s (roughly 35% women, 65% men). Before a trip, one of guests’ biggest anxiety is who I will be surviving with. By the end of the trip, they can never imagine a better group of people to have gone through the experience of arriving solo and leaving with lifelong friends.
No. Most guests are beginners, our courses are designed that way. We teach everything from scratch, and if you already have experience, we’ll teach you new things and help you improve the skills you already have.
If you’re generally active (walking, swimming, gym), you’ll cope fine. It’s about mental fortitude as well as physical. We’ve welcomed guests from 16 to 78. The better shape you’re in, the better the experience. So we encourage you to hit the gym for a few months leading up to your trip, if you don’t already.
How we keep you safe while keeping the adventure real.
Any outdoor adventure carries some risk, but we reduce it as much as possible by choosing safe islands, avoiding dangerous wildlife, operating in the calmest seasons, and adhering to evacuation timeframes. That all said, we want your adventure to feel genuine. So we will trust you with machetes and spearfishing in the ocean with a buddy. You can check out all the risks involved here.
Our instructors refresh wilderness medical skills every two years and are trained to respond on site. We have clear evacuation procedures and local partners. We aim for rapid extraction (often around an hour, where feasible), subject to time of day weather and sea state. See our Risks & Informed Consent.
World-class survival instructors (several of whom featured on TV shows such as Alone), chosen for both their bushcraft expertise and winning personality. We believe a combination of both is extremely important. Each expedition has a lead and assistant instructor. Meet the team on our Instructors page.
Yes. We can arrange a boat back to the mainland. Non-emergency extractions may incur additional costs.
We operate in the most forgiving seasons and avoid islands with high-risk wildlife or currents. You’ll receive a thorough safety briefing on tools, hydration, self care and personal safety.
From first fire to full island competence.
Ten to eleven days total: Day 1 typically at a hotel for meeting and briefing, 8 nights on the island (first five training + three survival), then a final bling hotel night to celebrate. Expect learning fun, a survival challenge and a celebratory finish.
Shelter building, fire lighting, water sourcing, fishing,foraging, navigation, knot craft, trap making (where appropriate), cordage making, weaving, rescue signalling, resilience, mindset and much more.
Usually you’re with the group (with plenty of space for quiet time). Limited solo options exist subject to safety criteria, availability, and instructor approval. You can request this when booking, but the instructors will make the final decision once they have evaluated your skill set.
You’re in the perfect place. Most guests haven’t. Training starts easy and builds confidence step by step.
We select for elite skill, teaching ability, and character. Read bios on our Instructors page.
Everything you need (and don’t need) to bring.
We provide hammocks, machetes, snorkels, masks, cooking gear, and shared expedition equipment. You bring clothing and a small personal kit. See a general kit list here.
Yes, but only in checked luggage. Always check airline and national regulations, plus any import laws at your destination. We can supply a knife if needed, just ask.
Yes. We have solar charging but please bring a power bank and spare batteries if you have several gadgets.
Typically nothing beyond the normal, stay up to date on routine vaccines. Check NHS Fit for Travel or your doctor for destination-specific advice (e.g., tetanus, hepatitis A).
Many nationalities can enter our destinations visa-free, but rules vary. Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity and verify entry requirements.
We bring ample fresh water for safety. Typically 500L an expedition, it’s something we do not compromise on. You’ll also learn rain-catching and filtration techniques during training.
Don’t worry. You aren’t the first and won’t be the last. Having your period doesn’t stop you from participating in any part of the expedition. We recommend bringing whatever sanitary products you are most comfortable with. Bin bags are available for discrete disposal, as well as antibacterial gel and the necessary privacy for personal care. Our team is used to managing this, so just let your lead instructor know if you need anything.
Practical details before you commit.
Choose your dates on the Expeditions page and pay your deposit to secure your spot. Your 7-Day Cool Off guarantee starts immediately. You’ll receive a digital Expedition Guide and preparation checklist.
Pricing varies by destination. The Philippines starts at £2,650. Smaller groups and remote logistics make Panama, Botswana, and Tanzania more expensive. Full pricing is on our Upcoming Adventures.
No. International flights, in-country transport, and personal travel insurance are not included. We like Google Flights for route planning.
Yes, email payments@desertislandsurvival.com with your preferred number of months and payment date to set this up. Keep in mind that the full amount is due 90 days before the trip.
Deposits are non-refundable but transferable, once, up to 90 days before departure (changes after that may incur a fee). Read our Terms & Conditions.
Most expeditions cap at 10 castaways to keep it personal. The Philippines can host up to 15.
Standard expeditions are 18+. We consider 16–17 on a case-by-case basis, with guardian participation.
Definitely, most people do. You’ll quickly bond with your tribe.
Yes. 7-Day Cool Off (full refund if you change your mind), Flexibility (reschedule up to 90 days prior, valid for 24 months), and Invisible Safety (world-class instructors, support team nearby).
What daily life is really like.
We operate in seasons with fewer insects so you can focus on the good stuff. You may still encounter mosquitoes and sandflies, but far less than during peak rainy seasons. Bring repellent, long clothes and light layers.
During training, we feed you well (with vegetarian options). Typically breakfast is tea coffee overnight oats or cereal and fresh fruit. Lunch might be tuna wraps and dinner, curry or grilled fish. During survival, you’ll apply your skills to source what food you can forage.
Training phase may include a social tipple around the fire. If you want to bring a bottle that’s great. During survival, it’s water only.
There’s no phone signal on the island. Instructors carry a satellite phone for emergencies. You will receive contact details before departure to share our team’s details with family members who need them.
Yes, though unless it’s a medical emergency, you’ll cover transport back and any accommodation costs on the mainland.
Everything that happens before and after your adventure.
You’ll receive a digital Expedition Guide covering kit, travel and local tips, plus a simple checklist and timelines.
Email tomw@desertislandsurvival.com or reach us via WhatsApp. We’re a small team and respond quickly.
Absolutely, each expedition forms a WhatsApp group, and many stay active for years.
Didn’t find what you needed? Contact our team. We’ll get back to you faster than a coconut falls from a palm tree.