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Excellent 4.80rating (192)
  • Life Below Water

Shark Research & Conservation

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Unique volunteer opportunity to have close encounters with Sharks and learn more about marine life.
  • Learn a new culture while volunteering and living in coastal South Africa.
  • Educate the public about the protection and conservation of marine life.

Highlights

  • Unique volunteer opportunity to have close encounters with Sharks and learn more about marine life.
  • Learn a new culture while volunteering and living in coastal South Africa.
  • Educate the public about the protection and conservation of marine life.
  • Get to work alongside volunteers from all over the world.
  • Chances of seeing Great White Sharks in the natural habitat!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join our group of passionate scientists and field specialists to research many different shark species and help with their conservation in the shark capital of the world!

    Have you ever been fascinated by Sharks? Would like to learn more about them? Then travel to southern coast of South Africa and be part of this amazing volunteer experience! Volunteer and help marine biologists by conducting research and studies on Sharks help by conveying the information collected ...

    About the program

    Have you ever been fascinated by Sharks? Would like to learn more about them? Then travel to southern coast of South Africa and be part of this amazing volunteer experience! Volunteer and help marine biologists by conducting research and studies on Sharks help by conveying the information collected to the public so that they may understand and change the way they think about these spectacular marine creatures! 

    Goal

    The project’s main goal is to obtain voluntary support from foreign and local students by gathering them to focus and utilize all their energies, skills and passion for the betterment of Sharks and marine environment as well, while also providing the opportunity to discover and explore the marvelous South African rich and diverse coastlines. Volunteer for a minimum of 2 weeks up to a maximum of 4 weeks at this great project in South Africa! 

    Your Tasks

    Learn about scientific research techniques and skills, Shark biology and management, ecotourism, permitting and marine conservation! Apart from this you also gain more experience in data collection and offering assistance with building awareness about sharks and the protection and conservation of marine life! If you are looking to volunteer in an area that has access to all amenities with daily communication to family and friends, then this is the project for you! During your leisure time or days off there are endless activities to keep you occupied which includes; hiking & nature trails, boat trips, Whale watching, breath taking beaches, fishing and lots more!

     

    Typical day

    The help of volunteers is vital to the research of Sharks and their conservation along the coast of the southern cape near Capetown. Volunteers will be accompanying marine biologists, researchers and The project partners to help conserve the population of these amazing creatures and to education the ...

    Typical day

    The help of volunteers is vital to the research of Sharks and their conservation along the coast of the southern cape near Capetown. Volunteers will be accompanying marine biologists, researchers and The project partners to help conserve the population of these amazing creatures and to education the public especially the local children on the importance of conservation. As a volunteer at the project, you will expand your knowledge on marine life and the ocean itself and share what you learn with the locals. Some of your responsibilities include but is not limited to:
    • WORK ON LAMINADE (weather permitting) - Research boat, such work includes;Deploy and retrieve hydrophone buoy, Underwater load speaker setup, Record ambient noise, Data recording, Shark Spotting and Identification Photosrepping boat for trips/Unpacking after trips.
    • WORK WITH Shark Cage ADVENTURES (Project partner), such work includes; Interact with clients and discuss sharks, projects, shark conservation, Log individual sharks seen around the boat and Identification Photos.
    • WORK ON SHORE, such work includes; Database maintenance (when database is online), Prepping photos for insertion into database, Organizing data, Work on database (for volunteers with a background in computer code), Interact with clients and discuss sharks and projects, shark conservation.
    • Volunteers will receive training and participate in presentations regarding; The biology and behavior of sharks, Skills in shark identification, observation and research methods, Basic seamanship, Shark attacks and statistics, Shark tourism and encounters, Basic environmental legal framework that regulates the industry and Local environment and climate and prevailing winds.
    • Volunteers will provide hands on help and participate in; Frequent trips to sea (weather permitting), Preparing the tour and research boats and equipment, Eco-tourism, Shark spotting (above and below the water), Shark observation, identification and data collection, Data analysis and input into an identification database, Shark cage diving, Community outreach and activities and Innovative ways to promote compliance with the shark tourism code of conduct.

    Free-time activities

    This project is located in the western cape of South Africa in a small fishing close to Capetown. The town is a famous tourist destination where you will have access to all amenities including wifi and electricity. Surrounded by magnificent beaches, lagoons and mountains, this location offers ...

    Free-time activities

    This project is located in the western cape of South Africa in a small fishing close to Capetown. The town is a famous tourist destination where you will have access to all amenities including wifi and electricity. Surrounded by magnificent beaches, lagoons and mountains, this location offers volunteers the chance to enjoy the many restaurants, markets and shops. There are many activities that are famous with the many tourists that you can participate in. These include visiting animal parks, game reserves, shark cage diving, bungee jumping and so much more! 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    CV, Resume, Letter of Motivation, Two pics and Signed Policies and Liability form (provided during application process)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 08:00 - 15:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The Fee includes:

    • Airport Pickup - Volunteers should arrange flights to Cape Town International Airport, South Africa. The project provides transfers from Cape Town International airport to accommodation in Cape Town where volunteers spend one night, following which they provide a transfer to Gansbaai the next morning. At the end of the stay they will then transport volunteers directly to Cape Town International Airport or to Cape Town if volunteers are continuing their travels elsewhere.
    • Accommodation - You will stay at the Volunteer accommodation provided by the project. The house is in Kleinbaai which is about a two minutes’ drive away from the Harbour. The accommodation consists of shared rooms holding up to 8 volunteers at a time, fully furnished, well equipped kitchen, TV & DSTV provided and Wifi included. Laundry Services is also provided.
    • Meals - Breakfast.
    • Ongoing service and 24/7 Emergency Contact

    Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

    You will arrive in beautiful Cape Town. There someone will be there to pick you up and you’ll then be transferred to your accommodation in Johannesburg where you will spend the night. Someone will then be there to pick you up and transfer your directly to the project.

    Accommodation

    You will stay at the Volunteer accommodation provided by the project. The house is in Kleinbaai which is about a two minutes’ drive away from the Harbour. The accommodation consists of shared rooms holding up to 8 volunteers at a time, fully furnished, well equipped kitchen, TV & DSTV provided and Wifi included. Laundry Services is also provided. 

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast is included while lunches and dinners are not. Grocery prices in South Africa and eating is really affordable. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    There are no specific start dates for this project. The project is opened and available to all volunteers all year round!

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,185 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 4 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Hermanus

    Meet your project coordinator

    Patrick
    192
    reviews
    4.80
    Excellent
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: German, Dutch, English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Marine Life in South Africa
    Contact Patrick
      Very high response rate
    German, Dutch, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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