Croatia – Marine Conservation in Split

Scuba dive into the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea to help clean up pollution that threaten local marine life.

Program Highlights:

  • Have a meaningful impact on the environment of the Adriatic Sea
  • Discover the beautiful Croatian Coast
  • Learn how to scuba dive and partake in Ocean cleanups
  • Meet like-minded individuals and get to know the locals
  • Explore the country in your spare time and weekends off

 

First Week Itinerary:

Day 1, Sun: Arrival pickup at the airport by the local team, settle down at the volunteer’s accommodation, get to your group of volunteers.
Day 2, Mon: Welcome orientation and city tour.
Day 3-6, Tue-Fri: Placement Day, our coordinator will show volunteers how to reach project location and connect them with the program manager at the organization. Beginners will start scuba diving lessons and get certified. Certified divers will refresh their skills and clean the ocean floor of debris. Volunteer projects take place in the mornings and afternoons, with the work time around 4-6 hours. On the days when you are going for dives, you will be out on the boat not far from the shore. Afterwards you will have free time to explore the city and hang around with other volunteers.
Day 7, Sat: Departure Day for volunteers at the end of their stay. Otherwise, volunteers have free weekends to travel around the country.
Remaining Weeks: The remaining weeks will usually follow the schedule of volunteering Monday-Friday and having weekends free.

 

Location icon Location of the Project: Omiš, Croatia

Project length Project length: 1 week minimum – 4 weeks maximum

Arrival Airport Arrival Airport: Split Airport (SPU)

Volunteer Work Volunteer Work:  Volunteers will scuba dive to help clean the seabed of pollution, debris, and help protect the marine ecosystem.

Age Age:  18+

Number of Volunteers Number of Volunteers: Min 1 – Max 15

Important Note Important Note: The MC in Split includes an internationally recognized SSI (World Underwater Federation) diving certification. There are three different levels according to the volunteer diving experience, from beginners to people with some prior experience to advanced divers. The diving and volunteer equipment is included.

 

What’s Included

Accommodations Accommodations: Shared rooms in a sustainable hostel, potentially 4 to 8 people of mixed gender. There is an option to upgrade.

Food Food: 3 meals are included per day, prepared by a local restaurant nearby. Special diets can be accommodated.

Airport Transfers Airport Transfers: Pickup at the airport (On the Sunday prior to an Introduction Day). Airport drop-off can be included for an extra fee.

Orientation Orientation: Held on the first Monday, a local coordinator will provide a detailed orientation on a variety of topics for the volunteers. This includes a responsible guided city tour (2 hours with free maps, city guides, and the best tips to discover the city!

Support Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

 

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses.

Volunteers will stay in the beautiful coastal town of Omiš. It is located 25km south of Split, the second largest city in Croatia. Omiš is a small town filled with culture and traditional activities during the summer. It used to be a pirate town during the Middle Age and it’s now a very popular destination for families and fans of adventure sports. We encourage volunteers to explore these tours and excursions in their time off. There’s so much to see and do! There are hiking spots, zipline, rafting and kayaking tours, rock climbing and canyoning and so much more! In addition, the beautiful islands make for a magical day-trip in the summer! The local team will be sure to give you the best tips on places to visit.

If you envision the Croatian coast, you likely see clear Mediterranean waters, bustling beaches, and abundant sea life. Dedicated marine conservationists are crucial for maintaining water cleanliness and combating pollution in the Dalmatian region and the broader Adriatic Sea. The project actively involves volunteers in restoring the marine ecosystem.

In collaboration with a local diving school, the project ensures volunteers acquire SSI (Scuba Schools International) diving certifications. This program utilizes scuba diving skills for impactful sea and river clean-ups, promoting healthier seas, thriving ecosystems, and a clean coastline. Volunteers play a pivotal role in supporting a dedicated community and raising awareness about environmental preservation.

The primary goal is to clean and protect the sea area, involving volunteers in restoring and maintaining the marine ecosystem. Utilizing scuba diving skills, volunteers actively participate in ocean clean-ups and activities to keep the ecosystem pristine. These programs are vital for the ecosystem’s long-term stability, and volunteers significantly impact the region.

Volunteers dedicate 4-6 hours, sometimes more, during mornings and afternoons, focusing on removing trash, especially plastic, from the water. Safety is paramount, with diving lessons ensuring a secure environment. Continuous local support addresses concerns during volunteer participation.

 

Volunteer duties include:

  • Restore and maintain the health of the ecosystem
  • Participate in ocean cleanups
  • Collect data on different areas of the ecosystem
  • Help educate others on issues surrounding the ecosystem in the Dalmatian region
  • Collect waste from the surrounding areas and dispose of them efficiently.

Note: Travel time from the volunteer accommodation to the project site in Omiš is around 30-45 minutes.

Weekly Diving Plan:

Internet icon Internet: Wi-Fi is included.

Laundry icon Laundry: Laundry can be arranged with the hostel staff for an extra fee.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in a sustainable and social hostel in Omiš, walking distance from the volunteer program. Accommodation is dorm-style with 4 to 8 people per room, mixed gender. There is an option to upgrade to a private or double room for an extra fee, based on availability.

Food icon Food: Three meals are provided each day. Special diets might be available on request (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, etc).

 

  • Minimum 18 years old
  • Basic level of English
  • Criminal background check
  • No serious medical issues which would prohibit diving activities

We want volunteers to know the natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with helpful tips and tricks that will help discover Split and Croatia like a local! The shifts will last between 3 and 5 hours per day and take place either in the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening (depending on the program), which will leave you with plenty of free time to go explore, take a stroll around the surroundings, catch the most important sites, interact with the locals or relax, and of course, weekends off as well! Popular travel options:

  • The historic city of Split and a visit to Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO heritage site
  • City of Dubrovnik
  • National park Plitvice
  • National park Krka
  • Capital city of  Zagreb.
  • During the summer is certainly worth visiting one of 1000 islands in Croatia.

Organized tours can also be arranged for an extra fee.

Volunteer Experiences

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