Whale & Marine Azores Island Researcher

location
1 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Volunteer alongside qualified academic staff to help preserve whales, dolphins and other marine species
  • Live and explore the remote and beautiful Azores which are part of Portugal
  • Hands-on experience in cetacean (Whales & Dolphin species) research and ocean monitoring.

Highlights

  • Volunteer alongside qualified academic staff to help preserve whales, dolphins and other marine species
  • Live and explore the remote and beautiful Azores which are part of Portugal
  • Hands-on experience in cetacean (Whales & Dolphin species) research and ocean monitoring.
  • Volunteer alongside volunteers from al over the world making friends and connections for life.
  • Learn some Portuguese and enjoy some great food.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join us on the beautiful Azores islands and embark on a journey to become a whale scientist researching and assisting experienced academic staff.

    Join an academic environment and embark on a journey to become a whale scientist! This program, supervised by experienced academic staff, offers an unique opportunity to work as an intern, volunteer or research assistant. You will engage in hands-on research, whale and dolphin expeditions, and ...

    About the program

    Join an academic environment and embark on a journey to become a whale scientist! This program, supervised by experienced academic staff, offers an unique opportunity to work as an intern, volunteer or research assistant. You will engage in hands-on research, whale and dolphin expeditions, and educational sessions tailored to provide practical skills and knowledge in cetacean and ocean monitoring. Weather-dependent field activities ensure an authentic research experience with support of our lab in Horta, Faial Island, Azores, Portugal. The Azores are home to an incredible diversity of marine life, with up to 28 cetacean species occurring in the region. From resident coastal dolphins and iconic sperm whales to some of the largest whales in the world, participants will have the chance to witness and study these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

    The volunteers main activity will be to monitors the many whale and dolphin species, Portuguese man o war and sea turtles. 

    Typical day

    Day to day activities may vary due to weather conditions but the general weekly program is as follows:

    • Whale and Dolphin Expeditions: Participate in 3-4 boat-based surveys of 3h to observe and record cetacean behavior,environmental conditions, and other key data. These expeditions are subject to ...

    Typical day

    Day to day activities may vary due to weather conditions but the general weekly program is as follows:

    • Whale and Dolphin Expeditions: Participate in 3-4 boat-based surveys of 3h to observe and record cetacean behavior,environmental conditions, and other key data. These expeditions are subject to weather conditions to ensure optimal research opportunities.
    • 2 Special Talks about Azores Cetaceans: Diversity and Threats and Cetacean and Ocean Monitoring Field Methods receiving training in cetacean biology and behavior, and ocean monitoring techniques, including the use of research tools like GPS, hydrophones, and photo ID methods.
    • 1 Land-Based Survey or Lab Work: Engage in an experience of land-based monitoring from coastal vantage points, or beach surveys for drifting pelagic life on the coast, contributing to a deeper understanding of cetacean research methodologies and marine ecology.
    • Data Analysis: Collaborate with academic staff to process and analyze collected data, collaborating in the conservation of biological samples.
    The 7 activities for the week will be scheduled upon arrival, according to the ongoing research and weather forecast. These don’t occupy all days so there will be spare time to visit the Island.

    Volunteering will be done 6 days a week from Monday to Saturday. 

    Free-time activities

    The Azores, a stunning archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, offer a diverse range of free-time activities that cater to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and relaxation enthusiasts alike.
    Outdoor Adventures
    1. Hiking: The islands are crisscrossed with scenic trails, including routes through volcanic ...

    Free-time activities

    The Azores, a stunning archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, offer a diverse range of free-time activities that cater to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and relaxation enthusiasts alike.
    Outdoor Adventures
    1. Hiking: The islands are crisscrossed with scenic trails, including routes through volcanic craters, lush forests, and coastal cliffs. 
    2. Water Sports: Activities like surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are popular.
    3. Hot Springs and Thermal Baths: Relax in natural hot springs 
    4. Lakes and Volcanic Craters: Visit iconic spots like Lagoa do Fogo, Lagoa das Sete Cidades, and the volcanic Caldeira Velha.
    5. Caving: Explore lava tubes and caves.
    6. Local Festivals: The islands host various festivals, including Holy Spirit celebrations and whale festivals.
    7. Historic Sites: Wander through charming villages, historic churches, and museums to learn about Azorean culture and history.
    8. Birdwatching: The Azores are a haven for birdwatchers, with rare species like Cory's shearwater and migratory birds stopping by.
    9. Marine Life: Snorkel or dive to see vibrant marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, manta rays, and shipwrecks.
    10. Beaches: While not known for sandy beaches, the islands have unique coastal spots and natural pools.

    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)

    Required Documents

    CV, letter of motivation and application documents

    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 from 08:30 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Fronteering Travel

    What is included:

    • Your accommodation at a very nice local hostel that is close by to the project.
    • 24/7 Emergency service
    • Support during your entire trip
    • Guidance and supervision by qualified academic staff

    Accommodation

    The accommodations on the island are very nice and close by. We include a very nice higher end hostel accommodation with shared rooms for 4 - 8 students. At extra costs we can also arrange a private hotel room. In the pictures you can see more about what your accommodation will look like. 


    You will be able to cook at the hostel and use local laundromat facilities. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Horta Airport

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

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Horta Airport (HOR) in Horta (Azores). We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal. 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 Portugal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    From the beginning of April until the end of October.  You will arrive on a Sunday as the programs start on Mondays and end on Saturdays. 



