We recommend that volunteers join us for at least three weeks, as sea conditions can sometimes result in no-boat days; however, shorter and longer durations are available. On those days, a variety of exciting activities may take place, from visiting the penguins in Betty's Bay to embarking on a Garden Route game drive.
Day 1 - The Adventure Begins:
After your flight arrives in 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! After your trip, you will return to the project site, where you will have the chance to settle in.
Day 3-21 – Project Days:
This project centres around cage diving eco-tourism and research, offering you the unique opportunity to join regular trips at sea to observe and dive with a variety of shark species found in the area. During your stay, you'll take part in a variety of exciting and educational activities, each designed to deepen your understanding of marine life, contribute to vital shark conservation efforts, and uplift the local community. The activities include:
Cage Diving
Cage diving is undoubtedly one of the most memorable aspects of the volunteer programme. Using a purpose-built cage that remains securely at the surface, you'll collect important observational data on several shark species, noting characteristics such as size, sex, distinctive markings, and behaviour. This unique experience offers both an unforgettable encounter and valuable insight into the lives of these remarkable marine predators.
Data Collection
You'll receive training in the collection of field data on free-swimming sharks. From both above and below the water, you'll help monitor shark behaviour, interactions, and movements around the boat. This data is added to a global database, which is monitoring shark numbers and migration patterns, helping to better inform conservation and management plans.
Basic Seamanship and Boat Skills
As a volunteer, you'll pick up the essential skills every good crew member needs at sea. From maintaining the boat and preparing equipment to deploying anchors and cages, tying knots, and assisting clients, you'll be part of the action every step of the way. These practical skills are the backbone of life at sea and essential to supporting the research you'll help make possible.
Shark Tagging
Since January 2019, the team has been supporting the Oceanographic Research Institute's Cooperative Fish Tagging Project (ORI-CFTP), contributing to the sustainable management of South Africa's marine resources. As a volunteer, you'll help by identifying smaller shark species, including pyjama, shy, and leopard catsharks, during snorkelling excursions. You'll tag each shark, record key measurements, and release them back into the water.
Other Species Monitoring
The waters around the project are teeming with an incredible variety of marine life, both at sea and near the shore. Currently, the team is focused on researching two key elasmobranch species: bronze whaler sharks and short-tailed stingrays. As a volunteer, you'll actively contribute by recording important data on these animals, including their sex, size, markings, and behaviour whenever they are spotted. With such rich biodiversity in the area, you may also have the chance to encounter dolphins, seals, penguins, southern right whales, and a host of other fascinating marine species!
Assisting at the Swop Shop
Once a week, you'll have the rewarding opportunity to assist at the Swop Shop, a community project that promotes recycling, environmental awareness, and sustainable living while supporting local children. The initiative encourages children to collect recyclable waste and litter, earning points for their efforts. These points can then be "spent" at the Swop Shop to obtain school supplies, clothing, and toys, helping to meet their needs while teaching the value of sustainability and responsibility.
Day 22 – Final Day:
This is your final day, and you will leave the project site to return to Cape Town, where you will transfer to the airport for an evening flight or commence your independent travel plans.
