The Marine Conservation
Working Holiday
One of the best marine projects in Southern Africa.
Dolphin & Marine Conservaiton
Make a difference in one of the most beautiful destinations!
Set along Zanzibar’s turquoise coastline, this ocean-based experience is all about protecting dolphins and the marine world they depend on. You’ll spend your days out at sea, learning how to observe dolphins in a safe and respectful way, while helping to care for coral reefs and coastal ecosystems.
It’s a hands-on, feel-good experience that blends adventure, learning and conservation, all in one of Africa’s most beautiful island settings.
Overview of the Project
This project works to protect marine life through research, education and community support. The focus is on understanding dolphin behaviour and keeping their ocean environment healthy.
Each day includes time on the water, where you’ll help spot dolphins, record sightings, and learn how to interact with marine life responsibly. You’ll also take part in reef and sea grass surveys, beach clean-ups and simple conservation activities that help keep the coastline clean and thriving.
You don’t need any experience, everything is taught on arrival. The most important thing is a love for the ocean and a respect for wildlife.
Project Highlights
of the Marine Conservation Project
- Spend time on the ocean observing wild dolphins
- Learn about marine ecosystems and conservation
- Help monitor coral reefs and sea grass beds
- Join beach clean-ups and community projects
- Discover island life and coastal culture
- Gain new skills in marine research and data collection
Example of your Weekly Schedule
Monday
06:30 – 07:30 | Breakfast
08:00 – 09:00 | General Orientation
Your first session introduces you to life in Zanzibar and your new accommodation. The team will go over important house guidelines, community etiquette, and safety information to help you settle in comfortably.
09:30 – 12:00 | Marine Project Introduction
Volunteers receive a detailed introduction to the marine conservation project, including its objectives, research methods, and weekly activities. Training will also be provided on dolphin monitoring and how to correctly complete the research data sheets used during fieldwork.
12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch
14:00 – 15:30 | Conservation Club Preparation
Volunteers work together to prepare educational materials for the weekly conservation club held with local students. Topics typically include marine ecosystems, ocean conservation, sustainability, and responsible tourism.
16:00 – 17:30 | Jambiani Village Tour
Take a guided walk through the local village to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. You’ll visit key spots such as small shops, markets, and community landmarks, with time to purchase essentials like a local SIM card and meet members of the community.
18:30 – 19:30 | Dinner
19:30 – 20:00 | Weekly Volunteer Meeting
Join the rest of the volunteer group for an informal meeting to introduce new arrivals, reflect on highlights from the past week, and review the schedule and activities planned for the days ahead.
20:00 onwards | Free Time
Relax, socialise with fellow volunteers, or enjoy a quiet evening by the beach.
Tuesday
06:30 | Depart for Kizimkazi
Volunteers leave early for Kizimkazi, a coastal area around 30 minutes from the project base, known for its resident dolphin populations.
07:00 – 09:00 | Dolphin Monitoring
Head out onto the water with the research team to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. Volunteers assist with recording data on dolphin sightings, behaviour, group size, and boat activity in the area.
09:00 – 10:00 | Breakfast
10:00 – 11:00 | Fish Market Monitoring
Visit the local fish market to collect important data on the types of fish being caught. Volunteers may help record species, measure fish sizes, note weights, and track market prices to support sustainable fisheries research.
11:00 – 11:30 | Return to Base
Travel back to the volunteer base in Jambiani.
11:30 – 12:30 | Free Time
Volunteers clean and store any equipment used during the morning before taking time to shower, relax, or rest before lunch.
12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch
14:00 – 16:00 | Data Entry & Research Support
Volunteers input the data collected during the morning into the project database and assist the research team with reports and other conservation administration tasks.
16:30 – 17:30 | Cultural Experience – Maasai Presentation
Learn about the traditions, history, and lifestyle of the Maasai people, one of East Africa’s most well-known cultural groups. Volunteers will have the chance to ask questions and may even take part in the traditional “Adamu” jumping dance.
18:30 – 19:30 | Dinner
19:30 onwards | Free Time
Enjoy a relaxed evening with fellow volunteers, share stories from the day, or unwind before the next day’s activities.
Wednesday
06:30 | Depart for Kizimkazi
Volunteers leave early for Kizimkazi, located about 30 minutes from the project base and known for its dolphin populations.
07:00 – 09:00 | Dolphin Monitoring
Head out by boat with the marine research team to observe dolphins. Volunteers assist in recording important data such as dolphin sightings, behaviour, group sizes, and the number of boats present in the area.
09:00 – 10:00 | Breakfast
10:00 – 11:00 | Fish Market Monitoring
Visit the local fish market to collect key data on fisheries in the area. Volunteers may record the species being sold, measure fish size and weight, and note market prices to support ongoing sustainability research.
11:00 – 11:30 | Travel to Vanishing Island
Continue the day by travelling by boat to the beautiful sandbank known locally as Nakupenda, often referred to as “Vanishing Island.”
11:30 – 12:30 | Coral Reef Survey
Under the guidance of the marine conservation team, volunteers assist with coral reef monitoring. This may include conducting transects, recording GPS points, and observing coral bleaching to help track reef health.
12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch on Vanishing Island
Enjoy lunch surrounded by the stunning turquoise waters and white sandbanks of this unique location.
13:30 – 14:30 | Return Journey to Base
Travel by boat back to Kizimkazi before transferring back to the volunteer base in Jambiani.
15:00 – 17:30 | Free Time
Volunteers clean and store any equipment used during the day before having time to relax, freshen up, or rest ahead of the evening.
