Shark & Marine Research Institute

location
1 - 12 veckor  ·  Ålder 16 - 50+

rating  Utestående 5  · 
  Verifierad av Volunteer World
  Utmärkt Svarsfrekvens

Höjdpunkter

  • Immerse: Immerse yourself in groundbreaking shark research, actively participating in data collection and shark conservation initiatives.
  • Experience: Experience thrilling encounters with great white sharks through cage diving, gaining firsthand insights into their behavior.
  • Inspire: Inspire the next generation of ocean advocates by engaging in community events, workshops, and presentations for local schools.
  • Flexibility: Enjoy flexible start dates year-round, making it convenient for you to join this impactful program.
  • Diverse Learning: Learn a wide range of skills, from ethical handling of smaller sharks to data analysis, ensuring a well-rounded marine conservation experience.


Särskilt lämplig för

Ålder 16+
Singlar
Par
Familjer
Grupper
50+
Rullstolsburna

Om programmet

We are committed to the conservation of sharks, other marine creatures and our oceans through dedicated research and community outreach projects.

Dive into Conservation and Research with the Shark & Marine Research Institute

Located in the vibrant coastal town of Gansbaai, South Africa, just two hours from Cape Town along the eastern coast, our Shark & Marine Research Institute is on a mission to protect and conserve the ocean's most ...

Om programmet

Dive into Conservation and Research with the Shark & Marine Research Institute

Located in the vibrant coastal town of Gansbaai, South Africa, just two hours from Cape Town along the eastern coast, our Shark & Marine Research Institute is on a mission to protect and conserve the ocean's most captivating inhabitants, including sharks and other elasmobranchs. Nestled within an incredibly rich ecosystem, our work is centered around safeguarding the health and vitality of our oceans, with a particular focus on the great white shark.

A Unique Opportunity for Conservation and Research

Our program offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about marine conservation and eager to dive into groundbreaking research. We don't just study great whites; we also delve into the world of smaller sharks and elasmobranch species along our coast, many of which lack sufficient data. These enigmatic creatures are vital to our oceans, yet they face critical challenges. Through our research, we aim to fill knowledge gaps and support their long-term preservation.

During your stay with us, you'll assume a crucial role in our field research. You'll gain both practical and theoretical skills, including but not limited to:

- Shark observational data collection
- Analysis of shark dorsal fins
- Ethical handling, angling, and tagging of sharks
- Sea experience on our white shark cage diving tourist boat
- Opportunities to enter the cage yourself for a firsthand encounter

Beyond sharks, you'll have the chance to explore and learn about South Africa's diverse marine wildlife. Moreover, you'll actively participate in exciting community and environmental outreach initiatives.

With the declining numbers of sharks, including our magnificent great whites, our mission is clear: explore, discover, and monitor elasmobranch species through scientific research projects. Our ultimate goal is to translate this knowledge into evidence-based conservation initiatives that protect the long-term future of these remarkable creatures.

Working Hours and Expectations

Guests can expect to be fully immersed in ongoing research projects during their stay. Since much of our work is weather-dependent, timetables and working hours may vary. Be prepared for some long days and weekends, as well as potential after-hours and weekend activities related to outreach and education.

Typically, you'll have 1-2 days off each week, although the specific days may change due to weather conditions and opportunities for sea activities. These off-days offer a chance for relaxation, personal exploration, and discovering the local area, including the possibility of a trip to Cape Town.

Vaccination Requirements

For your safety, there are no specific vaccination requirements for the Western Cape region, as it is far from malaria zones, and there are no unusual African diseases in the area. However, some travel sites recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Hepatitis B vaccinations, especially if you plan to travel to other parts of South Africa or Africa. We advise consulting your local healthcare practitioner for personalized guidance. Additionally, stay updated with your local travel agency for any disease outbreaks and precautions related to South Africa.

Join Us in Making a Positive Difference

If you're passionate about marine conservation, scientific research, and contributing to the well-being of our oceans, come join us at the Shark & Marine Research Institute. Together, we can make a positive and lasting impact on the world's oceans and the incredible creatures that call them home.


Typisk dag

As a dedicated conservation volunteer at our program, each day promises a unique blend of hands-on experiences, meaningful fieldwork, and opportunities to make a lasting impact on our oceans and local communities. Our program is designed to immerse you in the world of marine conservation, and here's ...

Typisk dag

As a dedicated conservation volunteer at our program, each day promises a unique blend of hands-on experiences, meaningful fieldwork, and opportunities to make a lasting impact on our oceans and local communities. Our program is designed to immerse you in the world of marine conservation, and here's a glimpse into what you can expect from your typical day:


1. Varied Start Times:

Your day may kick off early or begin a bit later, depending on factors like our sea trips and weather conditions. Flexibility is key to adapting to the dynamic nature of marine research and conservation.


