Great White Shark Conservation

location
2 - 12 semanas  ·  Edad 18 - 50+

rating  Perfecto 4.6  · 
  Verificado por Volunteer World
  Ratio de respuesta muy alto

Puntos Relevantes

  • Volunteer and collaborate with students, eco-tourists, and conservation organizations in marine conservation
  • Dive into thrilling adventures with shark cage diving to observe iconic predators up close
  • Contribute to vital data collection for the conservation and analysis of these magnificent creatures

Puntos Relevantes

  • Volunteer and collaborate with students, eco-tourists, and conservation organizations in marine conservation
  • Dive into thrilling adventures with shark cage diving to observe iconic predators up close
  • Contribute to vital data collection for the conservation and analysis of these magnificent creatures
  • Experience a truly unforgettable face-to-face encounter with the majestic sharks
  • Enhance your journey with exciting excursions, such as wine tasting or visits to the charming penguins at Boulders Beach


  • Especialmente adecuado para

    Edad 18+
    Solteros y solteras
    Parejas
    Grupos

    Sobre el programa

    Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators and aid great white shark conservation efforts!

    About the Project

    This project is an operation dedicated to preserving diverse shark populations and their environment and helping in vital great white shark conservation. It also serves to educate people on why it is essential to conserve shark species. The project works with students, eco-tourists, ...

    Sobre el programa

    About the Project

    This project is an operation dedicated to preserving diverse shark populations and their environment and helping in vital great white shark conservation. It also serves to educate people on why it is essential to conserve shark species. The project works with students, eco-tourists, conservation organisations and marine resource users to gather data on sharks, helping to correct negative misconceptions about them and stop the needless slaughter of over 100 million sharks annually.

    Owing to massive negative media publicity over the years, sharks have become one of the most maligned, misunderstood, and even hated species on our fragile planet. They have been pursued, hunted and indiscriminately slaughtered to the point where many species are now critically endangered – certain shark species have experienced population declines of over 90% in the last 35 years.

    Unsustainable fishing practices, dorsal fin poaching, and environmental degradation compounded by relatively slow breeding cycles are all factors contributing to the potential demise of these amazing creatures.

    South Africa has long been known for its abundance of Great White Sharks, making it a prime area to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The Great White Shark Project is a commercial operation, dedicated to educating and preserving the world’s greatest predators and their environment. The project works with eco-tourists, conservation organizations and marine resource users (subsistence fishermen, sport divers and dive operators) to gather data on not only great white sharks but bronze whaler sharks, seven-gill cow sharks and more, helping correct negative misconceptions. 

    For cage dives, a specially designed, secure, six-man steel cage is used, which floats on the water's surface, with divers no more than 1m below the surface. Volunteers are taught how to get in and out of the cage and how to remain secure and safe while diving. Cage divers are responsible for recording observations on great whites and other species, including sex, size, markings and behaviour. Diving takes place on a rotational basis.

    Prior to Arrival

    Holders of UK, most other EU countries, Australian, Canadian and USA passports do not require a Visa for South Africa. Upon entry, you will be issued with a 3-month permit (at no cost). Make sure the correct date and length of stay in the country are entered for your visa when at immigration. If you are travelling from Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Russian Federation, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Algeria, Angola, Comoros, China, Egypt, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mexico, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Paraguay, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia or Vietnam, you will require a Tourist Visa and should consult your South African embassy.



    Día típico

    Day 1 - The Adventure Begins:

    After your flight arrives into South Africa via Cape Town International Airport, you will be transferred to your hostel, where you will be spending your first night.

    Day 2 - Transferred to Project Site:

    In the morning, you will be met by a project representative and ...

    Día típico

    Day 1 - The Adventure Begins:

    After your flight arrives into South Africa via Cape Town International Airport, you will be transferred to your hostel, where you will be spending your first night.

    Day 2 - Transferred to Project Site:

    In the morning, you will be met by a project representative and transferred to the project site in Kleinbaai. On arrival in Kleinbaai, you will be taken out on the boat as a guest to spot some sharks and really get your project off to a good start! After your trip, you will return to the project site where you will have the chance to settle in.

