Spend A Week Volunteering in Lanzarote

Ocean Encounters and Cetacean Conservation in Lanzarote

Recently, I had the privilege of volunteering with WeWhale in Lanzarote—a truly inspiring organisation that’s rethinking the way we engage with whales and dolphins. If, like me, you’ve always had a fascination with the ocean and a deep respect for marine life, this is the kind of experience that stays with you.

First Encounters

My week started bright and early with a visit to SECAC, the island’s cetacean research centre. It was the perfect introduction to the work being done to protect whales and dolphins in the Canary Islands. We explored some of the many different species that visit these waters, including striped dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and the majestic Sperm whale.

The centre offers citizen science experiences, giving visitors the chance to step into the shoes of a marine researcher for a day—something I highly recommend if you’re curious about marine biology.

On Board “La Santa Maria”

At the heart of the week, though, was time spent on board La Santa Maria, WeWhale’s custom-built, noise and emission-free catamaran. It’s the first of its kind in the world—a vessel designed to allow whale and dolphin observation without the noise pollution that typically affects these sensitive species. Founder Janek Andre and the team have a clear mission: to change the whale-watching industry for good, putting conservation and education before tourism profits.

Each trip out on the water felt special. Not just because we were lucky enough to see wild dolphins gliding effortlessly alongside the boat and had a sighting of the elusive Bryde’s whale but because of the atmosphere of respect and responsibility that WeWhale fosters. The crew constantly monitored the animals’ behaviour, ensuring we never overstayed our welcome in their natural space.

Behind the Scenes

Volunteering with WeWhale gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexity of marine ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them. Beyond the boat trips, I got to peek behind the scenes—learning about WeWhale’s work not just in Lanzarote, but also across Tenerife and mainland Spain.

The organisation runs a number of volunteer programmes, ranging from one to twelve weeks, ideal for anyone wanting to combine travel with meaningful impact.

How to Experience it for Yourself

For someone who’s spent years around the water—waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, diving—this was a way to reconnect with that lifelong passion through the lens of conservation. And, yes, if you’re looking to build an unforgettable trip around this kind of experience, Tyco Travel would be more than happy to help you organise your flights, accommodation, and transfers.

A huge thank you to the WeWhale team for making me feel part of the mission. I’m already planning my return and will definitely be back out on La Santa Maria again soon. Until then, I’ll be spreading the word and encouraging more people to see the ocean not just as a playground, but as a precious ecosystem worth protecting.