17:30 – 19:00 | Local Dining Experience
Experience traditional Zanzibari hospitality with a visit to a local home in Jambiani. Volunteers will enjoy a homemade Swahili meal while learning about local customs and daily life. Meals are often enjoyed in the traditional way, eaten with the right hand as is customary.
19:30 onwards | Free Time
Relax with fellow volunteers, share stories from the day, or enjoy a quiet evening before the next day’s activities.
Thursday
06:30 | Depart for Kizimkazi
Volunteers depart early for Kizimkazi, a coastal area located around 30 minutes from the project base and home to resident dolphin populations.
07:00 – 09:00 | Dolphin Monitoring
Head out on the boat with the research team to observe dolphins in their natural environment. Volunteers help record important data such as dolphin behaviour, group sizes, and the number of boats present in the area.
09:00 – 10:00 | Breakfast
10:00 – 11:00 | Fish Market Monitoring
Visit the local fish market to collect valuable information on the local fishing industry. Volunteers help record species being sold, measure fish sizes and weights, and note market prices to support marine conservation research.
11:00 – 12:00 | Data Entry & Research Support
Return to the workspace to enter the morning’s findings into the project database and assist with reports or other administrative tasks related to the week’s research.
12:00 – 13:00 | Beach Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed lunch by the ocean before the afternoon activities begin.
13:00 – 14:30 | Conservation Club
Visit Kizimkazi Dimbani Secondary School to deliver the conservation lesson prepared earlier in the week. These sessions aim to educate and inspire local students about marine ecosystems, environmental protection, and responsible tourism.
14:30 – 15:00 | Return to Base
Travel back to the volunteer base in Jambiani.
15:00 – 18:00 | Free Time
Volunteers clean and store any equipment used during the day before enjoying some time to relax, shower, or unwind before dinner.
18:30 – 19:30 | Dinner
19:30 onwards | Free Time
Enjoy a relaxed evening with fellow volunteers before heading to bed.
Friday
06:30 – 07:30 | Breakfast
08:00 – 11:30 | Weekly Wrap-Up & Project Reset
The morning is spent finalising any remaining research tasks from the week. Volunteers help complete data entry, assist with project reports, and ensure all information collected during fieldwork is properly recorded.
This is also the time to thoroughly clean and organise the diving and research equipment used throughout the week. Volunteers may upload photos to the project database and help create content that supports project updates and social media.
12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch
13:30 – 15:00 | Community Project
Volunteers join forces with the Teaching team to support a community-focused project. Activities vary week to week and may include helping paint or maintain local schools, organising beach or village clean-ups, or assisting with other community initiatives.
15:00 – 18:30 | Free Time
The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore. Volunteers often take this opportunity to visit the beach, explore the local town, or simply unwind after a busy week.
18:30 – 19:30 | Dinner
19:30 onwards | Free Time
Enjoy a relaxed Friday evening with fellow volunteers before the weekend begins.
Weekends
Weekends are generally free, giving volunteers the chance to relax and explore more of Zanzibar at their own pace.
Many volunteers take this opportunity to enjoy the island’s stunning beaches, snorkel in the turquoise waters, or explore the historic streets of Stone Town. Zanzibar is also well known for its spice farms, vibrant markets, and cultural heritage, offering plenty of experiences to discover.
Optional activities (to your own account) can include boat trips, scuba diving, island excursions, or visiting nearby sandbanks and marine reserves. The project team is always happy to offer recommendations and help organise local trips.
For those looking to unwind, weekends are also the perfect time to relax by the beach, enjoy local restaurants, and spend time with fellow volunteers.
Please note: This schedule is provided as a guideline to give an idea of a typical week. Activities, times, and locations may vary depending on weather, community needs, and other factors. Volunteers should remain flexible, and the project team will provide updates as needed.
About the Location
Zanzibar, Tanzania
The project is based on the south-east coast of Zanzibar, a tropical island known for white beaches, warm waters and vibrant marine life. You’ll live in a small coastal village where the ocean is part of everyday life, and each day starts with the sound of waves and sea breeze.
Zanzibar is home to world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, swimming with wild dolphins in ethical ways and marine spotting opportunities. You will discover some of the world’s least visited coral reefs, with an array of spectacular and diverse water life at your fingertips.
Accommodation
You’ll stay in relaxed, shared beachside accommodation with:
- Shared rooms
- Communal lounge and dining areas
- 3 prepared meals a day
- Swimming pool
- Wi-Fi
- Easy access to the beach
You can expect to wake up to stunning sunrises in the mornings, a gentle beach breeze and the sound of the ocean. A paradise for anyone looking for a dreamy beach experience.
Pricing & Start Dates
Starts at GBP £2264
Starts Every Monday
2 weeks – 12 weeks
Focus: Marine
Information
Pricing & Duration
Project Starting Times
We can’t wait to meet you! All volunteers are required to arrive on a Monday to begin their projects.
Please verify specific dates with your sales agent.
Additionally, ensure you check with your sales agent regarding the recommended airport for your transfers.
Project Includes
The project includes accommodation and full meals provided 7 days a week.
Airport transfers are available from a specific airport (please confirm with your sales agent).
All project-related transport, equipment, WIFI, and resources are included, along with support from our experienced 24-hour team.
Project Excludes
The project package does not cover the following items: flights to the designated location, expenses related to obtaining a visa, insurance costs, optional additional excursions, and any personal expenses you may incur during your participation.
And There’s More…
Zanzibar offers so much beyond the project (to your own account)
- Snorkel or swim in crystal-clear water
- Explore spice farms and local markets
- Take boat trips to nearby islands
- Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean
- Try diving, kitesurfing or paddleboarding
This is more than a project, it’s a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and experience island life while making a real difference.