Highlights
- HANDS ON EXPERIENCES directly from the boat and help in observation and collection of valuable dolphin data;
- Help in supervised dolphin photo ID analysis which is the crucial method for the dolphin population dynamics (abundance and also distribution)
- As a volunteer you will help in Vivamar's activities to rise the awareness for the Dolphin Watching activities in the area which, at the moment, are not sustainable
- Learning the first steps into the Marine Conservation, about different species of Mediterranean megafauna and how they play a key-role for the well-being of the entire Marine Ecosystem
- Have fun in snorkeling, swimming, biking, getting to know like-wise people from all over the world and along do great actions for the Dolphins!
- gain first hand insight into a day in the life of a bottlenose dolphin and all the threats that they face;
- learn about Biology, Ecology and Conservation of Marine Mammals. You can also gain deeper insight into their physiology, ethology… and you will have a scientific supervision while working with data.
- meet and work with a competent and engaging team of like-minded people. You’ll most likely also learn about other cultures and languages!
- raise awareness about the importance of the dolphins’ role in the Northern Adriatic Sea;
- enjoy the Mediterranean sun and crystal blue water;
- enjoy snorkeling from the research boat directly into the blue, off the dreamy islands in the research area;
Typical day
It represents a mixture of leisure and interesting work, so it is like:
·we have a simple Mediterranean breakfast
·this is followed with a briefing of the daily tasks;
·in the morning we do the analysis of data from the previous encounters: checking and entering all relevant obtained dolphins' data from a previous research into the catalogue and transcripting the notes made during the observation (first steps into the research analysis);
·on the days assigned to go out to the sea, we have one of the presentations by Vivamar and one of the interesting videos from the dolphin or marine mammal world;
·afterwards we make a simple lunch, which is generally self-service;
·when going off to the boat, or to the observation of dolphins from different platforms, we depart in the afternoon and stay with dolphins as long as it goes, sometimes till 8.30 p.m.;
·we return in an excellent, overwhelming and inspired mood
·we have the evening meal after the dinner we talk, socialise, play games, do karaoke etc.
·in July and August – we have special additional and important activity for the dolphins. We go out to the sea with the DWB (Dolphin Watching Boats). We will do all the activities according to the briefing at the beginning of volunteering. It is very important to rise the awareness about the dolphins among the tourists and tell them simple facts about dolphin biology, why these dolphins are threatened and why it makes sense to protect them - to keep the marine ecosystem healthy.
·SUNDAY is FREE for everybody! For Vivamar team and for the volunteers! How awesome is that? You can enjoy in the sea activities, in the nature, biking, hiking – explore the neighbourhood – maybe make an excursion?
IT IS A LOT OF FUN and ALSO ALONG YOU HELP TO THE DOLPHINS!
Details on Arrival
- 1st TEAM 6th MAY – 16th MAY
- 2nd TEAM 20th MAY – 30th MAY
- 3rd TEAM 3rd JUN – 13th JUN
- 4th TEAM 20th JUN – 30th JUN
- 5th TEAM 4th JUL – 14th JUL
- 6th TEAM 18th JUL – 28th JUL
- 7th TEAM 1st AUG – 11th AUG
- 8th TEAM 15th AUG – 25th AUG
- 9th TEAM 2nd SEP – 12th SEP
- 10th TEAM 16th SEP – 26th SEP
- 11th TEAM 30th SEP – 10th OCT
Free-time activities
On one of the days within your stay an excursion will be organized to visit Istria from the Natural point of view like described above.
On other free hours you can go swimming, snorkeling, biking, hiking, sight-seeing, wine tasting - and other interesting and joyful activities.
If
you tend to extend your stay over the team dates there are plenty of very
attractive possibilities: from sports (diving, amazing biking, trekking,
fishing, tennis, caving, golf and of course numerous of attractive beaches with
the crystal clean sea. The team will be happy to help you out.
Music
Snorkling
Souvenirs
Program Requirements
be positive thinking, enthusiastic, full of ideas, team-player,
Included Services
Before your journey
On-site services
What is included in your fee?
· accommodation,
· wi-fi in the research base,
· scientific support and motivation for the studies of marine biology (first hand by the project manager),
· professional lectures about dolphins and accompanied marine lectures and videos,
· free snorkel mask for your usage during your stay,
· free bike availability for the numerous cycling trails nearby,
· boat fuel,
· transfer from the research base to the boat,
· pick up transfer at the arrival from Umag to the research base,
· there is no pick up& drop off at the airport - you will get exact info about this once you get the contact iwth the project leads directly);
· food (only for one dinner, when we go to the local tavern, you pay the food yourself and Vivamar pays the drinks!)
· participation certificate,
· excursion to the beautiful surrounding,
· daily tourist tax, basic insurance on the boat;
Accommodation: You will stay in an apartment for volunteers with two shared rooms available (with 1-3 volunteers per room). Each room is equipped with bunk beds. There is also an air conditioner with cooling and heating capabilities in the apartment along with a western-style bathroom. The apartment’s entrance extends to a spacious terrace overlooking the surrounding area, which is a great place to hang out. In addition, there is a common room with a TV and computers for your use and enjoyment.
Beddings: you need to bring your own bedings with you. If you bring a sleeping bag you still need to bring your own sheet. In case you don’t have anything an additional charge of 10EUR will incur.
- Breakfast: Cereals, toast/bread, jams/spreads, tea and coffee are available for breakfast and each team member can help themselves in the kitchen.
- Lunches are prepared with the help of the assigned volunteers and after the predefined menu. Lunch generally comprises cooked simple Mediterranean menu.
- Dinners are usually not hot meals and are either self prepared or prepared together, followed with washing up responsibilities shared between volunteers.
- Meals are mostly vegetarian, for both health and value reasons, and typical dishes include Mediterranean food, pasta, risotto, roasted veggies etc.
*If special things are desired like: nuts, juices, soft drinks, soya milk, etc. you are welcome to buy it yourself or Vivamar can buy it with the copayment.
Program Fees
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