Voluntary work with dolphins

Project information:
Over the past 50 years, the population of bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic Sea has declined by around 50%, mainly due to targeted killings in the 1960s, when dolphins were considered pests. Today they are protected, but threats like overfishing, tourism, and underwater noise continue to endanger them. This project, founded in 2001, is the only one in Istria dedicated to the protection and study of these dolphins and plays a key role in raising public awareness.

Location:
Zambratija is a small village on Croatia’s Istrian coast, offering stunning sea views and surrounded by olive trees. A short bike ride along the coast rewards you with breathtaking views of Slovenia, Italy, and the Alps.

A typical day:
Your day begins with a simple breakfast and a short morning briefing. In the morning, you’ll analyze data from the previous day, enter new dolphin observations, and transcribe notes from fieldwork—a great way to get hands-on experience with scientific research. Occasionally, you’ll attend presentations or enjoy documentary evenings about marine life. At midday, meals are prepared together, and snacks are packed for the afternoon. Then it’s time to observe dolphins—either from the boat or a land platform—while learning how to collect behavioral data and identify individuals. If the weather prevents an outing, you’ll go snorkeling or swimming in sheltered waters and explore the local underwater world. You’ll also prepare simple presentations on dolphin biology and learn how to share this knowledge with tourists, contributing to marine conservation while building your public speaking skills. The day ends with a shared dinner and the soothing sounds of the sea.