2. Marine Expeditions:

You'll have the chance to join one trip a week (weather dependent) on our white shark cage diving boat or embark on a voyage on our research boat. These excursions are the heart of our research and conservation efforts, offering invaluable opportunities to gather essential data on white sharks and other shark species. The data collected supports ongoing population monitoring and growth rate estimation studies on white sharks.


3. Ethical Handling and Angling:

Our volunteers actively learn ethical handling and angling techniques, ensuring the well-being of smaller shark species. You'll gain insights into tagging, measurement, and safe release practices, all contributing to our comprehensive baseline study on elasmobranchs.


4. Community Engagement:

Our commitment extends beyond the ocean. You'll participate in community events, including workshops and presentations for local schools, helping to raise awareness and inspire the next generation of ocean ambassadors. Engaging in beach clean-ups underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship.


5. Weather-Dependent Activities:

Given the weather-dependent nature of our work, each day may bring a new adventure. Some days, you'll be at sea from dawn to dusk, while others may conclude by midday or early afternoon. This variety keeps your experience dynamic and engaging.


6. Rest and Recovery:

In the afternoons and evenings, you'll have well-deserved downtime for rest, recovery, and possibly data entry. This balance ensures you're ready and energized for the next day's adventures.


7. Adaptable Schedule:

Be prepared for changes in the timetable and working hours as we work closely with the natural environment. While you may experience some long days and weekends, it's all part of the exciting journey of marine conservation.


8. Free Time and Exploration:

You'll generally enjoy 1-2 days off a week, often on weekends. The specific off-days may vary depending on weather conditions and sea opportunities. These breaks provide a chance to relax, explore the local area, or embark on excursions further afield.


With our program's adaptable schedule, you'll discover that every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the vital mission of marine conservation. Whether you're at sea, engaging with communities, or unwinding in your free time, your journey as a conservation volunteer promises to be an enriching and impactful experience.


Fritidsaktiviteter

If we have a number of consecutive bad weather days (and provided we have time) we  generally organize other educational activities or excursions as an alternative to conducting onshore research projects.  While our day-to-day activities are covered by the programme fee, most free-time activities ...

Fritidsaktiviteter

If we have a number of consecutive bad weather days (and provided we have time) we  generally organize other educational activities or excursions as an alternative to conducting onshore research projects.  While our day-to-day activities are covered by the programme fee, most free-time activities will be at the cost of our volunteers - so please enquire should you require basic costing for these external activities. (We receive discounted rates on some of these so please check with us before you book.) None of them are compulsory - we tailor our activities to individual preferences and budgets, so you are free to arrange activities of your choice on days when we are unable to go to sea, or after-hours - we will gladly help you with any recommendations/planning/bookings you require. That said - ou are also welcome to simply indulge in R&R on these days or organise your own activities if you prefer!

A list of possible excursions can be seen below:
• A trip to Cape Agulhas – the Southernmost point of Africa
• A visit to Betty’s Bay to see the Stony Point penguin colony

• A visit to the local heritage site Klipgat Cave
• Kelp diving at Stanford Cove

• Hikes in the local area
• Horse riding trips in the local area
• Quadbiking
• Paintballing
• Ziplining
• Shopping excursions in Hermanus or Cape Town
• Wine farm tours and tastings
• A visit to an abalone farm in Hermanus
• A visit to Danger Point Lighthouse
• A visit to the local cat sanctuary
• River boat cruises along Stanford River
• Surfing or SCUBA diving
• Visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Waterfront in Cape Town
• Two Oceans Aquarium shark tank dives can be arranged
• Offshore dive past Cape Point to see blue and mako sharks can be arranged
• Dive to see sevengill sharks in Cape Town can be arranged
• Seal snorkelling in Cape Town
• A trip up the East Coast to visit one of the Elephant Parks
• Bloukrans bungee jump on the East Coast
• Safari Trips


Krav

Krav

Minimiålder: 16 år

För att kunna delta i programmet måste du vara minst 16 år gammal på programmets startdatum.

Språkfärdigheter

Du måste tala Engelska (grundnivå)

Begränsningar av nationalitet

Inga begränsningar. Hjälpande händer från hela världen är välkomna.

Andra Färdigheter

Basic English and fitness.

Tidsåtgång

Din hjälp kommer att behövas på Måndag, Tisdag, Onsdag, Torsdag och Fredag från 07:30 - 17:00

Vad som ingår

Vad som ingår

Tjänster av Shark & Marine Research Inst.

