Overview
Join a group of local and international volunteers to scuba dive in order to explore and act on all things that can be done to protect underwater environments.Divers volunteers have the opportunity to join a non-profit diving initiative in a variety of projects with social and environmental impact in order to provide support to underwater conservation efforts and to help to tackle and reduce ocean pollution.
As an ocean conservation volunteer, you’ll be using and improving your scuba diving skills while being actively involved in restoring the natural state of the marine ecosystem of Catalonia and the wider Mediterranean Sea.
Volunteers daily tasks can vary depending on the time of the year but can include: clean-up the seabed to reduce the marine debris – equipped with diving equipment and nets; logging information on items and trash collected; remove the marine living organisms from the trash collected and put it back in the sea; document and collect information of fauna – fish and invertebrate species – in a monitored biodiverse area as part of a scientific research project; learning more about the marine ecosystem and how to protect it and collect and register information of the biodiversity in an ecosystem created with the natural colonization of a former dismantled thermal power plant.
If you volunteer in the summer, you might also have the opportunity to help in the summer camps for kids with fewer opportunities through developing workshops about the sea and the environment.
Volunteer Work Schedule
Volunteer Work Schedule
Day 1, Sunday: Arrive at Barcelona Airport (El Prat) on Sunday. Volunteers are accommodated in the apartment
of the NGO.
Day 2, Monday: Volunteers will begin each morning at 7:30am by preparing and eating on their own (Mum
said…) a morning snack of coffee and fruit in the NGO accommodations. On Monday 8:30 am, volunteers will go by metro and walk to the Scuba Diving Center, where the journey starts at 9:30 with the training and preparation of the dive. They will settle in and have an orientation before the first dive at 10:30am. Non-divers will begin their PADI Open Water training.
Day 3, Tuesday: Volunteers will begin as usual at 7:30am by preparing and eating on their own a morning breakfast in the NGO accommodations. The journey starts at 9:30 with the training and preparation of the dive. The dive will be at 10:30 AM observing local underwater biodiversity
followed at 11:30 by a training regarding material organization and maintenance.
Lunch can be made on site at 12:30 or at home at 13:30. Then Volunteers come back by Metro to the NGO for the Afternoon briefing. Then during 2 hours they will give a hand to community work that needs to be done before ending the shift at 16hs.
Day 4, Wednesday: Starting from 7:30am by morning breakfast and going to the scuba diving club as everyday. The journey starts at 9:30 with the training and preparation of the dive. The dive will be at 10:30 AM observing local underwater biodiversity followed at 11:30 by a training regarding material organization and maintenance. Then they will receive training dedicated to the local ecosystem balance and resilience. Lunch can be made on site at 12:30 or at home at 13:30. Then Volunteers come back by Metro to the NGO for the Afternoon briefing. Then during 2 hours they will give a hand to community work that needs to be done before ending the shift at 16hs.
Day 5, Thursday: Starting from 7:30am by morning routine. The journey starts at 9:30 with the training and preparation of the dive. The dive will be at 10:30 AM by the mission to clean the sea without disturbing it; followed at 11:30 by a training regarding material organization and maintenance.
Then they will receive last guidelines to remember for the certification they shall pass on friday. Then Volunteers come back by Metro to the NGO. From 14hs to 16hs they will give a hand to community work that needs to be done before ending their shift.
Day 6,Friday: Starting from 7:30am by morning routine. The journey starts at 9:30 with the training and preparation of the dive. The dive and the exam will be at 10:30 am Student-divers will end with their training and complete their certification. Newly scuba certified volunteers will take part in all conservation dives in the following weeks. Then they will receive their certification and come back by Metro to the NGO. From 14hs to 16hs they will redact an article about the mission they worked on.
Day 7, Saturday: Free time to explore Barcelona with other volunteers.
Day 8, Sunday: Free time to explore Barcelona with other volunteers.
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
The Barcelona coast provides various marine animals with food, protection and shelter, but because of various factors, these delicate ecosystems are under threat. Volunteers will use their diving skills to contribute to the protection and conservation of these ecosystems and will gain experience and knowledge that they can pass on to others. In this way, volunteers continue to leave a positive impact, even after they have left the project. As a volunteer on this project, you will engage in various marine preservation tasks. These range from survey dives to identification dives and may include photography of fish and various forms of life. Volunteers will take part in the eradication of the trash, the data collection of various native species and the assessment of the local biodiversity in relation with.
