Marine conservation project in Barcelona, Spain. Explore the coastal waters of the Catalan capital by joining a marine conservation program with a diving school. The program focuses on protecting the Mediterranean Sea and collecting underwater waste. Discover all solidarity-based volunteering programs in Europe here.
Marine conservation and underwater waste collection project in Barcelona
Barcelona has been open to the Mediterranean Sea for centuries, with a maritime tradition dating back to Roman times. However, its urban development and close relationship with the sea have an impact on its coastal marine ecosystems. Indeed, the presence of large amounts of marine debris threatens marine species and ecosystems. This openness of the Catalan capital to the sea, along with its many activities, places significant pressure on its marine environment. By joining this marine conservation project, you will have the opportunity to explore and contribute to the preservation of Barcelona’s coastal ecosystems.
You will join a non-profit diving club with a positive social and environmental impact. You will support efforts to protect the seabed by reducing ocean pollution. During the summer, you may also take part in camps for children in difficult situations, assisting them with diving activities or developing workshops on the sea and the environment.
Marine debris clean-up and study of marine fauna and flora
You will join a marine conservation program through which you can explore the coastline of Barcelona. This program is ideal for sea and environment lovers. You will gain experience in scuba diving and environmental protection. You will be made aware of the challenges that marine ecosystems face due to pollution and urbanization. You will contribute to the survival of the Mediterranean seabed, its fauna, and flora.
Example of daily tasks assigned to you:
- Clean marine debris using diving equipment and nets.
- Record information about collected objects and waste.
- Remove marine organisms from collected debris and return them to the sea.
- Document and collect data on wildlife in a monitored biodiversity area.
- Learn about the marine ecosystem and how to protect it; collect and record biodiversity data.
Volunteers staying at least two weeks will take internationally recognized CMAS (World Underwater Federation) diving certifications.
If you do not know how to dive:
The program is open to people who have never dived before. However, they must begin their stay with diving training in order to obtain their certification. This is an essential step to safely participate in conservation activities. Once you gain autonomy, usually during the second week, you can begin taking part in waste collection activities. If this is your first time diving and you have little or no experience, it is strongly recommended to sign up for at least two weeks to ensure participation in the marine conservation program. If you stay only one week, it is possible that you will not participate in deep-sea diving activities.
If you are a certified diver:
If you are already scuba diving certified, instructors will assess your skills so you can fully participate in the different components of the program. You can start the program at any experience level and progress to the next certification level accordingly.
Dates
- From 1 to 12 weeks, all year round
- The program starts on Sundays preceding the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, and every Sunday from May to the end of August.
Fees
- 1st week: €1,440
- From the 2nd week: €770 per week
What’s included in the fee
- Airport pick-up on Sunday
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner
- Access to a common area and free Wi-Fi
- Arrival briefing: culture, volunteering, program details and safety
- City guided tour with tips to explore Barcelona
- Ongoing support throughout your stay (provided by Impactrip)
- 24/7 emergency assistance (provided by Impactrip)
- Online and in-person training
- Full diving equipment
- Supervision by an experienced diving instructor
Not included in the fee
- Flights
- Airport drop-off or pick-up on days other than Sunday
- Return transfer to the airport
- Personal expenses
- Transport from the hostel to the project site
- Insurance
- Private room
- From 18 years old
- Language: English (intermediate level). No Spanish required.
- Arrival on Sunday
- From 1 to 12 weeks all year round
- If you are a beginner diver, you will start by learning the basics and safety procedures. Once you gain more autonomy—usually during the second week—you can begin participating in waste collection activities. If you already have some experience, you will be able to dive immediately and contribute to the project more quickly. If you have never dived or have little to no experience, it is strongly recommended to book at least two weeks to ensure participation in the marine conservation program and to obtain your diving certification.
- Medical certificate required
- Must be able to swim
Food : Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options are available upon request.
Accommodation : Stay in a socially and environmentally impactful hostel – female, male, or mixed dormitories.
Wi-Fi : Yes
Arrival : A member of the team will pick you up at the airport.
Location : Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia
- You will contribute to the fight against ocean pollution and support underwater conservation efforts. Barcelona is facing challenges such as pollution, and high pollution levels threaten marine life, making beach clean-ups and underwater debris removal essential. By participating in this program, you demonstrate that it is possible to develop more sustainable and resilient tourism.
- You will develop your scuba diving and marine conservation skills.
- You will experience life in Barcelona!
Barcelona is a charming seaside city! During your free time, you will have plenty of opportunities to discover its culture, architecture, sunny beaches, and picturesque neighborhoods.
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About the Partner
Our partner is a social enterprise whose mission is to support and strengthen the work of non-profit social and environmental organizations. The company was founded in 2015 by Rita and Diogo, two social entrepreneurs who wanted to change the way people travel. The organization offers travelers the opportunity to take part in a variety of projects, mainly across Europe. It is B Corp certified, meaning that it combines social and environmental goals with profit. The B Corp community works toward reducing inequality, lowering poverty levels, creating a healthier environment, building stronger communities, and generating more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose.
