Our expeditions are split into two parts: Training and Castaway.
Training phase
During the first 5 days of the expedition you will still be castaway on a remote desert island but with your expedition leader. Throughout this phase you will be in 'survival-lite', sleeping in top of the range expedition hammocks and being catered for with a delicious spread of food, much of which is locally sourced from what we can find on the island. We guarantee we catch plenty of fish as throughout this time as we are equipped with spearguns, rod's and cast-nets. The idea being that throughout the education phase we ensures you are and well fed and rested to be best placed to absorb your new skills. Each morning we dedicate a couple of hours to skill development and theory and then spend the afternoons fishing, exploring or simply relaxing in paradise. Your survival course will focus on the 5 key elements of survival.
The five elements of Desert island survival.
Water - Collected through a variety of techniques. Water is your first and greatest priority.
Fire - Learn how to harness fire starting by a variety of friction techniques
Food - Develop a variety of fishing techniques, how to open coconuts and identify local flora and fauna
Shelter - Even in the tropics exposure can be dangerous and moral sapping.
Psychology -Understand and nurture the mindset that makes all the difference in surviving island isolation.
What skills you will learn in the training phase
Primitive technologies: selection and collection of materials for containers
Traps and hunting.
Jungle sanitation and hygiene.
Jungle navigation
Suitable equipment and how to care for it.
Rescue: Techniques for gaining attention.
How to make cord from natural fibers.
Coconuts: opening and various uses.
Shelter: building techniques.
Water: physiology, collection and disinfection. Solar stills, transpiration.
Fire making: Bow drill, hand drill, bamboo saw as well as fire steel.
Identification of flora and fauna for food, fire and other utilities.
Fishing techniques: Making and using traps, spears.
Fish identification, preparing and cooking fish
Traditional cooking methods: Bamboo pot, leaf wraps, clay bakes and smoking racks.
NB some of the above are not possible in certain locations, e.g. in Polynesia we do not have bamboo and Tonga we do not have clay.
Survival phase
Once you have received your training you are on your own, marooned for 3 days with only a machete, knife, basic fishing equipment, medikit and satphone. This is it, it’s time to put into practice the skills you've learnt and survive. For many people this is one of the toughest challenges they have ever endured. when was the last time you did not know where you next meal was coming from? It is a physically and psychologically challenging experience that will leave you with a great sense of achievement and a deep gratitude for modern convenience. For those wishing for complete solitude during these 3 days we offer the option to add on 'total isolation' package. See dates and prices for more information.
