Tenerife

We work on the whale watching boats, the third biggest whale watching industry in the world, which we use as platforms for:We work on the whale watching boats, the third biggest whale watching industry in the world, which we use as platforms for:

1. Monitoring and researching resident Pilot Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins, and Migratory species. Over one third of all cetacean species either reside in or pass through Canarian waters.  Our databases span thirty continuous years and contain over 13,000 observations making them amongst the most complete sources of information on cetaceans in the world. Volunteers have used the data for thousands of dissertations from ‘A’ level to PhD. 

2. Raising awareness of conservation issues with the one million European tourists who see nature at its very best when enjoying their whale watching experience. Our conservation programme is aimed at raising awareness of the devastating impact of plastic pollution on the marine environment. The  goal in 2019 is to contribute 1,000,000 signatures to the Avaaz’ on-line petition on Plastic Pollution, to be presented to the United Nations at the end of the year.

​The AWdF volunteer programme has always been operated at a loss specifically to enable anyone who wants to ‘do something’ to be able to do so. With this in mind, we have clear expectations of what we expect of them. 

​We provide simple ‘hostel’ accommodation- see video-, half board, all training and project logistics- transport and equipment etc, access to a great range of heavily discounted activities to help get the most out of the Tenerife experience etc. Most importantly, we provide an opportunity to ‘do something’, to contribute to our planet.

Volunteer Activities

There are 5 key elements to the volunteer experience:

1. Research Guiding on the whale watching boats 

Find out what we do one the boats;

Research

Guiding​

2. Activities
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See list of eco-tourism activities. All activities are available subject to prior notice and numbers. The ones highlighted in red are either free or heavily discounted. Our goal is to ensure the best possible volunteer experience whilst supporting the needs of local communities and the environment. 

3. Project contribution
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All volunteers are expected to contribute either individually or in small teams in areas of particular interest to them. They have to Indicate which area of the following is of most interest, selecting the most appropriate project from the list offered. They will then be put in touch with the team in Tenerife responsible for the project area. The thing is to select one project from any of the following areas.

• Research options
• Eco Tourism options
• Earth Ambassador
• Creative
• Earth Angel

4. Earth Ambassadors

We expect every volunteer coming through the programme to nominate at least five people around the world who are endeavouring to make a real difference in their communities. This can be with nature and the environment or with social issues and communities. The nominees will be added to our growing database of Earth Ambassadors through which we will endeavour to provide support

5. Fund Raising

We expect all volunteers coming through to support our fundraising endeavours in support of the Earth Ambassador project

​Once you decide to volunteer with the programme you will be connected to the various teams in Tenerife to develop your individual experience. The aim is to make your experience as rewarding as possible and help you contribute to our efforts.