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.
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Updated Nov 11, 2025
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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!
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.
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!
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 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.
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