Volunteers will work 35 hours a week, from Monday to Friday. Weekends will be free to enjoy the city of Barcelona!
Project Requirement
Project Requirement
The minimum age requirement to participate in the program is 18 years. (teenagers aged 16-17 can join with parental authorization).Basic level of Spanish or English is required.
For minors we also plan an interview with their parents before and after the volunteership.This program can welcome families with kids aged 14+.The program includes all dive equipment except computers. Anyone with an Advanced certification who plans to take part in our optional night or deep dives MUST bring their own dive light/torch.We recommend Non-certified divers to sign up for a minimum duration of two weeks so they can take part in conservation dives.
Schedule a Google Meet with a Program Advisor
Interested in our programs? We're here to provide expert guidance
- Get Detailed Info
- 20 min One -on-One meeting
- Get expert advise
- Application Guidance
Photo Gallery
Living
Living
Airport Transfer
The project site is in Barcelona, Spain. When you land in Barcelona, a local representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign that says your name and will take you directly to your accommodation. Airport pickup is provided between 9am – 8pm on the program arrival date, which has to be Sunday.
Orientation
Participants are given an induction on arrival and welcome interview in the next few days to be able to plan the volunteering and the program.
Accommodation and Meals
Participants in the program can book their own accommodation at a hotel, hostel or apartment in Barcelona. Accommodation is not provided in the program. We can give suggestions and recommendations for accommodation options close to the project but participants need to book them on their own. Barcelona is one of the most visited cities by tourists from around the world and there are many accommodation options to choose from. Lunch is provided from Monday to Friday at the project location.
During your Free Time
Barcelona is one of the most visited places from tourists and travellers around the world. There is plenty to see and do. The local team offers the services of a tourist guide with recommendations of local places to eat and to visit. Some outdoors trips and activities can be self-organised so the volunteers can enjoy Barcelona and other nearby areas.
Dates
Dates
November
17
24
December
01
08
January
05
12
19
26
February
02
09
16
23
March
02
09
16
23
30
April
06
13
20
27
May
04
11
18
25
June
01
08
15
22
29
July
06
13
20
27
August
03
10
17
24
31
September
07
14
21
28
October
05
12
19
26
November
02
09
16
23
30
December
07
14
Available
Filling Fast
Booked Out
Costs
Duration |
Program Fee
|
Choose your currency
|
---|---|---|
1 Week | $800 | |
2 Weeks | $1450 | |
3 Weeks | $1950 | |
4 Weeks | $2450 | |
5 Weeks | $3050 | |
6 Weeks | $3550 | |
7 Weeks | $4050 | |
8 Weeks | $4650 | |
Extra Week | $600 |
Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
What are you Paying for ?
- Pre departure Information and Support
- Airport pickup in Barcelona during scheduled hours
- Orientation/Induction on arrival
- Workshops
- Accommodation in the community
- Food (3 meals per day)
- Full induction and orientation on arrival
- Dive Equipment
- Laundry
- In-country support
- Project equipment and resources
What is not Included ?
- Flights
- Visa if required
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
FAQ's
Application and Program Details
-
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Spain Volunteer Programs?
-
Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Spain Volunteer Projects:
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program.
Intermediate level of Spanish for projects with children.
Mandatory swimming knowledge for Marine Conservation Project.
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
The participant must be in good health. -
What are the Program Locations in Spain?
-
We offer programs in Spain in two locations, Barcelona and Bilbao. The Community Development Program is located in Barcelona and the Beach Cleaning Program is located in Bilbao.
-
Can I volunteer as part of a group?
-
Yes, you are welcome to take part in Spain Volunteer Programs as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together in the Spain Programs.
-
When do I need to arrive in Spain for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Spain?
-
There are two project locations in Spain - Barcelona, and Bilbao. Volunteers joining the project in Barcelona are picked from Barcelona Airport (BCN). Volunteers joining the Beach Cleaning Program in Bilbao are picked up from Bilbao Airport. Volunteers are picked up from the airport by the local coordinator or representative and taken to the respective accommodations. Volunteers should arrive on the given program start/arrival date of the program.
-
For how many hours do I have to volunteer in a day?
