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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to volunteer in marine conservation in Spain?
Our Travel Roots Whale & Dolphin Conservation Program in Tenerife gives you the chance to work hands-on in one of the best places in the world to observe cetaceans in their natural environment.Tenerife, located in the Canary Islands, is home to over 30 species of whales and dolphins, including permanent populations of short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. As a volunteer, you’ll become an integral part of a passionate team dedicated to protecting marine life through field research, education, and community outreach.
This program combines marine biology, environmental activism, and community engagement. Whether you're conducting species surveys from a boat, helping clean plastic off the coastline, or contributing to cutting-edge data mapping with QGIS software, every task helps protect the ocean’s most iconic residents.
You’ll work alongside marine biologists, conservationists, and educators while gaining real-world experience in:
Marine species monitoring and photo ID
Acoustic studies and whale vocalisation recording
Citizen science-based data collection
Educational outreach and ecotourism ethics
Community sustainability projects and campaigns
If you have a passion for the ocean and a desire to protect what you love, this is your chance to turn that passion into action. Whether you're an aspiring marine scientist, a filmmaker with a conservation story to tell, or simply someone who wants to make a meaningful difference, this program welcomes you.
By volunteering on our Whale & Dolphin Conservation program in Tenerife, you will:
• Observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat while contributing to long-term marine research
• Learn valuable field skills in acoustic monitoring, QGIS mapping, and species identification
• Support ocean conservation through coastal clean-ups and sustainable tourism advocacy
• Gain practical experience in environmental education, film production, and citizen science
• Collaborate with passionate marine biologists and conservation professionals
• Immerse yourself in island life, from volcanic landscapes to vibrant Spanish culture
• Inspire change by leading or contributing to grassroots community projects
• Build a portfolio of conservation experience and transferable skills for your future careerWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Marine Conservation Volunteer
Every day on this program is shaped by ocean conditions, research priorities, and your personal interests. Volunteers take on active roles in research, education, and fieldwork while gaining an authentic island-living experience in one of the world's top whale and dolphin hotspots.
Here’s what a typical weekday might look like:
8:00 AM – Morning Briefing
Start the day with a team meeting to review ocean conditions, boat schedules, and daily assignments—ranging from research surveys to community projects.9:00 AM – Boat-Based Fieldwork
Head out on a whale-watching boat as a research guide. Observe and record whale and dolphin sightings, conduct photo ID, or monitor acoustic activity. Engage with tourists and help promote responsible ecotourism.1:00 PM – Lunch Break
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the volunteer base or in town. Use this time to socialise, rest, or log your morning data.2:30 PM – Conservation & Education Projects
Afternoons are hands-on: you might be working on a beach clean-up, leading a marine conservation talk for students, or updating species mapping in QGIS. Some days include film editing, campaign planning, or ocean acoustic analysis.5:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Free Time
Close the workday with a group debrief and data upload. Afterwards, unwind at the beach, go snorkelling, or explore local cafés and markets with fellow volunteers.Evenings & Weekends
Free to explore Tenerife’s vibrant towns, volcanic landscapes, and warm community culture. Join optional excursions, cultural workshops, or short hikes with new friends.No two days are alike—but every one makes an impact.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
Volunteering in this program means stepping into the frontlines of ocean conservation. Your presence and energy directly contribute to protecting whales, dolphins, and their fragile Atlantic habitat.
By conducting fieldwork, documenting sightings, analysing behaviour, and raising awareness, you become an essential part of a dedicated team working to safeguard marine life.
Every data point you record strengthens scientific understanding. Every conversation you have with tourists promotes responsible tourism. Every plastic bottle you remove from the shoreline helps preserve the ecosystem for generations to come.
But the impact doesn’t stop at the water’s edge.
You’ll also play a role in empowering local communities by supporting environmental education, sustainable living practices, and creative conservation outreach. Whether you're helping a child identify a species for the first time or assisting in a global awareness campaign, your efforts ripple far beyond the island.
Perhaps most importantly, this program is an investment in yourself. You’ll gain hands-on experience in marine research, public engagement, GIS mapping, acoustic monitoring, and campaign development—skills that are highly transferable to conservation careers anywhere in the world.
You’ll leave not only with unforgettable memories, but with the knowledge, confidence, and purpose to continue protecting our planet’s oceans wherever you go.
Your Home by the Sea – Aqua Inn Volunteer House
During your placement in Tenerife, you’ll stay at our welcoming volunteer house, Aqua Inn—a safe, social, and comfortable base located close to the action.
You’ll share a same-sex bedroom with 2–3 volunteers, and each room comes with its own en-suite bathroom for added comfort. Rooms are air-conditioned, helping you stay cool after sunny days out at sea or working on shore projects.
The house is equipped with:
Communal living area with sofas, books, and space to relax
Fridge/freezer, kettle, and laundry facilities
Free WiFi suitable for browsing and messaging (we recommend downloading films in advance just in case)
Air conditioning in all rooms
Note: Hot water is not available, but with Tenerife’s tropical temperatures, cool showers are often refreshing and welcomed.
Upgrade Option – Guesthouse Stay.
