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Brilliant 4.70rating (90)

Scuba diving Conservationist & researcher

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

Highlights

  • Get your PADI or Advanced Open Water while volunteering!
  • Take part in Marine Research & conservation!
  • Work alongside an amazing team of staff and other volunteers from around the world!

Highlights

  • Get your PADI or Advanced Open Water while volunteering!
  • Take part in Marine Research & conservation!
  • Work alongside an amazing team of staff and other volunteers from around the world!
  • Explore the ocean floor and dive in one of the best diving spots and coral reefs in the world.
  • Go on safari wildlife viewing and immerse yourself in a new culture and way of life!

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Get your PADI/Advanced open water and Dive into a world of volunteering where you can experience, research and conserve some of the best coral reefs in the world!

    Ready for an adventure like no other? Get your PADI with us and dive into a world of volunteering where you can experience some of the best coral reefs in the world, make a difference in marine conservation research, and explore an untouched piece of South Africa, all rolled into one epic program!

    Pac

    About the program

    Ready for an adventure like no other? Get your PADI with us and dive into a world of volunteering where you can experience some of the best coral reefs in the world, make a difference in marine conservation research, and explore an untouched piece of South Africa, all rolled into one epic program!

    Pack your beach gear and get ready to make waves in one of the world's top dive sites – Sodwana Bay! This picturesque paradise is a hidden gem, waiting for you to discover. Dive headfirst into the vibrant blue ocean, soak up the sun on the sandy shores, or take a refreshing dip in Lake Sibaya. And when the sun starts to set, sip on some drinks while enjoying the breathtaking view. With all this and more, you'll never run out of things to do on our volunteer vacation!

    The project also offers Marine Lectures so volunteers can learn more about the ocean and marine conservation, these lectures are short and casual. Volunteers also get a certificate at the end of their stay to say they have completed the lecture series, this can be added to their CV. Once database and lectures are done volunteers are free to relax at the camp or go exploring in town. Volunteers can then head out for sundowners at a local viewpoint or have a braai (barbecue) at the fire area. Every night the staff organize a fire, this is great to experience a traditional South African braai, relax and socialize. Come now and be part of this amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity!


    Typical day

    Volunteers arrive on the first Friday of the month. The Saturday after arrival, volunteers will receive a camp orientation. The rest of this weekend can be used to settle in and get to know other volunteers and interns. 
    • Week one will be used to complete the CMAS One Star or PADI Open Water course ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers arrive on the first Friday of the month. The Saturday after arrival, volunteers will receive a camp orientation. The rest of this weekend can be used to settle in and get to know other volunteers and interns. 
    • Week one will be used to complete the CMAS One Star or PADI Open Water course or the volunteer’s chosen course. The duration of the course will depend on the course chosen and the volunteer’s ability to complete skills. The CMAS One Star and PADI Open Water courses typically take between four and five days to complete. If volunteers do not have the required number of dives, this can be obtained during the first week and the course will begin thereafter.  
    • Once volunteers are qualified divers, they dive each day during the week, Monday to Friday. One dive a day is included in the price, extra dive packages can be bought so volunteers can dive twice a day. During dives volunteers collect photographic data of manta rays, ragged-tooth sharks, turtles, whales and nudibranchs. This data is entered into international marine conservation databases after dives. We offer Marine Lectures to increase knowledge about the ocean, these are short and casual. After their stay volunteers receive a certificate for the lecture that can be added to their CV.  
    • The rest of the day can be spent relaxing and exploring. There are a lot of activities to keep volunteers busy, read the things to do list below. During weekends there are more trips, we do overnight trips to Kosi Bay or trips to Lake Sibaya for sundowners and a braai

    Free-time activities

    Once a week, we explore the wild and wondrous corners of Sodwana! We soak up the sun and surf the waves on beach days, dip into the waters of Lake Sibaya, experience a private beach at Lala Nek, or explore the forests at Tolla se Gat. Of course, we can't take on these adventures with empty stomachs, ...

    Free-time activities

    Once a week, we explore the wild and wondrous corners of Sodwana! We soak up the sun and surf the waves on beach days, dip into the waters of Lake Sibaya, experience a private beach at Lala Nek, or explore the forests at Tolla se Gat. Of course, we can't take on these adventures with empty stomachs, so we always fire up a classic South African braai, relax and enjoy the good vibes.

    Some other free-time activities that volunteers can do are as follows:

    • Chilling on the beach
    • Freediving
    • African market
    • Two bars / restaurants
    • Bonfires
    • Looking for chameleons
    • Whale watching (seasonal)
    • Picking up shark teeth at Anton’s dive site
    • Sundowners at local view points
    • Watching the moonrise on the beach 
    • Turtle tours (seasonal)
    • Surfing
    • Lake Sibaya trips
    • Game drives
    • Plankton on the beach at night
    • Trips to Tolla se Gat
    • Hikes
    • Kosi Bay trips
    • Braais (barbecue)
    • Quad biking
    • Fishing 


    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)

    Required Documents

    CV, Letter of motivation, 2 Application Forms (one for us and the other for the project), 2 pictures and Liability Waiver and Volunteer Policy forms (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 and Friday from 08:00 - 15:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • CMAS One Star or PADI Open Water course (If you're already a diver you can do your Advanced Open Water or do the 2 week program without a dive course).
    • All required dive training manuals.
    • Total 10 dives per 2 week stay / 20 dives per 4 week stay.
    • Hard gear rental (BCD, regulator, cylinder and weight belt).
    • Transport to and from the Richards Bay Airport.
    • Transport to and from the Sodwana Bay beach as well as around Sodwana.
    • Gate fees into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (excluding weekends).
    • Food (Each week volunteers buy food at the Spar and prepare their own food in the shared kitchen).
    • Accommodation at Dive Lodge.
    • Marine lectures and certificate.
    • Recommendation letter.
    • Ongoing Services
    • Tours (Inquire on this if interested)
    • 24/7 Emergency Contact

    Airport Pickup at Richards Bay Airport

    Transfers to and from Richards Bay Airport for arrival and departure provided. Transport to and from the Sodwana Bay beach as well as around Sodwana is provided.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers stay at a Dive Lodge which is situated just outside a Wetland reserve. It’s a 5 km drive from the town and a 10 km drive to the beach. The volunteers stay in a shared loft or shared wooden cabins. There are shared ablutions, a shared kitchen, fire area, swimming pool and a restaurant / bar.

    Food & Beverages

    Each week the project takes the volunteers to the grocery store (Spar) in the neighboring town of Mbazwana to buy groceries for the week within the budget. Thereafter they prepare their own food in the shared kitchen. Each night there is a fire prepared by the lodge staff at the fire area so volunteers can barbecue and socialize.

    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 Richards Bay Airport (RCB) in Richards Bay. 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

    The project prefers applicant to arrive on the first and third Friday of each month (excluding December).

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 3,029€
    3 weeks 3,799€
    4 weeks (max. stay) 4,614€
    Average fees 1,334€/week

    Program fees

    1,334€ 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

    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 Fronteering Travel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Sodwana Bay

    Meet your project coordinator

    Patrick
    90
    reviews
    4.70
    Brilliant
    2010
    Founded

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate
    Spoken languages: German, Dutch, English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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