Marine Conservationist and Researcher

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Help at an amazing Marine Conservation project based in South Africa!
  • Get a chance to do Marine Research and learn how to Dive like a pro!
  • Work alongside an amazing team of staff and other volunteers from around the world!

Highlights

  • Help at an amazing Marine Conservation project based in South Africa!
  • Get a chance to do Marine Research and learn how to Dive like a pro!
  • Work alongside an amazing team of staff and other volunteers from around the world!
  • Explore the ocean floor, visit the nature side of South Africa by biking, safaris, enjoy the attractions and entertainment on your leisure time.
  • Go wildlife viewing and immerse yourself in a new culture and way of life!


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Are you in search of an amazing volunteer opportunity? Then take up this offer to work alongside an amazing team of staff all involved in Marine Conservation & Research!

    Are you a student who is seeking a career within the field of Marine Conservation? Or are you perhaps an early career scientist? Or maybe just looking for an adventure in South Africa? Then your search is over as we have the perfect program for you!

    Wake up in a tropical paradise every morning and be ...

    About the program

    Are you a student who is seeking a career within the field of Marine Conservation? Or are you perhaps an early career scientist? Or maybe just looking for an adventure in South Africa? Then your search is over as we have the perfect program for you!

    Wake up in a tropical paradise every morning and be swept away by the sweet sounds of nature. Jump in your costume and grab your beach towel, take a breath-taking drive through a tunnel of trees in a safari truck to the beach, roll back off a boat into the warm Indian Ocean and feel yourself weightless, breathing underwater. Find yourself surrounded by the most amazing creatures and colorful corals. During this incredible dive take photos of manta rays, ragged-tooth sharks, turtles, whales and nudibranchs to contribute to the main objective of the project; it’s international marine conservation research.

    The project also offers Marine Lectures so volunteers can learn more about the ocean and marine conservation, these lectures are short and casual. Volunteers also get a certificate at the end of their stay to say they have completed the lecture series, this can be added to their CV. Once database and lectures are done volunteers are free to relax at the camp or go exploring in town. Volunteers can then head out for sundowners at a local viewpoint or have a braai (barbecue) at Triton's fire area. Every night the Triton staff organize a fire, this is great to experience a traditional South African braai, relax and socialize. Come now and be part of this amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity!


    Typical day

    Volunteers arrive on the first Friday of the month. The Saturday after arrival, volunteers will receive a camp orientation. The rest of this weekend can be used to settle in and get to know other volunteers and interns. 
    • Week one will be used to complete the CMAS One Star or PADI Open Water course ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers arrive on the first Friday of the month. The Saturday after arrival, volunteers will receive a camp orientation. The rest of this weekend can be used to settle in and get to know other volunteers and interns. 
    • Week one will be used to complete the CMAS One Star or PADI Open Water course or the volunteer’s chosen course. The duration of the course will depend on the course chosen and the volunteer’s ability to complete skills. The CMAS One Star and PADI Open Water courses typically take between four and five days to complete. If volunteers do not have the required number of dives, this can be obtained during the first week and the course will begin thereafter.  
    • Once volunteers are qualified divers, they dive each day during the week, Monday to Friday. One dive a day is included in the price, extra dive packages can be bought so volunteers can dive twice a day. During dives volunteers collect photographic data of manta rays, ragged-tooth sharks, turtles, whales and nudibranchs. This data is entered into international marine conservation databases after dives. Deep Blue offers Marine Lectures to increase knowledge about the ocean, these are short and casual. After their stay volunteers receive a certificate for the lecture that can be added to their CV.  
    • The rest of the day can be spent relaxing and exploring. There are a lot of activities to keep volunteers busy, read the things to do list below. During weekends there are more trips, we do overnight trips to Kosi Bay or trips to Lake Sibaya for sundowners and a braai

    Free-time activities

    Some other free time activities that volunteers can do are as follows:

    • Chilling on the beach
    • Freediving
    • African market
    • Two bars / restaurants
    • Bonfires
    • Looking for chameleons
    • Whale watching (seasonal)
    • Picking up shark teeth at Anton’s dive site
    • Sundowners at local view points
    • Watching the moonrise on the ...

