Discover, Plan & Go!

In the deep blue waters off the west coast of Greece, within sight of famous Greek landmarks of history of mythology, bottlenose dolphins congregate in unusually high numbers. The nutrient-rich waters of the Ionian Sea also attract fish, and, closely on their heels, fishermen. Greece's bottlenose dolphins are facing pressure from competition with humans for food as well as dealing with threats to their health from marine pollution. Scientists who monitor these dolphins have identified 107 individuals and have estimated that 150 live in the area. Marine biologists Dr. Giovanni Bearzi and Joan Gonzalvo Villegas are working to identify the main threats facing these amazing marine mammals. Their work will provide data to help local managers develop effective conservation strategies.

Based in the small village of Vonitsa, you will have the opportunity to explore traditional Greek village life as you help researchers conduct daily surveys on the area's bottlenose dolphins. From a small research vessel, you will scan the water for dolphin dorsal fins. When your team spots dolphins you will follow them and record information, such as number of newborns, calves, juveniles, and adults, their activity, their movement patterns, and their location using GPS. The research team identifies individuals by looking for distinguishing marks, such as propeller scars, bite marks, and nicks or dents in their dorsal fins. Back at the field station, you will help enter data and prepare digital images of dorsal fins for matching. Your days will start early, but you will have the traditional "siesta" each afternoon for resting or otherwise enjoying the small village of Vonitsa and the Greek coast.

Teams stay in a comfortable and fully-equipped apartment. A sleeping loft is adjacent to a large living area with an open kitchen and living room, plus two bathrooms, an office, and rooms for the research staff. Bathrooms are conventional, with showers, hot water, and flush toilets. Housekeeping, including cooking and cleaning up, are communal activities, though you may opt to enjoy Vonitsa's quaint and inexpensive restaurants when the mood strikes you. Juices, soft drinks, and ice are always available.

As an Eons member, you'll get a free, 1 year membership to Earthwatch — a $35 value — when you sign up on any expedition. And members pay $100 less on their expedition contribution — so you save $135! Just put code EONS2007 in the comment field on the signup form, or, if you call, tell the Expedition Coordinator that you found us on Eons.

Earthwatch expedition-related costs may be tax-deductible in the US as volunteer expenses. Please check with your tax adviser.