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  • Certified B Corp
  • International volunteering since 2010
  • Rated 4.7/5 on GoAbroad
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Portugal, Lisbon

Surf and ocean conservation in Portugal

Learn to surf in the mornings in Cascais, near Lisbon, and spend your afternoons cleaning beaches to tackle plastic pollution in Portugal.

Where
Lisbon, Portugal
Length
From 2 to 12 weeks
Minimum age
16 years old
Language
English intermediate
Departures
Every Sunday

from €2,095 for 2 weeks

Book my place online

  1. Today€300 deposit per participant, deducted from the price
  2. Within 48 hoursThe team confirms your place, or refunds you in full
  3. The balance12 weeks before departure, or on confirmation if you leave sooner
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Key questions answered

How old do I need to be?
The programme is open to volunteers aged 16 and over.
How long can I go for?
From 2 to 12 weeks. Departures: every Sunday.
How much does it cost?
From €2,095 for 2 weeks.
What will I do there?
Volunteers taking part in the surf and ocean conservation project will carry out a variety of essential tasks to help protect the marine environment.
Where will I stay?
The volunteer house is located in Cascais, 45 minutes from Lisbon. Accommodation is provided in the volunteer house, in shared rooms for up to 8 people.
What is included in the price?
Airport transfer to accommodation, accommodation, 3 meals per day, arrival orientation, 24/7 Emergency Assistance, ongoing support throughout your stay, …
Do I need to speak another language?
Required level: English intermediate.

The project

This programme in Portugal offers an immersive and educational surfing experience while allowing you to play an active role in protecting the marine environment. It gives you the opportunity to discover the fascinating world of surfing while making a positive impact on our planet through practical environmental conservation initiatives.

The programme includes several activities:

  • Surfing
  • Beach clean-up activities
  • Creative waste recycling
  • Raising awareness about marine conservation

Your project begins on the beautiful beaches of Portugal, where you will learn to surf in the morning, enjoy the waves and improve your skills.

In the afternoon, you will take part in beach clean-up activities. This activity is not only about keeping the coastline clean, but also about actively tackling plastic pollution. As a volunteer, you will contribute directly to protecting the marine environment and reducing single-use plastic waste.

But that’s not all! By joining this programme, you become part of something bigger.

So, are you ready to surf with an impact?

A project we follow
Projects chosen with care and followed through regular visits on site.

Your role

Volunteers taking part in the surf and ocean conservation project will carry out a variety of essential tasks to help protect the marine environment.

Your main activities may include:

  • Beach clean-ups
  • Waste collection
  • Sorting plastic waste
  • Breaking down harmful plastics
  • Raising public awareness about environmental issues, helping to encourage greater awareness and collective action to protect our oceans

Recycling, clean-up activities and awareness-raising all contribute to sustainable solutions for ocean conservation.

Accommodation and meals

The volunteer house is located in Cascais, 45 minutes from Lisbon. Accommodation is provided in the volunteer house, in shared rooms for up to 8 people.

Dormitories are single-gender. Common areas are shared, while bathrooms and toilets are separate. Volunteers will have access to the common room and outdoor areas, including the garden and swimming pool, where they can relax. Wi-Fi is available throughout the house free of charge.

The house does not have air conditioning, but as it is a beach house, it has large windows that are opened and closed daily by the housekeeping team.

Storage boxes are available under each bunk bed. Volunteers simply need to bring a padlock to secure their belongings.

Minors have a 10:00 PM curfew unless they have permission from their guardian to leave the house.

Meals are prepared daily and consist mainly of local cuisine. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free diets.

Budget

How long are you going for?

2 weeks

This programme is available year-round. Arrivals every Sunday.

Total programme budget€2,095

That is, per week€1,048

Each extra week

Check availability for 2 weeks

What is included

  • Airport transfer to accommodation
  • Accommodation
  • 3 meals per day
  • Arrival orientation
  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance
  • Ongoing support throughout your stay
  • European Youth Card included to receive discounts all across Europe

Not included

  • Flight tickets
  • Return to the Airport
  • Transport between accommodation and project site

Where your money goes
Donations are reinvested in full and directly into the local associations. How the costs break down

How to fund my project

See the budget week by week
LengthTotal programme budget

Getting ready to leave

Your application

An up-to-date CV and a cover letter describing your background and what brings you here.

Conditions to take part

  • Age 16+

Insurance

For any project abroad, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness, repatriation and third-party liability. With Chapka Cap Student, you get 5% off.

Online language lessons

With Clic Campus: video lessons and an e-learning platform, from home.

Surf and ocean conservation in Portugal19 photos

So, why not you?Travel to be useful, on ground we know.Find my programme

Line drawing: a beach and its turtle, a mangrove, two backpackers, a school on a hillside, a giraffe and an elephant under an acacia