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South Africa White Shark Conservation

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

For the White Shark fieldwork you will be transported to locations around Dyer Island as well as other nearby shark sites. Dyer Island is also referred to as Shark Alley and is quite possibly the best place around the globe to see Great Whites.

Volunteer Role

While out and about on the boat around Dyer Island there is also the opportunity that you will see many other wildlife species. As it is the breeding ground for Cape Cormorants, Gannets and Jackass Penguins you are bound to see them. Opposite you will find Geyser Rock, which is currently home to around 20,000 seals and is the breeding ground for Cape Fur Seals.

In the right season Whales and Dolphins can be spotted too. All in all it is a perfect habitat for the Great White Shark! As a volunteer you will be operating as part of the shark team and assisting in documenting shark activity by using aerial surveys of the island. This project gives you a unique chance to view this impressive animal in its natural environment. You will either do this by boat or even more excitingly in an underwater cage.

Your team provides 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 program 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 possibility to put this all into good use, assisting in the conservation and research of the Great White. If the weather permits, you can undertake frequent trips out to sea. Whilst at sea, the team aim to get you as involved as they can with all aspects of sea work, and you will focus on working with the sharks from below and above the water.

Project Location

The project is based at the seaside village of Gansbaai, approximately 2 hours south east of Cape Town in South Africa.

Accommodation and Meals

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

All through the project you will be given breakfast, and a packed lunch will be provided on days when you are out at sea. Once your tasks offshore have finished you have the chance to relax and enjoy tea and scones. You will have to buy your own evening meals and volunteers normally club together and cook as a team, or go for a drink and meal at one of the local restaurants.

Programme Overview

Duration & Prices: 21 days - $2589/€1899

How to book & pay:
Pay $339/€259 deposit to book. Balance due 10 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.

Arrival dates:
The closest Monday to the beginning of the month and 3rd Monday of each month.