Frequently Asked Questions

NOA Adventures empowers individuals to participate in wildlife conservation through immersive eco-travel experiences led by trained professionals. Our programs foster global citizenship, cultural immersion, and transformative experiences for youth, contributing to vital conservation efforts with custom-designed initiatives. We travel in small groups of less than 14 participants and a 7:1 student to teacher ratio for personalized experiences, fostering close-knit communities and allowing for individual attention and engagement.

Your program fee includes pre-departure support and materials to prepare you for the adventure, accommodation and meals throughout your stay, access to NOA's adventures, training sessions, and orientation. It also supports our dedicated long-term field staff, scientific programs, provides 24-hour in-country support for any assistance you may need, and includes project equipment and materials required for various activities. Ultimately, your fee ensures that you have all the necessary resources and experiences to make your time with us truly transformative and unforgettable.

At NOA, we prioritize sustainable travel initiatives, emphasizing environmental consciousness and cultural respect. Our approach fosters responsible exploration, genuine connections with local communities, and mindful adventures worldwide. Additionally, NOA partners with several sea turtle organizations, local sustainable living centers, and Galapagos naturalist associations to further our commitment to sustainability.

No, it isn't. Since you're receiving a service (participation in a travel program), your tuition is not tax-deductible. However, if you choose to support a local student or give a donation to NOA Fund, you will receive a letter as proof of your donation.

Absolutely! If you require more time to settle your tuition completely, we are flexible and willing to accommodate you. Simply reach out to us at info@noaadventures.com before your payment deadline, and we can arrange a payment schedule that works for you. For families facing financial constraints, we offer the NOA scholarship program. We strive to make our programs accessible to deserving individuals who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to participate.

You can make changes to your program before the payment due date with relative ease. However, once preparations are underway, it becomes more challenging to make changes. Refer to our Terms & Conditions for detailed policies on changes, and feel free to reach out to info@noaadventures.com if you need further clarification.

Absolutely. The certificates you earn will remain valid for life and can be included on your CV. They are recognized in specialized areas and can be applied to real-life situations, enhancing your credentials and career opportunities.

NOA can accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions, medical needs, and pre-existing health conditions. Our Admissions Team assesses each participant's requirements as part of the application process. We evaluate our ability to meet these needs and ensure a safe and comfortable experience. If you have specific concerns or questions, please reach out to us at info@noaadventures.com

Yes, it is a requirement. We advise reaching out to your health insurance provider to understand the extent of your coverage during international travel. Participants are accountable for any medical costs incurred during the program, so if your current coverage is insufficient, you may want to consider purchasing additional travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage. For detailed information on health insurance options, please contact us at info@noaadventures.com

In case of an emergency, our priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our participants. We've developed a comprehensive risk management system integrated into every aspect of our operations, from leadership and pre-departure preparations to on-the-ground practices. With over 20 years of experience, we've successfully managed various challenges, maintaining a commitment to top-tier care and support. For detailed insights into NOA's risk management approach, visit our safety and health page on the website.

NOA instructors hold a bachelor's degree and a Wilderness First Aid certification at a minimum. They possess many years of expertise in science and science education, along with a history of leading groups in outdoor environments. For international locations, instructors are bilingual. Additionally, all NOA instructors undergo thorough on-site risk management training.

NOA instructors, trained in CPR and Wilderness First Aid, address minor health concerns such as headaches, blisters, or sunburns. In case of a more serious condition, instructors will notify families and transport participants to approved medical facilities. Instructors always have phones and medical action plans, including emergency medical service contacts, readily available.

Our team consists of experienced staff and local representatives with extensive knowledge and skills to enrich your journey. During your NOA program you will have the assistance of our 24-hour full-time NOA staff, dedicated to ensuring your experience is enjoyable and meaningful. We carefully select partner projects based on decades of partnership, prioritizing their commitment to the projects and your overall experience. You'll receive regular updates before your program and have 24-hour access to our phone or email support throughout and after your adventure.