• Life Below Water

Marine Animals Helper

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Great 4.4  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Experience the South African way of life alongside other volunteers by staying in our shared volunteer house
  • Contribute to the protection of numerous endangered species and play your part in their conservation
  • Further your career working with animals by making a difference in another country
  • Make memories by travelling in your spare time around one of the world's most beautiful countries
  • Explore the rest of the 'Safari Superpower' South Africa and see incredible animals in their natural environment.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Get involved in engaging work which will cover all sorts of animals, including whales, dolphins, turtles and help provide the essential support the project needs.

South Africa is home to a diverse collection of animals and plants. This includes 43 species of marine mammals, which you can observe in their natural environment at this project. However, numerous species are threatened with extinction due to pollution or the overfishing of the oceans, caused by ...

About the program

South Africa is home to a diverse collection of animals and plants. This includes 43 species of marine mammals, which you can observe in their natural environment at this project. However, numerous species are threatened with extinction due to pollution or the overfishing of the oceans, caused by humans. At the marine protection project site in Port Elizabeth, our volunteers work hard to ensure that this fascinating collection of biodiversity is preserved for future generations.

Your job site is a foundation near Port Elizabeth, that is committed to protecting endangered marine life. Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, it is in the middle of the world-famous Garden Route region. Here you will find breath-taking landscape, with azure bays, natural sandy beaches, and dense forests. Off the coast, the Indian Ocean is home to many marine species, such as orcas, white sharks, dolphins, penguins and sea turtles. The goal is to promote the protection of marine life and nature in the region and to raise awareness of animal and nature conservation, by improving on the ground education.

Typical day

As a volunteer in this project, you can be active in three different areas: animal and nature conservation, education and English lessons in schools, as well as research and data collection. In the area of environmental protection and nature conservation, for example, you can help rescue seabirds or ...

Typical day

As a volunteer in this project, you can be active in three different areas: animal and nature conservation, education and English lessons in schools, as well as research and data collection. In the area of environmental protection and nature conservation, for example, you can help rescue seabirds or rescue stranded marine animals, such as whales. You bring turtles that come to the beach for egg deposition into a protected coastal area. Furthermore, you help keep the beach clean and plant trees to protect against erosion in the coastal region. In the area of information and education, you can help to run an environmental protection programme at local pre-primary and primary schools. You educate the students about animal and nature conservation and contribute to raising awareness through fun tasks and games. In the research area of the project, you and a team of oceanographers take a boat out to the open sea to observe whales and dolphins. You photograph them and collect data about their population, which you later feed into an online database. You also analyse the water quality of the surrounding rivers and the sea. To capture the population of seabirds and to investigate their behaviour, you equip the animals with numbers. In addition to these three main areas, it is also possible to help with the local leisure activities and experience tours and to work with international guests. For students there is the possibility, if desired, to carry out a small research project of their own and work with a local researcher.

Free-time activities

White beach, crystal clear water and the Tsitsikamma Mountains; there’s a reason why Plettenberg Bay is the so-called district of Eden. The picturesque scenery lies on the Indian Ocean. East of the city Plettenberg Bay, you can see the jungle and coastal areas. Even the Robberg peninsulas on ...

Free-time activities

White beach, crystal clear water and the Tsitsikamma Mountains; there’s a reason why Plettenberg Bay is the so-called district of Eden. The picturesque scenery lies on the Indian Ocean. East of the city Plettenberg Bay, you can see the jungle and coastal areas. Even the Robberg peninsulas on the western side are not far away. As a nature reserve, they are a true paradise for their inhabitants, a seal colony!

You will also see one of the largest breeding colonies of seagulls on the South African coast. Until 1920 this was the location for a whaling station. Today the big sea creatures are at home there, especially during their mating season between July and December. In the surf not far off the coast, you can also discover dolphins. If you go for a hike along the coastal paths, you can stop at Keurboomstrand or visit the landlocked Monkeyland. There is also a 128 m long suspension bridge that attracts many backpackers.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Required Documents

CV, letter of motivation, criminal background check and visa document

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Although no formal education or background is required, a passion for working with animals is essential.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Rainbow Garden Village

What's Included:

  • Organization of the entire stay incl. placement in the project
  • Non-binding flight consultation
  • Rainbow Family T-Shirt
  • Extensive RGV Travel ABC for your travel preparation
  • Individual consultation by the local RGV team in Munich
  • Support with travel preparations (vaccinations, insurance, safety)

  • Personal contact person in your project
  • Introduction by the project team on site
  • Accommodation: International Volunteer House 
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner 5 days a week
  • 24/h emergency number
  • Certificate of participation/internship
  • Introductory course personality development

Accommodation

The volunteer house is located about three kilometres from your project site. Depending on the season, one to twelve volunteers are at home there. You never share your room with more than three other volunteers. A laundry room is available on site, where the housewife. Furthermore, restaurants are not lacking around your accommodation. In the immediate vicinity is a shopping centre. Car hire and taxis (from economy to premium) are also available on weekends and in the evenings for various leisure activities.

