Dolphin & Whale Research in Tenerife, Canary Islands

Most days, but not every trip. Short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are resident here, so sightings are common rather than lucky. This is wild fieldwork though, not a guaranteed encounter, and survey days with no sightings are still data: recording where animals are not present matters as much as recording where they are.

All fieldwork is non-invasive. Animals are observed from a distance, never fed, touched or approached in a way that changes their behavior. That is both an ethical position and a scientific one: undisturbed animals give you accurate behavioral data. The research also promotes responsible whale and dolphin watching across the reserve.

It goes into MutatioMare's photo-identification catalogue, which now holds more than 600 individually identified short-finned pilot whales, and is shared with RedPROMAR, the Canary Islands government's biodiversity network. Long-term records like these are what conservation decisions and marine protected area management are built on.

Yes. Alongside the volunteer placement there is a Marine Conservation Research Fellowship for independent, dissertation-level research with academic supervision from a qualified biologist, and an internship with leadership responsibilities and a personal project. Speak to us before you apply so the placement can be planned around your deadlines.

No. All fieldwork is done from the survey boat or from land, and there is no diving or snorkelling in the program. Snorkelling and kayaking are available as optional activities

Boat surveys are around two hours at a time in coastal water, not open ocean, and most people adjust within the first week. Bring motion sickness tablets if you are unsure, and tell the team so they can keep an eye on you. If a trip is difficult, there is land-based survey work, data analysis and beach work on the same days.

From $1,735 USD for two weeks, then $795 USD for each additional week. That covers dorm accommodation, three meals on weekdays, an airport transfer from Tenerife South on your start date, training, in-country support and all project costs including every boat trip. Weekends are self-catering, and flights and travel insurance are not included.

From two weeks up to six months. Placements start every second Sunday, year round.

Three meals a day are provided on weekdays, with vegetarian and vegan options. Lunches often feature Canarian dishes made by a local cook. Weekends are self-catering, using the shared kitchen.

Fieldwork runs Monday to Friday and weekends are free. Optional extras include a Canarian cooking class, Garachico old town, stargazing and camping in Teide National Park, the Mount Teide cable car, kayaking and snorkelling. These are booked and paid for locally.