SHARK CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING IN SOUTH AFRICA

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Home | Shark Conservation Volunteering in South Africa
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Impact:
Marine Conservation
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Destination:
Gansbaai, South Africa
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Duration:
1 Week+
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Fee: From $715

Assist with Research & Data Tracking on the Ocean's Top Predators

Assist with marine conservation in Gansbaai, South Africa (just two hours from Cape Town), and play a critical role, helping with invaluable work to protect the Dyer Island ecosystem and the marine world off the Cape coast. You’ll work alongside leaders in marine conservation and ecotourism with full-time marine biologists studying the great white shark and other marine species in conjunction with universities and academic institutions worldwide.

From bronze whaler (copper) sharks, sevengill sharks to the very special visits from magnificent great white sharks, the project work includes tagging and tracking, behavioral surveys, wound healing, environmental parameter monitoring as well as daily observational data. This is the perfect project to give people who love the marine environment a chance to immerse themselves in it.

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Project Highlights

Here are some top highlights from this project.

MARINE BIG FIVE

Experience a wide range of South African marine wildlife.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Gain experience assisting crew and tourists on shark cage diving and whale watching boats.

SHARK BEHAVIOUR

Learn about behavior, biology and its contribution to marine conservation.

PENGUIN REHABILITATION

Assist with the rehabilitation of the endangered African Penguin and other seabirds.

SCUBA DIVING

Get PADI Scuba certified during your stay.

MARINE BIG FIVE

Experience a wide range of South African marine wildlife.

SHARK BEHAVIOUR

Learn about behavior, biology and its contribution to marine conservation.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Gain experience assisting crew and tourists on shark cage diving and whale watching boats.

PENGUIN REHABILITATION

Assist with the rehabilitation of the endangered African Penguin and other seabirds.

SCUBA DIVING

Get PADI Scuba certified during your stay.

Project Destination

Situated almost halfway between Hermanus and Cape Agulhas, lies the fishing town of Gansbaai. It is a unique and popular destination on the Western Cape’s “Whale Coast” known internationally for its dense population of great white sharks and whale-watching opportunities. Located off the coast of Gansbaai, lies Dyer Island, famous for its colony of endangered African penguins. Between July and December southern right whales migrate to the Western Cape of South Africa, increasing your chance of encountering these majestic giants of the ocean.

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Project Impact Areas

Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Shark Conservation Volunteering Project in South Africa.

Shark Conservation

We research the feeding, migrating and behavioral habits as well as various other aspects of great white and other shark species by recording sightings, identifying dorsal fins, tagging and taking photos for an ongoing database in conjunction with various national and international academic research institutions. Their superior immune system and wound healing capabilities, parasites found on sharks, as well as their interaction with other marine species, are part of the comprehensive and ongoing research.

African Penguin Rehabilitation

African penguin conservation includes a nest project providing critical protection to the penguins during their fledgling stage. You may be involved in cleaning the bird’s pens, crates and living areas, assisting with preparing medicated fish, recording medical records and data and telling visitors about what we do. With a fully equipped lab and a vet on standby, injured, oiled or ill birds can immediately be treated, increasing their survival rate.

Cage Diving

Learn how to cage dive to contribute to vital data collection activities.This includes noting their sex, size, distinctive markings, and fascinating behavior patterns. Every observation you make contributes to valuable scientific research, aiding in the protection and conservation of these vital apex predators.

Important Logistics and Ground Support

Everything you need to know about this project in one place!

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Flights & Arrivals

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport on the Sunday before your Monday project start date and arrange to stay overnight in Cape Town. From your accommodation, we offer convenient transfers to Gansbaai. Unfortunately transfers from the airport are not available unless booked privately.

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Location

The fishing town of Gansbaai is a unique and popular destination on the Western Cape’s “Whale Coast” known internationally for its dense population of great white sharks and whale-watching opportunities. Close to the southern tip of Africa, Dyer Island and the surrounding ocean is a critically important ecosystem and home to the Marine Big 5. Dyer Island is home to breeding colonies of the endangered African penguin and fifteen other seabirds.

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Accommodation

Accommodation is at the International Marine Volunteer Centre which has four cottages with a shared sleeping arrangement. Bedding is provided and they are cleaned weekly. All facilities have a mini kitchen, but cooking is done in the central kitchen with adjacent dining room and sitting room. There is a lecture room and work space as well as a pool for volunteers to enjoy.

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Meals

Start your mornings off right with a selection of breakfast ingredients, and pack a satisfying lunch for your expeditions. After a thrilling boat trip, savor a meal such as a hearty soup and warm bread to replenish your energy. And come evening, delve into the vibrant culinary tapestry of the Cape at one of the many surrounding restaurants, or cook a dinner of your choice with your fellow volunteers at the accommodation facilities!

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Communication

South Africa has a few different cellular network providers, for which SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport. Various package options allow for phone calls and/or data usage. At the accommodation there is free WiFi to enable you to make contact with home.

