• Life Below Water

Marine Ecosystem Internship

location
2 - 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

  • Hands on fieldwork experience
  • Experience the beautiful beaches Tenerife has to offer
  • Opportunity to complete courses offered in partnership with the University of Richmond in the United States
  • Contribute to scientific research
  • Become employable

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Contribute to ensure a healthy and resilient marine ecosystem and species in Tenerife in the beautiful subtropical island archipelago - Canary Islands.

Join this ethical Internship based in Tenerife, Canary Islands which is around 3-5 hours away from most big cities in Europe. 


3 courses included:

  • Leading Teams for Impact (required to complete before arrival)
  • Marine Conservation (optional - recommended to complete before arrival)
  • Careers in ...

About the program

Join this ethical Internship based in Tenerife, Canary Islands which is around 3-5 hours away from most big cities in Europe. 


3 courses included:

  • Leading Teams for Impact (required to complete before arrival)
  • Marine Conservation (optional - recommended to complete before arrival)
  • Careers in Sustainable Development (optional - recommended to complete)

This project aims to raise awareness around unsustainable tourism practices that pose a threat on the 20-28 species 

A big portion of your project is spent educating tourists on ethical watching tours, taking photographs and recording numbers and behaviors of the whale and dolphins, beach cleans and documenting any environmental impacts that may affect overall health of marine life in the area. 

All data collected is used by local organizations to make important decisions about whether there is a need for environmental policies to protect the wild and marine life.

This program includes an optional marine conservation online courses which must be completed in order to obtain a certificate offered in partnership with the University of Richmond in the United States.

Get in touch for more information!

Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners.

Estimated Schedule:

5 or 6am: Wake up call

6 - 10 am: Data collection

12pm: Lunch

1pm - 4pm:  Data collection/beach clean

6pm: Dinner

9pm: Bed Time

Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners.

Estimated Schedule:

5 or 6am: Wake up call

6 - 10 am: Data collection

12pm: Lunch

1pm - 4pm:  Data collection/beach clean

6pm: Dinner

9pm: Bed Time

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! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities.

These side trips are ...

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! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities.

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

  • La Lagua

  • Macizo De Anaga Biosphere Reserve

  • Recreational Diving or Snorkeling

  • Beaches

  • Teide National Park

The possibilities are endless!

We also now include cultural/local experiences. These experiences will take place once every 4 weeks.  

These activities may include: 

  • Learn how to make delicious Canarian dishes
  • Visit Tenerife's first port built in the 15th century
  • Stargaze and learn the constellations from a professional astronomical guide
  • Bike down an active volcano in Teide National Park
  • Start the day kayaking and snorkelling 
  • Explore magical micro-climates and laurel forests
  • Catch a cable car up an active volcano
  • Visit Christopher Columbus's last port of call and step back in time 

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. 

A member of our project team will meet you at Tenerife South Airport. Pick can be arranged if the participant arrives Saturday, on the program start date between 08:00am - 15:00pm.

Accommodation

Our base in Tenerife is located just a short walk from 3 main harbors. Accommodation will be in shared rooms in a house on the island.

The accommodation is a 30 min walk from the coastline and Puerto Colón.

This is an ideal location to explore southern Tenerife.

  • Participants will be in shared dorm-style accommodation, 4-8 persons to a room (mixed gender).
  • The accommodation has a swimming pool for your enjoyment. Training and meetings will often take place in our workspace. You be sharing this accommodation with GVI staff, who will be in their separate, private room.

Food & Beverages

Breakfast and dinner are provided on project and participants take it in turn to prepare meals for the group.
Participants need to cater for themselves for lunch and there are several local cafes nearby.

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

2 weeks (min. stay) 3,145€
4 weeks 3,845€
6 weeks 4,745€
8 weeks 5,595€
10 weeks 6,595€
12 weeks (max. stay) 7,445€
Average fees 1,096€/week

Program fees

1,096€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 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

Tashanna Reid rating5

2024 at Marine Ecosystem Internship

I did the U18s Tenerife volunteering which was such a great experience and I will definitely do it again! It was lovely meeting new people and making friends and the staff are very welcoming and fun. It had the perfect mix of relaxing and having fun while also doing the work required and exploring ...
Pam Parkes rating5

2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
Olivia Babbage rating5

2024 at Teach English to locals

3 month English Teaching internship in Madagascar The most incredible time of my life. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that is Nosy Be, Madagascar. I chose GVI because they are so impact driven, and during my time in Madagascar that was the evident. Being able to immerse myself into such ...
Mary Christensen rating5

2024 at Community Development Internship

GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
I had the opportunity to do the virtual marine conservation internship with GVI, it was super good for my work experience and academic training as I learned a lot from the courses and I was able to explore my skills in data analysis which I had not explored so far, I highly recommend this internship ...

Location

Europe > Southern Europe > Spain > Tenerife

You might also be interested in

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

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