South Africa – Great White Shark Conservation

This destination plans to open soon, schedule a call to find out more or check out our Programs Open Now page.

 

Join the experience of a lifetime in South Africa, as you volunteer for the conservation of great white sharks and other marine species! Gain hands-on experience working in marine conservation with this highly reputable organization.

 

Program Highlights:

  • Work directly with marine biologists, learning about sharks, whales, dolphins and other marine species
  • Conduct research that supports conservation projects
  • Ethical wildlife volunteer tasks and interactions
  • Earn up to 15 academic credits per month (to be coordinated through your university)
  • Earn a PADI certification (for those volunteers staying four weeks or more)

 

Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum two-week commitment):

Arrival Day: Arrive at George Airport (GRJ). The local team will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodations.

Days 1-7: Daily tasks will vary, but volunteers should expect to wake up between 7:00-8:00 AM, go to the field for either boat or land activities until lunch at 12:00 PM. Volunteers will continue their volunteer work from 2:00 – 6:00 PM and have dinner at 6:30 PM.

Remaining Weeks: Volunteers will continue to work Monday-Friday and have weekends free. Two-week volunteers will depart on the 15th of the month, while four-week volunteers will depart on the first day of the following month.

It is important to remember that you will be working with wildlife and nature, both of which are unpredictable. We cannot guarantee sightings of any specific species. For this reason and due to the likelihood of bad weather days, when we can’t go to sea, we recommend a two-four week minimum stay. Those joining for shorter durations may be very disappointed if you miss several days at sea due to the weather conditions.

Click to see additional volunteering projects in South Africa.

Location icon Location of the Project: Mossel Bay, South Africa

Project length Project length: Minimum 2 weeks – Maximum 12 weeks

Arrival Airport Arrival Airport: George Airport (GRJ)

Volunteer Work Volunteer Work:  Marine conservation, research

Age Age:  18-80

Number of Volunteers Number of Volunteers: Up to 24 international volunteers

Important Note Important Note: Diving equipment, jacket and boots are provided.

 

What’s Included

Accommodations Accommodations: Shared rooms in a volunteer house

Food Food: Three meals per day are provided.

Airport Transfers Airport Transfers:  Airport transfers are included on both arrival and departure days.

Support Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

 

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses.

Mossel Bay is a popular destination in the Western Cape of South Africa. It is well-known for its shimmering beaches and coastal attractions and sits halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth on the stunning Garden Route.

 

As a volunteer on this project you will be completely immersed in conservation efforts. While working alongside marine biologists, you will learn about the behaviors of the marine species in the area.

Typical tasks may include:

  • Conducting population surveys of great white sharks using catch & release and other techniques
  • Participating in research using underwater video equipment and drones
  • Conducting sea and-based surveys of dolphin and whale movement
  • Promoting marine conservation via discussions with the local community members
  • Conducting intertidal community assessments

 

Please note that this project is weather-dependent and there may be days when the weather is too bad to go to sea.

Internet icon Internet: WiFi is available throughout the accommodations.

Laundry icon Laundry: Laundry services are available with a local company for an additional fee.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in shared, single-gender rooms in a local house. There may be four to eight volunteers per room.

Food icon Food: Breakfast consists of a cold buffet. Lunches and dinners are prepared by the house chefs.

 

 

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

  • Minimum age of 18
  • Basic level of English
  • Willingness to learn
  • Comfortable at sea

Volunteer Experiences

Want to join this program?