Join us in an urgent, rewarding mission: helping preserve the remaining population of Bottlenose Dolphins in the north-eastern Adriatic Sea. Their numbers—vulnerable to an unfortunate rise in human activities—have sharply declined over the last five decades. We seek passionate volunteers to amplify efforts to reverse these alarming trends and herald a new wave of hope for these fascinating creatures.
Our partner organization in Croatia, an ensemble of local biologists, members of the Slovenian Museum of Natural History, and esteemed academics from international universities, lead the way in dolphin conservation. They aim to conserve these magnificent marine mammals through research and active monitoring while enhancing our understanding of their behaviours and traits. As a volunteer, you’ll join the ranks of citizen scientists gathering important information to shape future conservation plans.
This 10-day placement offers a structured, hands-on experience. Kickstart your daily activities with team breakfasts and briefings, followed by data analysis sessions where you help input and assess observations collected the previous day.
On some occasions, afternoon observation sessions extend until 8:30 p.m., allowing you to maximize your time studying these fascinating cetaceans, considered among the most intelligent animals on the planet.
Education is an important part of the conservation work. Each year the organization and local community celebrates “Dolphin Day” which includes lectures, workshops and games. Volunteers help out with preparations for this event.
One day of your trip will be spent on a full-day excursion, discovering the breathtaking peninsula of Istria. Another day will be dedicated to learning about marine mammals, particularly the local Bottlenose Dolphin population.
You will be living in a volunteer apartment that you share with the other volunteers. All food is provided, but cooking and cleaning are shared responsibilities between team members. Bedding can be provided for an additional 5 Euros or you can bring your own. There is a washing machine on site available for volunteers to use (5 Euro per load).
We prioritize your safety. Got questions? We’ve got the answers.
We’ve got you covered every step of the way! Your volunteering journey includes:
Pick-up and drop-off from Umag
Comfortable accommodation
All meals
Wifi
Volunteer uniform
Excursions in the community
Comprehensive pre-departure & on-site training
A donation to our Placement Partner
AEI Travel Manual brimming with key travel insights including packing list, currency information and in-depth placement description
Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to USD 500,000 in emergency medical coverage)
24/7 emergency support throughout your placement
One tree planted for every volunteer to help offset carbon emissions and create more livable ecosystems for wildlife
Enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering
The package does not cover flights, entry visa costs, international and domestic airport taxes, immunizations, and medications.
This ongoing program operates during the warmer months, with specific sessions from April until October each year.
Need financial assistance? Many volunteers have successfully fundraised to cover some or all of their expenses. Please visit our fundraising page to explore how you might follow suit.
So, come! Let’s dive into a landmark marine conservation mission and lead the way for a brighter future for the last resident Bottlenose Dolphins in the Adriatic.
Embark on a transformative journey delving deep into marine biology, dolphin conservation, and the North Adriatic marine ecosystem. Through hands-on experience and insightful lectures, you’ll contribute to vital research efforts and gain invaluable knowledge that will ignite a passion for marine science. If you’re serious about marine biology, you’ll love the diverse lectures covering biology, data collection, wildlife, and marine mammal strandings. Interested in learning more? The educators will be happy to share additional insights on dolphin physiology and natural behaviour.
What better place to volunteer with dolphins than in the Mediterranean! Enjoy the sun and crystal clear blue water, as you get to know your new friends and explore a different culture. After rewarding days of learning and exploration, unwind with group activities or savour moments of tranquillity, surrounded by stunning landscapes reminiscent of Italy’s picturesque Tuscany.
B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013, and since then, we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefits to the environment and the communities in which we operate.
We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal Experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
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