Marine conservation in Italy
8 amazing days of unrivalled marine conservation in Puglia, Italy. Learn about the study and preservation of some of the world’s most beautiful marine wildlife, including turtles, whales and dolphins, and gain a deeper insight into how the seas, the land and humans work together in a positive, sustainable way.
This marine conservation trip will see you spending most of your time out at sea on research vessels, observing cetacean behaviour and monitoring population dynamics. You’ll also further your knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals that align with this project, as well as gain a deeper understanding of your own social and environmental impact.
“Absolutely awesome, unbelievable experience, IT WAS EPIC.”
It’s great to get a feel for the culture and history as soon as you arrive in a new place.
And, Italy certainly has its fair share of history, which you’ll delve into as soon as you arrive, climbing Mount Vesuvius and exploring Pompeii. Then you’ll head south to the beautiful region of Puglia, where you’ll learn about the marine life in Taranto Bay, the Ionian Sea.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW:
Day 1: Arrive in Naples and climb Mount Vesuvius
Day 2: Visit Pompeii
Days 4–9: Marine conservation
Day 10: Depart Bari
About your adventure
This adventure is crammed to the brim with history, culture and marine conservation. Italy has a wealth of historical culture and you’ll have the chance to explore world famous sites, including the awe-inspiring Mount Vesuvius – the volcano that buried and destroyed Pompeii in 79 AD.
Even if you’re not a history-buff, learning about these incredibly significant world events helps us all to understand the connections between culture, traditions and the modern world. And if Mount Vesuvius wasn’t enough Italian culture for you, there’s plenty of food to sink your teeth into! Overflowing bowls of pasta, Italian meats and wines, and a pizza making demonstration will leave you satisfied.
At the marine conservation project, your focus will be on learning about the marine environment and why it’s so important we work to protect it. You’ll see first-hand the research and monitoring of marine wildlife that happens, and how it connects to the bigger conservation picture. You’ll see turtles, whales and dolphins and actively contribute to their protection and sustaining the area’s biodiversity.
Hands-on, first-hand experiences like this are hugely valuable for anyone, whether or not you’re considering a career in conservation. Immersing yourself in alternative cultures and considering the wider impact of your actions is an invaluable life lesson.
Our trips are designed to help you develop a wide range of life skills and a deeper understanding of how you can help us work towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Learn more ⟶
“It was a great introduction into conservation abroad and has made me eager to go on similar trips around the world.”
Marine Conservation itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Italy
Upon arrival in Naples, you’ll take a private bus to your accommodation, giving you plenty of time to check in and relax before beginning your volcano adventure! You’ll take a short ride up the amazing Mount Vesuvius and climb for around 45 minutes to reach the summit. Enjoy the incredible views over the Bay of Naples from the summit, then take another walk on a trail across the cinders for a view into the crater! Although Mount Vesuvius is still officially an active volcano, the last eruption was in 1944 and there’s been no sign of volcanic activity since – so you’ll see first-hand the sheer power of the volcano that engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, without worrying about eruptions.
Meals: D
Day 2
Pompeii & Puglia
On day 2, you’ll travel to the city of Pompeii for an up-close look at the destruction caused by Vesuvius. The ancient city of Pompeii is almost perfectly preserved, thanks to the volcanic eruption of 79 AD, so you’re able to get a true sense of what life was like for the locals. You’ll be guided around the city by a local, knowledgeable guide, happy to tell you everything they know about its incredible and magnificent history. After lunch, you’ll make your way east across the country to Puglia, where the conservation work begins.
Meals: B, L, D
Days 3-7
Marine Conservation
For the next few days, you’ll be based in the beautiful bay of Policoro - the perfect place to immerse yourself in the world of marine conservation. You’ll learn from the experts about the methods used to study and preserve all sorts of marine wildlife, including turtles, dolphins and whales. You’ll be a welcome pair of hands at the Sea Turtle Recovery Centre, as well as heading out to sea by boat for dolphin and whale watching studies and observations. This will be the most incredible experience, opening your eyes to the infinite depths of one of our most important ecosystems.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8
Depart
Say goodbye to the stunning Bay of Policoro as you make your way back to Bari airport with your private transfer. The experience will change your life, and the data you collect will help save the lives of cetaceans and numerous other marine species.
Meals: B
What’s included
NOTE:
Flights will be secured once final numbers have been confirmed, with options presented for direct and non-direct returns to Naples and Bari. Personal insurance, visas, vaccinations, personal expenditure, tips for leaders, guides and drivers and any other services not listed above are not included.
Important notes
Once you’ve booked your Italian Marine Conservation project you will be sent a kit list specifically for your trip and the time of year you are going. You will also receive further information about the adventure itself and the daily activities as well as further detail around what you can expect to learn. This includes your pre-departure conservation and sustainability workshops, as well as your impact surveys and reports. If you have any questions about the trip please get in touch. If you have any questions about Flooglebinder’s educational adventures please take a look at our FAQs page.
VACCINATIONS
For this particular trip, please see details below.
Please check with your local GP to find out which vaccinations you require for any adventure that you decide to book. These are a guide; a full consultation is necessary to establish individual risk and suitability of vaccines. There may be instances where more than one appointment is required to assess whether a vaccine can be offered.
Recommended vaccinations:
• None for this destination.
Vaccinations to be considered:
• Tetanus
• Hepatitis B
• Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
INSURANCE
Please check if your school/college provides insurance and if not we will require your policy number and details 8 weeks before departure. Flooglebinder has public liability cover of £5million but participants must arrange their own travel insurance for all other levels of cover (e.g. cancellation, curtailment, loss of personal belongings etc.). Please feel free to contact us for any advice or recommendations.
Your safety is our number one priority on all of our educational adventures. All of your finances are protected through our Financial Failure Insurance and each programme adheres to British Standards (BS8848). If you have any questions about our safety and security measures, please do get in touch.
VISAS
Please check with the FCDO.
See what life is like on tour