    Day 3-14 - Project Days:

    The volunteer programme is primarily focused on the project's Great white shark cage diving eco-tourism and you will enjoy regular trips to sea to view and cage dive with the great whites and other shark species in the area. You probably have the opportunity to participate in the following activities: 

    Cage diving

    Project facilitators use a specially designed and secure six-man steel cage to conduct dives. This floats on the surface, and divers are no more than 1m below the surface at any point. As a shark conservation volunteer, you will be taught how to get in and out of the cage and how to remain secure and safe while inside. Cage divers are responsible for recording shark observations, including their sex, size, markings and behaviour.

    Shark Field Research Data Collection

    You will be taught how to collect data in the field on free-swimming sharks. At sea, you'll be focused on working with the sharks from above and below the water, observing behaviour and the interactions of sharks around the boat and pointing out any sharks you spot. You will be learning about the behaviour of different shark species, their history, and the urgent need for research and wider shark conservation initiatives. You will also receive lectures on their biology, shark conservation, and status in the waters of the cape.

    Basic Seamanship and Boat Skills

    All volunteers are also taught basic seaman skills including boat handling on board in a practical environment. This includes general boat maintenance, packing and cleaning of equipment and bait, anchor positioning (deployment and retrieval), cage deployment (attachment and retrieval), knots, assisting clients as needed, as well as general safety and good safe crewing practices.

    Shark Tagging

    To ensure the sustainable use of South Africa's fish resources, the team is assisting the Oceanographic Research Institute's Cooperative Fish Tagging Project (ORI-CFTP). As a volunteer, you will help by identifying specific small shark species, including (but not limited to) pyjama, shy and leopard cat sharks, when out snorkelling, tagging the animals and noting down their measurements before releasing them. If the same shark is caught again, the measurements will be re-taken to help the team monitor the growth rate and give them an idea of their movements.

    Other Species Monitoring

    There are many other marine species to be found in the area, two of which are the bronze whaler shark and the short-tail stingray. At present, the team are conducting research on these two particular species with the aim of monitoring the populations to identify if environmental factors are impacting their activity. You will be involved in collecting data about these animals when you come across them, including their sex, size, individual markings and behaviour. Time is also spent in De Kelders where snorkelling takes place among the kelp forest to spot and identify other marine life. 

    Assisting at Swop-Shop

    Every Tuesday, you will help out at the ‘Swop Shop’, a project that promotes recycling, environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and self-reliance, which also helps to provide for the needs of the local children. The project encourages these children to collect recyclable rubbish and litter from the street and from their homes. They then earn points for what they collect, and this can be used to ‘buy’ school stationery and clothes in the Swop-Shop.

    Day 15 - Final Day:

    This is your final day and you will leave the project site to go back to Cape Town to transfer to the airport for an evening return flight or commence independent travel plans.


    Actividades de tiempo libre

    On days when you can’t go out to sea (as this shark conservation project is completely dependent on weather and sea conditions), you will be taken on various excursions as part of the project. These include wine tasting, a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach or a trip to Cape Agulhas, the ...

    Actividades de tiempo libre

    On days when you can’t go out to sea (as this shark conservation project is completely dependent on weather and sea conditions), you will be taken on various excursions as part of the project. These include wine tasting, a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach or a trip to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa. The team are also happy to help with arranging other excursions such as scuba diving in Simon's Bay or ziplining which come at an additional cost. 


    Requisitos

    Requisitos

    Edad mínima: 18 años

    Para participar en el programa debes tener al menos 18 años en la fecha de inicio del programa. Puede haber excepciones si muestras el permiso de tu(s) tutor(es) legal(es) o si vas acompañado de tus padres.

    Conocimientos lingüísticos

    Tienes que hablar (nivel intermedio) Inglés

    Restricciones de nacionalidad

    Sin restricciones. Las manos amigas de todo el mundo son bienvenidas.

    Otras habilidades

    No specific skills are required - all we ask is that you come with a strong work ethic and have a love and passion for sharks and the ocean. You will be taught the rest!

