Marine Conservation

Discover the Wonders of the Barcelona Coastline!
Join this volunteer program to explore the Barcelona coastline, perfect for sea and environment lovers. Gain scuba and environmental protection experience, learn about marine ecosystem challenges, and help ensure the survival of this unique environment and its wildlife.

Barcelona’s close relationship with the sea offers a wide range of resources and activities but also poses a risk to the coastal seabed. As a marine conservation volunteer, you’ll use and improve your scuba diving skills while actively working to restore the natural state of the marine ecosystem of Catalonia and the wider Mediterranean Sea.

Volunteers join a non-profit diving club in various projects with social and environmental impact, supporting underwater conservation efforts and reducing ocean pollution. During the summer, you may also assist in summer camps for at-risk kids, helping with their dives or developing workshops about the sea and environment.

The program is open to everyone, regardless of diving experience. The program fee covers the cost of required online and in-person training, full scuba equipment, and supervision from an experienced dive instructor. Volunteers staying for at least two weeks will complete internationally recognized CMAS (World Underwater Federation) diving certifications, based on their current diving experience and length of stay. The project works with a local diving club, ensuring constant supervision by an experienced dive instructor.

 

 

What to Expect

  • Scuba Diving: Improve your diving skills and earn certifications.
  • Marine Conservation: Participate in projects to restore marine ecosystems and reduce pollution.
  • Community Engagement: Assist in summer camps and develop educational workshops.

 

 

Daily Tasks

  • Seabed Cleanup: Clean up marine debris using diving equipment and nets.
  • Data Logging: Log information on collected items and trash.
  • Marine Life Rescue: Remove marine organisms from collected trash and return them to the sea.
  • Scientific Research: Document and collect information on fauna in a monitored biodiverse area.
  • Ecosystem Education: Learn about the marine ecosystem and how to protect it; collect and register information on biodiversity.

 

 

Why Join?

  • Make an Impact: Help tackle ocean pollution and support underwater conservation efforts.
  • Gain Experience: Develop scuba diving and marine conservation skills.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience life in Barcelona while making a positive difference.

Ready to Discover the Wonders of the Barcelona Coastline?

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Included

  • Airport pickup on Sundays, straight to your accommodation
  • Stay in a socially or environmentally impactful hostel—female, male, or mixed dorms
  • Access to a common room and free Wi-Fi!
  • Two meals a day (breakfast and lunch)—veggie, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request
  • Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, program details, and safety
  • We’ll hook you up with an impactful non-profit project and handle the coordination
  • Guided city tour with top tips for exploring
  • Ongoing support throughout your stay
  • 24/7 emergency support, just in case
Book now

FAQ

Is prior experience in diving required to take part in the Marine Conservation Program?

No, you do not need to have any prior experience in diving, the professional diving instructor will teach you all the necessary basics and safety essentials right on the spot! In your program is included a certificated diving course adjusted to your diving skills.

Which diving tracks are available to me during the volunteer period?

If you are a diving beginner, you will start with the fundamentals and safety procedures. Once you get more autonomous - usually during the second week - you can start helping to collect trash. If you already have some experience, you will get to dive right away and contribute to our mission even quicker. You can start the program at any experience level and obtain the next level of certification accordingly!

If its your first time diving and you have little or no experience, it is highly recommended to apply at least for 2 weeks to be sure you take part of the Marine Conservation Program and you get your diving certification. If you stay only for one week it’s possible that you will not participate in open ocean diving.

Here is the detailed table of what you can do for each week in the program:

Our diving certifications are  internationally recognized SSI (Scuba Schools International). The courses range from Open Water Diver to Scuba Diver. Please provide us with and previous diving certification in advance so that we can arrange the right course level for you.

Shall I bring any own diving equipment for the Marine Conservation Program?

No, the price includes all the professional diving equipment you'll need for your dive. We do recommend bringing comfortable swimwear, beach slippers, and a towel! 

What is the minimum age to participate in this program? 18

The minimum age to participate in this program is 18 years.

Do I have to pay money for volunteering?

You are not paying for your volunteer work itself but for your stay with us overall. The costs for your program further include various elements that are part of your stay such as your accommodation, food, transportation from the airport, guided city tour, local coordination and 24/7 support for emergencies. Check the "Included" section of the program you want to choose for complete information!

How and when do I need to pay for my volunteer program with ImpacTrip?

The payment of your volunteer program is done by bank transfer. We will kindly ask you to pay 50% of your bill at the time of your booking to secure your spot! The other 50% will be due at least one month before your arrival!

What is the accommodation like? Could I stay in a private room?

Depending on the program, in most cases, you will stay along with the other volunteers in dormitory-style rooms. Private rooms may be available at your accommodation as well for an extra cost.

Can I cook in the accommodation?

Yes, the hostel has an eqquiped kitchen where you can cook yourself with the only condition of cleaning everything used afterwards.

How much money should I bring to my program?

Once you've booked your program, be sure to reach out to your local coordinator to get the scoop on the cost of living in your destination—it can differ quite a bit! And don't forget to budget for public transportation, emergencies, airport drop-off, snacks, fun activities, and a bit of local shopping. Happy planning!

How many people will be I be volunteering with?

Depending on your program and project, you might be joined by other ImpacTrip volunteers, but usually, you’ll either be on your own or with local volunteers. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the community and its lifestyle!

In case of need, how do I get health care?

All volunteers must arrive with private health insurance that covers the costs of any health service that may arise in their program destination.
With this insurance you can be treated at any private or public medical center. The medical expenses will be paid by you and when you return to your country you will have to present all the invoices to your insurance so don't forget to budget medical emergencies.
In the case of European volunteers, to facilitate the process, it is advisable to come with your European Health Card.

Do I need to speak the local language?

No, you don't need to have any previous skills in the local language! All of our programs are run entirely in English and our guides and staff are all comfortable speaking English as well. However, we always encourage our participants to get acquainted with some of the most basic terms and expressions, as even just a simple "Good morning!" in the local language can be a great icebreaker to start interacting with the locals! There are also language lessons available for volunteers that can be booked before or upon arrival.

Will I have time for some sight-seeing as well?

Of course! We want you to really get to know your natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with useful tips and tricks that will help you discover the location of your stay like a local. 

Your shifts will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place either in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening, which will leave you with plenty of free time to go explore, take a stroll around your surroundings, catch the most important sites, interact with the locals or simply go and relax! And of course, you will have your weekends off as well!

How and when do I get my volunteer certificate?

You can request your volunteer certificate to ImpacTrip or the local coordinator at the end of your program.