Dolphin Conservation & Research off Istria
Coordinator | Darja
Coordinator | Darja
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
HANDS ON EXPERIENCES from the boat and land - 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!
Vivamar is an Ambassador of Dolphins to People. We research and inspire conservation of the last resident bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with helping volunteers
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
Volunteering for Vivamar represents a fantastic opportunity for you to:
- 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;
How you’ll help
With professional support, you will help fill in our dolphin data into the database from the previous observations. You will learn how to use photo identification methods to distinguish one dolphin from the other.
We also love when volunteers are proficient with social media, so that they can take advantage of social media platforms and advocate our dolphin activities. Otherwise Vivamar team will teach you - so it'll be very handy for your everyday lifee too, given that we all are surrounded by the social media...
In some teams you will be helping to prepare and, depending on the dates, attend local awareness events that Vivamar organizes. These events are great opportunities to engage with the local public and raise awareness about bottlenose dolphins in the area and their importance for the entire marine ecosystem...
As a dolphin volunteer, you will experience what every one of our team members has– inner growth. After spending time with the dolphins and Vivamar, you will be more enthusiastic and passionate – either about your everyday life, your studies, or any other project you are considering. Throw yourself in the deep end, push yourself, grow, learn, and gain confidence – all through your time helping us.
You’ll also stand out. Talk about your dolphin volunteering experience on Facebook, post out-of-this-world sunsets and dolphin photos from the stunning Adriatic to your Instagram and your friends will be so inspired by you!
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 dinner we talk, socialize, 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 raise 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!
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.
Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Hiking
Sports
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
Marine Mammals, Marine Ecology, Conservation, Marine Biology at Students or Bachelor and higher level
CV and booking form sent by Vivamar
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
You must be able to swimm; you should be familiar with the windows software, you should have interest in some nautics, marine life as such,
be positive thinking, enthusiastic, full of ideas, team-player,
be positive thinking, enthusiastic, full of ideas, team-player,
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
from
09:30
- 17:00
What's Included
What is included in your fee (11 days)?
· 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.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.
The nearest airport is Pula Airport (PUY) in Pula. We assist you to find cheap flights to Croatia.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Croatia provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Croatia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Croatia.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
START DATES IN 2021 ARE:
- 1st TEAM 24th APR - 4th MAY
- 2nd TEAM 13th MAY -23rd MAY
- 3rd TEAM 3rd JUN - 13th JUN
- 4th TEAM 17th JUN - 27th JUN
- 5th TEAM 8th JUL - 18th JUL
- 6th TEAM 29th JUL - 8th AUG
- 7th TEAM 12th AUG - 22nd AUG
- 8th TEAM 2nd SEP - 12th SEP
- 9th TEAM 16th SEP - 26th SEP
- 10th TEAM 30th SEP - 10th OCT
2 - 11 weeks
Program fees
11 days
(min. stay)
$1,363
12 days
$1,438
11 weeks
(max. stay)
$3,875
Average fees
$610
/week
The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
VIVAMAR
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with VIVAMAR during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Dolphin Conservation & Research off Istria
Vivamar is an Ambassador of Dolphins to People. We research and inspire conservation of the last resident bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with helping volunteers
$488/week
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