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Volunteering in Gran Canaria: Get ready to go
Everything you need to know about volunteering in Gran Canaria: requirements, costs, and the top volunteer programs and projects.
If you love helping the environment, from beaches to mountains, and have at least two weeks to spare, you can take part in volunteering in Gran Canaria, supporting both nature conservation and various social initiatives.
In this guide, we’ll show you everything from the benefits of volunteering on the island to the best programs and projects you can get involved in. We’ve also included an estimate of the costs for volunteering in this Spanish island, so stay with us until the end to learn more about this experience.
Benefits of volunteering in Gran Canaria
Volunteering in Gran Canaria offers a range of benefits, with activities that can help you grow personally and professionally while also developing social awareness and empathy for others.
However, there are some other benefits that a place like Gran Canaria offers when it comes to volunteering, which we detail below:
- It challenges you physically and mentally: Some volunteering activities in Gran Canaria are focused on the environment, keeping you active and engaged whether you’re working on the beach or hiking up a mountain.
- Development of social skills: All volunteering opportunities here are team-based, so you’ll work alongside a diverse group of people, sharing experiences and tasks while improving your communication skills.
- You will get to know the island culture from the inside out: Social projects let you truly connect with island communities, allowing you to experience their customs and culture firsthand, something you rarely get when visiting as a typical tourist.
- Real impact on the island’s ecosystem: Collecting plastics and waste that harm the island’s beaches and natural areas creates an immediate impact, both visually and for the environment.
Requirements for volunteering in Gran Canaria
Like any Spanish city, Gran Canaria requires the necessary documentation and compliance with certain requirements to volunteer on the island. It’s important to be aware of this before starting any volunteer program.
Factors such as the duration of a project and its conditions may change the requirements for entering the island. Let us explain!
- Visa: If you are from the European Union, you don’t need a visa to volunteer. If you’re from Latin America, you should check the agreements between Spain and your country for this type of activity. In most cases, however, you will need a volunteer visa, which can be issued for up to one year and extended if needed.
- Passport: This is your personal document and must be in perfect condition and valid for at least 6 months after the end of the volunteer program.
- Age: Most volunteer programs are aimed at people over 18, but a few projects allow participants under 16 if they have written permission from their parents.
- Volunteer contract: This is the most effective way to formalize your volunteer activity with the Spanish authorities, as it contains all the details about accommodation, duration, and financial requirements.
- Criminal record: Must be recent and free of legal issues.
- Academic certificates: Some programs require volunteers to have specific qualifications, so make sure to have copies of your technical, vocational, or university degrees ready.
- Medical insurance: You must have coverage of at least $40,000 for medical expenses.
- Financial funds: Prove that you have enough money to return to your country and support yourself during your stay as a volunteer.
Internet connection while volunteering in Gran Canaria
Staying connected to the internet while volunteering in Gran Canaria ensures you can keep in touch with your volunteer agency, reach your insurance in case of an emergency, or stay in contact with your family.
It’s also an essential tool for getting around the island, since you’ll need location and transport services to explore Gran Canaria. That’s why we recommend Holafly’s monthly plans.
You’ll be able to enjoy unlimited data or 25 GB, which lets you connect other devices or keep traveling in over 160 countries, without needing to change your SIM or plan, since they work globally.
You also have Holafly’s eSIM for Spain, which offers unlimited data only for the days you stay in the country. Ideal for short stays.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Best volunteer programs for Gran Canaria
Some volunteer programs are free, while others require a fee in exchange for participation, but all give you the chance to help vulnerable communities and protect the environment through different activities. Here are three of the most popular programs you can find in Gran Canaria.
Fundación Foresta
This foundation works to combat deforestation and restore the island with native vegetation. To do so, it invites volunteers from around the world to help maintain plant nurseries, clean natural areas, and take part in environmental education activities.
You need to show a strong commitment to environmental work and be in good physical condition, as the activities can be demanding and physically challenging. You must also be at least 16 years old and have written permission from your parents.
The length of this program varies, as campaigns usually take place on specific dates during the week or on weekends. This makes it flexible, allowing you to help whenever you’re available, as long as you stay updated through their website or social media channels.
This program provides training for the tasks involved, all necessary work materials, accident insurance, and transportation to the activity sites. Lunch is also included while you volunteer, and there is no participation fee.
Spanish Red Cross in Las Palmas
This healthcare organization runs social programs that support older adults, children, families in vulnerable situations, and immigrants. Its work focuses on disaster response, disease prevention, and other community support initiatives.
