Shark Project

Highlights

• Work on eco-tourism vessels with leaders in the industry, assisting tourists and educating them about conservation.
• Cage Dive with bronze whaler sharks and occasionally great whites and see them in their natural habitat.
• Experience the Marine Big 5 wildlife: sharks, whales, dolphins, penguins and seals.
• Learn about shark behaviour, biology and ocean conservation.
• Assist with rehabilitation efforts at the world class African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary.
• Participate in conservation activities like beach clean ups and fishing line bin assembly and monitoring.
• Take part in amazing tours and excursions outside of the project.
• Make new friends from all over the world.

Project Information

The project is focused on shark-cage diving, whale watching and boat-based eco-marine tourism. It is based in 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 and it is also a hot spot for the breeding and mating waters of the southern right whale. The project works closely with a number of conservation bodies to address conservation challenges and improve living conditions for local communities and to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.

Furthermore does the project offer you an incredible opportunity to experience a wide range of South African marine wildlife: sharks, whales, dolphins, penguins and seals. You will receive presentations by marine biologists on shark biology, ecology, and conservation. You will have informative presentations and you will take part in exciting community projects too, i.e. beach clean ups, education, etc.

The project allows you access to a diverse area of learning and gives you holistic insight into the challenges and opportunities involved in eco-tourism and ocean conservation at the tip of Africa.

Your Role

Duties on the boat:

• Report for duty 1 hour before boat is scheduled to launch.
• Clean and dry the boat in the morning and afternoon (before and after trips).
• Check equipment for diving - chum, bait, food, coats, etc. (if instructed by the crew)
• Assist in laying and retrieving of the anchor and cage. (if instructed by the crew)
• Assisting in dive operation (you will get the chance to dive yourself).
• Education and care of clients and client interaction.
• Constant and vigilant shark spotting and bait watching.
• Clean wetsuits and put them away.
• Storeroom duties - needs to be kept clean daily.
• Assist crew and skipper.
• One trip usually takes a total of 6 working hours, two trips about 8 working hours. 

You will receive details of your trips each evening for the next day. For any time off or sickness you need to contact the volunteer coordinator immediately. The project team tries to get you out to sea every possible day, so please stay in touch with your coordinator if this is too much for you. For no-sea days (when the weather is bad), day trips will be organised.

Other activities could include:

• Beach clean-ups.
• Fishing line bin construction, erection and maintenance.
• Shark egg collection and identification.
• Local Estuary monitoring.
• Assisting with rehabilitation of penguins and seabirds at the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary.
• Getting involved in the project’s conservation efforts.

The project runs 7 days a week as they are completely dependent on the weather. If the weather does not allow the boat to go out to the sea, then you will be taken on one of the following excursions: Hermanus (shopping, wine tours), Betty’s Bay (penguin colony), Cape Agulhas (meeting of the two oceans), Caledon hot water spa, Two Oceans Aquarium, hiking, etc.

It is important to note that this description serves as an example only. The daily tasks and challenges depend on the weather and the season. Everything at the programme is dependent on the weather. If there are no sea days, presentations, excursions or conservation work will be arranged. The final job description can therefore vary from the above substantially.

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in Kleinbaai, the lodge is at 1,4km from the projects headquarter.

The new accommodation building can can accommodate 40 people and provides shared accommodation, mainly dorm rooms. Cooking is done in the central kitchen with a communal indoor braai (BBQ) with adjacent dining room and sitting room. A swimming pool, a garden, a lecture room, a workspace and a very spacious living area including the activity hall with a dartboard, a football table, a table tennis table and various board-games as well as a satellite TV with a variety of channels are available for our volunteer’s entertainment. Recycling is a priority at the lodge.

Wi-Fi is included in the main building.

The volunteer coordinator is on duty and available in cases of emergencies. Minibuses are available to transport you to and from the hub of activities, but you may also walk or take the bike.

Bedding is provided, bed linen and rooms are cleaned weekly. Your laundry gets taken to the laundromat weekly and costs about ZAR 35 per kg.

Breakfast is provided on a help-yourself basis. Ingredients for a light lunch are provided for you to take to sea or enjoy at home. Should you be doing other activities you may be responsible for your own lunch.
Dinner is at your own expense.