Ocean Conservationist

location
1 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Good 4.2  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Stunning Coastal Exploration: Dive into the enchanting beauty of famous blue beaches evoking scenes from Mamma Mia!
  • Guardians of Biodiversity: Safeguard marine life in Europe's largest National Marine Park, home to dolphins, turtles, falcons, and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
  • Ecosystem Preservation: Dedicate your time to preserving Alonissos island's marine ecosystem, including its smaller islands and uninhabited islets.

Highlights

  • Stunning Coastal Exploration: Dive into the enchanting beauty of famous blue beaches evoking scenes from Mamma Mia!
  • Guardians of Biodiversity: Safeguard marine life in Europe's largest National Marine Park, home to dolphins, turtles, falcons, and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
  • Ecosystem Preservation: Dedicate your time to preserving Alonissos island's marine ecosystem, including its smaller islands and uninhabited islets.
  • SSI Certification and Impactful Diving: arn the respected SSI certification and use your scuba skills to drive change
  • Community Transformation: Join forces with fellow volunteers to make a tangible impact and foster an environmentally aware community


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Seize this opportunity to blend paradise with purpose — protect marine life, support thriving ecosystems, learn how to scuba dive and embark on a meaningful journey.

    Join the Marine Conservation and Scuba Diving Program on the beautiful island of Alonissos, Greece! This is your opportunity to make a positive social and environmental impact in the stunning azure waters of the Greek Islands. Like many marine ecosystems around the globe, the waters around Alonissos ...

    About the program

    Join the Marine Conservation and Scuba Diving Program on the beautiful island of Alonissos, Greece! This is your opportunity to make a positive social and environmental impact in the stunning azure waters of the Greek Islands. Like many marine ecosystems around the globe, the waters around Alonissos have been affected by global warming and climate change, threatening the local marine life.

    As a volunteer, you will assist with a variety of initiatives, including coastal and underwater clean-ups, marine citizen science observations, and recycling seminars on plastic waste. While making a tangible impact on the environment, you’ll also have the chance to earn a recognized PADI scuba certification, joining the world’s largest dive community.

    Your scuba diving skills will be crucial in driving change, as you participate in underwater activities that contribute to cleaner environments and healthier ecosystems. Working alongside fellow volunteers, you’ll make a significant impact on the local community and help foster environmental awareness and change.

    What to Expect:

    • Conservation Projects: Engage in hands-on conservation efforts to protect Alonissos’ unique flora and fauna. Work to sensitize both the local community and seasonal visitors, learning about environmentally friendly practices applied both underwater and on land.

    • Coastal and Underwater Clean-ups: Participate in removing trash from coastlines and underwater areas, contributing to the preservation of marine life and habitats. Witness the transformation of the underwater environment as you make a tangible impact.

    • Marine Citizen Science: Collaborate with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki on citizen science programs, collecting valuable data on marine life that contributes to ongoing research efforts.

    • Plastic Waste Management: Get involved in innovative recycling practices to manage plastic waste, helping to create new, useful objects from discarded materials.

    • PADI Scuba Certifications: Learn or continue your scuba diving education and earn a reputable PADI scuba certification. Explore captivating underwater landscapes around Alonissos, all within the largest National Marine Park in Europe, under the guidance of experienced dive instructors.

    Daily Tasks:

    • Engage in Conservation Projects: Participate in projects aimed at protecting the unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Alonissos.

    • Conduct Clean-ups: Remove trash and debris from the coastline and underwater areas to help preserve marine habitats.

    • Participate in Marine Science: Collect and record data as part of citizen science initiatives, contributing to critical research on marine biodiversity.

    • Manage Plastic Waste: Assist in recycling efforts, transforming plastic waste into useful items and promoting sustainable practices.

    • Scuba Diving Training: Take part in scuba diving training sessions, working towards your PADI certification while exploring the underwater world around Alonissos.

    Why Join?

    • Make an Impact: Contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems in the beautiful Greek Islands and help protect local wildlife.

    • Gain Experience: Develop valuable skills in marine conservation, scuba diving, and environmental research.

    • Cultural Immersion: Experience the unique culture and natural beauty of Alonissos while making a positive difference.

    Ready to Dive into Marine Conservation on Alonissos?


    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning or afternoon shift at the Marine Conservation placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 

    The tasks for volunteers will include (but are not limited to):

    • Dive in the Ocean
    • Collect Trash from the Ocean
    • Take Internationally ...

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning or afternoon shift at the Marine Conservation placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 

    The tasks for volunteers will include (but are not limited to):

    • Dive in the Ocean
    • Collect Trash from the Ocean
    • Take Internationally Recognized Diving Certifications
    • Be actively involved in protecting the Marine Ecosystem
    • Educate the Local Community 
    • Clean Up the Shore and Beaches
    • Log Information on items and trash collected 

    A typical day is as follows:

    • 8 AM Breakfast at accommodation
    • 9.30 AM Travel to project to join local placement staff and begin work on your project
    • 13.30 PM Lunch at the boat
    • 17 PM Finished day of volunteering
    • 20/22 PM Dinner served at the accommodation


    Free-time activities

    During their free time, volunteers can soak up the incredible vibes of Alonissos!