In the Marine Project, you will meet founder Tony along with Jared, who leads the project as an experienced environmentalist and marine guide. Minke is head of the research department and holds a master degree in ecology. She is always happy when she can teach you something new.

Michael is a qualified marine guide and instructor and he loves to work with new people. As a project coordinator and house manager, he always strives to make you feel at home in the volunteer house. The good soul of the house is Tilly; without her and her cooking skills, the volunteer house would not be what it is! For you and everyone else in the project, Tilly is everyone's 'mum' away from mum!


Food & Beverages

Teliswa prepares a delicious dinner for the volunteers five times a week. From the basic foods that are freshly prepared for you, volunteers can put together a lunch or cook together. Also, breakfast is included too.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Before you even depart, our team in Munich will take you through every step of the process, from answering your questions about the programme, through to advising you where to go for your visa. We are here to help you and to ensure that you feel totally comfortable (and prepared!) before departing.

For your volunteer work in the project for marine animals, you will land in Port Elizabeth or in George and the project takes people on each Sunday. Your project is located between the two airports. The on-site project team will gladly arrange your airport pick-up (not included in the initial fees). You will be picked up from the airport and taken directly to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can also travel by public transport from the airports to where you will be staying. When you arrive, you will get to know your local contact people, and there will be an introduction to the project. You will be shown the whole area and will be given information about the way of working, safety instructions and house rules.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,750€
3 weeks 2,380€
4 weeks 3,010€
6 weeks 4,270€
8 weeks 5,530€
12 weeks (max. stay) 8,050€
Average fees 772€/week

Program fees

772€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Rainbow Garden Village during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

Rainbow Garden Village

Great 4.4 rating (25 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1999

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Steffen

Spoken languages: English, German, Spanish

About the project

Rainbow Garden Village specialises in worldwide volunteer placements and has been sending volunteers on impactful, life-changing trips since 1999.

Meet your organization

From Africa to Asia and Europe to Latin America and Oceania - through volunteering or internships our participants gain unique impressions and experiences abroad. Rainbow Garden Village (RGV) offers sustainable projects in more than 30 countries worldwide in various fields, such as social work, teaching, animal welfare, environmental protection, medicine, etc..

While our participants are engaged in their project, they broaden their horizons and become more open-minded. They strengthen their personal skills, grow from the challenges in their volunteer projects and also improve their language skills. Countless new impressions, experiences and special moments round off the stay abroad - and lead to a return with many exciting stories in the luggage!

25 reviews · rating4.4

Tatjana E rating5

2019 at Marine Animals Helper

I had a great and exciting two weeks at the Marine Animal Project in March! First of all, I have to say that I never thought I could gain so many experiences in just two weeks. After arriving at the accommodation, I was greeted very warmly and given a tour of the house. That same evening I was ...
Lara N rating5

2024 at Kindergarten in Crete

I am sharing my incredible experience with volunteer world. The program gave me the opportunity to volunteer in greece, meet other volunteers from other countries, to gain work related knowledge, & to experience the lifestyle in the beautiful island of crete. The program was very organized from the ...
Katharina Höfner rating5

2024 at Veterinary Clinic Assistant

Ich habe mich während meines Aufenthalts absolut wohl gefühlt! Da ich schon Vorkenntnisse durch meinen Beruf als TFA hatte, konnte ich mich sehr gut einbringen und durfte super viel helfen! Das Team hat mich herzlich aufgenommen und mir Vertrauen geschenkt. Ich bin sehr dankbar, dass ich diese ...
Eliot Jacquemin rating3.8

2024 at Penguin Sanctuary

J'ai beaucoup apprécié ce projet. L'organisation fut globalement assez bonne, je n'ai pas eu de soucis. J'ai appris énormément de choses sur les pingouins et les défis qu'ils doivent combattre au quotidien, c'était très inspirant. ..
lena Illenseher rating2.4

2024 at Support a Horse Riding Academy in Crete

Zuerst das Positive: Der Stall an dem ich gearbeitet habe ist sehr gut gepflegt und man hat sich wohl gefühlt. RGV hat sich bemüht, Probleme der Teilnehmer wahrzunehmen, in dem es wöchentliche Meetings gab. Das Apartment liegt nah am Strand. Es wurden Ausflüge angeboten (kostenpflichtig) Der ...
Swenja G rating5

2023 at Street Children

Now I would like to tell you about my time in Ghana: I lived in Accra for 6 weeks and worked in the street children project there. In the time before my departure, I mainly took care of my health care (vaccinations and tablets against tropical diseases) and read the pages about the country, culture, ...

Location

Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Plettenberg Bay

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Marine Life in South Africa
Contact Steffen
  Good response rate
English, German, Spanish

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