Program Reviews

I joined the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project in July for one week and immediately regretted for not spending more time there! It was probably one of the best time in my life. I came there for my career break, with an exhausted mind and body, and left Alonissos with a refresh mind, totally forgot about whatever I had in Hong Kong, the hastle busy work life.

Kimon has been so helpful in and out of the programme, he made me feel home. As an marine biologist expert, Kimon explained to me issues of dolphins and sea lives. 🏖️🐳🐬We went on boat looking for dolphins, had lunch on the boat and spent the rest of the time swimming at the sea. How amazing life was!!! 😍He showed me around the island. I met a brunch of Greek volunteer young people there and had a wonderful time with them touring around the island of Alonissos. :)

Alonissos is a beautiful heaven on earth with clearest water, nicest people. Small and sweet island life, Kimon said you will be able to recognise most of the people on the island if you are spending like 2 weeks there! Endless to talk about for this programme. 😌 Definitely recommend it to everyone!!!

My brother and I had an amazing time participating in this program.
The people behind the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project are MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal it is a not-for-profit, non-governmental environmental organisation, established in 1988. MOm's mission is "the protection of the marine and coastal environment, focusing on the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal".
Here we go
It was a full week starting from breakfast in the morning with the group then down to the “ Odysseia “ boat and the adventure got under way.

I was planning to write an in-depth review then I thought actions speak louder than words.
WE HAVE BOOKED FOR 2017

We spent everyday on board of The Odyssey, the research boat, looking out over the waves for the dorsal fins of dolphins. Once found, you get to see how they document the sighting with underwater cameras, drones, and the boat's recording equipment. Then in the evening, it was the interns job to sort out the photos taken, crop them and group them into individuals. On days when we didn't see dolphins, we would go swimming or hiking around the Sporades.The staff are really friendly and full of character, and are very willing to help. Getting to the islands are a bit expensive, but it is definitely worth it, and its wonderful to be able to support MOm!

It was an amazing experience! I loved that we spend so much time on the boat exploring the sea. The programm is very well organised, the people working for it are very friendly and the island of Alonissos is beautiful. It's a great experience for someone who is interested in marine life!

I went to Alonissos in late July 2015 in order to participate for 1 week in the NADP. Overall, the experience was very fulfilling and exceeded my expectations! I would highly recommend the program to anyone and especially to marine biology students! The marine park is wonderful with abundant wildlife; specifically we observed two distinct types of dolphins (several times) and even two cuvier's whales besides numerous species of rare sea birds! The MoM staff are all very nice, experienced, knowledgeable and helpful people, experts in their respective fields and have been instrumental in making this an unforgettable experience for everybody! The island of Alonissos is amazing, green and peaceful, with amazing beaches, delicious food and opportunities for activities such as scuba diving and trekking!

The Northern Aegean Dolphin Project , was a great experience as I had the chance to come closer to dolphins and the opportunity to learn more about their lifes and their breeding from the staff of MOM . The program did offer a lot to the persons that took part to it . What I really remember from this is the seesight from the boat when we were seeking out for dolphins but most of all I remember the dolphins swimming aroung us and play with us like kids . It was amazing .

As i was planning to take part in a dolphin research programm after my diploma for about three years or more , i really couldn't wait and tried to figure out everything before the trip started :) I was happy and suprised that there was an almost new programm in the area of alonissos- an island i badly wanted to go back to since i was 12 because of it's beautiful old village and the hidden coves i once get to knew- really a wonderful location. it was absolutely worth it to wait years for this experience and i don't regret having studied zoology with the goal of environmental protection and animal conservation and maybe joining someday a beautiful organisation like MOm with so kindharted colleague and passionated scientist if i'm lucky enough.The eye of a nearby swimming, bow-riding dolphin looked me right in the eyes and it's like feeling the beauty of nature in a moment like this ! Not only that the sightings of different dolphin species, turtles, sea birds (it's also impossible to see Monk seals) and visits of islands and coves around alonissos were exciting and fullfilling- there were a lot of kind people to meet, join and go out with in the evening. The programm leader of the NADP comes up with a lot of interesting information (in lectures and anytime you have questions) about the environment and the marine mammals jn the marine park and is a sweetheart as well :) ! The captain of the boat has an amazing knowledge about the area , is fun and also protecting everybody on board getting sick. (Which is not really a problem on board) The programm is absolutely well organized and i recommend MOm and the NADP to everybody looking for an amazing experience.
Take part and enjoy this beautiful place- I loved it !

My fiance and I had a fantastic time participating in Mom's dolphin research project in the National Marine Park of Alonissos. Every day was filled with a new adventure as we searched for dolphins and whales. In addition to the research there were many unforgettable experiences. Our living accommodations, meals, historic sights, swimming in secluded coves with warm crystal clear water, and expert staff made this an experience we will never forget.

Highlights include learning about the various dolphins and whales that inhabit the region, observing bow-riding dolphins while aboard the research vessel and sighting rare and elusive Cuvier's beaked whales.

The NADP is a very worthy project and the information they collect will help in the future protection and conservation of the dolphins and whales occurring the region. I give the project my highest recommendation and encourage participation for an extremely rewarding experience.

Finally, I want to give special thanks to Niki, the project leader, for her expert guidance in all aspects of the work and to Costas the highly skilled skipper of the research vessel.

Participating to the NADP was an almost religious experience just by thinking that i may belong to the last generation that will be able to see dolphins free in their natural hapitat. This was not the first time that i was working with MOm and i knew in advance the quality of their work.
In September 2013, i embarked on the "Odysseia" boat and the adventure around the National Marine Park of Alonnisos-Northern Sporades began.
For a whole week, we would record various and rare species of animals that shelter around the Marine Park, its islands and islets. During this time i was fortunate to come across with almost every species of dolphins that exist in the Mediterranean sea. Lovely vegetarian food and a captain telling us stories on how a seaman's life was in the past complemented our breaks.
After getting a special permission we had the chance to visit natural reserve areas and dive into crystal clear waters observing the sea-life at the see bed in places where no human intervention existed.
In the evening we would attend seminars with a Marine Biologist and our dedicated supervisor Androniki Pardalou at the Information Center of MOm.
After a long day of observation and seminars, the Greek night life followed which would include greek restaurants with live music, concerts, traditional fiestas and bars. We would go out with the whole team to taste traditional dishes and drinks and then for dancing at the beach bars.
Joining the project was a fantastic experience that i would definitely love to do again.

My participation in the NADP program was a really challenging task from the beginning as I did my internship there - and I believe I made the best choice. Through this program I felt that I have contributed to the dolphins' better future. I have learnt a lot about those sweet animals, the beautiful area of the marine park and the island of Alonissos.
The highlight for me was every first time we spotted an animal, either it was a dolphin or anything else. The enthusiasm was so great from all the people of the group! I was lucky enough to see the world's rarest pinniped, the mediterranean monk seal, in its natural habitat. And not only that, but we spotted a plenty of other sea animals during our researching trips, such as sea turtles, rare sea birds, tuna fish...it was magical! A few people have such a chance. One of the strongest feelings left in the end is that you have been able to come in touch with the nature and feel part of it...But there was not only the scientific work that I enjoyed but also the communication and the connection with other people of the group, for example while eating all together on the boat.
I could go on for hours telling about the beautiful experiences that I have gained, but I believe anyone should just go and live them himself!