I was very nervous going into the program but as soon as dinner came around we were all laughing and having so much fun! The instructors instantly made you feel safe when on the boat.
Marine Conservation Volunteer Program in Croatia - Omiš
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Project details
Ready to put on your wetsuit and jump into Marine Conservation volunteering in Croatia? International Volunteer HQ’s Marine Conservation project allows volunteers to gain scuba diving experience and certifications while protecting underwater sea and river life on the sparkling Mediterranean coast. Volunteers will be placed with local dive schools that undertake a range of conservation activities to help keep the ocean environment clean and reduce marine pollution.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
When you envision the Croatian coast, you probably picture sparkling clear Mediterranean waters, vibrant beaches filled with swimmers, and an abundance of sea life. While this picturesque scene is often a reality, it takes the dedication and hard work of marine conservationists to keep these waters clean and reduce sea pollution.
As a Marine Conservation volunteer, you’ll dive into an exhilarating mission to restore and maintain the natural state of the marine ecosystem around the Dalmatian region and the wider Adriatic Sea. Partnering with a local diving school, you’ll earn an internationally recognized SSI (Scuba Schools International) diving certification. Once certified, you’ll use your scuba skills to make a tangible impact through sea and river clean-ups.
Imagine yourself:
- Diving for a Cause: Plunge into the crystal-clear waters to collect trash, then weigh and sort it for recycling or return it to fishermen.
- Raising Awareness:- Learn about pollution issues and spread consciousness about protecting our precious marine environment.
- Exploring Marine Life: Gain in-depth knowledge of the marine ecosystem and discover ways to safeguard it.
- Shoreline Hero: Participate in shoreline and beach clean-ups, ensuring these areas remain pristine for everyone to enjoy.
- River Adventures: Walk along riverbanks to collect trash by foot, or take small boat trips to retrieve debris from the river and canyon using hooks and bags.
- Collaborative Efforts: Combine sea and river trash in sorting areas, working together to maximize environmental impact.
Your efforts will help achieve the ultimate goal of pristine natural ecosystems, healthier seas, thriving wildlife, and a cleaner coastline.
If you have any existing dive certifications, please note this in your application and send a copy along with your diving logbook to the local team in Croatia before your program start date.
All volunteers are also required to provide a medical certificate clearing them for diving.
Why do Marine Conservation volunteering in Omiš with IVHQ?
While volunteering on the Marine Conservation project in Croatia you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Repairing and maintaining marine ecosystems
- Protecting marine biodiversity and reducing pollution
- Gaining scuba experience and certification
- Developing your communication skills
- Immersing yourself fully in the Croatian culture
- Discovering the incredible natural beauty of Omiš
Volunteer requirements
- All volunteers on the Marine Conservation project in Croatia are required to provide a medical certificate which clears them for diving.
- Volunteers need to be 16 years or over to participate on this project, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian, in which case the minimum age is 10.
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers must speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a recent criminal background check.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
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Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Croatia photo gallery
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I have felt a deeper confidence and understanding of myself in doing this project alone. I also feel more educated about diving. It was exciting, entertaining and well organized. I was able to meet so many incredible people who I will keep in contact with. Overall, I would 100% do this program again and am looking forward to trying a new program. Omis is a special place and I’m thankful I spent two weeks here.
Just go for it! I meet so many incredible people through the program, as well as other travellers coming through the hostel. The experience is definitely one to remember!
This program is safe, guided and above all you’ll grow as a person by doing your volunteer work and befriending new people. Some friendships could even exceed your trip!
I feel that I gained an immense amount of knowledge and experience about different cultures and also scuba diving. I would 100% recommend this program to others and it is an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture while also making an impact by volunteering!
It was an amazing trip and I would do it again in a heartbeat! Met the coolest like-minded people, gained more experience diving, and helped the environment! I had really bad anxiety going into it as it was my first solo trip ever, but everybody I met was so friendly and welcoming, it took no time at all to feel like it was home away from home.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Scuba diving certifications
On the Marine Conservation project in Croatia all volunteers complete the internationally-recognized Scuba Schools International (SSI) diving certifications. Your Program Fee covers the cost of the required online and in-person training, full scuba equipment hire and volunteer supervision from an experienced dive instructor. The specific certification you complete will depend on your diving experience and the length of your stay. Courses range from Scuba Diver through to Open Water Diver, and can include specialty courses such as Marine Ecology and Fish Identification. These are suitable for complete beginners to experienced divers.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
IVHQ’s Marine Conservation project in Croatia is based in Omiš. It’s the first larger town you arrive to as you travel south along the coast from Split, where our other Croatia volutneer projects are based, and is located at the mouth of the Cetina River where it meets the Adriatic Sea. Only 25km away from Split, it’s a quick and easy journey down and a very popular destination to visit when in Croatia.
