Marine Conservation Volunteer Program in Greece - Alonissos
Ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Greece’s famous blue beaches and lush greenery, reminiscent of scenes from Mamma Mia!? Now, envision yourself as a guardian of marine life in Europe’s largest National Marine Park, a haven where dolphins, turtles, and falcons flourish, and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal seeks refuge. It’s all within your reach! By volunteering in the Marine Conservation Program in Greece, you’ll devote your time to preserving the marine ecosystem of Alonissos island, along with its six smaller islands and twenty-two uninhabited islets.
Highlights:
- Programs start every Monday
- Affordable fees from CA$2227 for 1 week
- Includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, orientation and 24/7 support
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Protect and preserve the underwater worlds of Alonissos
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Explore the picturesque island of Alonissos
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Stay at a modern guest house only a short walk from the beach
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.
Key information
This program is ideal for:
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
This is your opportunity to make a positive social and environmental impact in the gorgeous azure waters of the Greek Islands! Like lots of marine life around the globe, this ecosystem has been impacted by global warming and climate change.
You’ll be expected to assist with a range of initiatives such as coastal and underwater clean ups, marine citizen science observations, recycling seminars of plastic waste, all while earning the most recognized PADI scuba certification, to join the world’s largest dive community.
Your scuba skills will drive change, as you participate in underwater activities that contribute to a cleaner environment and healthier ecosystems.
Together with fellow volunteers, you’ll make a tangible impact on the local community and foster an environmentally aware change.
As a Marine Conservation volunteer in Greece, you can expect to get involved in a diverse range of tasks. These range according to the season and current need, but you can expect to take part in a range of the following:
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Conservation projects: Engage in hands-on conservation projects to protect Alonnisos’ unique flora and fauna, sensitize both local community and seasonal visitors and learn about environmental friendly practices that are applied both underwater and on land.
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Coastal and underwater clean-ups: Remove trash from the coastlines and underwater to work towards the preservation of marine life and habitats making a tangible impact as you witness the transformation of the underwater environment.
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Marine citizen science: Participate in citizen science programs in collaboration with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, to collect valuable data on marine life, contributing to ongoing research efforts.
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Plastic waste management: Participate in managing plastic waste through innovative recycling practices and produce new, useful objects out of discarded plastic waste.
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PADI Scuba Certifications: Learn or continue your training education in scuba diving and earn a reputed PADI scuba certification, opening the door to a world of underwater exploration. Dive into captivating underwater landscapes around Alonnisos all within the largest National Marine Park in Europe, led by experienced dive instructors.
Why do Marine Conservation volunteering in Alonissos with IVHQ?
As a Marine Conservation volunteer in Greece - Alonissos you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Supporting local efforts to clean up the ocean
- Learning about marine conservation and ecosystems
- Helping to protect and preserve the North Aegean Sea marine environment
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining scuba and conservation experience
- Immersing yourself in the Greek cuisines and traditions
- Diving and exploring the stunning waters around the island
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more
- All volunteers are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
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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.
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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 credit
Location
Nestled in the embrace of the western side of the North Aegean, amidst the allure of the North Sporades archipelago, you’ll find the hidden gem of Alonnisos. As a sanctuary untouched by mass tourism, travelers are invited to discover its unspoiled beauty and tranquil embrace.
Bordering the largest national marine park of Europe, Alonnisos boasts a lush green landscape and numerous pristine beaches along its coastline. There’s no better place to blend paradise with purpose — protect marine life, support thriving ecosystems, and embark on a meaningful journey.
The establishment of the National Marine Park is a testament to the island’s commitment to conservation and the growth of diverse healthy populations of marine life. This unique location will captivate you with its unassuming authenticity and beauty and allow you to connect with the essence of the Aegean!
Alonnisos offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. You can explore charming villages frozen in time, and delight in traditional Greek cuisine that tells a story of passion and tradition with every bite.
Arrival and orientation
The Marine Conservation project in Alonissos begins every Monday and you need to arrive at Alonissos Island on the Sunday before your chosen start date.
After you have registered for the program, please book your travel to Alonissos Island. There is no airport on Alonissos, the closest airport is located in Skiathos. To get there you need to travel by ferry. There are no direct ferry routes from Athens to Alonissos.
