Dolphin & Sea Turtle Conservationist

location
1 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • Actively support a marine wildlife conservation project located on the italian coast of the North Adriatic Sea
  • Get involved in sea turtle and dolphin research and monitoring activities led by marine biologists
  • Discover the amazing biodiversity of the Po river Delta Park
  • Be trained on the biology of marine and coastal wildlife of the study area
  • Meet and make new friends in a relaxed and informal atmosphere


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples

About the program

Join our project and actively support biologists in a wildlife conservation program in the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy, as protagonist, an experience dedicated to save the nature

The TAO project is based in Lido di Spina, a small green and pacefull town overlooking the northwestern Adriatic Sea. Our team, composed of marine biologists, works for the conservation of marine and coastal fauna in a wide study area located within the Po Delta Park, one of the most important ...

About the program

The TAO project is based in Lido di Spina, a small green and pacefull town overlooking the northwestern Adriatic Sea. Our team, composed of marine biologists, works for the conservation of marine and coastal fauna in a wide study area located within the Po Delta Park, one of the most important wetlands in Europe.

In particular, the mission, in which volunteers are involved, is to promote the coexistence between human activities and nature by developing scientific research and awareness projects in this area.

The program consists of a week-long experience (up to a maximum of 2 weeks) living and working alongside the association's marine biologists and supporting  field monitoring activities dedicated to marine and coastal fauna. 

The weekly program for volunteers consists of the following activities:

  • Boat excursions for sea turtle and dolphin monitoring
  • Search for tracks and protection of sea turtle nests on the beach
  • Field sampling for the study of marine-coastal fauna
  • Guided tours to discover the biodiversity of the Po Delta Park
  • Training on marine biology and processing of data collected during research activities at sea
  • Birdwatching and monitoring of aquatic avifauna
  • Beach cleanup and plastic pollution monitoring
  • Support for management activities and visits to TAO field base
  • Environmental awareness events for the community
In order to fully enjoy the experience, volunteers are asked to bring the following equipment with them:

For accommodation:
  • Bedsheets and pillowcases
  • Towels for personal use
  • Identification document

For activities:
  • Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
  • Light and comfortable clothing, including sweatshirts or a light jacket
  • Swimsuit and beach towel
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Sneakers
  • Backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Mosquito spray
  • Binoculars/Camera (optional)



Typical day

The schedule of field activities, described above, is flexible and defined according to weather conditions. The program is not prior scheduled and the activities for the next day are usually communicated at dinner. However, an hypothetical typical day is described below: 

  • Morning: about 4 hours of ...

Typical day

The schedule of field activities, described above, is flexible and defined according to weather conditions. The program is not prior scheduled and the activities for the next day are usually communicated at dinner. However, an hypothetical typical day is described below: 

  • Morning: about 4 hours of field research activities (on the beach, lagoon or sea depending on the daily study species) helping the staff to collect data and spot the species of interest in their habitat
  • From 1 pm to 3 pm lunch break and free time
  • From 3 pm to 6 pm: lecture and training on marine fauna biology and/or input of data collected in the field and/or excursions to discover the surroundings and the Po Delta Park.
  • 8 pm: dinner 


Free-time activities

During their free time, participants will have the opportunity to relax at the beach (only a few minutes' walk from the base), practice water sports, visit the nearby towns of Comacchio and Ravenna and their museums/monuments, and enjoy bike rides within the Po Delta Park

Free-time activities

During their free time, participants will have the opportunity to relax at the beach (only a few minutes' walk from the base), practice water sports, visit the nearby towns of Comacchio and Ravenna and their museums/monuments, and enjoy bike rides within the Po Delta Park


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.

Other Skills

- good spirit of adaptation - attitude for teamwork

Time Commitment

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

What's Included

What's Included

Services by TAO

The fee includes:
  • accommodation
  • TAO membership card
  • utilities (electricity and gas)
  • boat excursions
  • training
  • participation in guided tours by biologists
  • certificate of participation




NOT included in the price:
  • Meals
  • Travel expenses to/from Lido di Spina
  • Personal expenses

Accommodation

We will provide accommodation in two adjacent apartments in Lido di Spina (Comacchio, Ferrara). Each apartment has a spacious dining room, fully equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 1 balcony and 1 toilet.

