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.

Top Pick

One of the top picks, according to travelers

4.8

26

Reviews

Learn everything about scuba diving, the Spanish Mediterranean lifestyle, and the precious marine wildlife of the Catalan coast!

Highlights

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.

Join a non-profit diving initiative in Barcelona and contribute to the protection of Mediterranean marine ecosystems! As an ocean conservation volunteer, you’ll use and improve your scuba diving skills while actively restoring the natural state of the Catalonian coast…

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

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

Discover Barcelona's Endless Adventures in Your Free Time!

Gallery
Pacific Coast Activities:
Explore Beyond the Coast:

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.

Volunteer Time Commitment
Monday-Friday
from 09:30-16:30
airplane on sky during golden hour
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

Program fees

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

a couple of people that are standing in the grass

Partnerships

Top Pick

4.85

Overall
5 stars
4
3
2
Social Impact

4.9

Safety

4.9

Support

4.9

Free Time

4.8

Value

4.8

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Pure happiness. The ocean, the turtles, the people… wow. 🌅🐢
Sophia Martin
2024
Rated 5 out of 5
This program perfectly balanced fun and impact. We dawn‑patrolled beaches, restored reefs by day, and surfed sunsets...
Mia Johnson
2024

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Address: C/ de Provença, 163 08036 Barcelona Spain

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