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- Whale and Dolphin Conservation Internship in Ecuador
What is the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Internship in Ecuador project all about?
This research and conservation project is focused on the protection and preservation of the lives and habitats of whales, dolphins and other marine life. Based in the Manabi province, research and conservation efforts are underway to tackle the impact of fisheries, bycatch and climate change on the whale and dolphin population in the region. Numerous species of cetaceans become entangled in gillnets, and there are even documented cases of marine mammals found in homemade fishing equipment. By joining this project, interns will have the opportunity to play a key role in important marine research project and conservation initiatives.
The program also seeks to improve economic growth and development of local coastal communities by promoting conservation and engaging in outreach work.
Why choose this Whale and Dolphin Conservation project?
Ecuador is a breeding ground for humpback whales and home to a population of common bottlenose dolphins, and is a fantastic place to develop key marine research skills for those looking to kick start their career in the field of marine science. The foundation runs various projects, focused on the status, threats, and conservation of dolphins and whales in the Eastern Pacific, with the aim of devising monitoring and management strategies.
Role of the Conservation Intern
Interns will be involved in the following activities:
- Generation of baseline data:
- Appropriate use of the camera for identification of whales in open space.
- Systematization of the information collected in images for identification and monitoring.
- Monitor population trends of whales and dolphins to determine the impacts of changing environments and threats.
- Community involvement:
- Environmental education for kids
- Local sustainable tourism best practices
What skills do I need to be a Conservation Intern in Ecuador?
Interns will go on boat trips to collect data, so it is important that participants know how to swim and feel comfortable on a small boat. Your role will depend on your skills and experience, however interns in this project will require some skills or knowledge in one of the following fields:
- marine biology/sciences education, statistical analysis experience
- interest in environmental conservation, willingness to learn
Volunteers are not required to speak Spanish, although it is beneficial.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To spend time on the beautiful Pacific coast of Ecuador
Help protect the lives and habitats of dolphins, whales and other marine life
To work and interact with people from the local community
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
Where will I work in Ecuador?
About the Location
The Pacific Coast is a beautiful, tropical location. Puerto Lopez is a central fishing port for locals, and serves as the base for the project. You will find restaurants, internet cafes and laundry services, as well as dive shops and tour operators that can take you to visit the nearby islands – including “Isla de la plata – the “poor man’s Galapagos”.
What to do in your spare time
Puerto Lopez is located next to the Machalilla National Park. You can go to Isla de la Plata for a day hike. If you go between June – September, there are high chances of whale watching or manta-ray watching.
If you happen to have a diving license, Puerto Lopez is a great place to do so!
You can also go to Los Frailes Beach, located in the Machalilla National Park. This is a pristine beach that every volunteer loves. You may also choose to spend your afternoon at the Agua Blanca community, inside the national park. The ancient Agua Blanca Community was among the last coastal community in Ecuador to succumb to colonization. As a result, many traditions and archeological findings are preserved. It is a great way to learn about their culture. Onsite, you will also find a natural sulfur lagoon, which you may bath in. It is said to help your skin and wellbeing due to its mineral properties. This costs around $20 USD including taking a local bus, eating at a local place and the entrance fee to Agua Blanca.
You can also go to the nearest beaches of Olon, Montañita, or go to a bigger coastal city like Manta or Salinas. Montañita is recognized because of its waves, which are great for surfing as well as its bohemian ambiance.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 4-12 weeks
- Cost: £2463/$3844 for 4 weeks, £319/$499 for each additional week
- Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
- Working hours: Monday-Friday, 4-6 hours per day
- Project availability: Project runs from June to September
- Arrival day: Every other Friday
What is included
- Accommodation: Shared room in a hostel
- Meal stipend for two meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
- 1 night stay in a hostel in Quito
- Airport pick up and drop off in Quito
- Transfer to and from Pacific Coast
- Training: Pre-departure pack, on-site orientation in Quito and project induction
- Support: 24-hour support
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Police/Government Background Check; US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Additional meals beyond those mentioned
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
2023 Dates
June 2nd, 16th, 30th
July 7th, 21st
August 4th, 18th
September 1st, 15th
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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