Volunteer: Protecting Marine Giants: Safeguarding Marine Italy s Dolphins and Whales Sa

Overview

Escape the monotony of your daily routine and answer the call of the Mediterranean as you embark on a 6-day sailing adventure in Italy. This journey offers exploration, relaxation, and personal growth, providing a break from the stresses of professional life. You will join a dedicated team in search of whales and dolphins to contribute to wildlife conservation while experiencing encounters in their natural habitat.

Throughout this hands-on experience, you'll develop skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, foster meaningful connections, broaden your professional network, and support personal growth. The Mediterranean setting provides a backdrop for self-reflection, rejuvenation, and renewed passion for adventure and the natural world.

In summary, this 6-day sailing expedition offers an opportunity to contribute to marine conservation, develop new skills, and create lasting memories as you explore the stunning Italian coastline. You’ll return to your career with renewed energy, focus, and a sense of purpose.

Your home from home will be aboard the Jean Gab, a vessel that primarily navigates under sail. This floating laboratory focuses on engaging research activities, offering an opportunity to work alongside experts in the field. Each day at sea, subject to project requirements and weather, promises new adventures and discoveries.

As a valued team member, you’ll play a vital role in monitoring and protecting dolphins in their natural habitat. Daily tasks include recording essential data such as geographic position, group size, composition, and surface activity patterns. Acoustic recordings of vocalizations will complement observations to enhance understanding of dolphin behavior and conservation efforts. You will also help record the presence of other marine species to gain a comprehensive view of the Mediterranean ecosystems.

This project offers valuable research, monitoring, and evaluation experience while allowing you to enjoy Italian culture, wine, and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. It combines professional development with travel and memorable experiences at sea.

• Monitor and protect dolphins in their natural habitat by recording geographic position, group size, composition, and surface activity patterns.
• Collect acoustic recordings of dolphin vocalizations to support research and conservation efforts.
• Record the presence of other marine species (sea turtles, tuna, swordfish, fish schools, mantas, moonfish, and marine birds) to understand ecosystem diversity and protection needs.

Upon arrival at Naples (Capodichino) International Airport, you will receive guidance to the island where the boat awaits. You will stay in a shared cabin aboard the cutter ship, with basic bathroom and kitchen facilities. The crew will teach you sailing basics, including steering, hoisting, and striking sails, and you will progressively learn about sheets, halyards, the compass, and courses, building confidence and skills at sea.

Life aboard emphasizes a simple, communal, and eco-conscious lifestyle. You will conserve energy and resources alongside fellow crew members, while appreciating marine ecosystems and the importance of preservation for future generations. Privacy in cabins may be limited, but the vast sea and sky offer limitless horizons for personal growth and reflection.

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard, forging new connections, acquiring valuable skills, and embracing an eco-friendly lifestyle as you journey across the Mediterranean and discover a renewed sense of purpose and inner peace.

The cost of the programme is £1500 GBP per 6-day tour. The tour runs from May to October each year. This includes:

• All accommodation
• All meals
• All project-related activities
• Premium Support Package with 24/7 Support

This does not include:

• Flights
• Airport pickup and transfer to project
• Visas (if applicable)
• Vaccinations
• Travel insurance
• Personal spending and any extra activities

Please note:

all information above is subject to change. Check the Global Nomadic website for up-to-date information when applying.