Take part in a marine conservation and waste collection project. The project takes place in the small town of Omiš, Croatia, on the Adriatic coast. If you don't know how to dive, you'll have the opportunity to pass your certification on the spot. See all our volunteer programs in Europe here.
Marine conservation and underwater waste collection project in Croatia
The aim of the organization you are about to join is to reduce pollution of the Adriatic Sea, by collecting plastic waste from the seabed. Despite efforts to rehabilitate illegal waste dumps in Croatia, waste is still being dumped in the natural environment. Plastics and other residues of our consumption very often end up in waterways, before being carried out to sea. The team's efforts are concentrated near the town of Omiš, where a river flows into the town. To consolidate this underwater waste collection process, our partner ImpacTrip has developed a marine conservation volunteer program with the diving school. Field actions are carried out according to precise procedures:
- Setting up protocols for waste collection, sorting and disposal;
- Installation of waste sorting containers;
- Educational activities through workshops;
- Raising awareness of all plastic-related issues.
In addition to training to dive to SSI standards, volunteers take part in all underwater clean-up activities.
Collect plastic waste from the seabed in Croatia
Marine conservation volunteers at Omis support the efforts of a marine conservation program by collecting garbage from the seabed during dives.
Examples of the daily tasks you'll be involved in
- Garbage collection in the sea.
- Record information on collected objects.
- Observe and identify fish and marine organisms.
- You'll be trained to protect the marine ecosystem.
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 a healthier sea, thriving ecosystems and a clean coastline.
If you don't know how to dive
The program is open to people who have never dived before. However, they will need to start their stay with dive training to obtain their certificate. This is an essential step towards safe participation in conservation activities. Once you've acquired some independence, usually during the second week, you can start to take part in garbage collection. If it's your first time diving and you have little or no experience, it's strongly recommended that you sign up for at least two weeks to ensure your participation in the marine conservation program. If you only stay for a week, you may not be able to take part in deep-sea diving.
If you are a certified diver
If you are already certified in scuba diving, our instructors will assess your skills so that you can begin to participate fully in the different parts of the program. You can start the program at any level of experience and obtain the next level of certification accordingly!
Dates
- May 15 to November 15
- Between 1 and 8 weeks
If you've never dived before, or have little or no experience, it's strongly recommended that you register for at least two weeks in order to take part in the marine conservation program and obtain your diving certificate.
Rates
- 1st week: €1,500
- From 2 weeks, €810 per week.
Included in price
- Airport pick-up on Sunday
- Housing
- Three meals a day
- Access to a common room and free Wi-Fi!
- Information on arrival: culture, volunteering, program details and safety.
- Guided tour of the city with tips on how to explore it
- Ongoing support throughout your stay (provided by Impactrip)
- 24/7 emergency assistance (provided by Impactrip)
- Online and in-person training,
- Complete diving equipment
- Supervision by an experienced diving instructor.
Not included in price
- Flights
- Airport pick-up outside Sundays
- Back to the airport
- Personal expenses
- Transport from hostel to project
- Insurance
- Private room
- From age 16, with parental consent
- Language: English (intermediate level)
- Sunday arrival
- Open to beginners with no diving experience, volunteers will obtain a diving certification before engaging in underwater conservation activities.
- Medical certificate required
- Know how to swim
Food
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available on request.
Housing
Stay in a hostel with a social or environmental impact - women's, men's or mixed dormitories
Wifi access
Yes
Arrival
A member of our team will pick you up at the airport
Location
The pretty little town of Omiš on the Adriatic coast
- You're helping to reduce sea pollution and preserve marine life. The town of Omiš faces social and environmental risks, not least because of its heavy reliance on tourism, which can lead to seasonal unemployment and heavy pressure on the environment. By committing to this project, you are demonstrating that resilient tourism is possible.
- You'll learn more about diving and marine conservation.
- Discover Croatian culture.
During your free time you'll have the opportunity to visit the pretty town of Omiš and soak up Croatian culture. Omiš is a picturesque Croatian town nestling at the mouth of the Cetina River. It's famous for its superb Adriatic coastline, its cliffs and its history. However, Omiš faces social and environmental risks, not least because of its heavy reliance on tourism, which leads to seasonal unemployment and heavy pressure on the environment.
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About the partner
ImpacTrip 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. ImpacTrip offers travelers the chance to integrate various projects, mainly in Europe. It is B Corp certified, meaning it reconciles social and environmental objectives with profit. The B Corp community works to reduce inequality, lower poverty levels, build healthier environments and stronger communities, and create more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose. All Impactrip missions.
