from 1,162€

Perfect 4.6rating (184)

Great White Shark Conservation

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Volunteer and collaborate with students, eco-tourists, and conservation organizations in marine conservation
  • Dive into thrilling adventures with shark cage diving to observe iconic predators up close
  • Contribute to vital data collection for the conservation and analysis of these magnificent creatures
  • Experience a truly unforgettable face-to-face encounter with the majestic sharks
  • Enhance your journey with exciting excursions, such as wine tasting or visits to the charming penguins at Boulders Beach

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

About the program

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators and aid great white shark conservation efforts!

About the Project

This project is an operation dedicated to preserving diverse shark populations and their environment and helping in vital great white shark conservation. It also serves to educate people on why it is essential to conserve shark species. The project works with students, eco-tourists, ...

About the program

About the Project

This project is an operation dedicated to preserving diverse shark populations and their environment and helping in vital great white shark conservation. It also serves to educate people on why it is essential to conserve shark species. The project works with students, eco-tourists, conservation organisations and marine resource users to gather data on sharks, helping to correct negative misconceptions about them and stop the needless slaughter of over 100 million sharks annually.

Owing to massive negative media publicity over the years, sharks have become one of the most maligned, misunderstood, and even hated species on our fragile planet. They have been pursued, hunted and indiscriminately slaughtered to the point where many species are now critically endangered – certain shark species have experienced population declines of over 90% in the last 35 years.

Unsustainable fishing practices, dorsal fin poaching, and environmental degradation compounded by relatively slow breeding cycles are all factors contributing to the potential demise of these amazing creatures.

South Africa has long been known for its abundance of Great White Sharks, making it a prime area to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The Great White Shark Project is a commercial operation, dedicated to educating and preserving the world’s greatest predators and their environment. The project works with eco-tourists, conservation organizations and marine resource users (subsistence fishermen, sport divers and dive operators) to gather data on not only great white sharks but bronze whaler sharks, seven-gill cow sharks and more, helping correct negative misconceptions. 

For cage dives, a specially designed, secure, six-man steel cage is used, which floats on the water's surface, with divers no more than 1m below the surface. Volunteers are taught how to get in and out of the cage and how to remain secure and safe while diving. Cage divers are responsible for recording observations on great whites and other species, including sex, size, markings and behaviour. Diving takes place on a rotational basis.

Prior to Arrival

Holders of UK, most other EU countries, Australian, Canadian and USA passports do not require a Visa for South Africa. Upon entry, you will be issued with a 3-month permit (at no cost). Make sure the correct date and length of stay in the country are entered for your visa when at immigration. If you are travelling from Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Russian Federation, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Algeria, Angola, Comoros, China, Egypt, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mexico, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Paraguay, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia or Vietnam, you will require a Tourist Visa and should consult your South African embassy.



Typical day

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins:

After your flight arrives into South Africa via Cape Town International Airport, you will be transferred to your hostel, where you will be spending your first night.

Day 2 - Transferred to Project Site:

In the morning, you will be met by a project representative and ...

Typical day

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins:

After your flight arrives into South Africa via Cape Town International Airport, you will be transferred to your hostel, where you will be spending your first night.

Day 2 - Transferred to Project Site:

In the morning, you will be met by a project representative and transferred to the project site in Kleinbaai. On arrival in Kleinbaai, you will be taken out on the boat as a guest to spot some sharks and really get your project off to a good start! After your trip, you will return to the project site where you will have the chance to settle in.

Day 3-14 - Project Days:

The volunteer programme is primarily focused on the project's Great white shark cage diving eco-tourism and you will enjoy regular trips to sea to view and cage dive with the great whites and other shark species in the area. You probably have the opportunity to participate in the following activities: 

Cage diving

Project facilitators use a specially designed and secure six-man steel cage to conduct dives. This floats on the surface, and divers are no more than 1m below the surface at any point. As a shark conservation volunteer, you will be taught how to get in and out of the cage and how to remain secure and safe while inside. Cage divers are responsible for recording shark observations, including their sex, size, markings and behaviour.

Shark Field Research Data Collection

You will be taught how to collect data in the field on free-swimming sharks. At sea, you'll be focused on working with the sharks from above and below the water, observing behaviour and the interactions of sharks around the boat and pointing out any sharks you spot. You will be learning about the behaviour of different shark species, their history, and the urgent need for research and wider shark conservation initiatives. You will also receive lectures on their biology, shark conservation, and status in the waters of the cape.

