GoAbroad

Marine Conservation in Portugal

by: Oyster Worldwide

5 (5)VerifiedSince 2006

Each year, more than 130,000 seals, whales and dolphins are killed by the trash found in our oceans. This project aims to tackle ocean pollution off the coast of Portugal through diving. Volunteers complete daily dives in various dive sites near Lisbon, with the aim of removing debris from the reef and ocean bed. Volunteers to date have helped to remove almost 3000kg of fishing nets, as well as tyres, fridges, laptops, cell phones and of course, plastic. This project has been running since 2016, and since then a noticeable increase in biodiversity has been seen in the ocean around the dive sites. Volunteers can take part for one week to four weeks. You are provided with full training once in Portugal. We recommend a minimum stay of two weeks for people without prior dive experience. Volunteers live in an eco-guest house in Lisbon with other volunteers. Three meals per day are provided.

Program Highlights

Learn to dive or gain further diving qualifications whilst in Portugal

Help to remove trash from the ocean around Lisbon - making a genuine contribution to biodiversity

Meet volunteers from around the world - enjoy time under the sea as well as exploring the local area

Take part in amazing trips such as vineyard tours, castles and ancient towns, beaches and more

Take Portuguese lessons, try Portuguese food and live with Portuguese people - total cultural immersion

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Lisbon, Portugal
Starts At: $1250-1500
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Eco Tours
Causes:
  • Biological Research
  • Conservation
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Marine Conservation
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Language Immersion
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Awards

Gap Year Association

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

5

Unforgettable Experience at Surf Camp and Coastal Conservation: Friendships, Adventure, and Duke of Edinburgh Gold

February 14, 2026by: Anna Agnarsson
5

I had a great time on my trip to other country, made so many friends, and enjoyed everything the program offered. I also completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential section. Highly recommend this experience!

Organisation was great with support whenever needed

August 16, 2025by: Mackie Lock
5

I was very grateful for the organisation and help on our Marine Conservation in Portugal trip. Really enjoyed myself, organisation was great with support whenever needed and staff was very friendly and helpful.

I even managed a karaoke session last night after a sunset sailing trip with lots of wine.

August 16, 2025by: Patrick Donohoe
5

What can I say? I’m well fed, the weather is perfect , it’s not too cold when diving, I even managed a karaoke session last night after a sunset sailing trip with lots of wine, being an older chap I’m not always able to keep pace with the younger generation but rest assured I’m doing my best!

This experience is so much fun!

August 02, 2025by: Regina Hubard
5

Oh my goodness thank you so much for checking in! This experience is so much fun! I can’t even explain how grateful i am for it but it really is so so amazing, the people and the place are wonderful and everyone is caring. Thank you so much for everything

I am loving this trip so much

August 12, 2024by: Max Hughes
5

I am loving this trip so much I am hardly checking my phone! I am very well and the first week was awesome. All questions I had were answered perfectly and completely correctly by either Oyster or the coordinators out here and everyone out here has been so welcoming and supportive. An all round good and easy experience.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Lisbon, Portugal

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Eco Tours
  • Causes
  • Biological Research
  • Conservation
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Marine Conservation
  • Wildlife
  • Types
  • Language Immersion
  • Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
Gap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Career Break / Mid-Career

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Starts At

$1250-1500

Program Cost Includes

  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Assistance Booking Travel
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Some Program Activity Costs

Accommodation Options

  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like