GVI: Marine Conservation Volunteering

I signed up to do the marine biology internship in the Canary Islands as a way to finish off my gap year before going to university, and it's one of the best and most memorable experiences I've ever had in my life. We were out on the boats 3 times a week, monitoring individual pilot whales through Fin ID recognition, as well as the less common sightings of dolphins, turtles, and sometimes more! The staff were really kind and caring, and I've met people that I will keep in contact with for life. It also gave me huge confidence in myself that I'd never. had before - this was the first time I'd ever done something quite like this. I have a stammer and as part of the internship I had to give presentations - the people were so friendly that I had no problem going a presentation at all, which was the first time I'd done something like this since I was 14 and in school. Furthermore, I'm studying geography at uni beginning in September, and I'm thinking of going into conservation afterwards, so this will be really helpful in the future as well. I would definitely recommend GVI to someone wanting to go into conservation work or just for fun, and am hoping to do another program with them in the future.

I had a really eye opening experience of what research looks like in the field in the Canary Islands and saw first hand what some of the biggest problems in marine conservation are. It was VERY special to be so close to pilot whales in their natural habitat and have the opportunity to be guided by people that know so much about them. The staff on base where very nice and were always available to help if we needed it. It was a little overwhelming at times to be living with so many people but fortunately this programs brings together people with good intentions and good hearts.

I’ve had the best 6 weeks with GVI Tenerife. I was originally booked on for 4 weeks so the fact I extended while I was there showed just how much I enjoyed my experience. Base is like a family and the staff were worth their weight in gold. We went out on the boat 3 times a week and I had some incredible sightings over my time there. On the boat we were taught how to record data and then once we were back on base we would process it and identify the different pilot whales we saw. On other days as a volunteer I did land surveys and park/beach clean as well as watching informative documentaries on conservation. We also had a lot of free time where we could go to the shops, beach, pool or explore other parts of the island.

I was a Participant in the marine conservation programme in Tenerife and made a lot of amazing experiences. Even though I was only staying there for two weeks, I learned a lot about whales and dolphins, how to collect data about them and how to identify individuals. The boat days were amazing and you can see pilot whales and other dolphins on every trip. When we were not on the boats, we did beach cleans, land surveys or entered the collected data. On hot days the work can be exhausting but in the end it is all worth it. I would recommend this programm to everyone who wants to make an impact and take part in helping marine wildlife.

So many young people dream about this kind of experience! Very few actually do it, be that due to fear or ignorance or anything else - and since doing it, I've had countless people ask how and where and how can they join too. It couldn't be easier with GVI, and what an example of how worth it it really is! From inquiry to payment you are guided by the team through the phone, and then from airport to airport you have understanding, knowledgeable contacts to make the process smooth. And once here? It is only heaven. As my first solo experience out of my country, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction: to the field of study, to travelling, to Tenerife, to living communally, to respect and hard work and common interest and above all, FUN! The most fun I've ever had! Every boat trip beheld spectacles: turtles cruising metres from the boat, baby pilot whales dancing and playing, hundreds of spotted dolphins racing us..... Dreams upon dreams coming true. You live amongst young people and professionals, all as excited and generous as you. Even though I was only a volunteer, from my first boat trip the programme officer Lou noticed I had a particular interest in birds and proceeded to take photos of them every day, just for me. It is that generous effort that gives you faith in yourself, I feel; I'm worth her time and effort, so I can do this! My life feels utterly changed; I'm ready to begin my career, and with the contacts I now have? I know exactly how to do it.

I had the best time with GVI on Curieuse Island, Seychelles over 6 weeks. It became a home away from home. I'm an postgraduate Marine Biology student who graduated during Covid-19, so was unable to experience in the field studies, surveys etc. Therefore I chose to do an internship with GVI to get the hands on experience in the field. I have a passion for turtle conservation so felt very lucky to see two turtle nests hatch. GVI Curieuse also complete other exciting surveys with Aldabra Tortoises and Juvenile Lemon Sharks.
The staff on base were very helpful with assistance during the surveys and hikes. I originally struggled with the hikes, but it became so much easier after a few weeks. The evenings on base were fun with card games, quizzes, and murder mystery games. I made very close friends whilst on base, who made my time in the Seychelles even more enjoyable. Plus I felt like I learnt a lot about myself, and the personal journey was amazing. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone, but I'm so grateful for the experience.
I'm hoping to apply the newly learnt skills to potential jobs in the future.

Student in master of ecology, I chose to do a 4 months internship with GVI and more precisely within their mission of conservation of dolphins and whales in Tenerife. From the preparation of my departure to my arrival on site, the GVI team was very professional. I immediately felt integrated and involved in the different missions thanks to the staff and other participants. In addition to working on a project that is close to your heart, you will also have the opportunity to meet other volunteers from all over the world which is a very enriching experience. I've only been here for two weeks but time flies and there are so many things to do and discover! I can't wait to see what the rest of my stay has in store for me!

I chose to participate in the Whale and Dolphin Conservation in Tenerife for 4 weeks with GVI during my Gap Year and will never forget the amazing memories I have made. The program included three boat trips a week and there was never a day where we didn't have a sighting. During my time here I have seen Pilot Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, and Spotted Dolphins all in close proximity. On the other two weekdays we completed land surveys, in which we would spend time recording data on the different types of boats out at sea, and Beach or Park cleans, which were extremely rewarding when counting all the litter and calculating our total mass of litter collected. The staff were always accommodating and friendly to participants and ensured that everyone was included in group activities. Overall, I wish that I could have stayed a lot longer than 4 weeks as I thoroughly enjoyed everything about my time in Tenerife and made such amazing friends.