Basic Seamanship and Boat Skills

All volunteers are also taught basic seaman skills including boat handling on board in a practical environment. This includes general boat maintenance, packing and cleaning of equipment and bait, anchor positioning (deployment and retrieval), cage deployment (attachment and retrieval), knots, assisting clients as needed, as well as general safety and good safe crewing practices.

Shark Tagging

To ensure the sustainable use of South Africa's fish resources, the team is assisting the Oceanographic Research Institute's Cooperative Fish Tagging Project (ORI-CFTP). As a volunteer, you will help by identifying specific small shark species, including (but not limited to) pyjama, shy and leopard cat sharks, when out snorkelling, tagging the animals and noting down their measurements before releasing them. If the same shark is caught again, the measurements will be re-taken to help the team monitor the growth rate and give them an idea of their movements.

Other Species Monitoring

There are many other marine species to be found in the area, two of which are the bronze whaler shark and the short-tail stingray. At present, the team are conducting research on these two particular species with the aim of monitoring the populations to identify if environmental factors are impacting their activity. You will be involved in collecting data about these animals when you come across them, including their sex, size, individual markings and behaviour. Time is also spent in De Kelders where snorkelling takes place among the kelp forest to spot and identify other marine life. 

Assisting at Swop-Shop

Every Tuesday, you will help out at the ‘Swop Shop’, a project that promotes recycling, environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and self-reliance, which also helps to provide for the needs of the local children. The project encourages these children to collect recyclable rubbish and litter from the street and from their homes. They then earn points for what they collect, and this can be used to ‘buy’ school stationery and clothes in the Swop-Shop.

Day 15 - Final Day:

This is your final day and you will leave the project site to go back to Cape Town to transfer to the airport for an evening return flight or commence independent travel plans.


Free-time activities

On days when you can’t go out to sea (as this shark conservation project is completely dependent on weather and sea conditions), you will be taken on various excursions as part of the project. These include wine tasting, a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach or a trip to Cape Agulhas, the ...

Free-time activities

On days when you can’t go out to sea (as this shark conservation project is completely dependent on weather and sea conditions), you will be taken on various excursions as part of the project. These include wine tasting, a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach or a trip to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa. The team are also happy to help with arranging other excursions such as scuba diving in Simon's Bay or ziplining which come at an additional cost. 


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)

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

No specific skills are required - all we ask is that you come with a strong work ethic and have a love and passion for sharks and the ocean. You will be taught the rest!

Time Commitment

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

What's Included

What's Included

Services by The Great Projects

Accommodation - Project activities - Airport transfers - Project uniform - Meals and Beverages as indicated

Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

You will need to arrive into Cape Town Airport on the start date of your project where you will be met and taken to a backpacker's hostel for the 1st night. The next morning you will be transferred to the project location in Kleinbaai; about a two hour drive away. Transfers to and from Cape Town are included in the project cost, however if you are not travelling back to Cape Town after your project you will need to arrange and pay for your own transfer.

Accommodation

Whilst on the project you will stay in a modern and spacious house situated two minutes from the harbour, which bustles with action and boats as people head out to sea. The house is very comfortable with dorm rooms, a nice kitchen, open plan dining area and a lounge with television and video/board games, and an outside entertainment area for the evenings. There is a small supermarket nearby (volunteers usually buy provisions and prepare meals together) and the house is located in a very safe and beautiful area where you can freely walk around during the day.

Couples volunteering together, or those wanting their own room can book a private flatlet which is situated just behind the shark team's office. It is a self-contained unit, with a double bed, bathroom and kitchen/diner. The cost and availability of the flat is dependent on the season. Please enquire for more details. 

Food & Beverages

We supply breakfast at the volunteer house, this includes coffee, tea, milk, bread, cereals, juice and yoghurt. A light snack and refreshment is supplied on the boat. 

Lunches and dinners are at your own expense. 

