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4.7 / 5Student rating
3Reviews
196Programs
2005Year established

Program Overview

Immerse yourself in the stunning waters of the Atlantic Coastline in Portugal and contribute to the preservation of marine life. This unique volunteer program invites you to learn scuba diving, clean up the ocean floor, and protect the rich marine ecosystem of Lisbon. Besides your volunteer work, you'll have the chance to live in a sustainable hostel in a beach town, just 25 minutes away from the city center of Lisbon. This program offers a rich blend of adventure, skill development, and environmental stewardship. We welcome participants who: - Are at least 16 years old - Have a basic level of English - Have undergone a criminal background check - Have healthy respiratory and circulatory systems to ensure safe diving - Have no serious medical issues

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Program Highlights

Become part of a global movement addressing the impact of litter and human development on the marine environment, contributing directly to the protection of Lisbon's rich marine ecosystem.
Learn from professionals how to scuba dive and clean the ocean floor of debris; whether you're a beginner or an advanced diver, improve your skills and get certified.
Live in a sustainable hostel located in a beautiful beach town near Lisbon, where you experience Portuguese culture firsthand and meet like-minded volunteers from all over the world.
Use your free time to explore the beautiful country of Portugal; from historic cities to stunning coastlines, there's plenty to discover.
Experience sustainable living and a lifestyle that respects the environment and promotes social interaction.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
In-Country Orientation
Training
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Alumni / Networking Membership
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support

Quick Details

Location
Lisbon, Portugal
Availability
Year(s) Offered:Year Round
Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 1-2 Years
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Alternative Spring Break
  • Multiple Year
  • Summer
Age Requirement14+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Eco Tours
  • Ecology
  • Scuba
  • Snorkeling
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Gap Year
Fields:
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Management
  • Marine Science
  • Scuba
Causes:
  • Biological Research
  • Conservation
  • Culture
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Volunteering
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
Inquire about this program

Updated Jun 16, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Lisbon, Portugal

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: Year Round
  • Duration: 1-2 Weeks, 1-2 Years, 2-4 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 5-8 Weeks, 7-12 Months, 9-12 Weeks, Alternative Spring Break, Multiple Year, Summer
  • Intern Duration: Summer, Winter, Short Term, Spring, 1-3 Months, 3-6 Months, 1 Year, Fall
  • Gap Year Timing: After College, Career Break / Mid-Career, During College, During High School, Post High School

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Guest House

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

14+

Duration

1-2 Weeks, 1-2 Years, 2-4 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 5-8 Weeks, 7-12 Months, 9-12 Weeks, Alternative Spring Break, Multiple Year, Summer

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

4.7
3 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
2
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Health & Safety
4.7
Volunteer Placement
4.3
Living Situation
4.3
Program Administration
3.7
Community Engagement
3.3
Day to Day Life
3.3

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Edward WelshFebruary 2026

My unforgettable experience trying scuba diving

The most memorable experiences of the trip was the scuba diving, unfortunately i was not there long enough to pick up much trash, but it was really cool to be down in the water anyway. I also loved touring the city and seeing all the historical parts of portugal.

Roam LangevinJanuary 2025

It was quite shocking

While diving, we found a metal safety barrier that had fallen into the marina. The next day we returned with a lift bag to get it out, and found a second. We successfully removed both, but the second was encrusted with a bit of life. As it sat on the pier, a baby eel came out of a hollow section and started flopping around on the deck of the pier! It was quite shocking, but we put it back into the water and it was all fine.

LiekeDecember 2023

Had a great time

After removing two bags of fishing equipment that were stuck under the rocks and left, i looked up right in the eyes of the biggest crab that I’ve ever seen in my entire life, and it just stood there, watching us cleaning his home. That made an incredible impression on me and i don’t think I’ll ever forget that.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad Program
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Notable Mention
Innovation in Sustainability Finalist 2022
Innovation in Sustainability 2021 Finalist
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
GoAbroad Innovative New Program - Volunteer Abroad
GoAbroad Top Rated Organization 2017 (Notable Mention)
Global Youth Travel Awards 2018
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018
World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation

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