Boomers Abroad

Highlights

Kleinbaai, a small harbour town, part of Gansbaai in the Western Cape of South Africa. This area is known as the best place in the world to see Great White Sharks in their natural habitat. Gansbaai is 160 km from Cape Town.

As a volunteer you will be part of the shark team. 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.

The learning part of the programme will consist of the following:

* How shark cage diving operates
* Shark behaviour and biology
* The history of shark attacks
* Learning about climatic conditions pertaining to seamanship
* Lectures by qualified marine biologists
* How to film and photograph marine wildlife
* Ocean conservation needs at the tip of Africa
* Learning about South Africa's conservation organisations

Practical experience will include:

* Experience out at sea, weather permitting
* Photographing sharks and observing them around the boat
* Learning how to Identify individual animals through newly discovered dorsal fin recording, measurement and markings
* Boat safety and seamanship. Learning how to maintain standards and equipment needed for the operation
* Assisting with the monitoring other marine animals in the area, and learning about hierarchy in the ecosystems
* Participating in rescue and data collection
* Field work in and around the area of Gansbaai, which is dependent on the ocean and tourism for its survival

Programme Support

Because we are South African based, you will have hands on support from our South African team 24/7 a day. Just call our number and we will be able to provide you with any advice and assistance that you need through the duration of your stay.

On a day-to-day basis you will be working with the volunteer coordinator. The rest of the team members are all fantastic people experienced Skippers and other friendly, helpful members of staff. With their combined knowledge and many years of experience in the field of Great White Shark research, ecotourism and conservation, there could be no better team behind you.

Travel Types

• Volunteering

Qualifications

Love for the outdoor, conservation, marine- and wildlife.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From R616 per day

Cost Includes:

Cost Include Description:

* Self catering accommodation in volunteer house
* Airport pick up and transfer to Gansbaai and back to Cape Town
* Welcome and orientation by team leader
* Diving equipment
* Activities as part of the programme
* Trips on the boats
* Programme materials
* Shark cage diving (+- R100 per dive free of charge)
* Snacks and drinks on the shark boat
* There will be necessities in the house such as coffee, tea, cereals etc
* Welcome pack of:
- 2 x Project T-shirts
- 1 x Project cap
- 1 x Project Jacket
- 1 x DVD of one of your trips on the boat

What is excluded from the fee?
* Meals (Budget approx R40 per week)
* Use of telephone
* Flights, Visas, Medical and travel insurance
* Excess baggage
* Personal activities

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types

• animal welfare
• community development
• research
• tourism
• volunteering
• wildlife surveying

Age Range

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel to South Africa

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

Madibas Volunteers's Mission Statement

We are a newly established South African company. We are based in Cape Town and connected throughout South Africa. Our passion and vision is to uplift and maintain the South African communities, charities, wildlife and conservation projects, we are involved with, by providing them with quality volunteers and funding. As volunteers are critical to our cause we are determined to provide every volunteer with the best and most rewarding experience of their lives at a fraction of the price. We pride ourselves in providing first class accommodation, orientation and support for every volunteer we come in touch with in order to make their experience exactly what they expect it to be. As we are a South African based company we are in the best possible position to provide our volunteers with support and back up during their South African adventure. We also work very closely with all our project partners to ensure that your stay with us is a success!

Year Founded

2008