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Climate

Cape Town has a Mediterranean-style climate: wet and cool winters, dry and warm summers. The annual average temperature in Cape Town is a delightful 17°C (62°F). During the months of March, April, May, October, November, and December you are most likely to experience good weather with average temperatures that fall between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F).

The months of June, July, and August have a high chance of rain. Cape Town has dry periods in January, February, November, and December. The warmest month is January with temperatures as high as 35°C (95°F). The coldest month is August with an average maximum temperature of 17°C (62°F).

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Staff

Meet Ettiene Roets, a passionate professional from South Africa, holds a BSc in Environmental and Biological Sciences, specializing in Zoology and Geography. Since 2015, Ettiene has contributed to environmental awareness and conservation initiatives, currently serving as the Volunteer Coordinator at the Marine Dynamics Academy. With technical prowess as a NAUI Open Water certified diver and SAMSA Category C <9m licensed skipper, he manages the volunteer program, scheduling activities, and actively participating in marine conservation efforts. Ettiene’s dedication to education and environmental stewardship shines through, making him a key figure at the Marine Dynamics Academy.

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Safety

Our policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy conditions to all volunteers. Volunteers on this program will be provided with information, training and supervision to ensure safety throughout their stay. The boats and vehicles are maintained to remain in safe conditions, and are equipped with safety features to ensure safety when doing boat activities specific for Shark Cage Diving and Eco-Tours. The project has First Aid supplies and trained First Aid staff in each location, on land and sea.

The team carry radios so that they can communicate with other boats in the area and from sea to land. There is also a contingency plan that would be invoked in the event of any emergency situation.The lodge is equipped with fire safety equipment, evacuation plans and has access to an ambulance service. There are also regular hygiene checks.

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Our favourite weekend activities in the Gansbaai Area, South Africa

The rugged and unspoilt landscape invites visitors to explore Gansbaai and its surrounds – from the white sands of Pearly Beach to horse riding trails and an array of marine based activities.

Where Two Oceans Meet
Read more about Wildlife Conservation volunteer projects

Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas is the geographical southernmost point of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans converge, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of nature. Visit the iconic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse and climb to the top for magnificent views, or explore the surrounding beaches, known for their calm waters and soft sands, perfect for relaxation. You can also explore the town and sample fresh seafood delicacies.

Adventure Time
Read more about Wildlife Conservation volunteer projects

Quad Bike & Horse Ride

Ready to trade your sea-legs for an on-land experience? View the coastline and town of Gansbaai in an adrenaline packed quad bike excursion or a leisurely horseback riding adventure.

Vineyard Visits
Read more about Wildlife Conservation volunteer projects

Wine Tasting

The Western Cape of South Africa is internationally acclaimed for its variety of high quality wine farms. Visit some established wine farms en route to the seaside town of Hermanus or take a trip to the Birkenhead Micro Brewery and the Klein River Cheese factory.

How to Apply

Choose a destination in Africa and a project then enquire to ask any questions.

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Connect with our advisors who can answer any questions you have.

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Once you are ready, head to our booking form, secure your place with a small deposit.

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Get ready to volunteer or intern abroad. Our team will support you at every step!

Project Enquiry

After completing the below project enquiry form, one of our Destination Specialists will get in touch to discuss your volunteer experience and any questions you may have. When you are ready to book, we can send you a booking form or you can book directly from this page too.

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STEP 1 - Personal Information

Let's collect some basic information to get started.

STEP 2 - When do you want to Volunteer or Intern?

Give us an idea of your travel plans, you can also choose ‘I’m not sure yet’ if you aren't sure about your preferred start dates.

STEP 3 - How long do you want to Volunteer or Intern for?

Select your preferred duration.
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Project Booking

Please complete the details below in order for us to provisionally hold a space on your preferred project. A deposit will be required to secure your position. By submitting these details you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

PRICE

From $715

Your weekly cost will reduce if you stay for longer than 1 week.

Start day: Every Monday

PROJECT FEE INCLUDES

  • Cottage style accommodation with swimming pool
  • Breakfast and lunch (Mon - Fri)
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • All project transport, equipment and resources
  • Support from experienced local and international staff
  • Full orientation for responsible project contribution

PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES

Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

Our minimum age for this volunteer project is 16 years of age. Parental consent is required before arrival for those aged 16 and 17. We can also accept 15 years of age if travelling with a parent, but other adult companions it will need to be discussed ahead of time.

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FAQs

Recent Reviews

“
Giulia S, The NetherlandsShark Conservation Volunteering, South Africa

“I had such a great time, the boats are great to be on, everything is planned well. Even on no sea days I still made so many unforgettable memories. I love being on the ocean and this project offered that in so many different ways. I am positive that I learned a lot about not just the marine life of South Africa but also its conservation. It was amazing being able to see the Marine big five multiple times and having a great group of people (both the volunteers and crew) to share the experience with.The lodge was a great place to stay at and I have nothing to complain about. Everything is well planned and organized. Even though we always had to stay a bit flexible and not have too many expectations, I had no doubts the next day would be spectacular too!”

