O U R P R O G R A M S
Real Fieldwork,
Real Ocean Impact.
Whether you're joining for two weeks or a full season, every MutatioMare program puts you directly in the water, on the boats, and in the data, working alongside our research team in the Teno-Rasca marine reserve.
Volunteer Program
Join our cetacean research team for a hands-on field experience in the Teno-Rasca marine reserve. No prior experience required, just curiosity, commitment, and a love for the ocean. Over the course of your placement you'll rotate through every strand of our fieldwork, building a full picture of what marine conservation looks like on the ground.
Cetacean data collection from boat surveys
Photo-ID and fin identification of individual whales and dolphins
Land surveys monitoring boat traffic in the marine reserve
Biodiversity surveys: bird and rock pool surveys
Beach cleans, collecting and recording microplastics data
Citizen science data entry and sustainable tourism education
Program Fee: Starting at £1,200
Internship
Designed for those pursuing a career in marine science, our internship goes a step further than the volunteer track. You'll take on real research responsibility, leading surveys, presenting findings, and mentoring the group, while sharpening the technical and professional skills that research careers are built on.
All volunteer survey activities plus extended field leadership
Assist staff with preparation of survey materials and data download
Lead field surveys and present research findings to the group
Complete intern assessments and progress evaluations
Organise and lead social activities for the full team
Develop transferable skills in research, data analysis, and reporting
Stories From The Field
Voices of Our Community
Volunteers, interns, and fellows share what their time with MutatioMare meant to them.
¨My internship with Mutatio Mare was such an incredible summer; having the opportunity to see the cetaceans close up in the wild was like nothing I've experienced before. It has taught me so many valuable skills to help me kick-start my career in conservation, and I am so grateful for it!¨
Sav 2026. Intern
"My experience at the base was amazing. I spent 12 weeks in Tenerife as an intern for the Marine Conservation Program. These 12 weeks have been life changing for me and made a huge impact on my life and future career. You'll gain valuable experience in the field, develop different skills, and learn to work together with people from all over the world. Besides that, you'll leave with new friends and memories that will stay with you for life. The community is run with great care and love for the people and the animals. I felt supported by the team at all times and I couldn't be more happy to have been a part of this community. If you want to research cetaceans and make an impact on the marine ecosystem, then MutatioMare is definitely the place to be!!!"
Marit 2025. Intern
"I spent a fantastic month volunteering with Alejandra and the team in Tenerife. As someone in my mid-50s, I was older than most of the volunteers, but I was welcomed from day one and quickly felt part of the team. The project was professionally run, with safety always the priority. I especially enjoyed the time out on the boat and seeing the conservation work first-hand. Alejandra is an excellent leader who kept everything organised while making sure everyone felt included. It was a brilliant experience, with a great team, preparing and sharing meals together, and plenty to do after each day's work. I'd recommend it to anyone, whatever their age."
Andrew, 2023. Volunteer
"The time I spent volunteering in Tenerife was one of the best weeks of my life. It was super interesting and I learnt loads about cetaceans including the intersection between society and environment that exists in Tenerife. The people and the atmosphere of the program was also so lovely making it a wonderful and informative experience all round!"
Freya 2024. Volunteer
¨Completing a Marine Conservation Research Fellowship in Tenerife was an incredibly valuable experience. The fellowship allowed me to develop an independent research project exploring the conservation impact of whale-watching encounters, while gaining practical experience alongside the resident short-finned pilot whale population. My research explored how people experience whale-watching encounters and whether those encounters influence their attitudes towards marine conservation. Being able to collect original data while working alongside the resident short-finned pilot whale population in Tenerife made the project especially meaningful. The combination of boat-based fieldwork, cetacean monitoring, engagement with whale-watching participants and independent research provided an experience that would have been very difficult to gain elsewhere. I was particularly impressed by the important conservation work being undertaken by the team, including cetacean monitoring, data collection, education and collaboration with local organisations. Their commitment to protecting Tenerife's marine environment was evident throughout the programme. The team gave me the freedom to shape the project around my own research interests while still providing support, practical guidance and access to the wider conservation programme. I particularly valued being treated as a researcher and encouraged to think about how the work could contribute beyond the fellowship itself. My research has since been presented internationally, submitted for publication and accepted for presentation at a European marine science conference. I am extremely grateful for the support and opportunities they provided, and I hope to continue my relationship with the organisation through future research, conservation and collaborative projects."
Vin 2026. Intern
I completed my 1 month Marine Conservation Internship in Tenerife with Ale in May 2026. This was my first experience in the marine biology field and one of my first times contributing actively to a conservation project. When I started the internship I was still very much in my «student» mindset, I was very task-oriented but through interactions with different staff members I was motivated to start seeing an opportunity at any corner and think outside of the box. The experience was amazing to say the least. As time passed by, I was starting to feel as a crucial part of the team and I could improve my data collecting skills a lot. Ale and Izzie were very supportive along the way. They created a welcoming and safe atmosphere to learn and develop your skills. Other than the conservation and marine biology knowledge I gained, I also had time to explore the Tenerife area in my free time. Ale also made sure to educate us on pressing environmental and social issues of the island which made it possible to explore consciously. I can definitely state that, by walking through Ale's door I had the chance to step out of my comfort zone, learn how much I am capable of adjusting to new challenges and gain confidence in myself as a field biologist. When at the end of my internship I was offered a contract, I did not have to think twice and today I am proud to have been a small part of Ales project."
Tatjana 2026. Intern
"I spent four months as an intern at Mutatio Mare in Tenerife. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. During our many boat surveys we collected a huge amount of valuable data. In our free time we explored the island, relaxed, and shared unforgettable moments with the team. Volunteering at MutatioMare is a meaningful way to contribute to marine conservation while enjoying a unique experience. I highly recommend it and I can't wait to come back !"
Johanna 2024. Intern