Marine Conservation Project in Croatia
Price from: £1990
Oyster volunteers play an essential role in marine conservation in Omiš, Croatia, working to protect the town’s stunning coastline and diverse marine life. Through hands-on projects like beach clean-ups and underwater debris removal, volunteers help safeguard the natural beauty of the area while preserving critical marine habitats. These efforts not only boost sustainable tourism but also support the local economy and foster a community-wide commitment to environmental conservation.
Duration: 2 – 8 weeks
Arrival day: Sunday
Return day: Saturday
Eligibility: No previous diving experience required. Must be fit to dive.
Age: 16+
Highlights
- International Diving Certification: Start your journey with an SSI (Scuba Schools International) diving certification, tailored to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced divers. Opportunities to gain further qualifications if you stay longer!
- Hands-On Underwater Clean-Up: Participate in meaningful underwater clean-up operations to remove pollution from the Adriatic Sea, directly benefiting the marine environment.
- Marine Ecosystem Knowledge: Gain valuable insights into marine ecosystems, learning about biodiversity and the specific challenges faced by the Adriatic Sea.
- Skill Development: Enhance your skills in recognizing ecosystem health and understanding marine species behavior through practical workshops and guided dives.
- Conservation Impact: Contribute to vital conservation efforts that support the long-term health of marine life and habitats along Croatia’s coastline.
Description
Marine Conservation Volunteering in Omiš: Protecting Croatia’s Coastline and Marine Life
Join a hands-on marine conservation program in Omiš, Croatia, where volunteers help reduce ocean pollution and protect marine ecosystems through underwater clean-ups. This program is open to beginners with no prior diving experience; participants receive their diving certification before starting conservation activities. The program fee includes comprehensive online and in-person training, all necessary scuba gear, and guidance from certified dive instructors.
Volunteers can achieve internationally recognized SSI (Scuba Schools International) certifications based on their experience level and program length, from Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver courses to specialty certifications in Marine Ecology and Fish Identification. By participating, volunteers contribute to the goal of a cleaner, healthier Adriatic Sea and a vibrant coastal ecosystem.
What will I be doing?
Diving Certification: Begin your conservation journey with an internationally recognized SSI (Scuba Schools International) diving certification. Whether you’re a beginner or have some diving experience, you’ll progress through courses that best fit your skills and goals, from basic Scuba Diver to advanced Open Water Diver. For those interested in specializing further, programs like Marine Ecology and Fish Identification will deepen your knowledge of the underwater world and enhance your ability to contribute to conservation efforts.
Underwater Clean-Up: Be part of impactful underwater clean-up operations designed to reduce sea pollution along Croatia’s coastline. As a volunteer, you’ll actively participate in diving missions that focus on removing trash and pollutants from the sea, such as discarded fishing gear, plastics, and other debris. This hands-on work directly improves the local marine environment and supports long-term ocean health.
Marine Conservation: Gain essential knowledge about marine ecosystems and conservation practices. Through guided dives, workshops, and practical activities, you’ll learn about the biodiversity of the Adriatic Sea and the challenges it faces. You’ll also develop skills that enable you to recognize signs of ecosystem health, understand marine species behaviour, and identify critical areas for conservation.
What diving experience do I need?
Divers of all skill levels are welcome—whether you’re a complete beginner or have some prior diving experience. Comprehensive instruction and guidance will be provided for everyone, ensuring that you feel confident in the water. All necessary diving equipment will also be supplied.
The project cost includes all diving qualifications and training, so you can focus on enjoying your underwater adventure without any additional expenses.
Looking to start a career in conservation?
Are you looking for paid work in the conservation sector after volunteering or interning? Oyster have teamed up with our friends at Conservation Careers who support people to find paid work in conservation following study or a career change. You can add their fantastic and flexible course to your volunteering trip with Oyster. Your Oyster experience will help add interest to your conservation resume as an eye catching addition to your job applications in future!
Accommodation
- Beautiful quiet hostel built into the rocks of Omiš, 3 minutes from the town centre and 4 from the marina
- Share a room and bathroom with 1 – 7 other volunteers
- Large communal areas for breakfast
- Balcony and terrace with stunning views
- WiFi available throughout the house
Upgrade:
Private room: £200 / week / room
Food
- You will receive three meals per day
- Breakfast consists of fruit, breads and spreads, cereals, toast, tea and coffee
- Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant – typical Croatian food. Meat, vegetables, pastas
- Takeaway to have lunch on the boat is available
Travel arrangements
Airport: Split SPU
Arrival day: Sunday. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to the accommodation
Departure day: Saturday
Included
- Access to your own personal ‘My Oyster’ account – our online portal where you can find out much more about the program and manage your booking
- Dedicated contact time with an experienced destination manager to discuss the project, answer any of your questions and for us to find out more about you
- Help and advice from our UK office before arrival and whilst you are away
- In-country support
- Pre-departure information covering medical, safety and project advice
- Gold level, 24/7 Pharos crisis management and incident support cover
- Financial protection: ATOL (if we book your flights); IPP (if we don’t book your flights)
- Thorough orientation on arrival
- Accommodation (see the ‘accommodation’ section above for details)
- Advice on visa requirements
- Oyster plants a tree in Africa with TreeAid to help reduce the impact of global carbon emissions
- Airport collection and transfer to your accommodation
- Three meals per day
- 2 hour guided tour of Split
- Diving equipment, training/certification and instruction
- Linen and towels
On your return:
- Welcome home pack
- Certificate of Recognition (on request)
- References (on request)
Not Included
- Flights – as an ATOL bonded company, Oyster can book flights for you
- You need a valid passport that meets the requirements of the country you will be travelling to
- Insurance (covering your time with Oyster and any planned independent travel)
- Any costs associated with changing your return flight date if you need to
- Independent travel costs
- Home country travel costs
- Spending money for additional trips, food and entertainment
- Return costs to the airport
More Information
The project runs Monday – Friday. Your first day is spent on an induction in Split, and you will join the project on the Tuesday to meet the staff and receive your project orientation.