Participants are responsible for their own breakfast and lunch preparation and cleaning. At the beginning of each week, participants will be driven to the nearest supermarket to buy food and everything they need for their stay. 
Dinners at partner restaurant are included.
Smoking is forbidden inside the apartment.

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Guglielmo Marconi Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

Internet Access

Sorry, no access at the project site

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) in Bologna. We assist you to find cheap flights to Italy. 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 Italy provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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

Details on arrival

You can choose one of the following weekly vacation packages (7 days & 6 nights):

Monday, June 30 to Sunday, July 6
Monday, July 14 to Sunday, July 20

Each package will be activated with a minimum of 4 participants up to amaximum of 6. Reccomended arrival time on Monday is from 11 am to 13 am. The volunteer package ends on Sunday at 12:00 noon.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 895€
2 weeks (max. stay) 1,789€
Average fees 895€/week

Program fees

895€ 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 TAO during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

TAO

Outstanding 4.9 rating (19 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2018

Verified by Volunteer World

  Below average response rate

Coordinated by

Andrea

About the project

TAO aims to study and protect marine fauna, particularly sea turtles and dolphins. making people protagonists of original and engaging experiences on the field.

Meet your organization

TAO Turtles of the Adriatic Organization APS is an association founded in 2018 by a group of italian marine biologists. Our association operates within one of the natural areas with the highest biodiversity in Europe: the Po Delta Park. The goal of the project is to monitor and protect the key marine and coastal endangered species, as sea turtles and dolphins, within this area and promote and to develop environmental awareness projects on a local scale.

In order to achieve our purposes, the TAO team, throughout the year, organizes the following activities: sea excursions for scientific monitoring of these species, summer camps for youth and families, many environmental awareness and education initiatives in the area, didactic projects and active collaborations with research centres and universities.

The development of these activities over the past three years has resulted in the:

  • photo-identification of more than 200 dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) spotted during the efforts at sea,
  • finding and protection of the first sea turtle nest laid in the region, 
  • raising awareness among thousands of tourists and students, 
  • and training of dozens of university students.


19 reviews · rating4.9

Moya Barry ( B.ED, M.ED) rating5

2024 at Dolphin & Sea Turtle Conservationist

Absolutely amazing project with fantastic friendly people , always ready with mindful information of the area. During the week I gained much knowledge especially on birds and their habitation, sea turtles dolphins and Italian . The programme was very varied with visits to many awesome places . ..
Noemi Bringhenti rating5

2023 at Dolphin & Sea Turtle Conservationist

I did one month of internship with Tao and I can recommend this experience to anyone who loves to be strictly in contact with the sea and learn about its ecosystem. With this experience I've learnt a lot and It was very inspiring ...
Leonardo Rusalen rating5

2023 at Dolphin & Sea Turtle Conservationist

I interned for TAO last summer. This internship really changed my view of working in the environmental field and did it for the better. I had the opportunity to work in the field, use my skills in communication, technology (execel and QGIS) and also disclosure. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to ...
Sara Montagna Granato rating5

2023 at Dolphin & Sea Turtle Conservationist

it was a beautiful week that allowed me to discover the beauties of the sea and to see turtles and dolphin very close. I felt a lot of emotions seeing the life of a marine ...
Agnese Maugeri rating5

2023 at Dolphin & Sea Turtle Conservationist

I started the week with a lot of expectations and they were far satisfied. We had many fun experiences on field, like going to see the Cestha facility where all the wounded turtles are brought or for rehabilitation, but my favorite experience was the boat ride where we could see the turtles in their ...
Beautiful and really engaging experience! I was able to learn a lot of new information about marine biology. The passion and commitment they show for their job is evident in all their species monitoring and conservation activities. I highly recommend ...

Location

Europe > Southern Europe > Italy > Comacchio

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