Arrival and orientation
The Croatia volunteer program begins on the first and third Monday of every month, and you need to arrive in Split on the Sunday before your chosen start date.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Split International Airport (SPU).Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee, however, if you arrive outside of Sunday between 9:00AM - 9:00PM, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of CA$149.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation, approximately 40 minutes away. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Croatia prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a meeting point in Split on the Sunday before your program start date. You are also free to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation.
On Monday, orientation is hosted by our local team in Croatia and runs for a full day. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Croatia – an introduction to Croatia, Croatian customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Croatia, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays:
A volunteer day is subject to change depending on your specific project and placement. A typical daily schedule might be as follows:
8:00 - 10:00 AM | Breakfast is served at the restaurant next door to volunteer accommodation. |
9:00 AM | Volunteers with a morning shift travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. |
12:00 - 2:30 PM | Lunch is served at the restaurant next door to volunteer accommodation. |
2:30 PM | Volunteers with an afternoon or evening shift travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on their project. |
7:30 - 9.00 PM | Dinner at the restaurant next door to volunteer accommodation. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish. |
Weekends:
Volunteers have the weekends free and Split and Croatia are full of interesting things to do, see, visit, eat and learn.
Croatia has a wondrous history and culture, paired with beautiful coastline and nature. You can spend a weekend traveling across the country - visit the popular Klis fortress that is only a short drive from Split, or spend the day in nature surrounded by waterfalls in Krka National Park or Plitvice National Park. If you are looking for an adventurous activity, try rafting down the river in Dalmatian hinterlands, or sea-kayaking the beautiful see-through Adriatic Sea. There is so much to see and explore, and nothing is far away in Croatia!
Volunteers can make travel arrangements further afield once in Croatia, with the advice and guidance of our local staff.
Accommodation and WiFi
Experience the charm of Omis while making a meaningful impact on our Marine Conservation project. Our centrally located hostel serves as a warm and inviting home, just a 10-minute walk from both your volunteer placement and the restaurant where delicious meals are provided. This hostel offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort.
Expect to share a room with up to seven other enthusiastic volunteers, with gender-separated rooms whenever possible. Shared bathrooms are also separated by gender, and fresh bedding and towels are provided for every volunteer, adding to the comfort of your stay.
The local staff ensure that the accommodation is cleaned throughout the week, maintaining a pleasant living space. However, volunteers are expected to keep their rooms tidy to contribute to a clean and welcoming atmosphere.
For those desiring more privacy, private rooms can be arranged at an additional cost. Please contact us or your Program Manager for more details and pricing. Please note that all accommodation upgrades are subject to availability.
Meals
Volunteers can savor nutritious meals every day, just a short 10-minute walk from your accommodation at a local restaurant.
Enjoy a vibrant breakfast featuring smoothies, breakfast tortillas, omelets, eggs, cereals, fresh breads, spreads, ham, aromatic coffee, and refreshing juice.
To keep you energized during your volunteer activities, we provide a delicious packed lunch, prepared each morning.
In the evening, return to the same restaurant where you began your day and indulge in a satisfying dinner. Choose from a variety of options, including meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$437) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
---|---|
1 week | $1,195 Equivalent to $171/day |
2 weeks | $2,005 Equivalent to $143/day |
3 weeks | $2,815 Equivalent to $134/day |
4 weeks | $3,625 Equivalent to $129/day |
5 weeks | $4,435 Equivalent to $127/day |
6 weeks | $5,245 Equivalent to $125/day |
8 weeks | $6,865 Equivalent to $123/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$437) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Croatia generally find US$80 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses.
- Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- SSI Scuba Diving Certification(s) and Scuba Diving Equipment
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Omiš
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Omiš program.
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
Check what's required to visit Croatia
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
Capital | Zagreb |
Population | 4.7 million |
Languages | Croatian |
Currency | Croatian Kuna (HRK) |
Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
The Adriatic coast of Croatia, where our volunteer program is based, enjoys a Mediterranean climate of cool, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures in Split range from 41°F to 50°F (5°C to 10°C) in winter and 79°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C) in the summer, which runs from June to August.