Escape the monotony of your daily routine and answer the call of the Mediterranean as you embark on a 6-day sailing adventure in Italy. This extraordinary journey offers the perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and personal growth, providing a much needed break from the stresses of your professional life.
As you navigate the breathtaking Italian coastline, you’ll play an active role in wildlife conservation by joining a dedicated team in search of majestic whales and dolphins. This unique opportunity allows you to contribute to the preservation of these remarkable creatures while experiencing the thrill of encountering them in their natural habitat.
Throughout this hands-on experience, you’ll develop a range of valuable skills, from teamwork and communication to problem-solving and adaptability. As you collaborate with fellow participants and experts, you’ll foster meaningful connections, broadening your professional network and fostering personal growth.
The tranquil beauty of the Mediterranean Sea provides the ideal backdrop for self-reflection and rejuvenation. Allow the gentle sway of the waves and the invigorating sea breeze to guide you on a journey of personal discovery, reigniting your passion for adventure and rekindling your appreciation for the natural world.
In summary, this 6-day sailing expedition offers a life-changing opportunity to contribute to marine conservation efforts, develop new skills, and create lasting memories as you explore the stunning Italian coastline. By immersing yourself in this unforgettable experience, you’ll return to your career with renewed energy, focus, and a newfound sense of purpose.
The Experience
Your home from home will be aboard the Jean Gab, a vessel that primarily navigates under sail. Your stay on this unique floating laboratory will be primarily dedicated to engaging research activities, providing an unparalleled opportunity to work alongside experts in the field. Every day spent at sea, subject to project requirements and weather conditions, promises new adventures and discoveries.
As a valued team member, you’ll play a vital role in monitoring and protecting dolphins in their natural habitat. Daily tasks will include recording essential data such as geographic position, group size, composition, and surface activity patterns. These observations, combined with acoustic recordings of vocalizations, will contribute to a better understanding of dolphin behavior and communication, ultimately aiding conservation efforts.
Your responsibilities onboard will extend beyond dolphins, as you help record the presence of various other marine species. By assisting in monitoring sea turtles, tuna, swordfish, fish schools, mantas, moonfish, and marine birds, you’ll gain comprehensive insights into the diverse ecosystems of the Mediterranean and contribute to their protection.
This unique project not only offers invaluable research, monitoring, and evaluation skills but also allows you to indulge in the pleasures of Italian culture. As you unwind after a fulfilling day at sea, savour the world-renowned Italian wine and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. This extraordinary experience combines professional development with the joys of travel, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.
This hands-on research opportunity aboard invites you to make a tangible difference in marine conservation while immersing yourself in the beauty of the Mediterranean. Join us on this life-changing adventure, where you’ll develop new skills, create lasting connections, and contribute to the preservation of our precious marine ecosystems.
Logistics
Upon your arrival at Naples (Capodichino) International Airport, you’ll receive clear, concise instructions guiding you to the island where boat awaits. Once you board the vessel, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the dedicated project staff who will be your companions on this remarkable journey.
Your home throughout this adventure will be a shared cabin aboard the cutter ship, complete with basic bathroom and kitchen facilities. For those eager to learn, the crew will gladly teach you the main rigging techniques to sail, such as steering, hoisting, and striking the sails. As your confidence grows, you’ll become familiar with sheets, halyards, the compass, and courses, fostering a deeper connection to the sea and your newfound sailing skills.
Life aboard offers a unique opportunity to embrace a simple, communal, and eco-conscious lifestyle. As you conserve energy and resources alongside your fellow crew members, you’ll develop an appreciation for the fragile beauty of our marine ecosystems and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
While privacy may be limited behind the curtains of the cabins, the vast expanse of sea and sky will provide limitless horizons to explore. Each watch shift offers a chance to savor the tranquility of sailing, fostering personal growth and reflection as you navigate the breathtaking Mediterranean waters.
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard invites you to forge new connections, acquire valuable skills, and embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle. As you journey across the Mediterranean, you’ll not only contribute to marine conservation efforts but also discover a newfound sense of purpose and inner peace.
The Cost of the programme is £1500 GBP per 6 day tour. The tour runs from May to October each year.
This includes;
- Private Accommodation – either onboard or at a nearby hotel
- All meals
- All project-related activities
- Premium Support Package with 24/7 Support
This does not include;
- Flights
- Airport Pickup & transfer to project
- Visas (if applicable)
- Vaccinations
- Travel Insurance
- Personal spending and any extra activities
Testimonials
I went into this, hoping to gain some real-life field experience in either a Marine Biology or Conservation Biology context- and I feel like I really did. It is by no means the most glamorous of placements or experiences, but it is totally authentic. There was a lot of waiting, a lot of looking at open ocean and listening to what at times felt like a completely empty sea, but when we finally did make a sighting or when good quality whistles and clicks were picked up on the hydro-phone, it was beyond satisfying. Even in those moments when you’re not finding anything and you may feel like you’re not making an impact to Cetacean conservation in that area, you realise that the sightings you don’t make or sounds you don’t hear, give as much information as when you do pick up something.
Book a Call
Schedule a free call with us to discuss your exact interests and requirements to help us match you with the perfect project for you.