Shark & Marine Conservation in South Africa

VOLUNTEER

CONSERVATION

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.

Project highlights

  • 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.

Gansbaai, South Africa
Available: Year Round
Duration:
2 Weeks+
Price From $1,550
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.

Project impact areas

Here’s how you will create significant impact through the African Big 5 Conservation project in South Africa.

CONSERVATION

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.

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

1. Life on Land

2. Life Below Water

3. Climate Action

4. Responsible Consumption & Production

CONSERVATION

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.

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

1. Life on Land

2. Life Below Water

3. Climate Action

4. Responsible Consumption & Production

CONSERVATION

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.

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

1. Life on Land

2. Life Below Water

3. Climate Action

4. Responsible Consumption & Production

Accommodation & Meals

Gansbaai, South Africa

Your home away from home is a comfortable volunteer centre with shared cottages, sociable communal spaces, and everything you need to relax between marine field days.

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.

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!

Life at the Base

Gansbaai, South Africa

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.

These waters are also famous for their dense shark populations, with great white sharks historically drawing global attention to the “Shark Alley” channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. Today, you can still experience the thrill of a true marine hotspot, where sharks, seals, dolphins and seabirds share the same nutrient-rich coastline, and seasonal whale sightings add to the sense that anything can happen out on the bay.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

These waters are also famous for their dense shark populations, with great white sharks historically drawing global attention to the “Shark Alley” channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. Today, you can still experience the thrill of a true marine hotspot, where sharks, seals, dolphins and seabirds share the same nutrient-rich coastline, and seasonal whale sightings add to the sense that anything can happen out on the bay.

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.

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.

Staff

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.

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.

...the joy of making a real impact...

“I had such a great time, the boats are great to be on, everything is planned well. 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.”

Giulia S, The Netherlands

Project gallery

A volunteer in a wetsuit walks through shallow water.
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Gallery 2
vols on the boat
vols on the boat
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Gallery 11
Trash clearing
Trash clearing
MARINE BIG FIVE
MARINE BIG FIVE
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Gallery 14
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great-white-shark-conservation-volunteer-cape-town-african-impact-47-scaled
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great-white-shark-conservation-volunteer-cape-town-african-impact-27
Gallery 18
Gallery 18
Gallery 13
Gallery 13
Gallery 12
Gallery 12
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Gallery 5
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Gallery 3
SHARK CONSERVATION
SHARK CONSERVATION
Gallery 1
Gallery 1
SAFETY
SAFETY
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
|Snorkelling
|Snorkelling
BBQ
BBQ
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Pricing

Rates

USDGBPEURAUD
DurationProgram Fee
2 weeks$1,550 ($775 per week)
3 weeks$2,210 ($737 per week)
4 weeks$2,645 ($662 per week)
5 weeks$3,210 ($642 per week)
6 weeks$3,775 ($630 per week)
8 weeks$4,905 ($614 per week)
10 weeks$6,040 ($604 per week)
12 weeks$7,170 ($598 per week)
2 weeks£1,240 (£620 per week)
3 weeks£1,770 (£590 per week)
4 weeks£2,120 (£530 per week)
5 weeks£2,570 (£514 per week)
6 weeks£3,020 (£504 per week)
8 weeks£3,925 (£491 per week)
10 weeks£4,835 (£484 per week)
12 weeks£5,740 (£479 per week)
2 weeks€1,430 (€715 per week)
3 weeks€2,035 (€679 per week)
4 weeks€2,435 (€609 per week)
5 weeks€2,955 (€591 per week)
6 weeks€3,475 (€580 per week)
8 weeks€4,515 (€565 per week)
10 weeks€5,560 (€556 per week)
12 weeks€6,600 (€550 per week)
2 weeks$2,300 ($1,150 per week)
3 weeks$3,275 ($1,092 per week)
4 weeks$3,915 ($979 per week)
5 weeks$4,750 ($950 per week)
6 weeks$5,590 ($932 per week)
8 weeks$7,260 ($908 per week)
10 weeks$8,940 ($894 per week)
12 weeks$10,615 ($885 per week)
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Inclusions

  • 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

Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Weekend tours
  • Personal expenses

Requirements

  • The minimum age to join this project is 18 years old
  • The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks
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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 A Research Background To Make The Most Of This Project?

Absolutely not! Our qualified team of Field Guides will teach you everything you need to know about the area, it’s wildlife and associated conservation challenges. If you have a research background and are looking to complete your own project, you can view our Facilitated Wildlife Research Internship here.

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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.

Cape Agulhas

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.

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.

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.

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