South Africa – Great White Shark Conservation

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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 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.