Most programs require volunteers to be over 18, though some accept participants as young as 14 with official parental consent. A strong sense of commitment, a willingness to help, and respect for people, local culture, and team guidelines are essential.
This is a long-term program, as the organization is continuously active across the island. However, as a volunteer, you only need to commit a few hours per week, depending on the type of campaign.
The program includes volunteer insurance, work materials, and training in the different areas where you’ll be making an impact. Best of all, volunteering with the Spanish Red Cross is completely free.
Worldpackers
This platform helps you find volunteer programs in Gran Canaria. However, its focus isn’t purely social, as the relationship between hosts and volunteers is primarily an exchange of services.
With Worldpackers, you can discover a new way to travel and explore places by offering a few hours of work in exchange for accommodation and meals. Their website features a variety of projects, including hostel reception and cleaning, gardening, marketing, and language teaching.
General requirements include being over 18, having at least one month of availability, paying a daily fee of $5 to $10 to cover volunteer expenses, having travel insurance with medical coverage, obtaining a volunteer visa if needed, a valid passport, and basic knowledge of English or Spanish.
The program provides one to three meals a day, accommodation in a tent, private room, or shared room, and training for each task you take on. Some projects also offer extra perks such as free events, tickets to tourist attractions, and access to yoga or other activities.
The main costs start with a Worldpackers membership, which ranges from $59 to $139 per year depending on the benefits you choose.
Types of volunteer projects in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria offers a variety of volunteer projects. Below, we’ll highlight the best options so you can choose the ones that best match your interests and skills.
Environment and biodiversity conservation
These projects are among the most significant on the island, as they have a major impact. Their main goal is to protect both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Volunteers take part in beach cleanups, monitor various animal species, and raise awareness about the harm caused by plastic waste and other improper disposal habits on the island.
There are also campaigns focused on restoring forests with native plants, preventing wildfires, and protecting animal species such as turtles, birds, reptiles, and especially marine life.
Support for vulnerable communities and migrants
Projects supporting socially marginalized communities and migrants involve participating in health campaigns, disease prevention efforts, and distributing medicine to those in need.
There are also older adults who need support in different aspects of daily life, including emotional support due to loneliness. Work with children, on the other hand, focuses on education, leisure, and making the most of their free time through play and learning.
You can also help raise funds to cover medical care, medications, and tests for those in need through events held in various public spaces, such as shopping centers or city squares.
Domestic animal welfare
Gran Canaria has several animal shelters that care for abandoned pets, providing food and support for their well-being. Volunteers are usually needed to help with cleaning, walking dogs, and feeding the animals, which are mainly dogs, cats, and birds.
Some animals need socialization because they have suffered abuse. This work requires guidance from a professional and involves playing, going on walks, and giving extra care to help them become ready for adoption by a new family.
How much does it cost to volunteer in Gran Canaria?
The cost of volunteering in Gran Canaria depends on factors such as the duration of each project, the conditions and benefits offered, and the agency you choose to organize your experience.
| Expense category | Price |
| Volunteer participation fee | It can be free with local organizations or up to $170 per year on platforms such as Worldpackers. |
| Accommodation | If not included, the approximate cost is $40 per night in a hostel. |
| Food | If not included, you can expect to spend a maximum of $110 per week, but this depends on your eating habits. |
| Local transportation by bus | Between $1 and $2 per trip. |
| Tourism expenses | Between $30 and $50. |
| Travel insurance | Between $35 and $70 per month. |
| Volunteer visa application | Depends on your country of origin, but the cost can be around $95. |
Volunteering can help you save on costs like lodging, meals, and entrance fees for natural sites or city tours. You can also gain valuable training and even earn certifications without paying a thing.
Frequently asked questions about volunteering in Gran Canaria
It depends on your nationality. If you’re from the European Union, a visa isn’t required. But if you’re from Latin America or another country without an agreement with Spain, you’ll need to apply for a volunteer visa, especially for programs lasting longer than 90 days.
Yes, Spain requires volunteers to sign a contract or collaboration agreement that sets out the limits, conditions, and duration of the volunteer work.
Yes, there are several programs that need your help with campaigns that only last a couple of days or a week at most.
You must be at least 18 and no older than 30. However, it all depends on the projects, the agency you choose, and the type of program you decide to do.
Spanish is the official language on the island, so most volunteer opportunities will require at least a basic understanding of Spanish. However, if you speak intermediate or advanced English, you may still be able to contribute, for example by teaching languages.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