We will also take you shopping twice a week to Gansbaai where you can stock up with food items for your meals and there is a small shop within walking distance for basic items. Most volunteers cook meals together at the house, but you can also opt to visit local restaurants should you wish.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

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

Start Dates:
  • 14th and last day of every month (excluding December and subject to availability)
  • Please contact us to check whether your preferred choice is still available!
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,162€
3 weeks 1,716€
4 weeks 2,085€
5 weeks 2,454€
6 weeks 2,823€
7 weeks 3,192€
8 weeks 3,561€
9 weeks 3,930€
10 weeks 4,299€
11 weeks 4,668€
12 weeks (max. stay) 5,037€
Average fees 499€/week

Program fees

499€ 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

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with The Great Projects during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

The Great Projects

Perfect 4.6 rating (184 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

The Great Projects work with organisations worldwide to establish high standards in animal welfare and conservation within the responsible tourism sector.

Meet your organization

Looking to volunteer abroad with animals? Here at The Great Projects we believe that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.

It all began with The Great Orangutan Project in Malaysian Borneo and after a number of years working with local authorities, passionate project facilitators, and hard-working volunteers to create a sustainable, progressive, and effective project - The Great Projects decided to use the experiences and knowledge we had gained to expand our expertise to other projects in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe!

Now with over 35 projects, you can be confident in the fact that you’ll be able to volunteer with some of the world's most incredible wildlife species in completely breath-taking environments. From orangutans in the Bornean rainforest to whale sharks in the Indian Ocean; you’re sure to find something suited to your interests. What’s more, The Great Projects make sure that with us, volunteers are completely immersed into the heart of the matter, at site, delivering an experience like no other as you become familiar with the life of an animal keeper, game ranger, or wildlife conservationist.

Plus, every time someone volunteers with The Great Projects  in addition to their fee which covers accommodation, food, and transfers, we donate up to £350 to the project visited to help the project itself. Therefore, our ecotours and projects are not only designed to be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, but you will also join a project knowing that your travel truly does help to save endangered animals and the local communities with which they live alongside.

Here at The Great Projects, we believe that we should practice what we preach. We send volunteers to worldwide destinations on a range of truly unique and thoroughly worthwhile projects that make a real, sustainable difference to their causes. What’s more, The Great Projects provide them with dedicated UK-based staff that ensure volunteers have informative and friendly help throughout all stages of their experience, from initial enquiry to their return.

Through this, we can show volunteers that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.


Further, The Great Projects does not only aim to provide travel destinations that hold responsibility for animal welfare, but also to the environmental, economic and social impact of our conservation projects as a whole.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Here at The Great Projects, we are completely dedicated to providing our volunteers with the utmost protection with regards to health and safety.

Adventurous travel always involves some degree of risk. Our priority is to keep you safe and protect you as much as possible whilst still giving you an authentic experience of life in your chosen destination.

We conduct extensive risk assessments to make sure we have identified potential hazards and done everything we can to reduce them and we make sure you have the information you need about the destination you are visiting and how to stay safe and healthy while you are out there. We also are partnered with Endsleigh Insurance who are able to offer volunteers comprehensive insurance for all of our projects.

184 reviews · rating4.6

Jen Ye rating1.4

2018 at Great White Shark Conservation

Briefly, the “Great Projects” great white sharks South African program may be alright for teenagers and mid-level or untrained/moderately trained, budget conscious college or possibly even graduate students seeking a thrill and a travel opportunity, however, if you are well educated, have a ...
Liam Mckevitt rating5

2017 at Great White Shark Conservation

This programme was perfect from the start. Helpful crew, always happy to help and always laughing. The project itself is really involved in the education of eco tourists on Shark conservation and the Ocean as a whole besides the main point of Great White Sharks. There is a wide variety of activities ...
Juan Jose Sanz rating5

2017 at Great White Shark Conservation

Amazing experience. We are glad to have this amazing Apex Predator in our oceans, and the Great White Shark Project Team did all their best to be sure that all the volunteers enjoy their time in South Africa. Seeing this animals in their habitat should be compulsory for every human being, it would ...
Great white cage diving here was an amazing experience and one I will never forget! The staff at the centre, and on board the boat, were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and I feel they went out of their way to ensure everyone on the boat had the best shark encounters ...
Lizzy rating4.8

2016 at Great White Shark Conservation

I'm a new volunteer here at the Great White Shark Project. Today was my second day on the boat and it was AMAZING!!! We saw whales, a pod of dolphins and 6 sharks, the biggest of which was over 4m long! One of them was very crafty and quick. He stole the bait 3 times and got very close to the cage ...

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