    Tiempo dedicado

    Necesitaremos tu ayuda los Lunes, Martes, Miércoles, Jueves, Viernes, Sábado y Domingo

    Servicios incluidos

    Servicios incluidos

    Servicios de The Great Projects

    Accommodation - Project activities - Airport transfers - Project uniform - Meals and Beverages as indicated

    Recogida en el aeropuerto Cape Town International Airport

    You will need to arrive into Cape Town Airport on the start date of your project where you will be met and taken to a backpacker's hostel for the 1st night. The next morning you will be transferred to the project location in Kleinbaai; about a two hour drive away. Transfers to and from Cape Town are included in the project cost, however if you are not travelling back to Cape Town after your project you will need to arrange and pay for your own transfer.

    Alojamiento

    Whilst on the project you will stay in a modern and spacious house situated two minutes from the harbour, which bustles with action and boats as people head out to sea. The house is very comfortable with dorm rooms, a nice kitchen, open plan dining area and a lounge with television and video/board games, and an outside entertainment area for the evenings. There is a small supermarket nearby (volunteers usually buy provisions and prepare meals together) and the house is located in a very safe and beautiful area where you can freely walk around during the day.

    Couples volunteering together, or those wanting their own room can book a private flatlet which is situated just behind the shark team's office. It is a self-contained unit, with a double bed, bathroom and kitchen/diner. The cost and availability of the flat is dependent on the season. Please enquire for more details. 

    Comida y bebida

    We supply breakfast at the volunteer house, this includes coffee, tea, milk, bread, cereals, juice and yoghurt. A light snack and refreshment is supplied on the boat. 

    Lunches and dinners are at your own expense. 

    We will also take you shopping twice a week to Gansbaai where you can stock up with food items for your meals and there is a small shop within walking distance for basic items. Most volunteers cook meals together at the house, but you can also opt to visit local restaurants should you wish.

    Acceso a Internet

    Buen acceso al lugar del proyecto

    ¿Qué NO está incluido?

    ¿Qué NO está incluido?

    Boletos de avión

    El aeropuerto más cercano es Cape Town International Airport (CPT) en Cape Town. Te ayudamos a encontrar vuelos baratos a Sudáfrica. ENCONTRAR VUELOS BARATOS

    Seguro de viaje

    Ir al extranjero es una aventura y siempre es mejor estar preparado. Enfermedad o lesión repentina, cancelación o robo: un seguro de viaje para Sudáfrica proporciona seguridad y es una ventaja tenerlo. OBTENER UN PRESUPUESTO

    Vacunas

    Si tiene intención de realizar un voluntariado en Sudáfrica, debe solicitar asesoramiento médico antes de iniciar su viaje social. Comprueba las vacunas que necesitas para Sudáfrica. COMPROBADOR DE VACUNAS

    Detalles a la llegada

    Start Dates:
    • 14th and last day of every month (excluding December and subject to availability)
    • Please contact us to check whether your preferred choice is still available!
    Disponibilidad
    Enero Feb. Marzo Abr. Mayo Jun Jul Agosto Set. Oct. Nov. Dic.

    Cuotas del programa

    2 semanas (estancia min.) 1.192€
    3 semanas 1.759€
    4 semanas 2.137€
    5 semanas 2.516€
    6 semanas 2.894€
    7 semanas 3.272€
    8 semanas 3.650€
    9 semanas 4.029€
    10 semanas 4.407€
    11 semanas 4.785€
    12 semanas (estancia max.) 5.163€
    Cuota promedio 512€/semana

    Cuotas del programa

    512€ cuotas semanales 2 - 12 semanas Edad 18 - 50+

    Métodos de pago

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    SIN GASTOS DE TARJETA DE CRÉDITO


    Duración

    2 - 12 semanas

    Depósito

    El depósito es simplemente para reservar tu vacante de voluntario. Los pagos se gestionan a través de PayPal, nuestro proveedor global de confianza. Si no tienes una cuenta PayPal, también puedes pagar con tarjeta de crédito.


    Pago final

    El pago final se acordará con The Great Projects durante el proceso de solicitud. Las soluciones habituales son la transferencia bancaria o el pago en efectivo en el lugar del proyecto.