-
Volunteers usually work for 4 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekends off, so you can travel on weekends. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.
-
When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Spain?
-
It is advised to apply for the projects once the volunteering/ traveling dates are decided as there are limited spots available. The application fee is valid for one full year and can be sent earlier than the desired year of volunteering for timely confirmation of the seat. As soon as you decide the travel dates, we suggest you apply for the program and hold your spot. We work on the basis of the first come first serve policy.
-
I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol Programs?
-
Yes, most definitely you can as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
-
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?
-
Usually, it takes around 10-12 working days for the application to be processed and placement to be confirmed. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and the booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’ and you can view the information in your account. The application acceptance depends on the availability of seats in the project as well as the eligibility criteria of the program (Age, skills and experience etc.).
-
Does VolSol provide with a reference or a certificate after program completion?
-
Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
Health and Safety
-
How safe is Spain in general?
-
Spain is one of the safest European countries to visit. Spain welcomes tourists and discerning travelers with open arms. To our volunteers, we recommend to go out and eat out after consulting their in-country coordinators. We also recommend that volunteers try to move out in a group and go for sightseeing together. You will be given safety precautions and instructions by the local coordinator team during the orientation as well as in your Pre-departure handbook after you become an enrolled participant.
-
Do I need to buy health insurance?
-
Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.
If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip. -
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
-
All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to Spain.To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to Spain, click">https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/spain">click here.
Accommodation and Living
-
Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?
-
Accommodation is provided from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will be according to the volunteer project you have selected. Participants in both Bilbao and Barcelona are offered accommodation in apartments. All the accommodation options are a great opportunity to interact with local and foreign people, learning about different cultures and making new friends from all around the world. In Barcelona all vegetarian meals are also provided to the volunteers.
-
Are there more expenses once I arrive in Spain?
-
Your program fee does not cover your personal expenses. You will need to provide for yourself your personal expenses, such as bottled water, local transport, telephone, shopping, sightseeing etc. You also need to cover for meals, that aren’t included in the program. However, you should carry around Euros 75–80 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you choose to go on weekend trips out of town.
-
What if I have my own accommodation? Can I still volunteer for the project?
-
Unfortunately, the entire volunteering experience is as much about volunteering on your project, as it is about the cross-cultural exchange and community building. A lot of that happens through the accommodation that we have set up, where one can enjoy by being with like-minded people. Additionally, for safety reasons, all volunteers must live in the allotted accommodation.
-
Can vegetarians be accommodated?
-
Yes, however, you must inform us in advance and also mention about any dietary requirement in your application form.
-
How do I get to the program location?
-
Your program coordinator or a member of the local coordinating team will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program, its surroundings and other facilities around the location. Both the program destinations are modern cities and have multiple options to commute from the project to the placement.Most preferred modes of transport are buses, taxis, and metro. The projects are located in Valencia and Denia.
-
Would I have free time during my program? Can I do sightseeing during my program?
-
Depending on your project placement, you will get evenings and the weekends free, to travel and explore the places.In the evenings, volunteers usually get together and go out for social gatherings. Weekends are free for the volunteers and you can go for short weekend trips. In Spain, you’ll see a magnitude of interesting sights. Visit the artistic Barcelona, the grandiose Royal Palace in Madrid, the imposing Catedral de la Almudena, the golden triangle of museums, Mezquita of Cordoba Ancient streets and many Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic or Romanesque monuments. Trust us, you will not get enough of the Spanish cities!
Also, go for a football match which is a must when in Spain.
Flights and Visa
-
Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?
-
Participants (most nationalities) require a Tourist Visa to travel to Spain. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a Tourist Visa before departing for Spain. Consult the Spanish Embassy in your country for more details. If needed, Volunteering Solutions can provide with written documents that would help volunteers in getting the Visa.
-
What are the recommended airlines to fly to Spain?
-
Spain’s Airport is very well connected with the rest of the world and majority of the airlines fly to Spain. Some of the recommended airlines that fly to Barcelona and Bilbao are - British Airways, Ryanair, KLM, Lufthansa, Aeroflot, Easyjet etc.
Connect with Past Volunteers
-
How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Spain alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?
-
We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions Spain program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page orhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/VolunteeringSolutions/"> Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet">https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer">Meet a Volunteer page on our website.