Dolphin Volunteer Experience

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
Plettenberg Bay

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Start any day of month. Min of 4 weeks.

Description: Award-winning company. Help the dolphins, whales and seals that inhabit this beautiful bay. You get hands-on experience in the everyday running of a research organization. Volunteers are required to "muck-in" on all activities from the mundane through to the spectacular.

Our partner is a non-profit research organization has run extensive mammal search programmes in Southern Africa and has many international publications. The "extra-hands" from their volunteer programme has helped fund research since 2002.
On-going research projects involve monitoring the occurrence, movements, numbers and habitat of Bottlenose and Humpback Dolphin in the area. Research the population status and diet of the Cape Fur Seals. And the land-based studies on the migratory routes of Humpback Whales and the daily movements of other cetaceans in the area.
There are also opportunistic studies involving Killer and Southern Right Whales when they visiting the bay. Field-work studies are project and weather dependant. When not at sea or in the field there is plenty of office work and data capturing to keep you busy. Some of which may be laborious but vital in the study of marine science.

Volunteers also have the opportunity to help out at the local Seabird Rehabilitation Centre when injured or oiled birds come in. While occasional whale, dolphin, seal and shark stranding provide valuable post-mortem information. Or you may get involved in educational activities promoting awareness and conservation in schools and communities.
Limited opportunities also arise to accompany commercial tour boats taking photographs and helping out the tour guides.

Highlights: Often described as a world in one country, South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, languages and religions. It is a land of beauty in which first and third worlds live side by side - creating a unique mix.
The democratically elected government since 1994 has made significant strides in social and infrastructural development in previously disadvantaged communities. However, additional resources and people-power are still needed to better the lives of many South Africans.

Voluntours offers you the unique opportunity to help firsthand in the nation building of South Africa. Through voluntouring your time you can make a significant impact in the daily lives of our people. Get involved at the grassroots level in South Africa!

Qualifications: None required but ideal for Biology Students.

Cost in US$: Contact us for more information

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Someone who is interested in helping with scientific research.

Age Range: Volunteer must be over 18 years of age

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Voluntours's Mission Statement: We are a multi-award winner in the Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism for Southern Africa in 2007 and 2008 (Johannesburg). As well as winners in the prestigious Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award 2008 (London). We are a volunteer placement organisation and tour-broker operating within South Africa placing volunteers in South Africa. We intimately manage your volunteer experience from home. We will match your unique skills and interests with carefully selected volunteer projects, and also help organise the rest of your trip. A variety of long and short-term placements are available. Volunteers are housed either within the community or nearby. A project donation is included in the costing to ensure sustainability and transparency.

Year Founded: 2005