    Conoce a tu anfitrión(a)

    The Great Projects

    Perfecto 4.6 rating (197 reseñas)

    Agencia - fundada en 2003

    Verificado por Volunteer World

      Ratio de respuesta muy alto

    Coordinado por

    Katie

    Idiomas hablados: Inglés

    sobre la organización

    The Great Projects work with organisations worldwide to establish high standards in animal welfare and conservation within the responsible tourism sector.

    Conoce a tu anfitrión(a)

    Looking to volunteer abroad with animals? Here at The Great Projects we believe that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.

    It all began with The Great Orangutan Project in Malaysian Borneo and after a number of years working with local authorities, passionate project facilitators, and hard-working volunteers to create a sustainable, progressive, and effective project - The Great Projects decided to use the experiences and knowledge we had gained to expand our expertise to other projects in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe!

    Now with over 35 projects, you can be confident in the fact that you’ll be able to volunteer with some of the world's most incredible wildlife species in completely breath-taking environments. From orangutans in the Bornean rainforest to whale sharks in the Indian Ocean; you’re sure to find something suited to your interests. What’s more, The Great Projects make sure that with us, volunteers are completely immersed into the heart of the matter, at site, delivering an experience like no other as you become familiar with the life of an animal keeper, game ranger, or wildlife conservationist.

    Plus, every time someone volunteers with The Great Projects  in addition to their fee which covers accommodation, food, and transfers, we donate up to £350 to the project visited to help the project itself. Therefore, our ecotours and projects are not only designed to be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, but you will also join a project knowing that your travel truly does help to save endangered animals and the local communities with which they live alongside.

    Here at The Great Projects, we believe that we should practice what we preach. We send volunteers to worldwide destinations on a range of truly unique and thoroughly worthwhile projects that make a real, sustainable difference to their causes. What’s more, The Great Projects provide them with dedicated UK-based staff that ensure volunteers have informative and friendly help throughout all stages of their experience, from initial enquiry to their return.

    Through this, we can show volunteers that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.


    Further, The Great Projects does not only aim to provide travel destinations that hold responsibility for animal welfare, but also to the environmental, economic and social impact of our conservation projects as a whole.

    HEALTH AND SAFETY

    Here at The Great Projects, we are completely dedicated to providing our volunteers with the utmost protection with regards to health and safety.

    Adventurous travel always involves some degree of risk. Our priority is to keep you safe and protect you as much as possible whilst still giving you an authentic experience of life in your chosen destination.

    We conduct extensive risk assessments to make sure we have identified potential hazards and done everything we can to reduce them and we make sure you have the information you need about the destination you are visiting and how to stay safe and healthy while you are out there. We also are partnered with Endsleigh Insurance who are able to offer volunteers comprehensive insurance for all of our projects.

    197 reseñas · rating4.6

    Jen Ye rating1.4

    2018 at Great White Shark Conservation

    Briefly, the “Great Projects” great white sharks South African program may be alright for teenagers and mid-level or untrained/moderately trained, budget conscious college or possibly even graduate students seeking a thrill and a travel opportunity, however, if you are well educated, have a ...
    Liam Mckevitt rating5

    2017 at Great White Shark Conservation

    This programme was perfect from the start. Helpful crew, always happy to help and always laughing. The project itself is really involved in the education of eco tourists on Shark conservation and the Ocean as a whole besides the main point of Great White Sharks. There is a wide variety of activities ...
    Juan Jose Sanz rating5

    2017 at Great White Shark Conservation

    Amazing experience. We are glad to have this amazing Apex Predator in our oceans, and the Great White Shark Project Team did all their best to be sure that all the volunteers enjoy their time in South Africa. Seeing this animals in their habitat should be compulsory for every human being, it would ...
    Lizzy rating4.8

    2016 at Great White Shark Conservation

    I'm a new volunteer here at the Great White Shark Project. Today was my second day on the boat and it was AMAZING!!! We saw whales, a pod of dolphins and 6 sharks, the biggest of which was over 4m long! One of them was very crafty and quick. He stole the bait 3 times and got very close to the cage ...
    Great white cage diving here was an amazing experience and one I will never forget! The staff at the centre, and on board the boat, were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and I feel they went out of their way to ensure everyone on the boat had the best shark encounters ...

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