Pacific Whale Foundation

Work alongside our scientists in the field...
Learn about humpback whales through firsthand encounters...
Participate in an adventure you'll always remember...

Humpback Whale Research Internships
in Hervey Bay, Australia and Puerto Lopez, Ecuador

Interested in becoming an Intern? Download our Internship Information Brochure and Application (PDF format)

View a short video about our Australia Research Internships

For more than 28 years, Pacific Whale Foundation has pioneered noninvasive research techniques in the study of whales in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. We invite you to support our ongoing marine research with your time and talents, by working alongside our researchers as a Pacific Whale Foundation Research Intern.

A Research Internship is an opportunity for you to learn about humpback whales through firsthand experiences in the field. It's also a chance to support efforts that will help humans better understand and protect whales.

Learn more about our humpback whale research in Hervey Bay, Australia and Puerto Lopez, Ecuador.

Hervey Bay, Australia - Located in Queensland, along Australia's eastern coastline. Hervey Bay is a critical habitat for humpback whale mothers and calves during the whales' annual migration between their mating/calving areas and their feeding areas.

Puerto Lopez, Ecuador - Based in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador. During the months of June through early October, Ecuador's coast is home to a large number of humpback whales, which migrate here from the cool waters of Antarctica to mate and give birth. The greatest concentrations of whales are found near the quiet fishing town of Puerto Lopez, in Machalilla National Park -- an area considered the most important breeding area of humpback whales in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. View a video about Cristina Castro, our Ecuador Research Director.

About Our Internships:

Pacific Whale Foundation started offering Research Internships more than 20 years ago, in response to inquiries from people who wanted to help with our field studies. Over the years, our Research Interns have included students, teachers, businesspeople and retirees. Our Internships offer an opportunity for you to learn more about yourself and take part in an adventure you'll always remember and perhaps launch a new career in the process! Since you'll be in the company of others who share your interest, a Research Internship is also an opportunity to form friendships that can last for a lifetime.

Get More Information:

Download our Internship Information Brochure and Application (PDF format).

Read Internship FAQ's