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Whale and dolphin conservation and monitoring in Italy

The experience

Identifying cetaceans' critical areas is the main aim of the project. Assist us with whale and dolphin behavioural and acoustic recording, sightings, photo-identification and filming. Help the crew with daily chores, including shopping, washing dishes, and general boatkeep.
Be on board our boat for a high-seas adventure with plenty of learning opportunities!
This is a unique opportunity to learn more about cetaceans and be in touch with nature!

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Additional fee required

Amount: € 900 Per week

Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers and Donation to project

Description: The research project is almost exclusively supported by the financial contribution of project participants. The money you pay to participate in the program will be used to cover the project running costs (fuel for the boat, equipment, upkeep, etc.). *Plus 150 Euros per week for for fuel and food*

What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Requirements

Intermediate Italian or Intermediate English

Over 18 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Arrival Day: Boarding takes place every Monday at 4:00 PM. On arrival day, there are no sea outings, and researchers are on board to welcome participants. Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the boat and the surroundings and can take the opportunity to rest after the long journey on one of the beaches near the port. Once all participants are on board and settled, introductions are made, and all onboard living and safety rules are explained. Detailed explanations about the project, research (study area, present species, and their biology, etc.) follow.

Cetacean Monitoring Outings: Participants live aboard the research vessel, which primarily sails. During the stay, days are dedicated to research activities, and each participant contributes to fieldwork. Sea outings occur daily (excluding arrival and departure days). Routes are planned to cover the entire study area

Activities & Shift

Participants and researchers commit to observation duties in watch shifts, with two observers alternating in one-hour shifts to report the presence of marine life; in addition to whales and dolphins, sightings of sea turtles, tunas, swordfish, sunfish, rays, schools of fish, and seabirds are recorded. The acoustic system is capable of detecting dolphin sounds within a radius of about 3 miles: when a signal is detected, it is possible to determine the direction and approach the animals. At night, we usually return to the dock in the port. Sometimes, we spend the night anchored in the bay, and if the research requires it, we may also spend the night at sea.

Rules

We remind you that life on board a sailing vessel is a choice: a simple, communal, and eco-compatible lifestyle conserving energy and resources.
There is very little privacy, even behind the curtains of the cabins.
Nevertheless, the spaces are large enough, and the sea and the sky will offer you unlimited horizons; each watching shift will give you the possibility to taste the peace of sailing.