Projects Abroad | Marine Conservation

Barcelona: Marine Conservation Volunteer

Barcelona, Spain

Description

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Duration: Minimum 1 week

Start Dates: Project is on-going, and you can join at any time, depending upon availability. Placements start each Monday

Cost: €1440 Euros for first week – see Costs section for more details

Includes: All food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation 24/7 support and all project related activities

  • Protect the Mediterranean: Join efforts to restore the marine ecosystem and reduce ocean pollution.

  • Learn to Dive or Advance Your Skills: Gain SSI scuba certifications under the guidance of experienced instructors.

  • Hands-On Conservation: Remove debris, collect marine data, and support local biodiversity.

  • Community & Education: Get involved with local summer camps and help create environmental education workshops.

  • Live Like a Local: Experience Barcelona’s vibrant culture while making a difference for the environment.

Does not Include: flights, travel insurance, visas and vaccinations

Costs Explained

Introduction

If you’re passionate about the ocean, marine life, and environmental protection, this unique volunteer opportunity in Barcelona is the perfect fit. Set along the beautiful Catalonian coast, this program combines hands-on conservation work with the chance to develop scuba diving skills—no prior experience required.

Barcelona’s deep connection to the sea provides both recreational opportunities and ecological challenges. Increased human activity threatens the fragile coastal seabed and the wider Mediterranean marine ecosystem. As a volunteer, you’ll actively contribute to reversing this damage by supporting underwater conservation efforts, reducing pollution, and helping preserve the region’s unique biodiversity.

You’ll join a local non-profit diving club engaged in social and environmental initiatives. Whether you’re already a diver or completely new to it, you’ll receive all the necessary training, including online and in-person courses, full scuba equipment, and continuous guidance from professional dive instructors.

For volunteers staying two weeks or longer, the program includes internationally recognized Scuba Schools International (SSI) certifications, tailored to your experience and length of stay. This is a great way to grow your skills while giving back to a cause that matters.

Daily Life

As a marine conservation volunteer, your work will vary daily but may include:

  • Seabed Cleanup: Dive to collect debris and trash from the ocean floor using eco-friendly tools.

  • Data Collection: Record details of collected waste to support environmental research.

  • Marine Life Rescue: Safely return any marine organisms found among collected waste back to their habitat.

  • Scientific Monitoring: Help document marine fauna in a designated biodiversity research area.

  • Community Education: Assist in delivering workshops and activities that promote environmental awareness among local youth.

Book with Confidence

Travel and Accom.

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transported to our project.

Volunteers will be accommodated in dormitories at a centrally located youth hostel. The dormitories are available in female-only or mixed-gender options and feature private bathrooms shared with other occupants in the room.

The hostel provides various amenities, including a bar area, a comfortable sitting area, and a communal kitchen for those who prefer to cook their meals. Additionally, some rooms offer balconies for relaxation, and the rooftop boasts stunning views of the Acropolis, providing a serene environment to unwind after a day of volunteering.

You will enjoy three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—provided at the hostel. The menu features local cuisine prepared in Spanish style, offering a delightful mix of meat, fish, and fresh vegetables.

Upon arrival, volunteers will attend an orientation event that includes an introduction to Spanish culture, an overview of the volunteer experience and program details, practical information, and safety guidelines.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in a guided city tour, receiving insider tips to help them discover the best of what the city has to offer.

Fundraising Help

Requirements

  • Minimum age 18
  • Passion and enthusiasm for conservation
  • Not afraid to get involved!
  • Ability to work within a team environment
  • Minimum 1 week commitment
  • Good English skills
  • Necessary vaccinations
  • Necessary flight & visas
  • Full travel & medical insurance. Full assistance will be provided in getting everything you will need ready if you choose our Placement Support Package.
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Costs

€1440 Euros for first week.

2 weeks – €2210
3 weeks – €2980
4 weeks – €3750

Enquire with us for longer stays

* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit, minimum 2 weeks booking

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes;

  • Airport pickup on Sundays, straight to your accommodation
  • Stay in a socially or environmentally impactful hostel—female, male, or mixed dorms
  • Access to a common room and free Wi-Fi!
  • Two meals a day (breakfast and dinner)—veggie, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request
  • Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, program details, and safety
  • We’ll hook you up with an impactful non-profit project and handle the coordination
  • Guided city tour with top tips for exploring
  • Ongoing support throughout your stay
  • 24/7 emergency support, just in case
  • All diving training and instruction, all diving materials and ISS certification
What’s not included:
  • Flights
  • Pick-up at the airport on other dates
  • Drop-off at the airport
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation from the hostel to the project
  • Insurance
  • Private room
  • Visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.
Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.

Note: Map coordinates are approximate