Marine Conservation

Learn and use your scuba diving skills to clean up the marine environment around the island of Alonissos. Increase your knowledge about environmental efforts, contribute to research projects, and gain practical, hands-on conservation experience.

Join the Marine Conservation and Scuba Diving Program on the beautiful island of Alonissos, Greece! This is your opportunity to make a positive social and environmental impact in the stunning azure waters of the Greek Islands. Like many marine ecosystems around the globe, the waters around Alonissos have been affected by global warming and climate change, threatening the local marine life.

As a volunteer, you will assist with a variety of initiatives, including coastal and underwater clean-ups, marine citizen science observations, and recycling seminars on plastic waste. While making a tangible impact on the environment, you’ll also have the chance to earn a recognized PADI scuba certification, joining the world’s largest dive community.

Your scuba diving skills will be crucial in driving change, as you participate in underwater activities that contribute to cleaner environments and healthier ecosystems. Working alongside fellow volunteers, you’ll make a significant impact on the local community and help foster environmental awareness and change.

 

 

What to Expect:

  • Conservation Projects: Engage in hands-on conservation efforts to protect Alonissos’ unique flora and fauna. Work to sensitize both the local community and seasonal visitors, learning about environmentally friendly practices applied both underwater and on land.
  • Coastal and Underwater Clean-ups: Participate in removing trash from coastlines and underwater areas, contributing to the preservation of marine life and habitats. Witness the transformation of the underwater environment as you make a tangible impact.
  • Marine Citizen Science: Collaborate with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki on citizen science programs, collecting valuable data on marine life that contributes to ongoing research efforts.
  • Plastic Waste Management: Get involved in innovative recycling practices to manage plastic waste, helping to create new, useful objects from discarded materials.
  • PADI Scuba Certifications: Learn or continue your scuba diving education and earn a reputable PADI scuba certification. Explore captivating underwater landscapes around Alonissos, all within the largest National Marine Park in Europe, under the guidance of experienced dive instructors.

 

 

Daily Tasks:

  • Engage in Conservation Projects: Participate in projects aimed at protecting the unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Alonissos.
  • Conduct Clean-ups: Remove trash and debris from the coastline and underwater areas to help preserve marine habitats.
  • Participate in Marine Science: Collect and record data as part of citizen science initiatives, contributing to critical research on marine biodiversity.
  • Manage Plastic Waste: Assist in recycling efforts, transforming plastic waste into useful items and promoting sustainable practices.
  • Scuba Diving Training: Take part in scuba diving training sessions, working towards your PADI certification while exploring the underwater world around Alonissos.

 

 

Why Join?

  • Make an Impact: Contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems in the beautiful Greek Islands and help protect local wildlife.
  • Gain Experience: Develop valuable skills in marine conservation, scuba diving, and environmental research.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience the unique culture and natural beauty of Alonissos while making a positive difference.

 

Ready to Dive into Marine Conservation on Alonissos?

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Included

  • Airport pickup on Sundays, straight to your accommodation
  • Stay in a traditional Greek style villa—twin shared rooms
  • Access to a common room and free Wi-Fi!
  • Two meals a day (breakfast and dinner)—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.

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! 

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.

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 in Alonissos?

Volunteers will stay in a traditional Greek style villa in twin rooms shared with another volunteer with a private bathroom. 

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.

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 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.

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.