    Free-time activities

    Some other free time activities that volunteers can do are as follows:

    • Chilling on the beach
    • Freediving
    • African market
    • Two bars / restaurants
    • Bonfires
    • Looking for chameleons
    • Whale watching (seasonal)
    • Picking up shark teeth at Anton’s dive site
    • Sundowners at local view points
    • Watching the moonrise on the beach 
    • Turtle tours (seasonal)
    • Surfing
    • Lake Sibaya trips
    • Game drives
    • Plankton on the beach at night
    • Trips to Tolla se Gat
    • Hikes
    • Kosi Bay trips
    • Braais (barbecue)
    • Quad biking
    • Fishing 


    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, 2 Application Forms (one for us and the other for the project), 2 pictures and Liability Waiver and Volunteer Policy forms (provided during application process)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 15:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Fronteering Travel

    • CMAS One Star or PADI Open Water course (If you're already a diver you can do your Advanced Open Water or do the 2 week program without a dive course).
    • All required dive training manuals.
    • Total 10 dives per 2 week stay / 20 dives per 4 week stay.
    • Hard gear rental (BCD, regulator, cylinder and weight belt).
    • Transport to and from the Richards Bay Airport.
    • Transport to and from the Sodwana Bay beach as well as around Sodwana.
    • Gate fees into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (excluding weekends).
    • Food (Each week volunteers buy food at the Spar and prepare their own food in the shared kitchen).
    • Accommodation at Triton Dive Lodge.
    • Marine lectures and certificate.
    • Recommendation letter.
    • Ongoing Services
    • Tours (Inquire on this if interested)
    • 24/7 Emergency Contact

    Airport Pickup at Richards Bay Airport

    Transfers to and from Richards Bay Airport for arrival and departure provided. Transport to and from the Sodwana Bay beach as well as around Sodwana is provided.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers stay at Triton Dive Lodge which is situated just outside the Simangaliso Wetland Park. It’s a 5 km drive from the town and a 10 km drive to the beach. The volunteers stay in a shared loft or shared wooden cabins. There are shared ablutions, a shared kitchen, fire area, swimming pool and a restaurant / bar.

    Food & Beverages

    Each week the project takes the volunteers to the grocery store (Spar) in the neighboring town of Mbazwana to buy groceries for the week within the budget. Thereafter they prepare their own food in the shared kitchen. Each night there is a fire prepared by the Triton staff at the fire area so volunteers can barbecue and socialize.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Richards Bay Airport (RCB) in Richards Bay. 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

    The project prefers applicant to arrive on the first and third Friday of each month (excluding December).

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 3,087€
    3 weeks 4,085€
    4 weeks (max. stay) 4,783€
    Average fees 1,370€/week

    Program fees

    1,370€ per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 4 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 Fronteering Travel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Fronteering Travel

    Perfect 4.6 rating (87 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2010

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Patrick

    Spoken languages: Dutch, English, German

    About the project

    Fronteering arranges volunteering programs related to wildlife and indigenous people in less visited places of this world as well as more unique destinations.

    Meet your organization

    Fronteering arranges volunteering programs in some of the last frontiers of this world as well as more unique locations that other organizations ignore. From Field research programs in the Far north of Canada and Husky ranches in the Canadian Arctic to Amerindian community programs and wildlife conservation in the Amazon Rainforest and everything in between.

    Most of our programs Focus on either wildlife rehabilitation and release, wildlife conservation & research or involve local indigenous communities.

    Fronteering currently offers programs in Canada, Guyana, USA, Australia, Brazil, Borneo, South Africa, Madagascar and Panama.

    True good causes: FRONTEERINGS volunteer abroad projects are either existing local projects or projects that are build from the group up by FRONTEERING. What these projects have in common is that you will be supporting a true good cause! You will have the opportunity to help where the need is the greatest. Our projects focus on helping the local communities, wildlife, indigenous people and the environment in cooperation with the local/indigenous communities. We focus on true volunteer projects where your effort really makes a difference. That’s why through Fronteering you will rehabilitate injured & orphaned wildlife with the goal to release the animal. That is the reason why will not send you to some far southern country to cuddle with tame lions & tigers with any real purpose. If you want to volunteer abroad with a real purpose, contact us!

