Dive into an extraordinary journey where you play a pivotal role in conserving one of the world’s most majestic and misunderstood species, the shark. These apex predators are crucial for the balance and health of oceanic ecosystems. Yet, they face threats like poor management, illegal fishing, and habitat destruction.
Our partner spearheads the effort to study and protect sharks and ocean ecosystems.The waters off the coast of South Africa are home to one of the most diverse populations of sharks in the world. Despite this, comprehensive long-term research needs to be more extensive in monitoring their populations, ranges, and effects on ocean health. Since 2007, our partner has tagged over 3,200 sharks through the Sharks and Ecosystems Project. Their mission is to identify sharks, skates, and stingrays to advocate for establishing new marine protected areas and special management zones. Their Education & Outreach initiatives offer immersive educational experiences promoting the conservation and stewardship of sharks and oceans.
Furthermore, our partner provides an unparalleled training program inviting volunteers and interns to immerse themselves in marine science and ocean conservation. This initiative is perfect for shark enthusiasts eager to hone their skills and gain firsthand experience in marine research.
At the shark center, every day is an adventure from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with activities that hinge on the weather. On fair days, expect to be at sea assisting with the capture (and release), identification, measurement, and tagging of sharks. Other days might involve snorkeling for small shysharks or dock-side shark catching in the bay. Dive into wet lab activities, examining sharks, performing necropsies on deceased sharks, and learning about their anatomy up close. Participate in Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) research to observe marine life’s interaction with bait canisters, aiding in data collection. Estuary days involve navigating the fascinating ecosystems where rivers meet the sea, critical habitats for many species, including sharks. Here, volunteers gather vital data on water conditions to inform government management of these biomes.
Your volunteer journey runs from Monday to Friday, leaving you with free evenings and weekends to relax or explore.
Read more about this exciting journey in Nora’s blog on Pink Pangea, “A Vegetarian Goes Fishing in South Africa.”
Nestled in a charming seaside town, the Intern House is twenty minutes from the shark centre. Daily transportation is provided. The house features 5 dorm-style bedrooms, a cozy living area complete with a pool table, and a spacious kitchen. An outdoor “braai” spot invites you to enjoy traditional South African BBQs. Enjoy the convenience of free Wi-Fi at both the Intern House and Shark Centre, and for a nominal fee, full laundry services is available.
Breakfast is provided and included in your fees. For other meals, you will have full kitchen access and you will be taken to the store as often as needed to buy groceries and supplies.
Have questions about safety? We’re here to provide all the answers to ensure a secure experience.
We’ve got you covered every step of the way! Your volunteering journey includes:
Airport pick-up and drop-off at Cape Town Airport
Comfortable accommodation in a shared volunteer house
Breakfast
Wifi
Volunteer uniform
Excursions in the community
Comprehensive pre-departure & on-site training
A donation to our Placement Partner
AEI Travel Manual brimming with key travel insights including packing list, currency information and in-depth placement description
Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to USD 500,000 in emergency medical coverage)
24/7 emergency support throughout your placement
One tree planted for every volunteer to help offset carbon emissions and create more livable ecosystems for wildlife
Enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering
Not included in your package are flights, visa costs, airport taxes, immunizations, and meals (other than breakfast).
This ongoing program operates every day of the year, with placements starting on Mondays. We recommend arriving on a Sunday to be ready for an early start on Monday.
Thinking about fundraising to cover your fees? Many of our clients have found success in their fundraising efforts. To learn more and get inspired, check out our fundraising page!
If ocean conservation speaks to you and you’re eager to dive into marine research, this Shark Conservation experience in South Africa is tailor-made for you. Engage with a diverse group, from shark enthusiasts and conservationists to scientists passionate about shark biology. Our partner is a globally recognized organization dedicated to researching, conserving, and managing sharks and their habitats. Spanning over 200 km of coastline across various management zones, this program offers a unique window into the effects of marine management strategies. You’ll work closely with experts, learning the ropes of handling, sampling, and tagging different shark species and gaining invaluable insights into shark anatomy, physiology, and conservation. Absolutely no experience is necessary. Everything you need to know about shark biology, conservation, and South Africa will be covered in our pre-departure and on-site training!
Imagine immersing yourself in your work with sharks while residing in a picturesque seaside town renowned for its whale-watching, pristine beaches, and splendid climate. Your free time in the evenings and weekends is yours to explore the markets, soak in the culture, or witness the majestic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans at Cape Agulhas. Living and working with a passionate group of volunteers and interns allows for forging lasting friendships and memories, all while contributing to an essential cause: shark conservation.
B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013, and since then, we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefits to the environment and the communities in which we operate.
We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal Experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
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