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Outstanding 4.95rating (15)

Shark Internship

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Learn what it takes to be a shark researcher
  • Support the conservation of sharks
  • Learn shark monitoring techniques

Highlights

  • Learn what it takes to be a shark researcher
  • Support the conservation of sharks
  • Learn shark monitoring techniques
  • Come face to face with sharks in their natural habitat
  • Experience the local Mexican culture and food

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Our shark internship program offers a unique experience and platform for volunteers to gain hands on field experience working with sharks.

    Our shark internship program offers a unique experience and platform for students and volunteers to gain hands on field experience working with shark research in and around the Gulf of California, alongside our team of experienced field technicians and shark specialists.

    All participants who join our ...

    About the program

    Our shark internship program offers a unique experience and platform for students and volunteers to gain hands on field experience working with shark research in and around the Gulf of California, alongside our team of experienced field technicians and shark specialists.

    All participants who join our program will have the opportunity to be involved in every research component of our shark monitoring programs, you will increase your understanding of shark research through scientific lectures and many hours of practical training in the field as well as gain experience in an office environment.

    The internship program has a maximum of 3 internship placements available at any given time as a way to ensure a more valuable volunteer experience in the field with sharks and an increased opportunity for personal development during your internship with us. 

    Our internship program is open to absolutely ANYONE. Whether you are a graduate of marine biology or someone who is looking to start their early career in marine biology or just passionate about sharks and want to help our program is perfect for you.

    We have found that it is the diverse backgrounds and skills that our interns bring that make a huge impact on the conservation and community outreach with the local community. 


    Typical day

    Our days can change depending on the season and research objectives we are working with but a typical day may consist of 

    • Arriving at the office to prepare the equipment for the day of shark monitoring
    • Boarding our research vessel on route to one of our shark research sites in the Bay of La Paz or ...

    Typical day

    Our days can change depending on the season and research objectives we are working with but a typical day may consist of 

    • Arriving at the office to prepare the equipment for the day of shark monitoring
    • Boarding our research vessel on route to one of our shark research sites in the Bay of La Paz or surrounding islands
    • Swimming and interacting with sharks in their natural habitat recording photo ID, behaviours, scarring pattern and tagging or sampling the water for containments, pollutants and plankton for our environmental studies
    • Heading back to the marina to clean equipment and boat 
    • Returning to the office to download data collected and prepare for analysis of images and recorded information



    Free-time activities

    On your free time volunteers have the access to many activities. Our research center has strong collaborations with SCUBA diving centers who can offer volunteers the chance to learn to dive, visit the local dive sites or take a tour to the islands. Their are natural hikes and adventure tours to join ...

    Free-time activities

    On your free time volunteers have the access to many activities. Our research center has strong collaborations with SCUBA diving centers who can offer volunteers the chance to learn to dive, visit the local dive sites or take a tour to the islands. Their are natural hikes and adventure tours to join as well as enjoying the natural beauty of the beaches and coral reefs.


    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 (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    We request that our volunteers can swim and have experience snorkeling.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    All donation fees are used to directly support the running of our non-profit research and to support your accommodation, field trips and training with us.

    Donation Breakdown:
    • 50% Shark Programs Scientific Running Costs
    • 30% Accommodation & Transfers for volunteers
    • 15% Boat maintenance, Captain fees & National Park Fees
    • 5% Office operational costs

    Airport Pickup at Leon Airport

    Yes we provide full airport transfer on arrival and departure of the program.

    Accommodation

    We provide all volunteers with a private studio apartment upon arrival into the internship program. The apartments are fully equipped with a full operational kitchen including fridge, freezer, stove, microwave, cooking utensils etc). The room has the comforts of a private bathroom and shower, A.C, Fiberoptic unlimited WIFI, and bed linins and towels. We provide all of the utility services for the volunteers such as Gas, Electricity and water throughout your entire stay so there is now hidden cost once you arrive into the program.

    The private studios are located in a very safe and secure neighborhood in the city of La Paz and only a short bicycle ride along the ocean walkway from the office and the marina. 

    Food & Beverages

    Daily food is 

    NOT provided in the program due to the fact that many participants may have food allergies or the variability in peoples diets some being vegan or vegetarian while others are not. 

    But, we do offer food when we make excursions to the islands for camping of extended field trips so this is provided in your internship donation fees.

    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 Leon Airport (LAP) in La Paz. We assist you to find cheap flights to Mexico. 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 Mexico provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Our Program is open throughout the entre year so arrival and departure dates are flexible to the participant 


    Availability for June and July is currently very limited, as all spots are fully booked. However, last-minute cancellations may open up opportunities. Starting mid-August, there will be plenty of availability again.

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

    Program Fees

    $611 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 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

    4.95
    15 reviews

    2025
    It was an incredible and unforgettable experience, I learned so much about sharks and I had the opportunity to coexist with them. The ...
    Daniela Bernal Sanromán

    Shark Internship

    2024
    I had an amazing time, seeing five different species of sharks and helping tag some tiger sharks. It really was a great experience. The ...
    Stelios Meliniotis

    Shark Internship

    2023
    La Paz is a beautiful part of Mexico with plenty to do and see. I learnt a lot about sharks and conservation with them during my stay. The ...
    Nathan Kingham

    Shark Internship

    2022
    Amazing and very good work and I enjoyed to work whit shark's. I'm volunteer in la paz and is amazing works whit sharks so is very nice ...
    Abraham Mendoza

    Shark Internship

    2022
    During my internship I learned a lot about sharks and I gained knoledge on scientific sampling methods on large animal as whale shark. The ...
    Roberto De Camillis

    Shark Internship

    2022
    The experience with sharks was amazing, projects are interesting and the program is very organized at every step from the arrival to the day ...
    Pelamatti Tania

    Shark Internship

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Dr. Darren
    15
    reviews
    4.95
    Outstanding
    2022
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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