Volunteer Programs in Ischia, Italy

We were on the water with only the sail up - no motor running. It was so peaceful with the water hitting the sides of the boat, Captain Angelo softly playing the ukulele, and quiet conversation in Italian. We were watching the water for animal activity and relaxing in that setting. It was wonderful!

The whole trip was amazing, but last day was especially magical; we saw so many sperm whales and dolphins and the sunset was beautiful. The atmosphere was so joyful and thrilling. The crew was amazing, knowledgeable, and very good cooks! I would 100% recommend to any marine enthusiast out there.

seeing the dolphins out in the wild has only been a childhood dream for me. The first week we once saw devil rays, which was pretty shocking to me as I didn't think they would be present in this area/Mediterranean. After a week of seeing no dolphins we started off the second week with a group of dolphins catching fish behind a fishing boat. the sighting continued for about 1 hours and 30 mins. We saw them jumping and swimming all around us, it was my childhood dream coming true followed by a really intresting lesson on identification and sorting the pictures. On the last day out we saw a devil ray jumping out of the water 2 times!! which also was incredible!! <br>3 sightings in 2 weeks was not much however, animals stay unpredictable which makes these sightings so extremely special!! some people might be dissapointed ass they expect to see many dolphins and whales however, the crew is so extremely welcoming and kind. they make you feel like you are part of their team, after two weeks of beeing together almost 24/7 you create a special bond and saying goodbye will be the last thing you want to do. when weather doesn't let us go out in the field you get really interesting classes on cetaceans, acoustic sounds ect. my experience was beyond great and I will definitely come back ;)

The most memorable moment was the amazing cetacean sightings we experienced. We saw a record number of fin whales - the second largest animal in the world. They came right up close to the boat. Making eye contact with a wild animal, especially an animal so huge, is a moment ljke no other, and one I will remember for the rest of my life.

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

Volunteering in Ischia, Italy, on dolphin and cetacean conservation was nothing short of life-changing. From tying knots and learning to echolocate sea animals to sipping espresso, indulging in homemade Italian meals under the sun, and soaking in natural thermal springs, every moment was unforgettable. The friendships I made, morning yoga, Angelo’s cooking, and the beauty of Italian life and embracing my roots will forever have a place in my heart. I’ll miss it all— except the mosquitoes. Until next time, Ischia!

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization responded to this reviewMay 21, 2025

What a beautiful review, thank you for sharing April! It sounds like your time in Ischia was truly something special. We love hearing how the experience gave you a deeper connection to the work and culture, it really doesn’t get much better (except for the mosquitoes, we totally get that!). We’re so glad the experience helped you reconnect with your roots and left such a lasting impression. Until next time, indeed! - GoEcoTeam

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

Living on a vintage sailboat is absolutely incredible, the views I wake up to every morning, the traditional Italian food the captain prepares, going out to sea and seeing biodiversity at its finest. It is definitely an experience I will never forget!

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization responded to this reviewSeptember 26, 2024

Hey Phoebe That sounds like an absolute dream! Waking up to those views and having fresh Italian food prepared by the captain? Incredible! Plus, being out at sea and seeing all that biodiversity must've been amazing. Definitely sounds like an experience you’ll be thinking about for a long time! - GoEco team

Amazing crew and living in the boat was definitely a nice experience. After a couple of days not seeing anything, we finally got a chance to see many Sperm Whales, which made up for the other days. Kudos for the team, it was a great family for a week!

The best experience being emersed with the Italian culture, for example one night we bought the local fish from the fishing boat stationed next to us. Angelo was an excellent cook !!!! The entire trip was an incredible experience!

Our first day out on the water was incredible! We saw dozens of dolphins - 2 different species - and that is a sight I will never forget!! It was amazing to see them frolicking in their natural habitat. That one day was worth the entire trip and the long journey to get to Casamicciola and the Jean Gab.

The live-aboard dolphin project in Ischia, Italy truly changed my life. Each day we set sail and interacted with pods of dolphins and whales, as well as encountered mobula rays, sunfish, and a few species of sea birds. The generosity of spirit and openness to volunteers and participants from all cultures made the experience even more enjoyable and important to me. When not on the water, we spent time in Ischia, getting gelato, pizza, and exploring the hot springs and beaches. I would highly recommend this project to people from all walks of life, students, families, travelers, photographers - anyone will have a great time here!

I probably had one of the best experiences of my life in Natuwa for a month, feeding the many animals that live there, taking care of them, discovering a different way of life than mine, more minimalist and peaceful. Rodolfo is an extremely understanding man who cares about the well-being of his voluntarios. We had the chance to do several extra activities outside the centre, such as snorkeling near to Isla Tortuga, or swimming at night with bioluminescent planktons, which were dazzling. The workteam is really friendly and allows you to feel integrated quickly and easily. However, you have to expect to work hard sometimes, for example planting trees, doing work to maintain the infrastructure, but this is only a part of the day. outside the centre

We met the most incredible people and were lucky enough to see pods of dolphins during our trip. Captain Angelo took us to Ventotene Island for two nights and it was so beautiful. I'm so happy we were able to experience that Island and had THE best time.

On the last day, having 6 different encounters with sperm whales; very sociable, coming towards the boat and diving right next to us, as well as shopping and side rolling, both very social behaviors. It was very special.

The time I spent in Dubai, Oman and Abdul Dhabi, I have a wonderful and experiential Joy with the people and I was able to showcased my skills and the people explore my knowledge to their satisfaction Little details of my experience Dubai Falcon Ballroom Hotel which was so great. Even more perfect was the fact that they had thought of everything in advance, I didn’t need to remind them I needed a fresh bed shread in the room (which I did have to do twice at the local hotel I stayed in my country, more on this later) as they had already taken care of that prior to our arrival. The bed, oh the bed! It was dreamy in every way, the most comfortable place I’ve ever laid in, and the most restful sleep I had had in years, and sometimes teary nighttime awakenings. some things can’t be helped…oh, the joys of travelling with flight Emirate is spectacular. A night between those bed-sheets really restores and rebalances you. I had excellent views directly facing the Mall of the Emirate and part of the pool below (if you stretched your neck). Everything in the room was spotlessly clean and looked brand new. The desk was comfortable for planning my daily routes on our my map.