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Outstanding 4.90rating (22)

Dolphin & Sea Turtle Conservationist

location
1 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Actively support a marine wildlife conservation project located on the italian coast of the North Adriatic Sea
  • Get involved in sea turtle and dolphin research and monitoring activities led by marine biologists
  • Discover the amazing biodiversity of the Po river Delta Park

Highlights

  • Actively support a marine wildlife conservation project located on the italian coast of the North Adriatic Sea
  • Get involved in sea turtle and dolphin research and monitoring activities led by marine biologists
  • Discover the amazing biodiversity of the Po river Delta Park
  • Be trained on the biology of marine and coastal wildlife of the study area
  • Meet and make new friends in a relaxed and informal atmosphere

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Join our project and actively support biologists in a wildlife conservation program in the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy, as protagonist, an experience dedicated to save the nature

    The TAO project is based in Lido di Spina, a small green and pacefull town overlooking the northwestern Adriatic Sea. Our team, composed of marine biologists, works for the conservation of marine and coastal fauna in a wide study area located within the Po Delta Park, one of the most important ...

    About the program

    The TAO project is based in Lido di Spina, a small green and pacefull town overlooking the northwestern Adriatic Sea. Our team, composed of marine biologists, works for the conservation of marine and coastal fauna in a wide study area located within the Po Delta Park, one of the most important wetlands in Europe.

    In particular, the mission, in which volunteers are involved, is to promote the coexistence between human activities and nature by developing scientific research and awareness projects in this area.

    The program consists of a week-long experience (up to a maximum of 2 weeks) living and working alongside the association's marine biologists and supporting  field monitoring activities dedicated to marine and coastal fauna. 

    The weekly program for volunteers consists of the following activities:

    • Boat excursions for sea turtle and dolphin monitoring
    • Search for tracks and protection of sea turtle nests on the beach
    • Field sampling for the study of marine-coastal fauna
    • Guided tours to discover the biodiversity of the Po Delta Park
    • Training on marine biology and processing of data collected during research activities at sea
    • Birdwatching and monitoring of aquatic avifauna
    • Beach cleanup and plastic pollution monitoring
    • Support for management activities and visits to TAO field base
    • Environmental awareness events for the community
    In order to fully enjoy the experience, volunteers are asked to bring the following equipment with them:

    For accommodation:
    • Bedsheets and pillowcases
    • Towels for personal use
    • Identification document

    For activities:
    • Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
    • Light and comfortable clothing, including sweatshirts or a light jacket
    • Swimsuit and beach towel
    • Waterproof jacket
    • Sneakers
    • Backpack
    • Water bottle
    • Mosquito spray
    • Binoculars/Camera (optional)



    Typical day

    The schedule of field activities, described above, is flexible and defined according to weather conditions. The program is not prior scheduled and the activities for the next day are usually communicated at dinner. However, an hypothetical typical day is described below: 

    • Morning: about 4 hours of ...

    Typical day

    The schedule of field activities, described above, is flexible and defined according to weather conditions. The program is not prior scheduled and the activities for the next day are usually communicated at dinner. However, an hypothetical typical day is described below: 

    • Morning: about 4 hours of field research activities (on the beach, lagoon or sea depending on the daily study species) helping the staff to collect data and spot the species of interest in their habitat
    • From 1 pm to 3 pm lunch break and free time
    • From 3 pm to 6 pm: lecture and training on marine fauna biology and/or input of data collected in the field and/or excursions to discover the surroundings and the Po Delta Park.
    • 8 pm: dinner 


    Free-time activities

    During their free time, participants will have the opportunity to relax at the beach (only a few minutes' walk from the base), practice water sports, visit the nearby towns of Comacchio and Ravenna and their museums/monuments, and enjoy bike rides within the Po Delta Park

    Free-time activities

    During their free time, participants will have the opportunity to relax at the beach (only a few minutes' walk from the base), practice water sports, visit the nearby towns of Comacchio and Ravenna and their museums/monuments, and enjoy bike rides within the Po Delta Park


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    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.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    - good spirit of adaptation - attitude for teamwork

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The fee includes:
    • accommodation
    • TAO membership card
    • utilities (electricity and gas)
    • boat excursions
    • training
    • participation in guided tours by biologists
    • certificate of participation




    NOT included in the price:
    • Meals
    • Travel expenses to/from Lido di Spina
    • Personal expenses

    Accommodation

    We will provide accommodation in two adjacent apartments in Lido di Spina (Comacchio, Ferrara). Each apartment has a spacious dining room, fully equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 1 balcony and 1 toilet.

    Participants are responsible for their own breakfast and lunch preparation and cleaning. At the beginning of each week, participants will be driven to the nearest supermarket to buy food and everything they need for their stay. 
    Dinners at partner restaurant are included.
    Smoking is forbidden inside the apartment.
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Guglielmo Marconi Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) in Bologna. We assist you to find cheap flights to Italy. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Italy provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Italy you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Italy. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    You can choose one of the following weekly vacation packages (7 days & 6 nights):

    The weeks available for the 2026 season are as follows: 

    July 13 - July 19 
    July 20 - July 26 
    July 27 - August 2 
    August 3 - August 9 
    August 10 - August 16 
    August 17 - August 23 
    August 24 - August 30

    Each package will be activated with a minimum of 4 participants up to amaximum of 6. Reccomended arrival time on Monday is from 11 am to 13 am. The volunteer package ends on Sunday at 12:00 noon.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $900 per week 1 - 2 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 2 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.90
    22 reviews

    Volunteer photos

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Italy > Comacchio

    Meet your project coordinator

    Andrea
    22
    reviews
    4.90
    Outstanding
    2018
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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