Dolphins, which inhabit the coastal waters of Greece, unfortunately face increasing degradation of their natural habitat and overfishing. As a result, dolphin populations are threatened and others have even completely disappeared from their former range. The project is working on the long-term viability of dolphin species living in two coastal areas of western Greece.
Project
Volunteering with dolphins Greece. Since 1991, the project has been organizing this field project for volunteers who would like to contribute to various dolphin studies. This project offers volunteers a unique opportunity to observe marine mammals in their natural habitat and to discover the fascinating world of these animals through research. Experience is not required.
The project staff consists of a highly qualified team. The fieldwork is led by one experienced principal investigator, two experienced investigators and one or more research assistants (usually internal students). Volunteers support and assist the team. Team members remain at the field station for an extended period of time so that they can direct all aspects of the investigation. The working language on this project is English.
The study area is mainly located in two coastal areas of western Greece: The Gulf of Ambracia, where bottlenose dolphins are the only cetacean species to be found. And the Ionian inland archipelago, where in addition to bottlenose dolphins, common and striped dolphins also occur. In addition, it is also possible to spot the monk seal here.
The project’s field base is located in a traditional village where friendly and hospitable people live. With a medieval castle at the top from where you have a beautiful view. In the village there is a small harbor and there is a cozy atmosphere. The area is also home to a great diversity of seabirds, including the rare Dalmatian pelican.
The project participants can visit the beautiful surroundings before or after their participation. Including, for example, interesting archaeological sites or the beautiful island of Lefkas.
You travel on your own to the project in Greece. Detailed travel details will be provided after booking.
Volunteering with dolphins is very varied. Your duties may include:
- Helping the researchers collect data on the dolphins (eg, group composition and behavior). You will actively participate in visual surveys as you navigate, looking for dolphins, sea turtles, birds, and other fauna.
- After each boat trip you will help to enter the collected data at the field station into a special database. This mainly concerns photo identification.
- You can also help identify birds associated with the dolphins, and fish in the birds’ beaks, based on digital photos taken in the field.
- General duties such as cooking, cleaning and maintenance.
Participants reside at the project’s field base. The house is located in the center of the village and is only 50 m from the coast. The house is divided into an apartment with large living room, open kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms (for researchers) and a balcony. The second part of the house consists of a comfortable loft where participants can relax after work. Volunteers will also sleep in this loft (bunk beds provided).
As a volunteer you must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age of 18 years
- You feel comfortable in warm weather conditions. In addition, you have no problems being expose to the sun for relatively long periods
- You are firmly on your feet and can stay on a small boat for a long period of time
- You can swim and walk short distances
- You are flexible for changing situations and you are eager to learn
- You can communicate in English
- You weigh no more than 120 Kg (to keep the boat in balance, among other things)
Volunteers are welcome at the project in Greece from June 19 to September 17, 2022 (fixed participation dates). Minimum stay of 6 nights.
|
Period
|
Price per person
6 days |
Price per person for students 6 days
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 19 – 25 june |
€ 755,-
|
€ 685,-
|
| 2 | 26 june- 02 july |
€ 755,-
|
€ 685,-
|
| 3 | 03 – 09 july |
€ 785,-
|
€ 785,-
|
| 4 | 10 – 16 july |
€ 785,-
|
€ 785,-
|
| 5 | 17 – 23 july |
€ 785,-
|
€ 785,-
|
| 6 | 24 – 30 july |
€ 785,-
|
€ 785,-
|
| 7 | 31 july- 06 august |
€ 785,-
|
€ 785-
|
| 8 | 07 – 13 august |
€ 785,-
|
€ 785,-
|
| 09 | 14 – 20 august |
€ 785,-
|
€ 785,-
|
| 10 | 21 – 27 august |
€ 785,-
|
€ 785,-
|
| 11 | 28 august- 03 september |
€ 785,-
|
€ 785,-
|
| 12 | 04 – 10 september |
€ 755,-
|
€ 685,-
|
| 13 | 11 – 17 september |
€ 755,-
|
€ 685,-
|
- Information and assistance before departure
- If desired, free estimate of flight options / travel possibilities (the most convenient flights options at a glance)
- Accommodation
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and drinks (excluding alcoholic and soft drinks)
- Electricity, water, heating and cooking costs
- Fuel for dinghy
- Lectures and training
- Scientific supervision
- Certificate of participation in the project
- Contribution to the research
- Program and administration costs
- And, of course, an unforgettable experience!
Prices are valid for the said periods in the year 2022.
Everything you need to know before you book this project:
Extensive information Project Dolphins in Greece (PDF)
