Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Fit and healthy volunteers who enjoy scuba diving or want to learn how. Volunteers with no diving experience must learn the basics of scuba diving and vital safety measures before engaging in any conservation activities. This can be achieved as part of the project.
Want to slip on some fins and kick off a new adventure as an Environmental Scuba Diving volunteer in Portugal? International Volunteer HQ’s Environmental Scuba Diving project is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to assist with marine conservation efforts in Portugal. Volunteers gain scuba and environmental protection experience while learning about the challenges marine ecosystems face and what can be done to help overcome them, helping ensure this unique natural environment and all its wildlife survives long into the future.
Join the Environmental Scuba Diving project and play a vital role in reducing underwater pollution and conserving marine life off the stunning coast of Portugal! This crucial issue is often overlooked, but you can make a tangible impact through underwater clean-up efforts and the protection of the marine ecosystem.
As an Environmental Scuba Diver you’ll be based at a dedicated diving school focused on local environmental protection, always under the guidance of an experienced dive instructor. On-site training is provided to ensure you’re well-prepared for your tasks. As a volunteer, you’ll:
To participate in any of the conservation activities, you’ll need to complete dive training or already be an experienced diver. The project includes Scuba Schools International (SSI) diver certification training, so expect the first week to be dedicated to obtaining your diving certificate. This ensures you have the necessary skills to safely clean up the ocean.
During September, October, and November, the project can only accept certified or experienced divers. At this time of year, the weather and sea conditions are more challenging, and having certified divers ensures that activities can continue safely and effectively, even when conditions are less favorable for beginners.
The diving school is conveniently located at the volunteer accommodation. Each morning, you’ll meet at the accommodation before commuting together to the dive site. Depending on the location, the commute can range from a short 5-minute walk to a one-and-a-half-hour drive.
When you scuba dive in Portugal you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
It is mandatory that all volunteers provide a medical certificate which clears them for diving.
Volunteers with previous diving experience will need to supply proof of any certificates and their dive log book.
Volunteers are required to hold a dive certification when joining during September, October, and November.
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.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
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Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
As part of the Environmental Scuba Diving project you will complete internationally recognized SSI (Scuba Schools International) diving certifications. The certifications you complete will depend on your current diving experience as well as your program duration and the weather conditions. The courses range from Open Water Diver through to Advanced Adventurer. Specialties such as Buoyancy, Marine Ecology and Fish Identification are also available.
Your IVHQ Program Fee covers the cost of the required SSI online and in-person training, full scuba equipment hire and supervision from an experienced dive instructor. Beginners with no experience can join this project, but will have to learn the fundamentals and safety measures before engaging in any type of conservation activities.
It is recommended that you participate in this project for at least 2 weeks in order to take part in the conservation activities, as you will spend your first week on the program gaining a diving certification.
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
The IVHQ Portugal Program is located in and around Lisbon - the capital and largest city in Portugal. It’s a veritable treasure trove of history, culture, breathtaking scenery, exciting nightlife, gorgeous beaches and great places to eat and drink.
Portugal and Lisbon have risen from poverty only this century, so while it is a fantastic and affordable destination to visit, local communities are still facing the lingering effects of previously being one of the poorest countries in Western Europe. Volunteers can have an impact on these communities by supporting local initiatives which aim to improve the lives of Lisbon’s residents and make sure they have access to all of life’s basic necessities.
The program orientation begins every Monday, and volunteers need to arrive in Lisbon the day before their orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Lisbon Airport (LIS). 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 $87. Volunteers under the age of 18 are required to travel with written consent from both parents or guardians in order to enter Portugal.
Volunteers under the age of 18 who require a pre-arranged visa will also need their visa application to be signed by a parent or guardian.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in either Lisbon. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Portugal prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a prearranged location in Lisbon on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Portugal team at the accommodation. It begins 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 Portugal – an introduction to Portugal, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, an introduction to project and placement as well as a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to sign up for Portuguese language lessons if you’re on a Lisbon based project, and to meet other volunteers with whom you can swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Here’s what a typical volunteer schedule in Lisbon, Portugal looks like, including arrival, orientation, and daily activities.
Upon arrival in Lisbon, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. This is a free day to settle in, relax after your journey, and get familiar with your surroundings. You will also receive details and instructions for your orientation.
All volunteers attend an orientation led by the local team. This covers everything you need to know about your placement, Lisbon, safety guidelines, and cultural expectations. You will also have the chance to meet other volunteers.
Most volunteers begin their placement the following day.