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

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 1,592€
    2 weeks 2,590€
    3 weeks 3,488€
    4 weeks (max. stay) 4,486€
    Average fees 1,356€/week

    Program fees

    1,356€ per week 1 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 4 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 Fronteering Travel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Fronteering Travel

    Perfect 4.6 rating (87 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2010

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Patrick

    Spoken languages: English, German, Dutch

    About the project

    Fronteering arranges volunteering programs related to wildlife and indigenous people in less visited places of this world as well as more unique destinations.

    Meet your organization

    Fronteering arranges volunteering programs in some of the last frontiers of this world as well as more unique locations that other organizations ignore. From Field research programs in the Far north of Canada and Husky ranches in the Canadian Arctic to Amerindian community programs and wildlife conservation in the Amazon Rainforest and everything in between.

    Most of our programs Focus on either wildlife rehabilitation and release, wildlife conservation & research or involve local indigenous communities.

    Fronteering currently offers programs in Canada, Guyana, USA, Australia, Brazil, Borneo, South Africa, Madagascar and Panama.

    True good causes: FRONTEERINGS volunteer abroad projects are either existing local projects or projects that are build from the group up by FRONTEERING. What these projects have in common is that you will be supporting a true good cause! You will have the opportunity to help where the need is the greatest. Our projects focus on helping the local communities, wildlife, indigenous people and the environment in cooperation with the local/indigenous communities. We focus on true volunteer projects where your effort really makes a difference. That’s why through Fronteering you will rehabilitate injured & orphaned wildlife with the goal to release the animal. That is the reason why will not send you to some far southern country to cuddle with tame lions & tigers with any real purpose. If you want to volunteer abroad with a real purpose, contact us!

    Safety: At FRONTEERING we do our outmost best to provide the safety measures needed for our Volunteer Abroad projects and Adventure Travel Trips. However due to the fact that many of our projects and trips involve wild animals and/or are in remote locations there is a small element of risk involved. Not all of our projects and trips are for the faint at heart however we do cater to those of all walks of life. If you are not too sure about the suitability of a Volunteer Abroad project or an Adventure Travel trip then feel free to ask as we are always ready to answer any questions or discuss any doubts that come to mind. For more information please check our Safety & In-country Support section before you volunteer abroad.

    A real adventure: We do not want our volunteers to end up trying to safe or clean up some small patch of rainforest which in some places they might call a wilderness. Instead you will volunteer in the immense jungle of the Amazon rainforest or venture in to the vast Canadian wilderness! Our volunteer abroad projects are situated in the remote areas of the world and we focus on countries and regions with the lowest population densities. We at FRONTEERING focus on what works; from sleeping in the jungle underneath the stars with nothing more than your own private hammock to back-to-basic cabins in the northern tundra with a cozy smothering fireplace and no electricity! When you volunteer abroad with FRONTEERING you can be sure it will be adventure.

    Off the beaten path: With FRONTEERING volunteer abroad projects you will venture to places less visited. We focus on places that are fairly undiscovered where the nature, wildlife and indigenous cultures are still common. You will have the great opportunity to see these amazing places while they are still unspoiled and pure. It is these places where there is the most to lose but even more to gain through successful conservation work and sustainable tourism. 

    Community involvement: Foremost when volunteering abroad the well being of the community should come first. For all of our trips we use local guides, local transportation and local communities so that through sustainable tourism we can help to protect the environment, wildlife and sustain the way of life of indigenous cultures & communities. More and more and governments choose the long term benefit of sustainable tourism over the short term gain of mining and logging. A good example is Gabon which in 2002 after recommendations from environmental researchers set up 13 new national parks. The government of Guyana is currently considering protecting its entire rainforest region which still covers 80% of the country. Hopefully through our combined effort this dream will one day become true.

    Mission
    FRONTEERING specializes in organizing volunteer abroad projects to preserve the environment, wildlife and indigenous people throughout the world while giving the volunteers a real and raw experience in some of the most beautiful and often remote places in the world to make a true difference.

    Vision
    FRONTEERING strives to provide real off the beaten path volunteer abroad experiences worldwide that satisfy the need for volunteer projects that truly makes a difference for the environment, wildlife and indigenous people.


    87 reviews · rating4.6

    Nadia Riad rating5

    2024 at Scottish Husky Ranch Caretaker

    I volunteered here earlier this year and I had a great time. Unfortunately I could not go in winter due to some other obligations I had so I knew I was going to miss out on the dogsledding season. Luckily because it was still quite cold in April and May we were still able to do some dry training and ...
    Having found an awesome opportunity to partake in a husky care taker placement in Canada, I was assisted in organizing the placement by the helpful and (patient!) team at Fronteering. The organization was dedicated to helping me contact and communicate with my host organization. I always felt I ...
    Carol Breen rating5

    2024 at Raptors & Owls Caretaker

    I spent 8 weeks, 5 days a week, 7 hours a day volunteering with this organization. It was so worthwhile! They not only rescue injured raptor, but they rehabilitate as many as possible and get them back to where they were rescued in order to release them in the same place. They have a network of ...
    泽宇 张 rating5

    2024 at Wild Takhi Research & Conservation

    The national park is spectacular! We went for an outing every morning for wild Takhi observation every morning. Having a moment in your lifetime in the wild with all the nature surrounding you is probably the most wonderful experience. The accommodation managers and staffs are super helpful and ...
    Chris H rating5

    2024 at Critter Caretaker

    I volunteered at the critter care taker program in Canada in May just 1 month after I turned 18. I was quite nervous and my parents also and so I decided to book through Fronteering instead of trying to arrange it myself. This made it very easy and I felt a lot better. I did travel to Vancouver a ...
    I had a great time volunteering in Iceland through Fronteering! The people of the program were very kind and helpful. I was worried about the weather at first but it was actually great! The accommodations were nice but you have to be okay with group living of course. Iceland is just such a beautiful ...

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