From $2350
DOLPHIN RESEARCH & MARINE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING IN ZANZIBAR
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Impact:
Marine Conservation
Destination:
Jambiani, Zanzibar
Duration:
10 Days+
Fee: From $2,350
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
SDG’s: 
Conduct Research on Dolphins & Promote Marine Sustainability
Ditch the ordinary and embark on an exciting journey to an enchanting tropical island, where you’ll dive headfirst into the captivating world of marine conservation. Join us as a Zanzibar dolphin volunteer and become a guardian of the delicate balance of the local marine ecosystem, protecting it from the harmful effects of human activities. Embark on daily boat journeys and snorkelling through the crystal-clear waters of the Menai Bay Conservation Area whilst carrying out research on both bottlenose and humpback dolphins. You will track their movements, behaviours, and interactions with tourist boats conducting dolphin tours. You will also have the opportunity to swim with the dolphins in an ethical manner.
This intimate volunteer experience (no more than 10 volunteers) is about leaving an impact on the sustainability of all marine life in the surrounding ocean. You do not need to be a skilled researcher when you arrive, but will gain valuable experience in marine research, conservation practices, and cross-cultural communication.
Project Highlights
ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEYS
Collect vital data on coral reefs and seagrass meadows.
ETHICAL TOURISM WORKSHOPS
Educate local boat and tour operators on ethical dolphin tourism.
DOLPHIN MONITORING
Swim with and monitor pods of dolphins in their natural habitat.
COMMUNITY INTERACTION
Interact with community members about environmental conservation.
TROPICAL PARADISE
Live in a tropical setting of white sands and crystal clear waters.
Project Impact Areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Dolphin & Marine Conservation Project in Zanzibar:
Dolphin Research
Become a champion for these magnificent creatures and join our mission to protect their well-being by ensuring responsible dolphin tourism practices in Zanzibar. Daily boat trips will whisk you away to the heart of Zanzibar’s vibrant marine ecosystem, where you’ll witness dolphins in their natural habitat and contribute to valuable research and conservation efforts. This is your chance to make a real difference in dolphin conservation while experiencing the magic of these playful creatures firsthand.
U.N SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Coral Reef Monitoring
Armed with snorkels and a keen eye for detail, you’ll embark on underwater expeditions to gather vital data on coral reef health. Monitor the progression of coral bleaching, identifying areas where the resilient reefs are fighting back and areas where the damage is more severe. Your observations will provide invaluable insights into the resilience of these ecosystems and the effectiveness of marine conservation efforts.
U.N SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Conservation Efforts
As a marine conservation volunteer, you will engage with community members, raising awareness of and emphasizing the need for environmental conservation. From eager students at after-school clubs to local fishermen, you will empower them to become responsible stewards of their natural heritage, ensuring a brighter future for the island they call home. This is your chance to share your knowledge and inspire current and future generations of marine conservationists.
U.N SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Project Destination
Imagine yourself surrounded by the stunning turquoise waters and pristine white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, an East African paradise. Our base is nestled in Jambiani, a charming fishing village on the island’s southeastern coast. We fully embrace the island lifestyle, offering you a taste of authentic Zanzibar with weekly dinners at local families’ homes. During your free time, you can explore a variety of exciting activities.
Try your hand at kitesurfing or simply relax on a leisurely boat trip aboard one of the traditional Dhow boats that grace the horizon each evening. This immersive experience allows you to combine meaningful volunteer work with the laid-back charm of island life.
Life At Base
Accommodation & Meals
Your home away from home while volunteering in Zanzibar is a gated and secure volunteer house that has all the amenities you’ll need like beautiful shared communal spaces and a pool! Embrace the communal spirit as you share dorm-style accommodations with fellow volunteers. Each room accommodates 4-6 individuals, ensuring a lively and enriching atmosphere. Rest assured, daily housekeeping ensures your comfort and well-being.
