Overview
Volunteer with Humpback Whales in Brazil

Based in the beautiful area of Praia do Forte in northern Bahia, Brazil, this conservation and research project gives volunteers an opportunity to get involved in the long term future of the humpback whale. Since it began in 1988, the Brazilian Humpback Whale Project has grown to be a well-established scheme, which is perfect for GVI volunteers with an interest in marine biology.

With the option to join for two to six weeks, you will spend much of your time out on the sea (weather permitting), where you will observe whales, collect data on their behaviour, conduct bio-acoustic monitoring and develop the picture identification library. Each volunteer also has opportunities to assist in environmental education, as well as help with administrative tasks such as entering new data.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Being involved with a project that actually is valued in the community we were living within was wonderful. The sightings of the whales were spectacular and the project setting divine.

Angharad Simkiss, 2006 Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The Brazilian Humpback Whale Project was established in 1988 to study and protect Humpback whales in their mating and calving season, in the Abrolhos Bank, southern Bahia state. By volunteering on this project, you will help to preserve the whales through your time, dedication and financial support, and will see first-hand the efforts of specialists who will be there with you, answering your questions and quenching your thirst for knowledge about these fantastic animals.

Highlights

Working alongside a dedicated team of researchers, spending time out on the boat observing whales, teaching communities about whales, snorkelling in crystal waters and living on the coast at Praia do Forte.

Location

The project is located at Praia do Forte, a charming former fishing village about 50 miles north of Salvador on the Northern coast of Brazil. Here you find some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, and for this reason the region is nicknamed the ‘Brazilian Polynesia’. The region is also home to a famous ecological reserve and turtle project.

Field Conditions

Volunteers will stay in the nearby Youth Hostel. Accommodation will be dormitory style (3/4 per room) with private bathrooms, hot water, electricity, and laundry and kitchen facilities. The hostel also has telephone, ATM machine and internet access. Breakfast is included but lunch and dinner are left up to the volunteer.