Shark, Whale, Dolphin & Seal Conservation

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: The project starts every 2 weeks. 2010 start dates: Jan 11, Jan 25, Feb 8, Feb 22, Mar 8, Mar 22, Apr 5, Apr 19, May 3, May 17, May 31, Jun 14, Jun 28, Jul 12, Jul 26, Aug 9, Aug 23, Sep 6, Sep 20, Oct 4, Oct 18, Nov 1, Nov 15, Nov 29, Dec 13, Dec 27.

Description: Go on whale watching trips that are not just magical but rewarding too. See penguins dancing on the sand, they defy imagination and touch your heart. Laugh at the antics of hundreds of seals in their colonies on Dyer Island. And of course there's the Great White Shark, the greatest predatory force of the seas that remains a mystery to man.

This programme offers the unique opportunity for volunteers to engage in the important research and conservation of great white sharks in Cape Town, South Africa. Youll also have the unforgettable experience to see whales, dolphins, seals and penguins, as well as many species of rare pelagic birds that reside close to the shore. If you are adventurous and love the outdoor lifestyle then this is the perfect programme for you to have the most incredible once in a lifetime experience, as you get up close and personal with these infamous creatures!

Shark populations worldwide are increasingly threatened, and in scientific circles there is still research needed to fully understand and interpret shark behaviour. 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. Therefore the programme is particularly suited to those who are willing to take up a challenge and play a pivotal role in observing and promoting these graceful and majestic creatures. The programme will enable you to see sharks in their natural environment, either from a boat or from a cage. You will learn about coastal eco systems in the region, and about what work is going on to help preserve them. Each link of the chain needs to be supported in order to ensure ocean sustainability. Because of this you will have a wide variety of tasks and activities to participate.

Highlights: Kleinbaai, a small harbour town, part of Gansbaai in the Western Cape of South Africa. This area is known as the best place in the world to see Great White Sharks in their natural habitat. Gansbaai is 160 km from Cape Town.

As a volunteer you will be part of the shark team. This project gives you a unique opportunity to view this magnificent animal in its natural environment. This will either be by boat or even more excitingly in an underwater cage.

The learning part of the programme will consist of the following:

    * How shark cage diving operates
    * Shark behaviour and biology
    * The history of shark attacks
    * Learning about climatic conditions pertaining to seamanship
    * Lectures by qualified marine biologists
    * How to film and photograph marine wildlife
    * Ocean conservation needs at the tip of Africa
    * Learning about South Africa's conservation organisations

Practical experience will include:

    * Experience out at sea, weather permitting
    * Photographing sharks and observing them around the boat
    * Learning how to Identify individual animals through newly discovered dorsal fin recording, measurement and markings
    * Boat safety and seamanship. Learning how to maintain standards and equipment needed for the operation
    * Assisting with the monitoring other marine animals in the area, and learning about hierarchy in the ecosystems
    * Participating in rescue and data collection
    * Field work in and around the area of Gansbaai, which is dependent on the ocean and tourism for its survival

Programme Support

Because we are South African based, you will have hands on support from our South African team 24/7 a day. Just call our number and we will be able to provide you with any advice and assistance that you need through the duration of your stay.

On a day-to-day basis you will be working with the volunteer coordinator. The rest of the team members are all fantastic people experienced Skippers and other friendly, helpful members of staff. With their combined knowledge and many years of experience in the field of Great White Shark research, ecotourism and conservation, there could be no better team behind you.

Qualifications: Love for the outdoor, conservation, marine- and wildlife.

Cost in US$: From R616 per day

    * Self catering accommodation in volunteer house
    * Airport pick up and transfer to Gansbaai and back to Cape Town
    * Welcome and orientation by team leader
    * Diving equipment
    * Activities as part of the programme
    * Trips on the boats
    * Programme materials
    * Shark cage diving (+- ¤100 per dive free of charge)
    * Snacks and drinks on the shark boat
    * There will be necessities in the house such as coffee, tea, cereals etc
    * Welcome pack of
          2 x Project T-shirts
          1 x Project cap
          1 x Project Jacket
          1 x DVD of one of your trips on the boat

What is excluded from the fee?

    * Meals (Budget approx ¤40 per week)
    * Use of telephone
    * Flights, Visas, Medical and travel insurance
    * Excess baggage
    * Personal activities

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 years minimum

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Madibas Volunteers's Mission Statement: Madibas volunteers are a newly established South African company. We are based in Cape Town and connected throughout South Africa. Our passion and vision is to uplift and maintain the South African communities, charities, wildlife- and conservation projects, we are involved with, by providing them with quality volunteers and funding.

Year Founded: 2008