This ecotourism and marine conservation project in Portugal, near Lisbon, aims to raise awareness about the issue of ocean pollution while actively contributing to its solution.
Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in various projects focused on protecting the marine ecosystem on the southern coast of Portugal. The project is carried out in collaboration with a diving school that emphasizes the protection of the local environment, for example, by organizing underwater cleanup sessions. Volunteers are always supervised by an experienced diver and receive comprehensive training on diving techniques and marine conservation. It is not necessary to be a certified diver to join this program, as there are different certifications and courses available for different levels. Anyone can participate, whether they are beginners (starting with the Open Water Diver certification) or more experienced divers (starting with the Advanced Open Water Diver certification). The goal, however, remains the same: cleaning our ocean and doing our best for a better future! Learning takes place in the sea and, if not possible (due to weather conditions), in a pool.
Participating in this project is an opportunity to observe various types of fish, discover amazing biodiversity, explore underwater caves, shipwrecks, and many other surprises. The project reveals hidden wonders, a natural treasure unknown to the general public but greatly appreciated by those who have the courage to take on this challenge. Volunteers have the chance to be involved in various conservation efforts focused on protecting the marine ecosystem of the southern coast of Portugal. Volunteers work in collaboration with a diving school that emphasizes the protection of the local environment.
– Collecting and sorting waste from the ocean during each dive.
– Raising awareness and sharing the issue of marine pollution.
– Learning about the marine ecosystem and how to protect it.
– Raising awareness among the local community about environmental issues, conservation, and biodiversity protection.
– Cleaning the coastline and beaches.
– Sorting waste and sending it for recycling.
A typical weekday schedule would 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 diving in the ocean.
01:30-02:00 | Return by train to the volunteer house (approximately 10 minutes from the project or 30 minutes on foot). It is recommended to get a monthly pass or load a transportation card with the necessary amount for your travels.
02:00-02:30 | Lunch
02:30-07:00 | Afternoons are usually free for exploring the city, learning Portuguese, or relaxing. Sometimes, you may also have dives scheduled during the afternoons, 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 other volunteers.
Free Time: Your volunteer tasks will typically last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place in the morning, afternoon, or evening, leaving you with plenty of free time to explore, take walks in the surroundings, visit important sites, interact with locals, or simply relax! And of course, you will also have your weekends free!
Duration in weeks | Registration fees |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 2255 € |
3 weeks | 3030 € |
4 weeks | 3805 € |
5 weeks | 4580 € |
6 weeks | 5355 € |
7 weeks | 6130 € |
8 weeks | 6905 € |
A supplement of €200 applies to participants under 18. For further information, please visit the youth area.
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.
To see all our additional excursions and activities, click here
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.
