
Lanzarote Conservation Programme


Interested in getting involved in whale and dolphin protection in the Canary Islands?
We provide a conservation volunteer programme in Lanzarote, ranging between 1 week and 6 weeks, where you can be part of a unique movement and mission to make whale observation trips noise and emission free.
You’ll learn more about whale and dolphin species, help to create awareness about the challenges they face, and get hands-on experience working with the WeWhale team.
Highlights
- Experience whales and dolphins in their natural habitat in Lanzarote (the Canary Islands are one of the few places in the world where you can observe and study whales and dolphins the whole year round!)
- Learn about the common species found in Lanzarote, including Atlantic spotted dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, Rough-toothed dolphins and Beaked whales
- Be part of a unique movement and mission to make whale observation trips noise and emission free
- Get insights and learnings, and be part of cetacean conservation and protection work
- Immerse yourself in Spanish culture and the amazing island of Lanzarote
What will you be doing on the programme?
You will be focusing on three key areas, including various activities (the following will be subject to weather conditions and availability):
Science/Conservation
- Learning from our experienced team members about animal species, behaviour, environmental and human stressors and responsible whale watching practices
- Searching for whales and dolphins and collecting important data from sightings as citizen scientists (data input into our collaborator’s website)
- Taking part in weekly beach clean-ups and engaging the local community in our conservation efforts
- Taking part in local conservation events (garbage collection, creating green spaces, monitoring plastic contamination)
- Visiting the Society for the study of the cetacean in the Canary Archipleago (SECAC), learning about their current efforts and projects and helping them in daily tasks
Outreach
- Educating guest on board about what we do and the importance of cetaceans in the ecosystem
- Opportunity to practise what you have learnt and create impact by preparing a final project presentation about a relevant topic of your choice
- Collecting social media content to spread awareness
- Participate in educational talks and games in local schools (once a month)
Boating
- Learning basic boating skills (safety at sea, nautical conditions, knots etc)
- Learning about wildlife rescue procedures
- Welcoming, briefing and assisting guests
- Participating in marine debris collection, supporting the health of our oceans
- Assisting the crew in the daily preparation of our catamaran for guests’ excursions
Optional/Extra Activities (time off)
- Opportunity to engage in animal welfare and support local organisations – walking dogs with SARA Animal Shelter, La Casa de las Estrellas Animal Sanctuary (help in a variety of tasks)
- Recommended excursions on the island (paid separately): sports, visits, cultural events etc.
What’s included?
- Daily whale and dolphin observation expeditions and land activities (subject to weather conditions and availability)
- Snacks and drinks on boat expeditions
- Shared accommodation is provided by us in the WeWhale Ocean House in Puerto del Carmen (10 minutes away from Puerto Calero, the home of our catamaran ‘La Santa Maria’)
- Free bicycle use
The airport transfer is quite easy and accessible, and we will support you on the way. From the airport to the apartment is 15 minutes away by car or 30 mins by public transport (taking a taxi will cost you around €20).
This programme is open all-year round and can be started on any specific date (subject to availability). The minimum age to participate is 18.
Who is this programme for?
The programme is aimed at people who are interested in learning about cetaceans, their threats and the importance of their protection in the Canary Islands, and are willing to support us by being proactive and create awareness through teamwork and collaboration.
This is a paid programme – out of the fee, 22.5% is allocated to the work of WeWhale Association.
Price available on request – get in touch with us to find out more and to apply.
Feedback from programme participants
“I spent a wonderful week on the Santa Maria with the brilliant team at WeWhale. I learned a lot from them in various areas and got to know so many exciting people. I spent most of my week on the electric catamaran – and that’s exactly how I wanted it to be. The experiences at sea and the sightings will stay with me for a long time.”
Claudio
“The welcome at WeWhale was very friendly. I spent most of my days on the Santa Maria, a beautiful catamaran, looking for whales, dolphins, turtles…I was particularly impressed by the respect and involvement of the team in the protection of animals and the marine world as a whole. I learned a lot, I became aware of many things.”
Veronique