Sharks, perhaps one of the world’s most misunderstood species, are in need of your help. These top predators play important roles in maintaining the health and integrity of the ecosystems in which they live. However, many species of shark are threatened by poor management, illegal harvesting and habitat destruction.

Recognizing the importance of shark and marine conservation, our partner began their work to study and protect sharks and ocean ecosystems. The waters off the coast of South Africa are home to one of the most diverse populations of sharks in the world. Unfortunately few long-term studies exist to track how changes in the number of sharks and their location impact the health of the ocean ecosystem. Since beginning their work in 2007, our partner has tagged over 3,200 sharks as part of their Sharks and Ecosystems Project. Their goal is to identify sharks, skates and stingrays and use this information to declare new marine protected area and special management zones. Their Education & Outreach initiatives provide visitors and education groups with insight into the secret world of sharks. This hands-on educational programming encourages conservation and stewardship of shark species and our oceans. 

In addition to this important work, our partner also offers an exceptional training program that provides volunteers and interns the opportunity to work with sharks, and learn about marine science and ocean conservation. This program allows people interested in sharks to develop their skills and knowledge while gaining first-hand experience in marine research.

Volunteer Activities

There are many activities that take place at the shark centre. Days typically start at 7am and finish by 3 pm each day and the activities are often weather dependent. Whenever the conditions are suitable, volunteers will be out in the boat assisting with the catching, identifying, measuring and tagging of as many sharks as possible. Other days will be spent snorkelling in the bay to catch small shysharks, or catching sharks from the dock. Time will be spent in the wet lab where sharks are examined, necropsies are performed on sharks that have died, and volunteers and interns are able to get hands-on experience handling sharks and learning about their anatomy. Other activities include Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) research, which allows the researchers to observe sharks and other marine life by recording activities at a large canister of bait. Volunteers help prepare the bait canisters, watch the video and record the species that visit the bait. Estuary days are spent in the boat measuring conditions in the nearby rivers and estuaries. Estuaries are bodies of water found where rivers meet the ocean, creating unique ecosystems that are home to many species including some sharks. Volunteers take water samples to test salinity and measure temperature at specific points and this information is used by the government to manage the estuary.

Volunteer days run from Monday to Friday, and you will have free time on evenings and weekends.

Read Nora’s blog on Pink Pangea: A Vegetarian Goes Fishing in South Africa.

Accommodation 

Volunteers stay in this seaside town at the Intern House, located twenty minute drive from the shark centre. Each day transportation will be provided to and from the centre. The intern house has 5 dormitory-style bedrooms, a comfortable living area with a pool table, lounge space, and a large kitchen for making your meals. There is ample outdoor space for socializing on beautiful, warm South African days. The intern house also has an outdoor ‘braai’ for traditional South African BBQ meals. For your convenience, there is free WiFi at the Intern House and shark centre. Full laundry service is available for a nominal fee.

Breakfast is provided, however other meals are not included in the volunteer fees. You will have the use of a full kitchen and you will be taken to the store as often as you need to buy groceries and supplies.

Safety

Do you have questions about safety? We have answers right here! 

Includes

Airport pick up and drop off (from Cape Town at specific times only), accommodation, breakfast, transportation to and from the centre, on-site training, donation to Placement Partner, AEI Travel Manual, emergency support while at placement, carbon credits to offset 3 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to $500, 000 USD in emergency medical coverage), travel discounts (through automatic membership to a volunteer only travel discount program), 24/7 travel and emergency assistance, enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering. This 3-hour online course is curated by travel professionals and is designed to help you get the most out of your adventure.

Excludes

Flights, entry visa costs, international and domestic airport taxes, immunizations and medications. meals (except breakfast).

What is Serious

If you would like to learn about ocean conservation and receive training in marine research, Shark Conservation in South Africa is the perfect experience for you. This is a hands-on placement that will connect you with shark enthusiasts, students, conservationists and  scientists with an interest in shark biology. We are proud to support this shark organization, globally recognized for their work on sharks and ocean ecosystems. Their research aims to provide baseline data on sharks and their habitats, track changes over time, and contribute to the management and conservation of vulnerable species. The research area stretches over 200km of coastline, which includes three distinct management zones, providing the unique opportunity to study how different types of marine management strategies affect living marine resources. You will work side by side with scientists and research interns to study the sharks, learning how to catch, identify, handle, sample, measure and tag a variety of shark species. Through your time in the wet lab, you will learn shark anatomy and physiology and help with necropsies on sharks that have died. You will be included in the weekly presentations given by the interns and volunteers. By the end of your time in South Africa, you will be comfortable around sharks and you will have a good understanding of shark biology and conservation. 

Whether you are looking to build critical skills working with sharks, a shark enthusiast wanting to spend quality time with these fascinating predators or a diver looking for an exceptional experience - you will not be disappointed by your time in South Africa.

What is Fun

Sharks are amazing enough, but imagine working with them while you stay in a seaside town on the southern coast of South Africa, famous for its whale watching, beaches and beautiful climate. You will have time in the evenings and weekends to explore the area, visit the markets and experience the rich culture. If you enjoy the ocean, you will appreciate that Cape Agulhas, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, is not far from where you will be staying. You will get to experience two oceans for the price of one!

You will be part of the group of volunteers and interns that live at the intern house, work with the sharks, and relax together in their spare time. This is a great opportunity to meet people with similar interests and make life-long friendships. Or take some much deserved down time for yourself. Create memories snorkelling for sharks, getting dirty making the bait canisters or spotting wildlife (like penguins!) on estuary days. Every Friday is “braai-day” at the shark centre, a laid back time when everyone can enjoy a barbeque and listen to presentations. 

There is so much to see and do while you are in South Africa. Enjoy the wildlife, the culture and the beautiful surroundings all while helping an important cause - shark conservation.

Dates and Details

This is an ongoing program with operations every day of the year. Placements start on Mondays. Volunteers should plan to arrive on the Sunday before, as introductions and orientations are early on Monday morning.

Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

Fundraising

Are you thinking of fundraising for a portion, or all your fees? Many of our clients have been very successful with their fundraising efforts. To learn more about their successful fundraising projects and see how you can fund raise for your experience, please visit our fundraising page!