Whale & Dolphin Conservation in Tenerife

Whales and dolphins are among the most majestic creatures in our oceans, and people travel the world for the chance to catch a glimpse of them in the wild. Here, you’ll not only see them, but actively contribute to their ongoing protection in Europe’s first Whale Heritage Area.

On this project, you’ll support an established marine research project in southern Tenerife and work alongside expert, local conservationists. Head out to sea and photograph resident Short-finned Pilot Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins, record their behaviour, listen to their underwater world through a hydrophone, and then analyse your findings back on shore. This hands-on fieldwork is a fantastic way to boost your CV and stand out in your future career.

And it’s an extraordinary place to do it. The Tenerife-La Gomera Marine Area became Europe’s first Whale Heritage Area in 2021, with more than twenty non-resident whale and dolphin species passing through annually.

This isn’t a wildlife-watching experience. You’ll actively support local research and protection efforts while also contributing to wider coastal conservation through biodiversity surveys, beach cleans, and other environmental monitoring activities.

No previous conservation or research experience is required. You’ll receive training in species identification and survey techniques during your first week, and work alongside an experienced local team throughout your placement. You’ll also have your weekends free to explore and fully immerse in the culture of this beautiful island. 

Our permanent local team is there to support you 24/7, ensuring you have a safe, impactful, and unforgettable experience.

The great thing about our conservation projects is that no two days are ever the same. While you will mostly be keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins in Tenerife, you’ll also support other conservation efforts and have time to explore the island.

Your mornings could start with an informative workshop on plastic pollution and how it directly affects the lives of the creatures you’re here to help. Or, you might conduct boat surveys from land and understand how marine traffic affects movement and migration patterns in sea creatures.

In the afternoon, you might board a boat to try sighting whales and dolphins yourself, documenting and tracking these sightings through fin identification. Or, support the local community with a beach clean effort to remove wastes from these picturesque shores. 

In the evenings and over the weekend, explore the beautiful island at your leisure. Immerse in the community and improve your Spanish with local lessons, take in the sights like Mount Teide, or maybe even learn to surf!

As a Marine Conservation volunteer in Tenerife, you’ll support whale and dolphin monitoring and protection efforts on the beautiful Canarian coastline. This work will be observational and data-led, informing future conservation efforts.

Here are some of the tasks you can expect to do during your placement, depending on the needs at the time:

The waters surrounding Tenerife in the Atlantic Ocean are a globally recognised hotspot for marine biodiversity, home to as many as 31 different cetacean species. 

However, this beautiful environment is under severe threat from heavy visitor pressure. The Canary Islands receive up to 15 million tourists annually; Tenerife alone hosts more than seven million each year.

Tourism has led to frequent vessel traffic navigating the surrounding waters, placing immense stress on the resident Pilot Whale and dolphin populations.

Local authorities and conservation partners desperately need consistent, long-term data to implement effective marine management strategies. Without accurate behavioural recording and population tracking, it is impossible to regulate vessel traffic or protect vulnerable habitats. 

This is exactly where you come in. By joining this project, you will provide the essential support needed to conduct continuous, non-invasive observation alongside other important work.

You’ll actively contribute towards three long-term and sustainable goals:

1. Monitoring and protecting local cetacean populations through continuous data collection and photo-identification.
2. Promoting sustainable and ethical ecotourism by tracking vessel traffic and providing data to local authorities.
3. Improving the health of coastal ecosystems through regular beach cleans, biodiversity surveys, and community education.

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems in place to ensure you have all the support you need travelling abroad. 

Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24/7 to provide support and guidance. They will also make sure you feel comfortable and safe at your placement and accommodation. 

Find out more about safety and backup.

This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.