• Life Below Water

Conservation of Whale and Dolphin Populations

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Contribute to whale and dolphin conservation efforts.
  • Explore Tenerife's awesome beaches and enjoy adventures like kayaking and hiking.
  • Conduct data collection, participating in fin identification and documenting behaviour, species and individual counts.
  • Participate in land surveys to monitor boat activity and assess its impact on dolphin migration and movement.
  • Input data into databases and citizen science platforms for future analysis and reporting.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Contribute to critical whale and dolphin conservation initiatives in the beautiful subtropical Canary Islands archipelago.

GVI’s whale and dolphin conservation program is based on the island of Tenerife, situated in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. As a volunteer, you'll work alongside international peers to ethically observe and document these magnificent creatures, contributing to their conservation. Tenerife, ...

About the program

GVI’s whale and dolphin conservation program is based on the island of Tenerife, situated in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. As a volunteer, you'll work alongside international peers to ethically observe and document these magnificent creatures, contributing to their conservation. Tenerife, just a short flight away from major European cities, offers prime opportunities for spotting a diverse range of species, including pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and even killer whales.

Given the threats posed by unsustainable tourism, your involvement is key. Whether you're out on boats or exploring beaches, you'll capture photos, observe behaviours and collect data on environmental factors. 

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, sits off the coast of Spain and Africa. Its mix of sunny beaches and volcanic landscapes, like Mount Teide, sets the scene for our research station. Our base offers access to hiking trails, volcanoes and diverse environments like cloud forests. Close to Puerto Colon port, we're perfectly placed for whale watching tours. Plus, we're near amenities and popular spots like Costa Adeje and Siam Mall for shopping and exploring.

Typical day

Engage in impactful projects throughout the day, then wind down with group activities or chill time with friends.

Example of a typical day:

7:00 Soak in the morning views and fresh sea air, maybe even squeeze in a run before breakfast.

7:30 Gather for a team breakfast to kick off the day.

9:00 Head out ...

Typical day

Engage in impactful projects throughout the day, then wind down with group activities or chill time with friends.

Example of a typical day:

7:00 Soak in the morning views and fresh sea air, maybe even squeeze in a run before breakfast.

7:30 Gather for a team breakfast to kick off the day.

9:00 Head out on a boat to collect cetacean data and participate in a beach cleanup.

12:00 Group lunch with varied meals made from local ingredients.

13:00 Input data into the local database, including observations of dolphin and whale behaviour.

18:00 Help with base duties, prepare dinner, or enjoy some free time.

19:00 Reflect on the day's achievements and discuss our environmental impact.

20:00 Relax, hang out, or join in on activities with fellow participants.

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! 

These side trips are not included in the program fee but are highly recommended:

  • Explore La Laguna's historic streets, packed with beautifully ...

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! 

These side trips are not included in the program fee but are highly recommended:

  • Explore La Laguna's historic streets, packed with beautifully preserved buildings.
  • Immerse yourself in the wonders of Macizo de Anaga, a UNESCO biosphere reserve boasting epic wildlife and scenic trails.
  • Chill out on Tenerife's beaches, from golden sands to volcanic shores.
  • Experience the views from Spain's highest peak, Pico del Teide volcano, with a cable car ride in Teide National Park.

Every four weeks, you can enjoy cultural immersion through GVI Experiences. These are included in your program at no extra cost.

These activities may include: 

  • Learn to make delicious Canarian dishes.
  • Tour Old Town Tenerife's 15th century port.
  • Camp in Teide National Park.
  • Stargaze and learn the constellations.
  • Hike prehistorical micro-climates and laurel forests.
  • Cable car up an active volcano.

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 (intermediate level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

Medical form and Passport copy

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

No skills required. All training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start date.

Time Commitment

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

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
  • Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff
  • Location orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Welcome meeting

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • Extra local excursions
  • Flights
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Police or background check
  • Visa costs (where necessary)

Airport Pickup at Tenerife South Airport

Airport pick up is provided from Tenerife South Airport on your program start date within a specified time period. 

