Lanzarote Conservation Programme

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Sotogrande sunset

Interested in getting involved in whale and dolphin protection in the Canary Islands?

We provide a conservation volunteer programme in Lanzarote, ranging between 1 week and 6 weeks, where you can be part of a unique movement and mission to make whale observation trips noise and emission free.

You’ll learn more about whale and dolphin species, help to create awareness about the challenges they face, and get hands-on experience working with the WeWhale team.

Highlights

  • Experience whales and dolphins in their natural habitat in Lanzarote (the Canary Islands are one of the few places in the world where you can observe and study whales and dolphins the whole year round!)
  • Study common species in Lanzarote, including Atlantic spotted dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, Rough-toothed dolphins and Beaked whales
  • Be part of a unique movement and mission to make whale observation trips noise and emission free
  • Get insights and learnings, and be part of cetacean conservation and protection work
  • Immerse yourself in Spanish culture and the amazing island of Lanzarote

What will you be doing on the programme?

  • Being part of our on-site crew (captain and biologist) to support them in their day-to-day operations
  • Assisting our biologist in developing educational materials
  • Taking pictures, videos and hydrophone recordings of cetaceans on board during our experiences
  • Post-preparation and analysis of the data gathered in order to use it for our investigation and awareness campaigns
  • Maintenance of the catamaran ‘La Santa Maria’ – the first noise and emission free catamaran for whale and dolphin observations in the EU
  • Taking part in local ocean conservation events
  • Spending a day at the Canary Island Cetaceans Research Center, gaining insights into various cetacean species

What’s included?

  • Daily whale and dolphin observation expeditions
  • Food and drinks on daily expeditions
  • Housing is provided by us in the WeWhale Ocean House in Puerto del Carmen (10 minutes away from Puerto Calero, the home of our catamaran ‘La Santa Maria’).
  • Airport transfer (pick up and drop off)
  • Free bicycle use

This programme is open all-year round and can be started on any specific date (subject to availability).

This is a paid programme – out of the fee, 22.5% is allocated to the work of WeWhale Association.

Price available on request – get in touch with us to find out more and to apply.

Feedback from programme participants

“I spent a wonderful week on the Santa Maria with the brilliant team at WeWhale. I learned a lot from them in various areas and got to know so many exciting people. I spent most of my week on the electric catamaran – and that’s exactly how I wanted it to be. The experiences at sea and the sightings will stay with me for a long time.”

Claudio

“The welcome at WeWhale was very friendly. I spent most of my days on the Santa Maria, a beautiful catamaran, looking for whales, dolphins, turtles…I was particularly impressed by the respect and involvement of the team in the protection of animals and the marine world as a whole. I learned a lot, I became aware of many things.”

Veronique

Lanzarote Ocean House