This ecotourism and marine conservation project in Portugal, near Lisbon, aims to raise public awareness about ocean pollution while actively contributing to solutions.
“Family” projects are suitable for children aged 4 and up. Our advisors will provide personalized recommendations based on your children’s ages, the destination, and the type of mission.
Joining this project means:
Take part in various marine ecosystem protection projects along the southern coast of Portugal. The project is carried out in collaboration with a diving school that focuses on protecting the local environment by organizing underwater clean-up sessions.
Anyone can take part, whether beginners (starting with the Open Water Diving certification) or more experienced divers (starting with the Advanced Open Water certification).
The goal is to clean our ocean and do our best for a better future! Training takes place in the sea and, if this is not possible due to weather conditions, in a swimming pool.
This project reveals hidden wonders—a natural treasure unknown to the general public but deeply appreciated by those who have the courage to take on this challenge.
Volunteers are always supervised by an experienced diver and receive comprehensive training in diving techniques as well as marine conservation topics. It is not necessary to be a diver to start this program, as there are different certifications and courses available for various skill levels.
A weekday on the program will look like this:
08:00–09:00: Breakfast at the volunteer house
09:00–12:30: First dive of the day. You will start by learning the basics, and after a few days, you will begin to dive in the ocean.
13:30–14:00: Return by train to the volunteer house (about 10 minutes from the project or a 30-minute walk). It is recommended to purchase a monthly pass or load a transport card with the amount needed for commuting.
14:00–14:30: Lunch
14:30–19:00: Usually, afternoons are free to explore the city, learn Portuguese, or relax. Sometimes you may also dive in the afternoon, depending on the specialties or certifications you are pursuing. Your instructor will inform you on the first day.
19:30–21:00: Dinner at the volunteer accommodation with the other volunteers.
Free time: Your missions will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and may take place in the morning, afternoon, or evening, leaving you plenty of free time to explore, walk around the area, discover key sites, interact with locals, or simply relax!
And of course, you will also have your weekends off!
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 2435 € |
3 weeks | 3130 € |
4 weeks | 3850 € |
5 weeks | 4670 € |
6 weeks | 5490 € |
7 weeks | 6210 € |
8 weeks | 7030 € |
9 weeks | 7750 € |
10 weeks | 8570 € |
11 weeks | 9340 € |
12 weeks | 10110 € |
Un supplément de 200€ s’applique aux participants de -18 ans. Pour plus d’informations, rdv sur l’espace jeunes.
The volunteer house is located in Cascais, a small fishing village 45 minutes away from Lisbon. Accommodation is provided in the volunteer house, in shared rooms with a maximum of 8 people. There are two types of dormitories in the house: mixed dorms and female dorms. The common areas are shared but with separate bathrooms/toilets. Volunteers will have access to the common room, outdoor spaces including the garden and pool for relaxation. WiFi is available throughout the house and is free of charge. The marine conservation project can accommodate 16 volunteers, and during the summer, the house can reach a maximum capacity of 60 volunteers. They all have different programs (cat shelter, marine conservation, etc.).
The house does not have air conditioning, but it is a beach house with large windows that are opened and closed daily by the housekeeping team.
There are lockers under each bunk bed for volunteers, who only need a padlock to secure them.
Minors have a curfew if they do not have permission from their guardian to leave the house, which is at 10 PM.
Meals are prepared every day, consisting of local cuisine, but it is possible to accommodate specific dietary requirements upon request (vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, etc.).
All necessary diving equipment, diving classes, SSI dive instructors, and appropriate SSI diving certifications based on diving experience are included in the program fee.
Documents required to reserve a spot in the program:
– Registration form with your contact information and travel dates (which will be sent via email).
– Flight tickets.
– Dietary restrictions/Allergies.
– Passport scan.
– For families: Project available for children aged 10 and above.
