Marine conservation: sharks, whales and penguins

Work alongside marine biologists fighting to save great white sharks! Volunteers work both on land and sea and get completely involved in researching and caring for the marine animals. Being “hands on” with the animals using the project’s shark cages and boats, volunteers will learn all about the behaviour of the animals and the climate of the sea, even watching dissections.

Volunteers who are keen photographers will also be given a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to get up close to the sharks and marine life in their natural habitat.

The programme is a combination of several different experiences, mostly ecotourism and conservation through assisting and educating clients of Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Cruises, but also seabird rehabilitation, beach clean ups, assembly of fishing line bins and some research.

Volunteers can choose whatever they want to do when they arrive at the research center. Some of the volunteers are more focussed on completing a dive course, others are keen on data and rehabilitation work, some of them are only here for the awesome shark experiences on the boat and are relaxing the rest of the time. Volunteers will get an orientation session on arrival and the local coordinators will tailor-make their experience according to their interests and ability.

Volunteers choose from day-to-day which boats they would like to assist on. The majority prefer the shark cage-diving vessel, but some choose to only go on the ecotour/whale-watching vessel, while others do a bit of both. Many of them also help out with bird rehabilitation work at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, doing the boat trips in-between.