For those who prefer additional privacy, you can upgrade to a private room at our partner guesthouse for an additional fee:
€42 per night for single occupancy
€52 per night for couples sharing
The guesthouse is centrally located—closer to the beach and the restaurant where volunteers dine—and includes hot showers, stronger WiFi, laundry service, and a mini fridge in-room.
If you’d like to upgrade your stay, just let us know when booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
History
Our trusted partner has been at the forefront of cetacean conservation and environmental education for over 25 years. Originally founded to carry forward the work of a pioneering Spanish environmental agency in Tenerife, the organisation has evolved into an internationally recognised platform for research, conservation, and advocacy.
With a dedicated team of marine biologists, educators, and volunteers, they manage one of the world’s busiest whale-watching centres—turning tourism into a force for positive environmental impact. From running volunteer programs aboard whale-watching boats to guiding global research initiatives across the Atlantic, their legacy is deeply rooted in both science and community.
Mission & Vision
The mission is clear: to protect whales, dolphins, and marine ecosystems while fostering global ocean awareness and sustainable living. Through immersive educational programs, ethical ecotourism, and innovative conservation strategies, they aim to inspire volunteers and the public alike to become ocean stewards.
With a strong belief in using local ecosystems as real-world laboratories, the team develops cutting-edge conservation methods that are adaptable and scalable around the world. Their vision is an interconnected, informed, and proactive global community—working together to protect the oceans for generations to come.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fee
Duration Fee (EUR) per Week Daily Equivalent
1–3 weeks €297 €42.43/day
3–5 weeks €237 €33.86/day
6+ weeks €178 €25.43/day
Fees are due 30 days before your start date, or within 48 hours if applying less than 30 days before arrival.
What’s Included
✔️ Accommodation in our comfortable volunteer house (Aqua Inn)
✔️ Daily support and mentorship from experienced marine professionals
✔️ Hands-on training in species ID, data collection, photo ID, QGIS mapping, acoustics & more
✔️ Opportunity to contribute to educational outreach, beach cleans & eco-campaigns
✔️ Placement on whale watching boats as a research guide
✔️ All program-related materials and resources
✔️ Welcome pack full of useful and necessary information
✔️ Domestic airport transfers
✔️ Certificate of completion at the end of your placement
✔️ Full support before, during, and after your program
✔️ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✔️ So much moreYour Investment in Marine Conservation & Yourself
This isn’t just a volunteer placement—it’s an investment in your future, your passion, and your professional development.
You’ll gain:
Transferable field research skills
Hands-on conservation experience
Insight into international marine protection efforts
Networking with global experts
Confidence, purpose, and a powerful sense of contribution
Whether you’re pursuing a career in marine biology, environmental education, wildlife filmmaking, or sustainability, the tools you gain here will stay with you for life.
Where You’ll Be – Tenerife, Canary Islands
Your volunteer journey takes place in Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, Tenerife is not only famous for its year-round sunshine and volcanic landscapes but also as one of the world’s premier whale and dolphin watching destinations.
Volunteers are based in the sunny coastal town of Puerto Colón in southern Tenerife, where warm waters meet rich marine biodiversity. From this vibrant hub, you’ll join boat excursions into the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, a sanctuary for up to 28 species of cetaceans, including pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and even occasional sperm whales and orcas.
Tenerife – A Living Laboratory of Nature and Culture
Tenerife offers the perfect balance between meaningful work and rich cultural immersion. When you’re not on the water collecting data or raising awareness, you can:
Hike through Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Swim in natural volcanic rock pools or relax on golden and black sand beaches.
Explore local markets, tapas bars, and festivals, where traditional Canarian culture thrives.
Visit ancient laurel forests, marine centres, and coastal villages.
The island’s subtropical climate makes outdoor activities enjoyable all year long, and its unique blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous Guanche influences makes every day a discovery.
Make the most of your days off in Tenerife by diving into a mix of adventure, nature, and culture. Here's what you can enjoy:
Teide National Park Hikes
Trek around Spain’s highest peak and marvel at otherworldly volcanic landscapes
Natural Rock Pools in Garachico
Swim in crystal-clear tidal pools formed by volcanic eruptions.
Beach Days at Playa de las Américas or El Médano
Enjoy surfing, sunbathing, or simply relaxing by the Atlantic Ocean.
Whale Watching Trips
Even outside your conservation work, hop on local tours to spot more cetaceans in their natural habitat.
Snorkelling or Diving at Abades Reef
Discover colourful marine life just off the coast in this beginner-friendly dive spot.
Historic Town of La Laguna
Wander UNESCO-listed streets, visit colonial-era buildings, and sample local cuisine.
Masca Valley Trek
Experience one of Tenerife’s most scenic hikes through deep gorges and lush hillsides.
Cultural Experiences in Santa Cruz
Visit the island’s capital for shopping, museums, food markets, and local art.
Island-Hopping to La Gomera
Take a day trip by ferry to a neighbouring island known for its ancient forests and whistling language.
Stargazing Excursions
Join a night tour to admire the stars from one of the clearest skies in Europe atop Mount Teide.
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