Description

Each volunteer becomes completely involved in the eco-tourism (cage diving) and conservation work throughout his or her stay. Participants will learn about the biology and behaviors of the marine species in the area, including the opportunity to get up-close and personal with Great White sharks.

Volunteers will work every day the weather permits by going out to sea and helping on the boats. Daily work is between 5-8 hours per day but volunteers are able to take off time at their discretion for resting. During inclement weather, there will be organized excursions or educational lectures or simply free time to explore the area.

Daily work includes:
* Photo identification of species
* Data collection
* Assisting in the daily diving operations (including taking part in the dives)
* Assisting the skipper and crew in various duties

Highlights

Participants will have time at Sea for:
* Tracking sharks
* Cage diving
* 'Chum' trips - bringing sharks close to the boat to assess populations
Research on whales, dolphins, penguins, seals, sea birds

Participants will be able to gain experience in the following areas:
* At sea on eco-tourism and research boats
* Tracking of sharks over several days
* Observing behavior and photographing dorsal fin IDs to identify individual animals
* Seamanship and boat safety along with basic skippering experience
* Learning the local ecology
* Take part in animal rescue when required
* Learn more about shark behavior and biology, as well as marine conservation

Qualifications

- Enthusiasm and flexibility
- Love for marine animals
- Willingness to get hands dirty
- Work well in a team and take directions from the skipper and crew
- Travel and medical insurance
- Ability to swim
- Min age 18
- Immunizations (consult your doctor)

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Variable

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

- Transfers to and from Cape Town
- Accommodation (bedding, coffee, tea, cereal)
- Internet access
- Boat trips (whale watching, cage diving, research)
- Equipment use
- T-shirt, cap, boots, jacket
- Tour of Gaansbai and surrounding area

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Other

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

GoEco - Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement

(1) Encourage ecological and volunteer tourism that promotes sustainable development (2) Enable travelers to experience different and more rewarding kinds of tourism. (3) Encourage travelers to volunteer for the benefit of others and thus to serve as a good-will ambassador to other countries in the world. (4) Encourage travelers from all over the world to come to Israel for ecological and community-based projects, in both the Arab and Jewish sectors, and experience firsthand the unique cultural and natural diversity in this region. (5) Support environmental and humanitarian projects that promote understanding and good will between ethnic societies in Israel. (6) Conduct further research in the field of ecological tourism, such as the 'Ecological Footprint' as a tool for sustainable tourism development. (7) Establish an in-depth and up-to-date data base of the relevant projects worldwide. (8) Create a platform from which to explore the various organizations that support the environment and actively encourage volunteering.

Year Founded

2005