There are several options to choose from to get to Alonissos. Here are are our recommendations:
- Arrive in Athens, then travel to Agios Konstantinos port (approximately 2 hours via public transport) before catching the ferry from Agios Konstantinos port to Alonissos (approximately 4 hours).
- Arrive in Athens, travel to the port of Volos Town (approximately 4 hours via public transport) before catching the ferry to Alonissos (approximately 4 hours).
- Arrive in Athens, travel to Skiathos, Skiathos International Airport (JSI) (approximately 30 minutes) before traveling from Skiathos to Alonissos via ferry (approximately 2 hours).
Once you arrive at Alonissos, you will be met at the pier by a member of the Local Team who will transfer you to your accommodation. You will walk from the pier to the accommodation with a member of the Local Team and this will take approximately 10 minutes.
Orientation is hosted by our Local Team in Alonissos. It begins on the morning of your chosen start date and lasts for a full day. The orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Greece – an introduction to Greece, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities and an introduction to the project. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers with whom you can swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
After the initial orientation, you will volunteer for approximately 6 to 7 hours per day, Monday - Friday.
Weekdays:
A typical daily schedule is as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at the accommodation |
| 9:30 AM | Travel to project to join local staff and begin volunteering work |
| 1:30 - 3:00 PM | Lunch on the boat or at the beach, depending on your location for the day |
| 3:00 PM | Continue with volunteering work |
| 5:00 PM | Finish volunteering work for the day and travel back to the accommodation |
| 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM | Reflective session |
| 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Dinner at the accommodation |
Weekends:
During your free time, volunteers can soak up the incredible vibes of Alonissos!
Embracing the largest marine protected area in Europe, Alonissos is known for its natural beauty and untouched island living.
For those with a penchant for adventure, Alonnisos offers a variety of outdoor activities to engage in. From hiking along scenic trails that wind through fragrant pine forests to diving into the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, there’s no shortage of experiences to ignite the spirit of exploration.
Or you could simply choose to relax by the beach, or dine in a seaside taverna or local bakery and enjoy sampling the delicious local cuisine infused with authentic Greek flavors.
Accommodation and WiFi
Immerse yourself in the charm of living in a local guest house, just a stone’s throw away from the beach and within close proximity to cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets. Experience the authentic Greek lifestyle with a perfect balance of comfort and convenience.
Relax and unwind in spacious common areas, including a lush garden and inviting seating area. Indulge your taste buds by trying out the grill-barbecue and traditional oven, offering simple yet delicious culinary delights.
You will be accommodated in a comfortable twin-style room, shared with another volunteer, where you can enjoy the soothing sea breeze and picturesque garden views from your private balcony. Each room is equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, and refrigerator. Rest easy knowing bedding and towels are provided for your convenience.
Stay connected with complimentary WiFi available throughout the volunteer accommodation, though please be aware that signal strength may vary in some areas. Additionally, WiFi is readily available at nearby cafes and restaurants, ensuring you’re always connected during your stay.
Meals
Breakfast and dinner are provided at the volunteer accommodation every day.
The menu consists of local food, a mixture of meat, fish, and fresh vegetables, so volunteers can try various meals made in Greek style every day. The volunteer accommodation can cater to a variety of diets such as vegan and vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose intolerant.
Breakfast is served buffet style and includes cereal, yogurt, seasonal fruits, jams, honey, bread, cakes/cookies, milk, tea, coffee, juices, eggs, and cheese.
Volunteers will need to purchase their own lunch each day. It’s recommended to budget approximately US$15 - US$20 per day for lunch. There are many restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets within walking distance of the accommodation.
Pricing
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.
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| 1 week | CA$2227 Equivalent to CA$318/day |
| 2 weeks | CA$4211 Equivalent to CA$301/day |
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner
- 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
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$472) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in CAD.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Additional things to budget for include: Visa, transportation (flights, ferries, buses etc.), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, and spending money.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Alonissos generally find US$100 to be sufficient for weekly expenses.
- Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
Check what's required to visit Greece
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
| Capital | Athens |
| Population | 11.18 Million |
| Languages | Greek |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
The climate in Greece is a very typical Mediterranean climate: mild and rainy winters and hot and dry summers with long periods of sunshine and no rain.
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