Marine Conservation Assistant

About Us

The Baywatch Project enlists the help of volunteers to educate the local community about the need to conserve the marine environment and its inhabitants. We are a non-profit Marine Conservation Volunteer Project located in Port Elizabeth. As far as we know, the Baywatch Project is the only marine volunteering project in the world where volunteers have the opportunity of seeing the big 7 animals (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino, Great White Shark, Southern Right Whale) in one day. We are the only organisation in Algoa Bay with a whale and dolphin watching license, which allows us close encounters with these wonderful animals.

Program Aims

• Educate the community, especially the youth, about the marine environment and the need for its conservation and protection.
• Assist organisations responsible for marine law enforcement and marine research.
• Undertake our own independent research.

Voluntary Work

Volunteers get to learn about the marine environment and the importance of marine conservation while working hands-on in the marine touring industry. Volunteers will get to see whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, penguins etc. in the wild and assist on the boat as well as assisting with research and other conservation initiatives at the time. During your stay with the Baywatch Project you will also learn about various aspects of the marine environment, which you can pass onto others. You can help to educate them about the importance of conserving both our coasts and oceans. The content of our many whale lectures is not only gleaned from other people's research but also from our own extensive observations made during the cruises. The Baywatch Project has a fairly flexible program and can accommodate any requests, all we ask is that the volunteers have a love for nature and marine life and be open to what we have to offer them in terms of a great experience! What we do provide is  a really invaluable experience that can be referred to for future jobs! Whether you are interested in becoming a tour guide, a researcher, a skipper, a conservationist, an animal carer, or even interested in improving managerial and office related skills, including marketing and computer skills.

In the Eastern Cape there is much to do and to see. Port Elizabeth is a great city for water sport activities, hiking, wildlife viewing (as there are numerous game reserves), and much more!

Besides all of the activities that are included in the volunteer program, there are a lot of things to do around Port Elizabeth in your free time:

• Kragga Kamma Game Park- This park hosts a lot of various game species including white rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, nyala, bontebok, lechwe, and many more. All of these animals roam freely and unrestricted in natural surroundings. This owner-operated, animal friendly park, where no hunting or other disturbance of the game is permitted, means that you always get close-up views and great photo opportunities.For the really adventurous there is also the option of getting up close with the cheetahs.
• Addo Elephant National Park- With more than 550 elephants as the main attraction, buffalo, black rhino, warthog, eland, kudu, and a variety of buck species can also be encountered. It's a huge and beautiful nature reserve which is a must see.
  
• Bayworld- The oceanarium houses cape fur seals, sub-anarctic fur seals, African penguins, sea turtles and many fish species. The museum and snake park are also a great visit.
• SAMREC- Visit our local penguin rehabilitation centre which focuses on educating the public about the drastic decline in the African penguin population, whilst helping any injured/sick penguins and other seabirds.
  

Scuba Diving- Various courses are available on request, at a price. We do have scuba gear available for those who are already certified.

• Port Alfred- A small town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is situated on the eastern seaboard of the country, at the mouth of the Kowie River, almost exactly half-way between the larger cities of Port Elizabeth and East London. The city enjoys a mild climate and award winning beaches. Kelly's beach has blue flag status, meaning it is one of the top beaches in South Africa. Port Alfred has many activities for visitors including fishing, diving, canoeing, waterskiing and tubing. Other sporting activities include golf, hiking, horse trails, and surfing.
  
• The Garden Route- Sandwiched between the Outeniqua & Tsitsikamma mountains and the Indian ocean. Cities and towns worth a visit include Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, and George. The Tsitsikamma National Park is also situated along the Garden Route. Walking with elephants is also possible at The Elephant Sanctuary where you can also ride on the back of an elephant. Sky diving and bungee jumping are also activities that can be found along this route.
  
• The Transkei- Slightly further away but well worth the visit. Here you can see a lot of Xhosa villages, with their unique houses, which gives you a good impression of what South Africa used to be like. The famous Hole-in-the-Wall can also be found here.