Days can vary depending on the weather, your diving ability and the demands of the project. An example itinerary is:
08:00: Breakfast
08:30: Leave the volunteer house to travel to the project
09:00 – 12:30: Diving project / diving qualification depending on ability
13:30: Either stay on boat for second dive or return for lunch
14:00: Lunch
14:30 – 19:30: Relaxing and travel time if not diving. Usually your afternoons will be free to relax, take a trip to Split. Go hiking in the mountains.
19:30 – 21:00: Dinner time
Passionate About Marine Life: An eagerness to learn about and protect the ocean.
Strong Work Ethic: Ready to tackle tasks with dedication and enthusiasm.
Positive Attitude: Maintain an upbeat and encouraging mindset.
Diving Fitness: Ensure you’re fit to dive; we recommend obtaining medical clearance from a doctor before departure.
Proactive and Flexible: Take initiative and be adaptable; tasks may not always be assigned, so be prepared to ask for opportunities.
For trips of two weeks or longer, no prior diving experience is necessary, as training will be provided on-site. No previous marine conservation experience is required, but you should be able to communicate effectively in English.
Oyster assesses projects carefully to ensure that they offer high standards of animal welfare and environmental practice. We also check that volunteers understand key points of good practice before working with animals. To find out more, see our animal welfare policy.
Whilst late-availability is possible, we would advise booking as soon as you can to guarantee your ideal dates. Our projects are very popular and spaces can fill up several months in advance, especially for the months of June to September.
- Summer (June to August): Experience warm temperatures, vibrant beach life, and numerous festivals. This is the peak tourist season, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities.
- Late Spring (May): Enjoy pleasant weather with fewer crowds, making it perfect for exploring historical sites, hiking, and enjoying outdoor adventures.
- Early Fall (September to October): Experience mild temperatures and a relaxing atmosphere as summer crowds disperse. This is a great time for water sports, local events, and enjoying the stunning autumn scenery.
- Spring (April): Witness blooming nature and mild weather, which is great for hiking and outdoor exploration, with fewer tourists compared to the summer months.
- Winter (November to March): For those who prefer a quiet retreat, winter offers a peaceful atmosphere, lower accommodation prices, and the chance to enjoy local culture without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season.
We would recommend budgeting approximately £50 a week for free time activities.
There are cash machines located in the town but you can pay by card everywhere. You should take at least two cards with you, and let your bank know that you will be going away.
Typically you won’t need a visa for stays up to 3 months. You should make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
Most of our volunteers are independent travellers and you will become part of a group of people from around the world here. It is fine to travel with friends or as part of a small group too however- more the merrier!
The simple answer to this question is, yes absolutely!
It is important to bear in mind however that this may not be like other holidays that you have taken. Remember that you are volunteering, and this means that you will be put to work! This sort of holiday is a world away from sun loungers and cocktails, with our volunteers often heading home tired but immensely satisfied. If you think that you will need a bit of relaxing time on your trip too, do make sure to factor this in when your time on the project is complete.
You should visit your doctor or travel nurse to find out what vaccinations you will need. Your routine vaccinations will need to be up to date. You should follow your doctor’s advice.
Please see the Fit for Travel website.
Doctors, pharmacies and hospitals are located within 5 – 10 minutes of the accommodation.
Omiš, Croatia, is generally considered a safe destination for travellers.
- Low Crime Rate: Omiš has a relatively low crime rate, making it a safe place for tourists. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, but violent crime is rare.
- Friendly Locals: The residents of Omiš are known for their hospitality and friendliness toward visitors, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
- Safe Outdoor Activities: Omiš is famous for its outdoor adventures, including hiking, rock climbing, and water sports. These activities are generally safe, especially when conducted with reputable tour operators.
- Health Services: Basic health care services are available, and larger cities nearby, like Split, offer more extensive medical facilities. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers health-related issues.
- Transportation Safety: Public transportation, including buses and ferries, is reliable and safe. Road conditions are generally good, and traffic is manageable.
As with any travel destination, it’s always wise to stay vigilant, follow local guidelines, and take standard safety precautions to ensure a worry-free experience.
There is free wifi provided at the volunteer house. You will receive a free local SIM card on arrival. Make sure that your phone is unlocked before arrival so that you can use the local SIM card.
We would suggest that you download the App Whatsapp prior to arrival so that you can be added into the volunteer group once you are in Croatia.
There is good phone reception.
Croatia is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is UTC+1. During Daylight Saving Time (DST), from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, Croatia observes Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.
You will need a European plug.
Generally, you will be free in the afternoons from 14:30 onwards. Some days you will do two dives and be out on the boat most of the day. You will also have weekends free. You rotate litter sorting for a couple of afternoons each.
Supervision will be fairly intensive during the first few days, when you will receive a thorough induction and work-related training. Once you are comfortable with things, you might not always have a supervisor working alongside you, but there will always be staff and other volunteers around to help, and you will always be accompanied for any high risk activities.
Staff at Oyster’s head office and in-country will be responsible for your safety and welfare while you are at the project. This will start from the moment you are picked up from the airport until the end of your project. Before and after these times, you will be outside Oyster’s responsibility and should make sure that you act safely and avoid risk. This is also true if you choose to leave the project during your time off. We will give you plenty of guidance and advice about this.
Got a question or want to chat to Project Manager Kate who has first-hand experience of the project? Call +44 (0) 1892 771 973or email: – [email protected].
