Shark Internship

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Learn what it takes to be a shark researcher
  • Support the conservation of sharks
  • Learn shark monitoring techniques

Highlights

  • Learn what it takes to be a shark researcher
  • Support the conservation of sharks
  • Learn shark monitoring techniques
  • Come face to face with sharks in their natural habitat
  • Experience the local Mexican culture and food


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Our shark internship program offers a unique experience and platform for volunteers to gain hands on field experience working with sharks.

    Our shark internship program offers a unique experience and platform for students and volunteers to gain hands on field experience working with shark research in and around the Gulf of California, alongside our team of experienced field technicians and shark specialists.

    All participants who join our ...

    About the program

    Our shark internship program offers a unique experience and platform for students and volunteers to gain hands on field experience working with shark research in and around the Gulf of California, alongside our team of experienced field technicians and shark specialists.

    All participants who join our program will have the opportunity to be involved in every research component of our shark monitoring programs, you will increase your understanding of shark research through scientific lectures and many hours of practical training in the field as well as gain experience in an office environment.

    The internship program has a maximum of 3 internship placements available at any given time as a way to ensure a more valuable volunteer experience in the field with sharks and an increased opportunity for personal development during your internship with us. 

    Our internship program is open to absolutely ANYONE. Whether you are a graduate of marine biology or someone who is looking to start their early career in marine biology or just passionate about sharks and want to help our program is perfect for you.

    We have found that it is the diverse backgrounds and skills that our interns bring that make a huge impact on the conservation and community outreach with the local community. 


    Typical day

    Our days can change depending on the season and research objectives we are working with but a typical day may consist of 

    • Arriving at the office to prepare the equipment for the day of shark monitoring
    • Boarding our research vessel on route to one of our shark research sites in the Bay of La Paz or ...

    Typical day

    Our days can change depending on the season and research objectives we are working with but a typical day may consist of 

    • Arriving at the office to prepare the equipment for the day of shark monitoring
    • Boarding our research vessel on route to one of our shark research sites in the Bay of La Paz or surrounding islands
    • Swimming and interacting with sharks in their natural habitat recording photo ID, behaviours, scarring pattern and tagging or sampling the water for containments, pollutants and plankton for our environmental studies
    • Heading back to the marina to clean equipment and boat 
    • Returning to the office to download data collected and prepare for analysis of images and recorded information



    Free-time activities

    On your free time volunteers have the access to many activities. Our research center has strong collaborations with SCUBA diving centers who can offer volunteers the chance to learn to dive, visit the local dive sites or take a tour to the islands. Their are natural hikes and adventure tours to join ...

    Free-time activities

    On your free time volunteers have the access to many activities. Our research center has strong collaborations with SCUBA diving centers who can offer volunteers the chance to learn to dive, visit the local dive sites or take a tour to the islands. Their are natural hikes and adventure tours to join as well as enjoying the natural beauty of the beaches and coral reefs.


    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)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    We request that our volunteers can swim and have experience snorkeling.

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Shark Research Mexico

    All donation fees are used to directly support the running of our non-profit research and to support your accommodation, field trips and training with us.

    Donation Breakdown:
    • 50% Shark Programs Scientific Running Costs
    • 30% Accommodation & Transfers for volunteers
    • 15% Boat maintenance, Captain fees & National Park Fees
    • 5% Office operational costs

    Airport Pickup at Leon Airport

    Yes we provide full airport transfer on arrival and departure of the program.

    Accommodation

    We provide all volunteers with a private studio apartment upon arrival into the internship program. The apartments are fully equipped with a full operational kitchen including fridge, freezer, stove, microwave, cooking utensils etc). The room has the comforts of a private bathroom and shower, A.C, Fiberoptic unlimited WIFI, and bed linins and towels. We provide all of the utility services for the volunteers such as Gas, Electricity and water throughout your entire stay so there is now hidden cost once you arrive into the program.

    The private studios are located in a very safe and secure neighborhood in the city of La Paz and only a short bicycle ride along the ocean walkway from the office and the marina. 


    Food & Beverages

    Daily food is 

    NOT provided in the program due to the fact that many participants may have food allergies or the variability in peoples diets some being vegan or vegetarian while others are not. 

    But, we do offer food when we make excursions to the islands for camping of extended field trips so this is provided in your internship donation fees


    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Leon Airport (LAP) in La Paz. We assist you to find cheap flights to Mexico. 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 Mexico provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Our Program is open throughout the entre year so arrival and departure dates are flexible to the participant 

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,247€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 7,167€
    Average fees 609€/week

    Program fees

    609€ 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 Shark Research Mexico during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Shark Research Mexico

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (14 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2022

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Dr. Darren

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Shark Research Mexico is a Non-Profit organization based in Baja California, Mexico and is the leading organization dedicated to the research and conservation of sharks.

    Meet your organization

    Shark Research Mexico (SRM) is a Non-Profit organization based in Baja California Sur, Mexico and is the leading organization dedicated to the research and conservation of sharks and rays in the Gulf of California.

    We are a global provider of marine education and at the forefront of shark research. Our belief is that constant scientific research together with education is the key driver to inspire long-term change and commitment to sustain an abundant & vibrant marine environment. Through these tools, we strive to inspire, engage and empower future marine and environmental biologists, as well as the community, to make positive steps to generate healthier oceans now, and in the future.

    As an organization we offer an educational and professional platform for local, national and international students and provide all of the necessary logistical support they might need to accomplish their research goals, under the supervision of our team.

    Our mission

    Is to study and protect elasmobranch species in Mexican waters and to provide opportunities for students at undergraduate and graduate levels to participate in our ongoing research and an opportunity to advance in the field of marine science and conservation biology, as well as raise awareness of sharks and other marine species.

    Vision

    To conserve sharks through science, education, conservation action and to inspire people to value nature & our world’s oceans.

    14 reviews · rating4.9

    Stelios Meliniotis rating5

    2024 at Shark Internship

    I had an amazing time, seeing five different species of sharks and helping tag some tiger sharks. It really was a great experience. The accommodation was very well located. ..
    Nathan Kingham rating5

    2023 at Shark Internship

    La Paz is a beautiful part of Mexico with plenty to do and see. I learnt a lot about sharks and conservation with them during my stay. The team was incredibly helpful every step of the way and supported us with anything and everything. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who has an interest ...
    Abraham Mendoza rating5

    2022 at Shark Internship

    Amazing and very good work and I enjoyed to work whit shark's. I'm volunteer in la paz and is amazing works whit sharks so is very nice place to do this science is excellent facts to do everything about to the ocean and the science people so respond to very good work ...
    Pelamatti Tania rating5

    2022 at Shark Internship

    The experience with sharks was amazing, projects are interesting and the program is very organized at every step from the arrival to the day I left. Learned a lot during my experience and would do it again without ...
    Roberto De Camillis rating5

    2022 at Shark Internship

    During my internship I learned a lot about sharks and I gained knoledge on scientific sampling methods on large animal as whale shark. The program is well scheduled combining field work and data analysis. Looking forward to repeat the experience. Very recommended. ..
    Philipp Moser rating5

    2022 at Shark Internship

    Baja is just an incredible place, so much variety of animals and of course sharks! Darren set up a wonderful stay for me, the room and working areas very top notch as were he's organizational skills and his passion for what he's doing. Although my stay was not too long the activities proposed such ...

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      Good response rate
    English

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