South Africa White Shark Conservation

The Great White Shark has been listed as a protected species in South African waters since 1991. Without doubt, the Great White Shark is the greatest predator of the sea, and as they remain cloaked in myth, misunderstanding and fear, this awesome animal continues to be a true mystery to man.

For the White Shark fieldwork you will be taken to places around Dyer Island as well as other nearby shark locations. Dyer Island is also known as Shark Alley - quite possibly the best place in the world to see Great Whites!

Volunteer Role

While out on the boat around Dyer Island there is also the chance that you will catch site of many other wildlife species. As it is the breeding ground for Cape Cormorants, Gannets and Black-footed Penguins you are sure to spot them. Opposite you will find Geyser Rock, which is currently home to approximately 20,000 seals and is the breeding area for Cape Fur Seals.

During the right season Whales and Dolphins can also be spotted. All in all a perfect habitat for the Great White Shark! As a volunteer you will be part of the shark team and assist in documenting shark activity by using aerial surveys of the island. This project gives you a unique opportunity to view this magnificent animal in its natural environment. This will either be by boat or even more excitingly in an underwater cage.

Your team will provide you will all the knowledge you need to know about the Great White through informative lectures and in the field. Your lectures while on the programme consist of:

Basic Shark biology
Research and conservation
Shark behaviour
Conservation
Changing attitudes
Shark Attacks
Basic seamanship (including anchoring positions, wind directions, currents)
Cage diving procedures (procedures in the cage with and without regulator)
Underwater filming
Still photography
Shark tourism

You will then have the chance to put this into good use, assisting in the conservation and research of the Great White. If the weather permits you will undertake frequent trips out to sea. Whilst at sea, the team will get you as involved as possible with all aspects of sea work, focusing on working with the sharks from below and above the water.

Please note: During a 21 day programme, you should receive at least 10 days at sea, though in the past, volunteers have been out a lot more than this. The cage diving is optional on most trips, so please ask your project coordinator, who can look into arranging some for you.

Project Location

This project is based in Gansbaai, a coastal village in South Africa. Project work will take place on Dyer Island, otherwise known as Shark Alley!

Accommodation and Meals

Your programme your accommodation will be at a volunteer house that has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a huge entertainment area, a fully equipped kitchen and lovely sea views.

Throughout the project you will be provided with breakfast, a packed lunch will be provided on days that you are out at sea. Once your tasks offshore have been completed you will have the chance to relax and enjoy some tea and scones. Evening meals will be at your own cost and volunteers normally put their resources together and cook as a team, or go out for a drink and meal at one of the local restaurants.

Programme Overview

Duration & Prices: 21 days £1399, 28 days £1799

How to book & pay:
Pay £195 deposit to book. Balance due 12 weeks prior to departure.

What is included
Airport transfer to Gansbaai
Welcome orientation
All accommodation
Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea
Daily lectures
Diving equipment
Two volunteer t-shirts and cap
Welcome pack
White Shark Field Book

What is not included?
Personal travel insurance
All flights
Evening meal
Personal items
Snorkel, goggles and flippers
Email/Internet and calls
Soft drinks, alcohol
Visas
Additional excursions

Programme Summary:
The White Shark fieldwork will be in and around Dyer Island as well as other nearby shark locations. Dyer Island is also known as Shark Alley and is quite possibly the best place in the world to see Great Whites.
Other South Africa volunteer work

Arrival dates: This project starts on first Sunday of each month and is available all year round, except for December.

South Africa Travel Advice:
Visit our South Africa Travel Advice page for useful travel information.

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