Zanzibar is a melting pot of cultures and flavours, offering one of Africa’s richest and most diverse culinary scenes, shaped by centuries of trading and migration. The seafood is incredibly fresh and delicious, but there are also plenty of options for non-seafood eaters. Local favourites include Zanzibar pizza (more like a savoury crepe), biryani, pilau, mishkaki (meat skewers), and mandazi (Swahili doughnuts). A local chef will prepare fresh meals for you every weekday!
Communication
SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport with various packages allowing for phone calls and/or data usage. Our accommodation offers free WiFi that enables you to make contact with home. Power and electricity supply can be intermittent in Zanzibar and its surrounds so do bring your power banks and embrace patience if you encounter an outage. TIP: Ensure your cellphone is enabled to allow for a foreign SIM card if you intend to use one.
Flights & Arrivals
Fly in to at Abeid Amani Karume (Zanzibar) International Airport (ZNZ) on your start date – always a Monday. We offer two convenient transfers – a morning transfer at 11am and an evening transfer at 5pm. Look for the African Impact sign, and our friendly team will be there to greet you with a warm welcome! Your pre-departure pack will contain important contacts numbers of our team in Zanzibar should you need to get hold of them directly.
Staff
Meet Nellie, our Marine Coordinator in Zanzibar! A Norwegian marine biologist, Nellie’s research spans from the North Pole to the tropics. Her Master’s studies focused on seagrass ecosystems. During the pandemic, she embarked on a two-month boat journey from Valparaíso, Chile to Suva, Fiji, conducting research that expanded her global perspective.
Since May 2023, Nellie has been based in Zanzibar, leading projects on dolphin tourism behavior monitoring, coral reef bleaching, fisheries activity monitoring, and seagrass surveys. Her work aims to balance ecological health with community engagement for sustainable conservation impacts.
Safety
At our Zanzibar base, safety is paramount in every aspect of our operations. We’ve implemented comprehensive measures to ensure your well-being. On project, we prioritize sun protection and hydration. Our boat activities adhere to strict safety protocols, with life jackets, trained staff for onboard emergencies, and careful monitoring of weather and sea conditions. Snorkeling activities are overseen by a dedicated manager to ensure accountability. When engaging with local communities, we strictly follow child protection policies and emphasize respect for local customs. We’ve implemented comprehensive measures to ensure your well-being both on land and at sea.
Our base is secured by 24/7 patrols, and our staff undergo continuous safety training. We conduct regular risk assessments, maintain a live incident reporting system, and have crisis management teams ready for any eventuality. Fire safety, evacuation plans, and emergency communication systems are in place. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a thorough safety induction to ensure you’re well-prepared for your volunteer experience.
Project Gallery
Project FAQs
What is it actually like to be a volunteer in Zanzibar?
While volunteering does involve contributing your time and skills, it’s also an incredible opportunity to explore Zanzibar and immerse yourself in the local culture. You’ll get to travel, meet new people, learn new things, and have amazing experiences all while making a positive impact. Think of it as an adventure with a purpose!
Is it safe to volunteer in Zanzibar?
If you’re wondering if safety is something you should prepare for, or if things like language barriers and cultural differences are a concern, don’t worry! We’ll provide pre-departure training, on-site support, and guidance on navigating safety concerns as well as language and cultural differences. Don’t let these concerns hold you back – volunteering with African Impact in Zanzibar comes with comprehensive support to ensure a safe and rewarding experience!
Will I get to see dolphins in their natural habitat?
Absolutely! Daily boat trips are a central part of the Zanzibar dolphin volunteer experience, offering you the incredible opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural environment. You’ll learn about their behaviour, contribute to vital research, and witness the beauty of these majestic creatures firsthand.
Do I need to be a certified diver or swimmer?
While our program requires basic swimming skills, diving certifications are not mandatory. Many programs offer training and guidance to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe in the water. And if you are keen to learn, we couldn’t recommend more starting your PADI Diving training in Zanzibar!
