Dolphins of Greece (trip)
Dolphins of Greece
- Volunteer Vacations
8 Days, from $2,350* per person. May-October.
Accommodations: Simple. Exertion level: 3 (7 is most strenuous)
Overview of Dolphins of Greece
In the waters of Ionian Greece, within sight of landmarks of ancient Hellenic history, bottlenose dolphins congregate in unusually high numbers. The nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf sustain a rich biodiversity where charismatic animals--including sea turtles and a variety of birds--can be easily encountered. Bottlenose dolphins in the Amvrakikos Gulf are threatened by human activities bringing about ecosystem change. Scientists who monitor these dolphins have been able to identify most individuals and have estimated that 150 dolphins live in the area. Marine conservation biologists Dr. Giovanni Bearzi and Joan Gonzalvo Villegas are working to identify the main threats facing these amazing marine mammals, and with your help they are able to provide data to support conservation-oriented management actions.
Operated by Earthwatch Institute.
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Locations visited/nearby
Amvrakikos Gulf , Greece , Vonitsa , dolphins , research , bottlenose dolphins , boat , conservation , data , fins , gps , dorsal fins , earthwatch , Dolphins of Greece
0 testimonials about this trip.
1 testimonial about the provider, Earthwatch Institute:
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Reviewer: L. Reifschneider
located in
St. Louis,
MO
USA
Elephant conservation is what drives my travel destinations. However, I always come home counting the blessings of new friends and an understanding of a culture and way of life I possibly would otherwise have never been introduced to. Through the Earthwatch projects I participate in, I am learning just how big and wonderful this world is.
Disclaimers
*Travel product and pricing information are the travel provider’s base estimates, published here as a convenience to TravelDragon users without verification by TravelDragon. Your actual price will vary depending upon length of trip, travel dates, number of traveling guests, transportation (e.g. airfare, rail passes, etc.), and optional service features such as room categories or individualized food requirements. This base price estimate may or may not include all necessary fees, taxes, government-imposed surcharges. Be sure to confirm availability, total price and trip details with the travel provider using the contact information provided here.
Max group size: 5
Itinerary
Based in the charming Greek village of Vonitsa on the Amvrakikos Gulf, you’ll have the opportunity to experience traditional village life as you help researchers conduct daily surveys on the area's bottlenose dolphins. From a small research vessel, you’ll scan the water for dolphin dorsal fins. Your team will spot dolphins, follow them, and record information on their numbers, group composition, activity, movement patterns and interactions with the area’s fishing industry. The research team identifies individual dolphins by looking for distinguishing signs such as bite marks, nicks, and notches in their dorsal fins. The dolphins living in the Gulf often approach the research boat to bowride, even when the boat is moving slowly, so you’ll have a chance to see them up close and hear their echolocation clicks and whistles.
Back at the field station, you’ll help enter data and prepare digital images of these dorsal fins for matching. Your days will start early, but you will have the traditional siesta each afternoon for resting or otherwise enjoying the quiet coast.
The village of Vonitsa, where the field station is located, lies on the southern coast of the Amvrakikos Gulf, a virtually closed basin that is one of the most productive coastal areas in Greece, its largest and one of its most important wetlands. The Gulf is designated as a Ramsar site and as a Special Protection Area. It has rocky pebbled beaches and is surrounded by densely wooded mountain peaks, verdant plains, lakes and rivers, and sparkling white villages inhabited by hospitable people. The Amvrakikos Gulf is not a glamorous tourist destination, and so retains a genuinely traditional Greek environment.
The Byzantines built a large castle on the hill of Vonitsa, and subsequent Turks and Venetians, made their own mark upon the structure. Illuminated at night, the castle is a beautiful sight from below, and offers rewarding views of the Gulf from its heights. In this quiet, welcoming seafront village you can sit and enjoy good food or a café frappé (iced coffee) at the traditional cafes and tavernas. Large sea turtles can be spotted from the coast, and even inside the port among the moored boats.
The economy in the area is simple and includes fishing, fish-farming and agriculture. Tourism is relatively undeveloped. Locals are very friendly and sometimes curious about foreigners. In Vonitsa everyone knows everyone else and new faces in town may draw some attention. Most people speak exclusively Greek but many can manage to communicate with a few words of English.
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