SHARK Experience!

  South Africa

Dates: Starts 1st or 3rd week of each month

Description: See sharks in their natural environment, either from a boat or from a safe diving-cage in a notorious stretch of water known as "SHARK ALLEY", probably the most filmed section of South Africa's ocean. This is a favoured hunting ground for Great Whites, and is home to a large colony of Cape Fur Seals, the mainstay of their diet.

The positive impact of the project has captured the imagination of public and media worldwide, and has been extremely successful in raising positive awareness of sharks and the need for conservation thereof.

Shark education features as a prominent part of the programme. It is only by getting to know these complex creatures more intimately, that we will understand the impact of their current continuing decline. Shark populations worldwide are increasingly threatened, and in scientific circles there is still research needed to fully understand and interpret shark behaviour. YOU will play a pivotal role in observing, collating data and promoting these graceful and majestic creatures.

You will participate in a wide variety of tasks and activities. Learning about coastal eco-systems in the region, and about what work is going on to help preserve them. For example, a charity established to assist with a habitat rehabilitation scheme for the declining African Penguin population through the design and implementation of artificial homes.

Our partner organisation is situated in Gansbaai, Western Cape, about two hours drive from Cape Town. The area is known for its natural unspoilt beauty of small bays, white sands and its archaeological and historical value.

As a responsible tourism award winner, we only work with like-minded organisations. Our partner is proudly Fair Trade Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) accredited thereby meeting strict criteria such as: fair wages and equal employment, democracy, transparency and environmental conservation.

Our partners consist of a Shark Cage Diving company and a boat-based Marine Eco Tourism company. This combination allows our volunteers to access a diverse area of learning, and a holistic insight into the challenges of ocean conservation at the tip of Africa. Volunteers are exposed to sharks, whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, as well as many species of rare pelagic birds that reside close to the shore.

In the interest of your safety, boat trips are subject to suitable weather at all times.

Highlights:
* Cage diving in waters with Great White Sharks swimming in the vacinity.

* Assist with a charitable habitat-rehabilitation scheme for the declining African Penguin population through the design and implementation of artificial homes.

Cost in US$: Price on request

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Voluntours's Mission Statement: We are a multi-award winner in the Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism in South Africa in 2007. 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