Physically fit volunteers who are either experienced scuba divers or beginners who are excited to learn. You must be passionate about working towards the vision of healthier oceans, happy ecosystems and a clean coastline.

Project details

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.

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:

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.
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.
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.
Plastic waste management: Participate in managing plastic waste through innovative recycling practices and produce new, useful objects out of discarded plastic waste.
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.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water

The ocean regulates and drives global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Marine biodiversity is critical to the health of people and our planet. Preserving threatened ecosystems, as well as tackling marine pollution and overfishing through conservation activities is key to saving our ocean.

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.