Marine Conservation Diving
Marine Conservation and Scuba Diving – Mediterranean Coast, Barcelona
Take Part
In our Diving and Volunteer Program to Protect Our Mediterranean
We are looking for enthusiastic, committed volunteers to work in one of Europe’s most iconic coastal destinations! This is a volunteer opportunity conducted by and for divers, people who want to earn their PADI certifications, and anyone who wants to help preserve the Mediterranean’s unique beauty. Join us, help protect our shores, and keep our waters clean; help monitor local biodiversity, remove marine debris, and protect vital ecosystems like the Posidonia seagrass meadows.
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Learn everything about scuba diving, the Spanish Mediterranean lifestyle, and the precious marine wildlife of the Catalan coast!
Highlights
- Dive into Mediterranean waters to actively restore marine ecosystems and remove underwater debris.
- Earn internationally recognized CMAS diving certifications while contributing to real conservation efforts.
- Live in a vibrant NGO community apartment with international volunteers who share your passion.
- Explore Barcelona's authentic neighborhoods and beaches during free weekends with new friends.
- Gain hands-on scientific experience collecting biodiversity data to protect local marine life.
About the Program
Dive into the blue, protect nature and make a difference! Our marine conservation and diving program in Barcelona offers more than just an adventure. Help us safeguard Mediterranean marine life!
Especially good for
Age 18+
Groups
Couples
Singles
50+
Dive, Save, and Make a Difference on Barcelona’s Mediterranean Coast!
Join scuba diving conservation efforts in Barcelona! Protect Mediterranean ecosystems, earn CMAS certifications, and explore the coast with international volunteers.
About the Program
Dive, Save, and Make a Difference on Barcelona’s Mediterranean Coast!
Join scuba diving conservation efforts in Barcelona! Protect Mediterranean ecosystems, earn CMAS certifications, and explore the coast with international volunteers.
- Cleaning the seabed to reduce marine debris using diving equipment and nets
- Logging information on collected trash and removing living organisms before returning them to the sea
- Documenting fish and invertebrate species as part of scientific research projects
- Assessing biodiversity in ecosystems, including areas transformed from former industrial sites
- Participating in survey dives, identification dives, and underwater photography
- Minimum age: 18 (16-17 with parental authorization). Families with children aged 14+ are welcome.
- Non-certified divers should sign up for at least two weeks to participate in conservation dives.
- The program includes all dive equipment except computers. Advanced divers joining optional night or deep dives must bring their own dive light/torch.
- If an instructor judges a volunteer unfit to dive (due to illness, fatigue, lack of focus, or hangover), the dive will not proceed without reimbursement.
Typical day
A Typical Volunteering Week
Detailed Daily Schedule
Day 0 – Sunday: Arrival
Arrive at Barcelona International Airport “El Prat” and make your way to the NGO accommodation, where you’ll settle in and meet other volunteers.
Day 1 – Monday
07:30 Prepare and enjoy a morning snack of coffee and fruit on your own at the NGO accommodation
08:30 Take the metro and walk to the Scuba Diving Center
09:30 Training and dive preparation begins
10:30 First dive of the week – non-divers begin SSI Open Water training
Afternoon: Orientation and settling into the program rhythm
Day 2 – Tuesday
07:30 Prepare and eat breakfast on your own at the NGO accommodation
09:30 Training and dive preparation at the diving center
10:30 Dive to observe local underwater biodiversity
11:30 Training session on material organization and maintenance
12:30–13:30 Lunch (can be prepared on-site or back at the accommodation)
Afternoon Return by metro to the NGO for briefing, followed by 2 hours of community work
16:30 End of shift
Day 3 – Wednesday
07:30 Morning breakfast routine at the NGO accommodation
09:30 Training and dive preparation
10:30 Dive observing local underwater biodiversity
11:30 Material organization and maintenance training
Following: Training on local ecosystem balance and resilience
12:30–13:30 Lunch (on-site or at home)
Afternoon Return by metro for briefing + 2 hours of community work
16:30 End of shift
Day 4 – Thursday
07:30 Morning routine
09:30 Training and dive preparation
10:30 Conservation dive: clean the sea without disturbing marine life
11:30 Material organization and maintenance training
Following: Final guidelines review for Friday’s certification
Afternoon Return by metro for 2 hours of community work
16:30 End of shift
Day 5 – Friday
07:30 Morning routine
09:30 Training and dive preparation
10:30 Final dive and certification exam
Following: Student-divers complete training and receive certification
Afternoon Return by metro, then write an article about the mission worked on during the week
16:30 End of shift
Days 6–7: Saturday & Sunday
Free weekends to explore Barcelona with your fellow volunteers!
Important Notes
Non-certified divers should sign up for at least two weeks to participate in conservation dives
If an instructor judges a volunteer unfit to dive (due to illness, fatigue, lack of focus, etc.), the dive will not proceed without reimbursement
All dive equipment is included except computers
Advanced divers joining optional night or deep dives must bring their own dive light/torch
Volunteers work 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Free-time Activities
During your free weekends, you’ll have endless opportunities to explore Barcelona and the surrounding region. Here are just a few ways to make the most of your time off:
Explore Barcelona’s Iconic Landmarks
Visit Gaudí’s masterpieces including the breathtaking Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. Wander through the Gothic Quarter’s narrow medieval streets, discover hidden plazas, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of La Rambla.