How can I make a real difference during my time in Zanzibar?
When you volunteer with dolphins, your contribution will go far beyond just the physical tasks. By participating in data collection, raising awareness, and promoting responsible tourism practices, you’ll play a vital role in protecting Zanzibar’s delicate marine ecosystem for generations to come. Your passion and enthusiasm can inspire others and contribute to a lasting positive impact.
Our favourite weekend activities in Zanzibar
Explore the vibrant markets and restaurants around the island on weekends. From forest walks to traditional safaris, kite surfing to spice markets, make the most of your free weekend time whilst in Zanzibar!
How to Apply
From $2,350
Weekly costs reduce for stays longer than 2 weeks, booking with friends or return volunteers.
Exclusions
- Flights
- Visas
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Weekend tours
- Personal expenses.
Requirements
All visitors to Zanzibar are required to purchase mandatory insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation via https://visitzanzibar.go.tz.
| Duration | Program Fee |
|---|---|
| 10 days | $2,350 ($1,645 per week) |
| 2 weeks | $2,500 ($1,250 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $2,800 ($934 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $3,100 ($775 per week) |
| 5 weeks | $3,400 ($680 per week) |
| 6 weeks | $3,700 ($617 per week) |
| 8 weeks | $4,300 ($538 per week) |
| 10 weeks | $4,900 ($490 per week) |
| 12 weeks | $5,500 ($459 per week) |
| 10 days | £1,875 (£1,313 per week) |
| 2 weeks | £1,995 (£998 per week) |
| 3 weeks | £2,245 (£749 per week) |
| 4 weeks | £2,495 (£624 per week) |
| 5 weeks | £2,745 (£549 per week) |
| 6 weeks | £2,995 (£500 per week) |
| 8 weeks | £3,495 (£437 per week) |
| 10 weeks | £3,995 (£400 per week) |
| 12 weeks | £4,495 (£375 per week) |
| 10 days | €1,875 (€1,313 per week) |
| 2 weeks | €2,115 (€1,058 per week) |
| 3 weeks | €2,365 (€789 per week) |
| 4 weeks | €2,615 (€654 per week) |
| 5 weeks | €2,865 (€573 per week) |
| 6 weeks | €3,115 (€520 per week) |
| 8 weeks | €3,615 (€452 per week) |
| 10 weeks | €4,115 (€412 per week) |
| 12 weeks | €4,615 (€385 per week) |
| 10 days | $3,520 ($2,464 per week) |
| 2 weeks | $3,775 ($1,888 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $4,175 ($1,392 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $4,575 ($1,144 per week) |
| 5 weeks | $4,975 ($995 per week) |
| 6 weeks | $5,375 ($896 per week) |
| 8 weeks | $6,175 ($772 per week) |
| 10 weeks | $6,975 ($698 per week) |
| 12 weeks | $7,775 ($648 per week) |
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- Backpacker style accommodation with swimming pool
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Fri)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
PRICE
From $2,350
Your weekly cost will reduce if you stay for longer than 2 weeks, book with a friend or are a return volunteer.
Start day: Every second Monday
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- Backpacker style accommodation with swimming pool
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Fri)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES
- Flights
- Visas
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Weekend tours
- Personal expenses.
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
The minimum age requirement for participation is 16 if travelling alone, and 15 if travelling with a parent. Participants younger than 18 travelling alone are required to supply parental consent before arrival.
Effective 1 October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar are required to purchase mandatory insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation via https://visitzanzibar.go.tz.
DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?
Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.
Project Enquiry
After completing the below project enquiry form, one of our Destination Specialists will get in touch to discuss your volunteer experience and any questions you may have. When you are ready to book, we can send you a booking form or you can book directly from this page too.
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Project Booking
Please complete the details below in order for us to provisionally hold a space on your preferred project. A deposit will be required to secure your position. By submitting these details you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