Your fees go towards your accommodation whilst on the programme (including one nights accommodation in Cape Town), basic food supplies for breakfast and lunch on working days for the duration of your time with us, the cost of your trips on our cage diving and research vessels, the cost of all snorkel / tagging / and other research gear necessary, transport (including transfers from the airport and to and from Cape Town, as well as all transport whilst on the programme), lectures and training sessions, certain outreach and extramural activities. 

Included in the programme:

• Transfers from and to Cape Town International Airport
• Transfers to and from Gansbaai
• Accommodation whilst on the programme
• Breakfast and lunch basics on working days
• Lectures
• Welcome pack (including information about the programme, warm top, caps, t-shirt)
• Waterproof deck boots to use for the duration of your stay
• Boat trips (minimum of 4 per month if weather permits)
• Opportunity to cage dive with sharks
• Practical training in all running projects
• White shark data collection on cage diving trips
• Studying white shark behaviour and demographics
• Data analysis
• Elasmobranch and seal surveys
• Rocky shores surveys
• Marine debris surveys
• Outreach activities
• Training in boat-handling skills

Not included in the programme: 

• Flight ticket, visas (we can assist with advice if necessary), medical and travel insurance, meals (other than basics
provided for breakfast and light lunch on working days), any additional lodging in Cape Town prior to the programme or on departure, if required. Laundry facilities are not included - we do have a budget friendly laundromat near by.


Hämtning på flygplatsen på Cape Town International Airport

On arrival in Cape Town guests will be collected from Cape Town International Airport and transferred to our selected accommodation in Cape Town, or alternatively directly to the programme (depending on your arrival time at CPT International Airport). You may stay one night in Cape Town (should your flight times demand it) and be picked up the following morning for the transfer to the project site - Gansbaai.

Boende

Our beautiful, comfortable volunteer house is located in Kleinbaai roughly a two-minute drive or a ten-minute walk from the harbour where we launch. It is a home away from home with all necessary amenities. There are magnificent coastal and mountain views and a host of marine and mountain outdoor activities for you to explore in your free time. Volunteers should expect and be prepared to share rooms.

Kleinbaai is a small, quiet town; we are just a few minutes’ walk from the ocean and there are lots of beaches, hiking trails and other outdoor activities available. The local town Gansbaai is just a five-minute drive away and has a number of restaurants and shops should you want to go out or need to buy any supplies. There are magnificent coastal and mountain views and a host of marine and mountain outdoor activities for you to explore in your free time. We encourage a social environment in the project house and suggest that you cook together, have movie nights, game nights and braai nights! On your first night we will organize a welcome braai with all the guests and staff so you can get to know everyone who will be around during your stay. 

Please note:
• You may need to share - we take up to 12 guests at a time (rooms will be single sex unless requested by a couple)
• Fully furnished
• Linen provided
• Emergency numbers provided
• Host and/or programme manager always available
• Vehicle with all safety permits and regulations for transport of guests to all work related activities and for excursions on no sea days
• TV + DSTV
• Wireless Internet
• Domestic worker


Mat och Dryck

We provide all meal basics - there are always breakfast and lunch ingredients in the house as well as basic cooking ingredients should you wish to make dinner. Any other entertainment is at your own expense. You will also be responsible for your own food when out doing activities or on excursions, or if you choose to visit a restaurant or bar after hours.

Tillgång till Internet

God tillgång till projektområdet

Vad ingår INTE?

Vad ingår INTE?

Flygbiljetter

Den närmaste flygplatsen är Cape Town International Airport (CPT) i Cape Town. Vi hjälper dig att hitta billiga flyg till Sydafrika. HITTA BILLIGA FLYG

Reseförsäkring

Att resa utomlands är ett äventyr och det är alltid bäst att vara förberedd. Plötslig sjukdom eller skada, avbokning eller stöld - en reseförsäkring för Sydafrika ger trygghet och är ett plus att ha. FÅ ETT PRISFÖRSLAG

Vacciner

Om du har för avsikt att arbeta som volontär i Sydafrika bör du söka medicinsk rådgivning innan du börjar din sociala resa. Kontrollera vilka vaccinationer som krävs för Sydafrika. KONTROLL AV VACCIN

Detaljer vid ankomsten

Join Us Anytime in the Year – Except During Our Annual Holidays

At our program, we wholeheartedly welcome volunteers year-round, offering you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on marine conservation whenever it suits your schedule. Our commitment to our mission is unwavering, except for a brief period from December 15th to January 15th, when we temporarily close for our annual holidays.