Volunteers participate in their placement for up to 4 hours per day. Shifts may take place in the morning, afternoon, or evening depending on your specific project. Volunteers are supported by local staff and typically contribute alongside other volunteers or community members.
| 7:00–8:00 AM | Breakfast at the accommodation and travel to your placement |
| 8:30 AM–12:30 PM | Support your placement alongside local staff |
| 1:00–3:00 PM | Lunch at the accommodation |
| Afternoon | Free time to explore Lisbon, join activities, or relax |
| 7:00–9:00 PM | Dinner at the accommodation |
Travel time to placements is approximately one hour by public transport, depending on your project location.
Schedules may occasionally vary due to weather, public holidays, or local events. We recommend checking your travel dates in advance to be aware of any national or school holidays.
Volunteers have these days free to explore Lisbon and the surrounding region.
Popular activities include:
Lisbon offers a mix of culture, history, food, and nature, making it easy to fill your free time.
Volunteers can also plan independent travel or weekend trips with guidance from the local team.
Volunteers spend up to 4 hours per day at their placement, with the rest of the day free to explore Lisbon, take part in cultural activities, or relax at the accommodation.
Volunteers participating on Lisbon-based projects will stay at a lively dormitory-style hostel in Estoril, just a five-minute stroll from the beach. You’ll share a room with 3 to 13 fellow volunteers of the same gender, fostering a community atmosphere. In instances where the male dormitory is fully occupied, male volunteers may be housed in mixed-gender rooms with other guests.
Each volunteer will be provided with all necessary bedding and towels, and you’ll have access to shared Western-style bathrooms, which are communal and not separated by gender. The hostel staff will ensure cleanliness throughout the week, though volunteers are encouraged to maintain tidiness in their own spaces. For those under 18, please be aware that a 10:00 PM curfew is implemented to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
Staying connected is easy as free WiFi is available within the hostel, and local cafes and restaurants nearby. Plus, to help you stay connected on the go, the local team offers a complimentary local SIM card. This can be activated to purchase mobile data for any unlocked mobile phone, ensuring you can share every moment of your adventure.
For added privacy and comfort, private double rooms (with a shared bathroom) are available for an extra charge of $456 per week, or private double rooms (with a private bathroom) are available for an extra charge of $480 per week. These rooms can be booked through your MyIVHQ account after you register for the Portugal program, subject to availability.
As a volunteer on the Environmental Scuba Diving project you don’t need to worry about arranging your own transport to and from your placement each day as this is included into the program cost.
Portuguese food is delicious, and during your time in Portugal, you’ll be treated to some incredible dishes.
Most volunteers enjoy three meals a day, starting with a self-serve breakfast at the accommodation. Kickstart your day with a selection of tea, coffee, fresh bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt, and fruit. Twice a week, you’ll have the chance to savor authentic Portuguese dishes.
For lunch and dinner, you’ll feast on local favorites like fish and chicken, complemented by rice, pasta, vegetables, and salad. If your placement requires you to be away from the accommodation during meal times, you’ll either dine at your placement or take a packed meal with you. We accommodate for vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free (not celiac) and peanut-free diets.
While tap water in Portugal is safe to drink, bottled water is also readily available. If you prefer bottled water, budget approximately $10 (approximately $10) a week for this.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) 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.
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Duration
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Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $1,340 Equivalent to $191/day |
| 2 weeks | $2,210 Equivalent to $158/day |
| 3 weeks | $3,080 Equivalent to $147/day |
| 4 weeks | $3,950 Equivalent to $141/day |
| 5 weeks | $4,830 Equivalent to $138/day |
| 6 weeks | $5,710 Equivalent to $136/day |
| 8 weeks | $7,470 Equivalent to $133/day |
| 10 weeks | $9,230 Equivalent to $132/day |
| 12 weeks | $10,990 Equivalent to $131/day |
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Lisbon program.
Enjoy a stress free ride from accommodation back to Lisbon airport arranged by our local team.
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
Coasteering adventure along Lisbon’s coastline with transport to Sesimbra.
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
| Capital | Lisbon |
| Population | 10.46 million |
| Languages | Portuguese |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+00:00 |
Weather and climate: Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate with dry hot summers and mild winters. During winter, from December to February, temperatures are mild and vary from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F). Summer, from June to September, is dry and hot with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 29°C (64°F and 84°F). Rainfall is heaviest in December/January and driest in July/August.
I gained so much more confidence and life skills and learned to communicate better with people from different backgrounds.
To people hesitant about joining, I would say that it is a step out your comfort zone but you have to be willing to adapt and just go with the flow.
Overall, the experience was great and very well organized. I enjoyed the continuous support we had and would highly recommend the IVHQ volunteer abroad programme to friends and family, especially as a first volunteering experience.
I gained a lot from this experience, especially learning how to adapt to a completely different environment and culture. I met amazing people and it really opened my mind. My advice for someone who is hesitant is: just do it. You’ll never regret stepping out of your comfort zone and seeing the world from a different perspective.
'Memories are forever', and you make a lot of great memories when joining the program!
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
