Marine Conservation Volunteering in Portugal

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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.

This all-in-one semester begins with one month traveling Spain by train, followed by two months in Barcelona where you choose your pathway. You’ll build soft skills (communication, confidence, problem-solving), hard skills (Spanish, digital tools, cooking), and leadership abilities focused on positive impact. Choose one of three pathways: - The Internship Pathway offers full-time hands-on experience, real projects, and strong hours for future credit or professional goals. - The Entrepreneurship Pathway combines a part-time internship with entrepreneurship labs, mentorship, and Spanish classes, ending in a Shark Tank–style pitch. - The Special Interest Pathway lets you blend part-time internship, volunteering, and classes, or focus fully on volunteering plus Spanish or creative electives. If you want to explore Spain, improve Spanish, travel sustainably, and gain real-world experience with impact, this semester is for you. The next session dates: September 5th to November 28th, 2026 Eligibility: - 18 years old or over - Must be in good health - High school graduate with at least a 2.8 GPA - Interest in chosen pathway

Our Marine Conservation project invites volunteers to participate in various conservation efforts along Portugal’s beautiful coastline. Partnering with a local diving school specializing in environmental protection, this program offers a unique blend of diving and ecological education. What to expect Week 1 – Diving Certification • New Divers: Begin your journey with training to earn your diving certificate, which is essential for safely participating in conservation activities. The diving school is conveniently located at the volunteer accommodation. You will commute with instructors to diving sites, with distances ranging from a 5-minute walk to a 1.5-hour drive. • Certified Divers: If you’re already certified, instructors will assess your skills so you can start diving and studying for a specialization immediately. Tasks • Help remove rubbish from the seafloor. • Study the marine ecosystem and learn protection strategies. • Observe and identify fish and other marine wildlife. • Collect and analyze ecological data.