“
Ella W, UKShark Conservation Volunteering, South Africa

“I really enjoyed being out on the boat every single day seeing the marine life. It was such a special experience to be able to see dolphins, sharks,
whales, seal & penguins every day! I loved working at APSS and feeding the penguins too. All of the other volunteers were lovely and it was really great
to meet new people. All of the staff were lovely! Everyone who worked at the accommodation was great and so lovely. All of the staff were really helpful and kind. Ettiene was great! Volunteering on this program has been one of the best experiences of my life! I am so grateful that I was able to be part of such an incredible program. I already can’t wait to come back next year.”

“
Rob Smith, USAShark Conservation Volunteering, South Africa

“I had an amazing time on the project and I'm so glad I got to experience something so rewarding and beautiful as working so up-close with the Great Whites.”

“
Rufus P, UKShark Conservation Volunteering, South Africa

“I loved being able to get in the cages on most trips if I wanted to. Also meeting people from all over the world with a similar passion for sharks and the ocean. I had an amazing time, all the staff and crew were really welcoming. Couldn’t recommend this programme any more highly!”

“
Mahi B, UKShark Conservation Volunteering, South Africa

“I really enjoyed working at the penguin sanctuary as it felt the most hands on and I learnt a lot, as well as getting to know all the staff from the different areas. I also really enjoyed all the boats because every day you saw something different.”

“
Mary Crowle, UKShark Conservation Volunteering, South Africa

“I had a fantastic 3 weeks in Gansbaai and didn't want to leave. The crew were brilliant, and I felt welcomed onto the project straight away. I gained a greater understanding of shark behaviour which was something I didn't know a lot about before I went.”

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Shark & Marine Conservation Project FAQs

What is the best time of year for sharks?

There are some pros and cons to both seasons: Summer (Dec to Feb) is warm weather but we do struggle with visibility some of the time due to algal blooms in the water. The sharks spend time in the shallows during summer and we can see some big females this time of the year. By winter (June to August) they head out to the islands where they begin hunting more actively on the Cape fur seals of Geyser Rock. We have better visibility then, and believe it or not, slightly warmer water, but we also get some rough winter storms which can keep us off the sea.

What kind of work will I be doing on the boats?

Assisting the crew in the dive operations, helping clients, data recording, observation, getting the boats ready before launch and helping operations when the boats return to land, which includes cleaning of wetsuits and preparing equipment for the next day. Some of the tasks can be quite physical so a healthy degree of fitness is required…. as are sea-legs!

How often will I be cage diving?

On your first day, you will enjoy the cage diving experience as if you were a client so that you understand the experience. Thereafter you will slot in with the duties of the volunteers on board. As space and time allows, the skipper will let you know if you can get in the cage when we are hosting clients. And if we have been really busy and there has not been a chance for volunteers to dive we try to plan an exclusive trip just for the volunteers, again depending on weather/time etc.

Do I need any vaccinations?

The Western Cape of South Africa is a malaria-free area. If you are coming from South America, or travelling in or through any yellow fever zones, you may need to have a Yellow Fever vaccination and certificate. Our Destination Specialists are here to help you!

Do I need to bring any medication?

Please ensure we are advised of any medical condition and if medicine has to be taken on a regular basis. If you are on prescription medicine, please bring your own. We do have a pharmacy in Gansbaai, access to doctors and an on- call ambulance. Our closest hospital is 40 minutes away in Hermanus. Seasickness can affect you for your first few days, so we suggest you bring seasickness tablets, or patches, with you. Tablets should be taken the evening before the dive, and in the morning, before the dive. Please also remember to bring a good sunblock, as the South African sun is very harsh.

Will I see other types of marine life?

Dyer Island is home to breeding colonies of the endangered African penguin and fifteen other seabirds. About 40 000 Cape Fur Seals are resident on Geyser Rock opposite the island and they attract a population of Great White Sharks. The sheltered areas of the bay provide the breeding ground for the Southern Right Whales that migrate here from the sub-Antarctic islands between June to December each year. The area is also visited by Bryde’s and Humpback Whales, as well as various dolphin species – mostly common, Indo-pacific bottlenose and the endangered humpback dolphins. Whale sightings are highly dependent on the time of year that you visit.

How does volunteering on this program benefit Marine Conservation?

As a marine conservation volunteer you play a critical role in helping to protect the Dyer Island ecosystem and the marine world off the Cape coast, for many years to come. You will assist with data collection across the broad fleet of marine research and eco-tourism boats, while gaining experience that can help you further your own interest in the marine environment. Daily observational data is crucial to the scientific research objectives of the marine biologists working in the area. Throughout the operation, it’s important to continually identify gaps in marine conservation knowledge, education and awareness in the area. You will also support the team in various conservation projects, including helping at feeding times at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary.