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Responsible Whale Watching Volunteer Program in Tenerife

by: Whale Wise Eco Tours

Join our team in Tenerife to gain hands-on experience in responsible whale watching and cetacean fieldwork. Volunteers join our crew during whale watching tours up to 6 days per week, depending on weather and sea conditions. Tasks may include cetacean searching, behavioral observations, data collection, fin photo-ID, assisting with tours, and basic boat maintenance. When tours cannot operate due to weather, volunteers help with photo-ID analysis and data organization from office. This program is ideal for future whale watching guides, skippers, cetacean observers, photographers, or anyone interested in gaining practical experience at sea and contributing to cetacean data collection. Work hours range from 3 to 8 hours per day. Minimum age is 18 years old and minimum stay is 2 weeks. Accommodation can be arranged upon request. Previous interview required. We are looking for motivated, respectful, and hardworking volunteers eager to gain real field experience. Please contact us for more information.

Program Highlights

Volunteers take part directly in whale watching operations at sea, observing cetaceans in their natural environment while following responsible practices.

The program is based in a unique location, offering direct access to one of the best areas in Europe for observing resident and migratory cetacean species.

You help collect general information on cetacean species and their behavior, and take photos used to maintain and expand photo-ID catalogues.

Gain real experience on board, supporting the crew during tours and getting familiar with basic boating activities.

Join a small, friendly crew where everyone works closely together, ideas are valued, and you can feel comfortable, supported, and involved in the daily life of the boat.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Tenerife, Spain
Starts At: $100-300
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • Winter
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Biological Research
  • Conservation
  • Driving
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Photography
  • Tourism
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Tenerife, Spain

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Biological Research
  • Conservation
  • Driving
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Photography
  • Tourism

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • Winter

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Couples

Starts At

$100-300

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Italian

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Written Application
  • Phone/Video Interview

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous experience in whale watching or marine biology?

No previous professional experience is required. However, participants should be motivated, responsible, and comfortable working in a dynamic outdoor environment at sea.

What kind of work will I actually do during the program?

You will take part in whale watching tours and assist with general cetacean data collection, behavioral observations, photography for fin photo-ID catalogues, and basic onboard support tasks.

What happens if the weather is bad and we cannot go out at sea?

When sea conditions do not allow tours, activities are carried out on land, where you will help with organizing, sorting, and working with photo-ID images and data.

Is accommodation included in the program?

Accommodation can be arranged upon request. The volunteer apartment is located near the marina, close to the boat and local beach, and operates on a self-catering basis.

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