    Safety: At FRONTEERING we do our outmost best to provide the safety measures needed for our Volunteer Abroad projects and Adventure Travel Trips. However due to the fact that many of our projects and trips involve wild animals and/or are in remote locations there is a small element of risk involved. Not all of our projects and trips are for the faint at heart however we do cater to those of all walks of life. If you are not too sure about the suitability of a Volunteer Abroad project or an Adventure Travel trip then feel free to ask as we are always ready to answer any questions or discuss any doubts that come to mind. For more information please check our Safety & In-country Support section before you volunteer abroad.

    A real adventure: We do not want our volunteers to end up trying to safe or clean up some small patch of rainforest which in some places they might call a wilderness. Instead you will volunteer in the immense jungle of the Amazon rainforest or venture in to the vast Canadian wilderness! Our volunteer abroad projects are situated in the remote areas of the world and we focus on countries and regions with the lowest population densities. We at FRONTEERING focus on what works; from sleeping in the jungle underneath the stars with nothing more than your own private hammock to back-to-basic cabins in the northern tundra with a cozy smothering fireplace and no electricity! When you volunteer abroad with FRONTEERING you can be sure it will be adventure.

    Off the beaten path: With FRONTEERING volunteer abroad projects you will venture to places less visited. We focus on places that are fairly undiscovered where the nature, wildlife and indigenous cultures are still common. You will have the great opportunity to see these amazing places while they are still unspoiled and pure. It is these places where there is the most to lose but even more to gain through successful conservation work and sustainable tourism. 

    Community involvement: Foremost when volunteering abroad the well being of the community should come first. For all of our trips we use local guides, local transportation and local communities so that through sustainable tourism we can help to protect the environment, wildlife and sustain the way of life of indigenous cultures & communities. More and more and governments choose the long term benefit of sustainable tourism over the short term gain of mining and logging. A good example is Gabon which in 2002 after recommendations from environmental researchers set up 13 new national parks. The government of Guyana is currently considering protecting its entire rainforest region which still covers 80% of the country. Hopefully through our combined effort this dream will one day become true.

    Mission
    FRONTEERING specializes in organizing volunteer abroad projects to preserve the environment, wildlife and indigenous people throughout the world while giving the volunteers a real and raw experience in some of the most beautiful and often remote places in the world to make a true difference.

    Vision
    FRONTEERING strives to provide real off the beaten path volunteer abroad experiences worldwide that satisfy the need for volunteer projects that truly makes a difference for the environment, wildlife and indigenous people.


    87 reviews · rating4.6

    Nadia Riad rating5

    2024 at Scottish Husky Ranch Caretaker

    I volunteered here earlier this year and I had a great time. Unfortunately I could not go in winter due to some other obligations I had so I knew I was going to miss out on the dogsledding season. Luckily because it was still quite cold in April and May we were still able to do some dry training and ...
    Having found an awesome opportunity to partake in a husky care taker placement in Canada, I was assisted in organizing the placement by the helpful and (patient!) team at Fronteering. The organization was dedicated to helping me contact and communicate with my host organization. I always felt I ...
    Carol Breen rating5

    2024 at Raptors & Owls Caretaker

    I spent 8 weeks, 5 days a week, 7 hours a day volunteering with this organization. It was so worthwhile! They not only rescue injured raptor, but they rehabilitate as many as possible and get them back to where they were rescued in order to release them in the same place. They have a network of ...
    泽宇 张 rating5

    2024 at Wild Takhi Research & Conservation

    The national park is spectacular! We went for an outing every morning for wild Takhi observation every morning. Having a moment in your lifetime in the wild with all the nature surrounding you is probably the most wonderful experience. The accommodation managers and staffs are super helpful and ...
    Chris H rating5

    2024 at Critter Caretaker

    I volunteered at the critter care taker program in Canada in May just 1 month after I turned 18. I was quite nervous and my parents also and so I decided to book through Fronteering instead of trying to arrange it myself. This made it very easy and I felt a lot better. I did travel to Vancouver a ...
    I had a great time volunteering in Iceland through Fronteering! The people of the program were very kind and helpful. I was worried about the weather at first but it was actually great! The accommodations were nice but you have to be okay with group living of course. Iceland is just such a beautiful ...

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Sodwana Bay

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    Dutch, English, German

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