Relax by the Sea
Barcelona’s beaches, Barceloneta, Bogatell, and Mar Bella, are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or beach volleyball. Take a stroll along the Port Vell waterfront or enjoy sunset drinks at a beachfront chiringuito.
Discover Local Culture
Immerse yourself in Catalan culture at the Picasso Museum, Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), or the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC). Experience authentic flamenco shows, visit the magical Font Màgica fountain, or explore the colorful La Boqueria market.
Food & Nightlife
Taste your way through Catalan cuisine with tapas, paella, and pintxos at local bars. Experience Barcelona’s legendary nightlife in neighborhoods like El Born, Gràcia, and Eixample, from cozy wine bars to bustling clubs.
Day Trips Beyond Barcelona
With excellent transport connections, you can easily explore further afield:
Montserrat: A stunning mountain monastery just one hour away
Costa Brava: Beautiful coastal towns like Cadaqués, Tossa de Mar, and Platja d’Aro
Girona: A charming medieval city with a well-preserved Jewish quarter
Tarragona: Ancient Roman ruins and beaches just south of Barcelona
Sitges: A picturesque coastal town known for its beaches and vibrant atmosphere
Outdoor Adventures
Hike in Collserola Natural Park, just behind the city, for incredible views. Try water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing along the coast. Join fellow volunteers for cycling tours or mountain excursions.
Whatever your interests, Barcelona offers something for everyone, making your free time an adventure in itself!
Free-time activities
- Sports
- Shopping/Souvenirs
- Hiking
- Sightseeing
- Concert/music
- Water Sports
- Riding
- Diving/Snorkling
- Swimming
- Yoga/Meditation
Discover Barcelona's Endless Adventures in Your Free Time!
Gallery
volunteering
Spanish classes
Surfing lessons
Accomodation
Pacific Coast Activities:
- Surfing
- Diving
- Coastal paragliding
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Shopping
Explore Beyond the Coast:
- Picasso Museum
- Barceloneta
- Tarragona
- La Rambla
Curious to know what's included and what's not included in your travel?
✅ On-site Services
Your program fees cover a wide range of inclusions designed to make your volunteer experience comfortable, enriching, and impact-driven. Below is a detailed breakdown of what’s included and how your contribution is used.
What’s Included
Accommodation
Food
Workshops & Activities
Free access to all NGO workshops including:
Climbing excursions
Yoga and meditation sessions
Martial arts classes
Spanish, English, and Catalan language classes
Videos: Martial Arts Class, Climbing Excursion, Cacao Ceremony, Open Mic
Orientation & Support
Pre-arrival interview with a coordinator
On-site mentor to help with practical situations
Neighborhood and city guide with recommendations for restaurants, bars, and local highlights
Laundry
Free use of washing machine and dryer
Diving Equipment
All dive equipment included (except computers)
Note: Advanced divers joining optional night or deep dives must bring their own dive light/torch
How Your Fees Make an Impact
30% of your program fees are directly gifted to support long-term marine conservation projects in the Mediterranean. This means your contribution goes beyond your personal experience, you’re actively funding the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems for years to come.
✅ Accommodation
Shared rooms in our NGO hostel (approx. 55 minutes from the project) or in two apartments located 30–45 minutes away
Rooms feature 2 to 5 bunk-beds, creating a community atmosphere with fellow volunteers
Single room upgrade available for an extra fee, subject to availability and season
✅ Food & Beverages
All meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus snacks
Mostly vegetarian with occasional meat options
Please notify us in advance of any food allergies or intolerances
✅ Internet Access
Good access at the project site
❌ Airport Pickup at Barcelona-El Prat Airport
An airport pickup isn’t included within the program fees either.
❌ Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) in Barcelona. We assist you to find cheap flights to Spain.
❌Travel Insurance
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft – a travel insurance for Spain provides security and is a plus to have.
❌ Vaccines
If you are intending to volunteer in Spain you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Spain.
Requirements to take part of this opportunity
Check all of the requirements necessary to take part in this incredible experience.
Requirements
Minimum Age: 18 years
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:30 - 16:30
Volunteer Time Commitment
Monday-Friday
from 09:30-16:30
Requirements
Minimum level of English Respect diversity Open mind Altruistic person
Program fees
The following is a breakdown of the weekly fees for this experience.
4 weeks (min. stay)
3.444€
8 weeks
6.584€
12 weeks
10.279€
50 weeks (max stay)
42.290€
Average fees
717€/week
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Program fees
- 363€ per week
- 4 - 50 weeks
- Age: 18 - 50+
Payment methods:
Duration
4 – 50 weeks
Deposit
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment
Your final payment will be agreed with NewProjectOwnership during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
10+
Years Of
Experiences
Partnerships






Top Pick
4.85
Overall
Social Impact
4.9
Safety
4.9
Support
4.9
Free Time
4.8
Value
4.8
One of the top picks, according to travelers
Reviews
Top Pick
4.85
Overall
Social Impact
4.9
Safety
4.9
Support
4.9
Free Time
4.8
Value
4.8
Volunteers With Us
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