Marine Research and Community Volunteering, South Africa

  South Africa

Plettenberg Bay

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Every Monday throughout the year.

Description: Volunteer for either 2, 4, 8 or 12 weeks at a world renowned marine research organisation in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Tag fish, collect data and take photos of dolphins and a variety of whales. Gain a Local Marine Guiding Programme qualification and participate in commercial eco-tourism activities. Volunteer at a community project for disadvantaged children, help to organise local marine awareness campaigns, monitor and help clean local beaches do all this and much much more!

This marine volunteering project gives you the unique opportunity to live in the picturesque seaside of South Africas Plettenberg Bay whilst you research some of the worlds most fascinating marine species. By marine volunteering in this part of South Africa you can witness the power, grace and exuberance of a variety of whales, dolphins, sharks and seals, whilst being surrounded by a majestic setting of mountains, forests and coastal inlets. On this South African marine volunteering adventure you will learn how to manage a marine and coastal zone in a sustainable manner to actively and meaningfully participate in conserving the marine life, whilst experiencing the community, culture and environment of the area in a more intimate way than most visitors. Depending on the time of year and how lucky you are, the marine research you conduct will encounter a variety of marine life that includes Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Brydes Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, rarely seen Orcas (Killer Whales) and even Great White Sharks!

As the first ever privately initiated and government supported conservation project of its kind in South Africa, this conservation volunteering project has a world-renowned research team who have been given awards by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). This fantastic team will guide you through projects that involve marine research, educating and being involved in the community, and taking a watch dog role in Plettenberg Bay. They will be there to help you settle in during your stay and give you the opportunity to take on any individual projects where your own best interests lie. This marine volunteering project offers you personal diversity in the programme and from assisting the dive research teams to helping with their community programme you will find your own way to contribute. As part of your stay you will also assist with our commercial whale and dolphin tours, as well as kayaking and river cruising.

Highlights: What's Included:
- Pre-departure support
- Field manual containing information about the project and what to take, plus lots more
- 24 hour emergency phone line in the UK
- All internal transportation
- All food and accommodation
- Internet access
- Laundry service (twice a week)
- Cap
- T-Shirt
- Fleece
- Manual
- Local Marine Guiding Programme course and qualification
- All research activities
- Volunteering in the local community

Cost in US$: 1190

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

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

Typically Participants Work in Groups of upto 12

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Year Founded: 2006