Our volunteer program offers a unique opportunity to get involved with meaningful research studying Great White Sharks and other shark species in the Great White Shark capital of the world, as well as contribute towards white shark and marine conservation in South Africa.
Since the Great White Shark population in South Africa is at potential risk of extinction with numbers believed to be around 300-500, our White Shark research focuses primarily on monitoring the numbers of these apex predators in our waters, with the aim of obtaining another population estimate within the next two to three years. We are using dorsal fin identification to identify and closely monitor the different individuals we are observing each day, and building a comprehensive database of fins photographed.
With other shark species also threatened or vulnerable due to over exploitation, we are also conducting studies to learn about these species in particular the endemic shark species we have in South Africa. We currently know little about these species; hence the aims of our research are to obtain baseline data on sharks in our area, including their diversity, abundance, movement patterns, habitat use and growth rates. Secondly, in the long-term we will be assessing the health of their populations and determining whether local fishermen play a role in shark population decline.
Participants in the program will assist with data collection and data management for the projects outlined above. Volunteers will gain a considerable amount of sea experience and valuable research skills, both on our cage diving boat and dedicated research vessel.
Daily activities include cage-diving trips, shark tagging trips (from our research boat and from the shoreline), snorkeling for sharks in the kelp forests, beach clean ups, equipment maintenance, video analysis, data entry and dorsal fin ID analysis. Volunteers will get to interact daily with our scientists and learn all about Great White Sharks and other marine wildlife in our area. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with the local community by supporting our shark conservation, education and outreach projects.
We generally judge the time off by the weather. When the weather is bad, you will have time off and the opportunity to do other activities and explore. Should you be lucky enough to have good weather for the whole time you are here, we will give you days off each week and we are very happy for you to take a day or two off if there is something specific you want to do or go to see.
Excursions
Please note excursions are for your free time and not sea days, and whilst transport will be provided, the excursions are the volunteers choice and any entry fees, extra accommodation, equipment rented etc. will be at the volunteers own expense. Furthermore, any trips up the garden route or further afield will be at the volunteers own cost, but please don’t hesitate to let us know if we can assist you with planning and arrangements.
A trip to Cape Agulhas – the southernmost point of Africa.
A visit to Betty’s Bay to see the Stony Point penguin colony
A visit to the local heritage site Klipgat Cave
Hikes in the local area
Horse riding trips in the local area
Shopping excursions and wine tasting in Hermanus or Cape Town
River boat cruises along Stanford River
Surfing or SCUBA diving
Visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Waterfront in Cape Town
Offshore dive past Cape Point to see blue and mako sharks can be arranged
Dive to see sevengill sharks in Cape Town can also be arranged
A trip up the East Coast to do the highest bungee jump in the world
What's Included:
One night’s accommodation in CT on arrival
Transfers from and to Cape Town international airport
Transfers to and from Gansbaai (the project site)
Transport provided for all program related activities
Accommodation in our volunteer house
All food basics
Lectures
Welcome pack (including hoodie, t-shirt, cap, buff and shark USB with Great White Shark footage)
Waterproof deck boots to use for the duration of your stay
Trips on our White Shark cage diving tourist boat
Tagging trips on our research boat
Opportunities to cage dive with white sharks
Practical training in all running projects
Training in fin identification and analysis
Training in ethical handling, angling and tagging techniques
Training in boat handling skills
Outreach activities e.g. beach clean ups and school talks
Some excursions organised on bad weather days
An airport pick-up is included in your program fee.
Volunteers will be housed in our volunteer house, located just a 10 minute walk or a two minute drive from the harbor we launch from. The house can accommodate 16 volunteers at a time, with between two to four volunteers per room. It is spacious, comfortable and a home away from home. All linen will be provided along with Satellite TV, WiFi, laundry facilities and a cleaning service.
All food basics are provided in the house for you to make your own breakfast and lunch, including milk, tea, coffee, sugar, cereals, fruit, bread, eggs, cheese etc. We also provide some ingredients to assist with your dinner meals and will provide dinner for you two to three times a week. Any luxury items and additional items you want to add to your meals will need to be purchased by yourself. We encourage a social environment in the house and suggest volunteers take turns to cook.
Open to arrival on any date... Fly into Cape Town International Airport - we will collect you and transfer you to our city accommodation for the night. You will then be transported to Gansbaai (approx. 2hrs drive from Cape Town), where you will be introduced to the volunteer coordinator and team!
Great White Shark and Marine Conservation
Learn and develop an understanding about the Great White Shark species, as well as other marine life, with a focus on Conservation
$916/week
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