South Africa - Great White Shark Conservation

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 mimimum stay. Those joining for shorter durations may be very disappointed if you miss several days at sea due to the weather conditions.

Location of the Project: Mossel Bay, South Africa

Project length: Minimum 2 weeks - Maximum 12 weeks

Arrival Airport: George Airport (GRJ)

Volunteer Work: Marine conservation, research

Age: 18-80

Number of Volunteers: Up to 24 international volunteers

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

What's Included

Accommodations: Shared rooms in a volunteer house

Food: Three meals per day are provided

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

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.

Click to see additional volunteering projects in South Africa

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.