    • Embracing the largest marine protected area in Europe, Alonissos is known for its natural beauty and untouched island living. 
    • With hills covered in pine forests, tamarisk, fig, olive, and almond groves, there's plenty ...

    Free-time activities

    During their free time, volunteers can soak up the incredible vibes of Alonissos!

    • Embracing the largest marine protected area in Europe, Alonissos is known for its natural beauty and untouched island living. 
    • With hills covered in pine forests, tamarisk, fig, olive, and almond groves, there's plenty to explore!!
     And let's not forget the gorgeous beaches with their emerald waters – perfect for relaxation and adventure :)


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by ImpacTrip

    Program fees include: 
    • airport pickup
    • 2 meals
    • accommodation 
    • support 24/7
    • orientation and tour
    • certificate

    Airport Pickup at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport

    Our team will acompany every step of the away!
    From the airport, to the ferry, to the accommodation :)

    Accommodation

    Our accommodation offers a unique blend of comfort, convenience in a true greek style :)

    • Spacious common spaces for traditional baking and outdoor grilling (you even have a traditional oven to try!)
    • Large yard with garden and a seating area 🙂
    • Grill-barbecue for culinary delights
    • Just 100 meters from the beach!!
    • Proximity to cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets
    • Wireless internet (WiFi) access
    • Individual balconies with breathtaking sea and garden views for each room
    • In-room amenities include TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, and high-quality COCO-MAT mattresses

    Food & Beverages

    Our program includes breakfast and lunch. They will be provided at a waterfront restaurant

    Every meal brings together local flavors and Mediterranean influences, all while you soak in the harbor's ambiance!

    Special dietary restrictions can be accommodated :)


    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) in Athens. We assist you to find cheap flights to Greece. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Greece provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Greece you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Greece. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The program will be available between 1st of October to the 14th of October (every year).

    Our team will accompany you every step of they way! From the airport to the island :)

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 1,490€
    2 weeks (max. stay) 3,290€
    Average fees 1,567€/week

    Program fees

    1,567€ per week 1 - 2 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 2 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with ImpacTrip during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    ImpacTrip

    Good 4.2 rating (70 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2015

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Cristiana

    Spoken languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese

    About the project

    ImpacTrip is a social enterprise that promotes Responsible Travel Experiences in Portugal, Spain and Croatia.

    Meet your organization

    ImpacTrip is a social business internationally certified as B-Corp that promotes Responsible Travel Experiences in Portugal, Spain and Croatia.

    Founded in 2015 by two dedicated social entrepreneurs that want to change the way people travel, ImpacTrip aims at combining the best of travel with a positive social and environmental impact.

    We really want travelers to have the most unique and meaningful travel experiences.

    We offer short-term Travel Experiences across our country that allow you and other Responsible Travelers to connect with the locals, experience the culture and contribute in a positive way to the local communities.

    We also offer long-term volunteer programs in which you can dedicate 1 to 12 weeks volunteering for local non-profits for a specific cause while meeting people from all over the world.

    Since 2015 we've received people from over 50+ different nationalities that contributed with over 30.000 hours of volunteer work to support over 300 non-profits.

    70 reviews · rating4.2

    Alba Gala Torrero rating5

    2024 at Youth Supporter

    I recommend this experience to absolutely anyone, it was the best of my life. The first week my placement was in a Skatepark in Cascais, so I had to catch a train and then a bus. Although it was good and the commute was fine, I didn't feel comfortable at the beggining so I asked to switch to a ...
    Martin Hag rating3.6

    2024 at Environmental Scuba Diving

    The people working there were really supportive and genuinely wish for you to have a good experience. My first day was an introduction to the area, possibility to get help with the tickets for the public transports and a guided tour of Lisbon. They also have communication chats for you to contact ...
    Thomas Payne rating3.2

    2024 at Animal Care and Protection

    Honestly, I was surprised, when on the website it shows photos of so many dogs, animals, it turned out I was working at a cat sanctuary. It's not that I was disappointed by the cats, it was just a shock, and also, at points of the sanctuary I feel like I wasn't apart of it massively, there wasn't ...
    Isabel Hager rating2.6

    2024 at Environmental Scuba Diving

    Here’s a more formal and assertive version of your feedback: After months of requesting a detailed schedule for our diving experience, we only received the information after all payments had already been made. To pay €1,500 for a week, only to end up with just four dives, is completely ...
    Louise Rivet rating1.8

    2024 at English Teaching to the community

    Unfortunately, my experience was not the best one. The lodging was too far from the project; we had to travel almost two hours to get there. The classes were not organized. After one week, and following my request, I was assigned to a school which was fine but still one hour bus and metro to get ...
    Lian Van Haaster rating1.4

    2024 at Impact Surf Camp

    I would not recommend the Impact Surf Camp program. I thought it was way too expensive for what you get in return. When I was there, early November 2024, I was the only one who had booked the Surf Camp program. At first it was cancelled the day before it started because of the weather, even though ...

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Greece > SPORADES

    You might also be interested in

    Contact Cristiana
      Very high response rate
    English, Spanish, Portuguese

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Cristiana
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Enjoy our services for dedicated volunteers!

    Enjoy a Refund Guarantee, Free Flex Option, and Emergency Assistance. Our Price-Guarantee ensures unbeatable value, and our Support Team is ready to assist.