Volunteering : Collect plastic waste from the seabed in Croatia

  • Marine conservation – underwater waste
  • Croatia – Omiš
  • From 16 years old, with parental authorization
  • Langue : Anglais (niveau intermédiaire)
  • Language: English (intermediate level)
  • 1st week: €1500 – €810 for subsequent weeks

Participate in a marine conservation and underwater waste collection project. This meaningful and solidarity-based volunteering trip takes place in the small town of Omiš in Croatia, on the Adriatic coast. If you do not know how to dive, you will have the opportunity to obtain your certification on site. See all volunteering programs in Europe here.

Marine conservation and underwater waste collection project in Croatia
Croatie

The aim of the organization you will be joining is to reduce pollution in the Adriatic Sea through the collection of plastic waste from the seabed. Despite efforts to rehabilitate illegal dumpsites in Croatia, waste is still being released into nature. Plastics and other residues from our consumption often end up in waterways before being carried into the sea.

The team’s efforts are focused near the city of Omiš, where a river flows into the sea. To strengthen this underwater waste collection process, our partner ImpacTrip has developed, together with a diving school, a marine conservation volunteering program.

Field activities are carried out according to strict procedures:

  • Implementation of protocols for waste collection, sorting, and disposal
  • Installation of waste sorting containers
  • Educational activities through workshops
  • Awareness-raising on all issues related to plastic pollution

In addition to SSI-standard diving training, volunteers take part in all underwater clean-up activities.

Collect plastic waste from the seabed in Croatia

Marine conservation volunteers in Omiš support the efforts of a marine conservation program by collecting underwater waste during dives.

Examples of daily tasks you will take part in:

  • Collecting waste in the sea
  • Recording information about collected items
  • Observing and identifying fish and marine organisms
  • Receiving training in marine ecosystem protection

Volunteers obtain internationally recognized SSI (Scuba Schools International) diving certifications, depending on their experience and length of stay. Courses range from Scuba Diver to Open Water Diver, as well as specialties such as marine ecology and fish identification. Volunteers work towards healthier seas, thriving ecosystems, and a cleaner coastline.

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 book 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 open water diving activities.

If you are a certified diver:

If you are already scuba certified, instructors will assess your skills so you can fully participate in the different parts of the program. You can start the program at any experience level and progress to the next certification level accordingly.

Dates
  • From May 15 to November 15
  • Between 1 and 8 weeks

    If you have never dived before, or have little to no experience, it is strongly recommended to book at least two weeks in order to take part in the marine conservation program and obtain your diving certification.
Fees

1st week: €1500
From the 2nd week: €810 per week

What’s included in the fee
  • Airport pick-up on Sunday
  • Accommodation
  • Three meals per day
  • Access to a common area and free Wi-Fi
  • Arrival briefing: culture, volunteering, program details and safety
  • City guided tour with tips to explore Omiš
  • 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 pick-up or drop-off on days other than Sunday
  • Return transfer to the airport
  • Personal expenses
  • Transport from the hostel to the project site
  • Insurance
  • Private room
  • From 16 years old, with parental authorization
  • Language: English (intermediate level)
  • Arrival on Sunday
  • Open to beginners with no diving experience. Volunteers will obtain a diving certification before engaging in underwater conservation activities.
  • 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 access: Yes
  • Arrival: A team member will pick you up at the airport.
  • Location: The charming small town of Omiš on the Adriatic coast.
  • You contribute to reducing marine pollution and protecting marine life. The town of Omiš faces social and environmental challenges, including a strong dependence on tourism, which can lead to seasonal unemployment as well as significant environmental pressure. By taking part in this project, you demonstrate that resilient tourism is possible.
  • You will develop your skills in scuba diving and marine conservation.
  • You will discover Croatian culture.

During your free time, you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful town of Omiš and immerse yourself in Croatian culture. Omiš is a picturesque Croatian town nestled at the mouth of the Cetina River. It is known for its stunning Adriatic coastline, cliffs, and rich history. However, Omiš also faces social and environmental challenges, including a strong dependence on tourism, which leads to seasonal unemployment and significant environmental pressure.

Tous les avis sur les missions du partenaire

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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.

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Laurence