Accommodation

Our research station in Tenerife is located just a short walk from 3 main harbours. Accommodation will be in shared rooms in a house on the island. Participants stay in dormitory-style rooms designed for 6–8 people, with shared bathrooms, showers and toilets. The accommodation provides modern amenities including electricity and running water.

Food & Beverages

Staff and participants alternate cooking meals on a rotating schedule, keeping things simple yet nutritious with flavours inspired by the Canary Islands. Breakfast offers cereals, eggs, toast and fresh fruit, while lunch features sandwiches, salads, rice and pasta. Dinner varies based on preferences, with popular options like curries, pastas, salads and stir-fries. If you prefer, you can grab lunch in town or cook at the base. We accommodate all dietary needs.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Tenerife South Airport (TFS) in Tenerife. We assist you to find cheap flights to Spain. 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 Spain provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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

Details on arrival

2024
  • 09 Nov 2024
  • 23 Nov 2024
  • 07 Dec 2024
  • 21 Dec 2024
2025
  • 04 Jan 2025
  • 18 Jan 2025
  • 01 Feb 2025
  • 15 Feb 2025
  • 01 Mar 2025
  • 15 Mar 2025
  • 29 Mar 2025
  • 12 Apr 2025
  • 26 Apr 2025
  • 10 May 2025
  • 24 May 2025
  • 07 Jun 2025
  • 21 Jun 2025
  • 05 Jul 2025
  • 19 Jul 2025
  • 02 Aug 2025
  • 16 Aug 2025
  • 30 Aug 2025
  • 13 Sep 2025
  • 27 Sep 2025
  • 11 Oct 2025
  • 25 Oct 2025
  • 08 Nov 2025
  • 22 Nov 2025
  • 06 Dec 2025
  • 20 Dec 2025
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 1,745€
2 weeks 2,195€
4 weeks 3,345€
6 weeks 4,445€
8 weeks 5,195€
10 weeks 5,995€
12 weeks (max. stay) 6,845€
Average fees 1,157€/week

Program fees

1,157€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

1 - 12 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 GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

GVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

221 reviews · rating4.8

Hello, A great experience to improve my english but above all for studying marine wildlife in their real environment. We can see impacts of tourism on marine mammals and try to change it with multiple activities (beach clean). Another really interesting survey is counting the bird, really important ...
My experience in Tenerife was fin-credible and something that has changed my life for the better. As someone who wants to work in conservation after completing my masters, GVI Tenerife was another educational and inspiring project for me to do, furthering this idea. I cannot wait to undertake ...
Olivia Cimmarusti rating5

2024 at Conservation of Whale and Dolphin Populations

I joined the GVI Tenerife program for whale and dolphin conservation and it was amazing. The staff, other volunteers and interns were so nice, and the boat days were surreal. In the two weeks I was there I saw Pilot whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins, a Bryde's whale, and common dolphins, as well as ...
So I wanted to do a bit of travelling and see the world, and I figured that at the same time I could be contributing to something really cool and much bigger than myself. The program was an amazing experience and just what I was looking for, I had the opportunity to meet the most dedicated and ...
Melania Michalska rating5

2024 at Conservation of Whale and Dolphin Populations

My experience with the GVI Marine Conservation program in Tenerife was nothing short of extraordinary. Although I participated for only two weeks, it was an incredibly enriching period that stands out as the best two weeks of my life. The hands-on experience I gained, particularly in pilot whale ...
I had a really eye opening experience of what research looks like in the field and saw first hand what some of the biggest problems in marine conservation are. It was VERY special to be so close to pilot whales in their natural habitat and have the opportunity to be guided by people that know so ...

Location

Europe > Southern Europe > Spain > Tenerife

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Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Marine Conservation in Spain
Contact Bianca
  Very high response rate
English

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