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| Spanish Dolphins |
| Spend your days at sea, spotting dolphins and whales, and adding to the data that will help scientists protect these amazing animals. |
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On The Expedition You will conduct research on board the Toftevaag, a historic Norwegian fishing vessel of wood and sail equipped with modern navigational and scientific equipment. Rising to the lap of waves on the hull, you will rotate between a variety of tasks aboard this classic working ship, from keeping watch to observing and recording data on common dolphins and other cetaceans you encounter. You will learn to record environmental data and human activity, as well as to identify sea life. During long observations, duties may include filming the underwater behavior of dolphins, helping with photo-identification, and tracking dolphin movements over an extended period. In your recreational time, you can do some beachcombing, birdwatching, or sightseeing in colorful coastal villages. Meals and Accommodations You'll live and work aboard the Toftevaag, a classic 18-meter wooden sailboat, in the company of dolphins, whales, and sea birds. Living quarters are simple but cozy below deck, with narrow bunks for your sleeping bag, or you can sleep on deck in what the crew calls the "thousand-star hotel." The boat is equipped with one small water-closet, and hot showers can be expected most evenings at marinas and fishing ports along Spain's southern coast. You'll cook communally in the boat's snug galley, using fresh foods acquired along the way. At port stops, you can explore tapas at local restaurants. |
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Call us on +44 (0) 1865 318831 and talk to one of our friendly expedition advisors if you would like more infomation. Please note that teams are listed 'Call' if there are only few spaces left or it is within 60 days of the project start date |
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Research Summary Alboran Sea, Spain — Common dolphins aren't as common as they once were. Over the past few decades, these marine mammals have experienced a dramatic decline throughout their range. Protecting critical habitat, such as the nutrient-rich waters off the beautiful southern coast of Spain, could mean the difference between survival and extinction for common dolphins, as well as several other cetaceans and marine turtles in the Mediterranean. Dr. Ana Cañadas and Ricardo Sagarminaga van Buiten were chosen by the European Commission and Spanish agencies to create management and monitoring schemes for marine protected areas proposed here on the basis of five years of Earthwatch research. You can help them document the range, social behavior, and ecology of dolphins in an effort to better understand their habitat needs. Meet the Scientists  Ana Canadas University of Madrid |
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About the Research Area The research site is within the provinces of Andalucía and Murcia in southern Spain, an arid partial-desert that holds spectacular natural habitats as well as important cultural villages and towns. The coastline varies from salt marshes to volcanic deserts and is home to interesting endemic plant species and animals such as lizards and turtles. Birdwatchers will also find plenty of hotspots on land as well as at sea. The Nature Reservation of Cabo de Gata offers unique geological formations in an area where tourist development has not yet damaged the coast. On a cultural level, the region is extraordinary. It has been an important site for ancient Mediterranean civilizations, and along with seeing their remains along the coast, volunteers are encouraged to visit Granada – just 130 kilometers/81 miles from Almería. For those taking the opportunity to visit other parts of Spain, project staff recommend Seville, Coto Doñana, Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian, among other places. |
Fact Sheet
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Locations shown are approximate.
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