The Atlantic Whale and Dolphin Foundation (AWdF) is part of the Fair Earth Foundation family.
Formerly the Atlantic Whale Foundation, the AWdF is a UK Registered Charity (Number 1167109). It was founded to continue the work of Spanish environmental agency, Proyecto Ambiental Tenerife, twenty five years ago and runs the volunteer programme on the island’s whale watching boats, one of the largest whale watching centres in the world.
The AWdF runs cetacean educational awareness, research and conservation programmes. Its volunteers act as ‘Research Guides’ on the whale watching boats and as 'Acoustics Researchers.' We also work with the tourism industry, promoting cetacean conservation and promoting responsible whale watching and other ecotourism opportunities across the Atlantic, as well as running a range of free educational programmes.
Additionally, we collaborate with, and provide support to cetacean based projects across the Atlantic Oceans be they of an educational, conservation or research nature. The AWdF oversees the Atlantic Ocean Cetacean Network (AOCN), and an extensive range of awards and grants aimed at facilitating cetacean programmes in the region.
Our work is focused in the Atlantic, but our research and conservation efforts extend across the globe to the many places where our knowledge and innovations benefit the world’s oceans.
Not only do our programmes strive to aid the management and protection of local species and habitats, but we use the region as a living scientific laboratory. The innovative research methods we develop and lessons we derive here can be applied to address similar challenges to ecosystems around the globe.Volunteer in one of the best whale & dolphin destinations on the planet, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
Work and help protect the iconic species the bottlenose dolphins.
Diverse and hands on work with plenty to do and experience.
You will develop new transferable skills and gain industry experience that match your passion and interests.
Learn boat safety & what life is really like below the water, with plenty of scuba diving.
Experience day off adventures and embrace the local culture, sights & attractions.
At the Fair Earth Foundation, our mission is to protect and preserve the whale and dolphin populations of Tenerife through dedicated monitoring, pioneering research, and comprehensive education. We strive to foster a harmonious relationship between humans and marine life by enhancing awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for the conservation of these majestic creatures. Our commitment is to ensure a thriving marine ecosystem for future generations by empowering communities with knowledge and inspiring global action.
Once volunteers identify a project that excites them, they are seamlessly connected with the appropriate team in Tenerife, ensuring a maximized and enriching experience.
As a Fair Earth volunteer, you'll dive into projects that ignite your passion, working individually or in small, dynamic teams to make a significant impact across various domains:
- Data Collection: Gather and analyze critical data on marine life, contributing to vital research.
- Photo Identification: Capture and identify individual whales and dolphins, helping to build comprehensive species databases.
- Species Monitoring: Track and monitor the health and behavior of local marine species, aiding in their conservation.
- Fundraising & Campaigns: Drive our initiatives forward with creative fundraising efforts and impactful awareness campaigns.
- Acoustics & Vocalizations: Study and record the unique sounds of marine animals, uncovering new insights into their communication.
- Mapping with QGIS Software: Create detailed and informative maps to support conservation strategies and habitat protection.
- Film Making: Produce compelling educational and promotional videos that highlight our conservation efforts and engage the public.
- Ocean Clean Ups: Participate in hands-on efforts to keep our oceans pristine and free of pollution.
- Community Projects: Work closely with local communities to foster a culture of conservation and sustainable living.
- Correct Techniques & Procedures: Learn and apply the best practices in research and conservation, ensuring the highest standards of efficacy.
- Boat & Ocean Safety: Prioritize safety while working at sea, gaining essential skills for marine research.
- Educational Projects: Develop and implement programs that educate and inspire others about marine conservation.
- Your Own Projects: Bring your unique ideas and initiatives to life, supported by our expert team.
- And Much More: Discover countless other opportunities to make a meaningful impact and leave a lasting legacy.
Join us in Tenerife and transform your passion for marine conservation into action. Your contributions will not only enhance your skills and knowledge but also play a crucial role in preserving our precious marine ecosystems. Dive in, make a difference, and become a part of something extraordinary!
Accommodation is provided in our local guesthouse, Aqua Inn. We have single-sex shared bedrooms with 2/3 people/room. All rooms have their own en-suite bathroom. The house has free WiFi and a communal living area equipped with a sofa, books, fridge, washing machine, drying facilities and a kettle. All rooms have air-conditioning.
You may upgrade to stay with our partner guesthouse in a private room for an extra €42 per night.
For a couple travelling together the upgrade fee to the guesthouse is €52 per night.
We provide safe, comfortable housing for our volunteers in our well-equipped volunteer house - Aqua Inn. In the house you will find:
Communal kitchen (no cooking appliances) with fridge/freezer
En-suite bathrooms
Air conditioning in rooms
Free Wifi Laundry facilities
The house is equipped with modern amenities and air conditioning in each of the rooms. The house provides a common area for our volunteers to socialise and relax after work. The rooms at the volunteer house are same sex shared rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and will be shared with a maximum of 3 volunteers. The kitchen and living room are free for all to use.
The WIFI is good enough for messaging, email and surfing and is often reasonable for streaming/downloads etc. However, we recommend downloading TV/films just in case.
Please note: there is no hot water available in the volunteer house, so hot showers are not possible. However, it is so warm during the day that you probably won't mind!
Please mention when booking if you would like to pay for this upgrade and we will do our best to accommodate.
Come and conserve the sea turtles while taking in the natural beauty of the Maldives.
1 - 3 Weeks
Only = €297 per week
3 - 5 Weeks
Only = €237 per week
6 + Weeks
Only = €178 per week
Additional Info
Extra Activites
Activities
On Your Days off you will never be bored as Fair Earth offers countless Eco-tourism adventure activities at heavily discounted prices and some even FREE. Activities Including:
Scuba Diving
Horse Riding
Trekking
Surfing
Water Sports
Mountain Climbing
Bouldering
Yoga
Star Gazing
Pottery
Herbalism
Animal Rescue Centres
Mountain Biking
Forest Bathing
And So Much More