Flexible Start Dates:

Officially, our program begins on the 1st and 15th of each month, providing structured entry points for volunteers as we streamline the programme we request volunteers arrive the day before their starting date due to the distance of our project site from cape Town central (2.5hrs by car) However, we understand that flexibility is crucial, and that volunteers may have time and budget constraints. We do our best to accommodate alternative starting dates and durations.

Meeting Point and Arrival:

To begin your journey with us, you'll make your way to Cape Town International Airport, which serves as our designated meeting point. Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own flights to Cape Town International. Upon your arrival at the airport, our team will be there to pick you up, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure in marine conservation.

Tillgänglighet
Jan Febr Mars Apr Maj Jun Jul Aug Sept Okt Nov Dec

Pris för programmet

1 vecka (min. vistelse) 746€
2 veckor 1 243€
3 veckor 1 680€
4 veckor 2 088€
8 veckor 3 479€
12 veckor (max. vistelse) 4 722€
Genomsnittliga priser 569€/vecka

Pris för programmet

569€ per vecka 1 - 12 veckor Ålder 16 - 50+

Betalningsmetoder

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

INGA KREDITKORTSAVGIFTER


Varaktighet

1 - 12 veckor

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Slutbetalning

Din slutbetalning kommer att överenskommas med Shark & Marine Research Inst. under ansökningsprocessen. Vanliga lösningar är antingen via banköverföring eller kontant betalning på projektplatsen.


Möt din programledare

Shark & Marine Research Inst.

Utestående 5 rating (10 fältrapporter)

Non-profit - grundades 2015

Verifierad av Volunteer World

  Utmärkt Svarsfrekvens

Värd är

Samantha

Talade språk: Engelska

Om projektet

We are committed to the conservation of sharks, other marine animals and our oceans. Volunteering with us provides the chance to contribute to meaningful research.

Möt din programledare

Exciting opportunities await our volunteers, promising an incredible adventure filled with valuable field experience. They will be actively involved in gathering essential data on multiple shark species inhabiting our coastal waters. Our diverse research activities encompass non-invasive dorsal fin photo identification of great white and bronze whaler sharks, employing specialized software for precise analysis.

In addition to this, our volunteers will be engaged in comprehensive studies of the population dynamics of indigenous shark species. This includes participating in catch and release tagging surveys conducted both from our research vessel and along the shoreline. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, we offer snorkeling surveys, during which volunteers will learn to safely capture smaller sharks by hand – a truly immersive learning opportunity.

Our volunteers will also have the extraordinary chance to join shark cage diving trips. During these trips, they will gather crucial observational data to contribute to informed shark management decisions.

As if this adventure couldn't get any better, we've also established a meaningful partnership with a local wildlife sanctuary. Here, our volunteers will actively engage in animal husbandry, working closely with a variety of captivating land mammals rescued from the bone trade and other illicit black-market activities. It's an all-encompassing experience that promises unforgettable moments and invaluable learning.

Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a real impact on marine conservation and animal welfare.


10 fältrapporter · rating5

Caroline Weatherly rating5

2024 at Shark & Marine Research Institute

Volunteering with SMRI was absolutely lovely! Everyone is so knowledgeable and passionate about the sharks! Everybody involved is so kind and sweet! Not only do you get help with shark research but also get to work other local wildlife and experience the culture. It’s a life changing experience ...
Ennio Brun rating5

2024 at Shark & Marine Research Institute

I had a great time there and can only recommend the program. It was a great experience seeing and exploring the amazing wildlife of South Africa. Such friendly people, every day was just fun. If you want to discover marine life and sharks and many other animals and gain experience as a Research ...
Lukas Zgraggen rating5

2024 at Shark & Marine Research Institute

Die zwei Wochen im Projekt sind im Nu verflogen. Ein Zeichen dafür, wie abwechslungsreich, interessant, lehrreich aber auch erholsam die Zeit für mich in Südafrika war. Keith und Ellie haben die jeweiligen Programmpunkte und die Aktivitäten sehr gut vorbereitet, professionell geführt und sind ...
A great recommendation for all who want to learn more about sharks and scientific work with sharks. Your tasks/activities in this regard may include shark dives, snorkeling trips in kelp forests where you catch sharks with your hands and then miss and tag them, identifying great white sharks/copper ...
From the moment we were picked up until our tearful departure we were well taken care of. The chance to work alongside a shark biologist research team was such an amazing experience. The knowledge and passion shown were truly inspirational. Weather is a factor to consider, this leads to regular ...
Put this adventure in your life's bucket list. Cindy and her team has curated a life changing experience here. Everything about this adventure is perfect, be it the itinerary, the location, or activities. More importantly everyone on the team is so warm and family like that you will feel like you ...

Plats

Afrika > Södra Afrika > Sydafrika > Van Dyks Bay

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