Adventure Tours in Cape Town, South Africa

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

Set out on an exhilarating 20-day journey to South Africa, the “Rainbow Nation,” with our immersive summer program. Begin your adventure in Cape Town, where we explore vibrant markets and iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Travel to the heart of the conservation efforts, where we assist in protecting the critically endangered white rhinoceros, and other native wildlife. Experience the stunning landscapes along the Garden Route; visit the poignant Robben Island Prison; watch ostrich, baboons, and African penguins at the Cape of Good Hope. This unique program for ages 16-19 combines hands-on wildlife conservation, cultural exploration, and personal growth, offering a rare opportunity to connect with South Africa’s natural beauty and rich heritage while earning community service hours. Join us for an unforgettable adventure that will inspire and transform your perspective.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

This project is an adventure club for 12-14 year old children focused primarily on extramural surfing and swimming lessons. The adventure club provides children with a valuable opportunity to take part in a range of outdoor activities from surfing and swimming to hiking and even sandboarding. An orientation in Cape Town is provided before the start of the project. There are anywhere from 5 to 20 children participating in the club every week. Volunteers are able to take free surf lessons during the school day and then help teach and lead groups of children after school. There are also opportunities to assist in community development or to help teach computer skills in schools during the day. Activities include teaching kids to swim, skate and surf, helping on hikes and running fun days and sports programs. so far over 300 children have learned to swim and over 80 have learned to surf!

This program aims to bring a lasting, positive impact on the lives of some of Cape Town’s most impoverished children and youth ages 6 - 13. Volunteers are placed in a physical education program that runs in conjunction with the local public primary school curriculum. They help deliver a sports program and assist local teachers with classroom lessons. Days vary depending on the activities planned and each volunteer's creativity! The assistance of international volunteers is essential to the program's success in increasing the chances for local children to achieve their goals and ultimately improve their lives. Volunteers also spend two afternoons per week learning how to surf with a professional instructor at Muizenberg Beach, the most popular surfing beach in Cape Town, about a 20-minute drive from the volunteer accommodation.

This one-week program pairs perfectly with our South Africa Veterinary Service program. By adding this bonus week to an existing program, students are given a fantastic opportunity to explore the southernmost coast of Africa. Each day is sure to be an adventure, with time spent enjoying Cape Town, tasting local cuisine, spotting native animals in their natural habitats, and going on an adventure outside the city. This one-week program is the perfect way to round out an already exciting program and go home with tons of new memories and stories to share!

The great white shark - the notorious villain of the sea - is often the world’s favorite misunderstood animal. Join the program to spend your time monitoring these magnificent creatures and do your bit to help with their conservation. Cage diving with sharks is an amazing experience. It gives you the opportunity to see sharks in their natural habitat. They are graceful and powerful animals; unfortunately, their survival is under threat like a lot of marine life. This program will also give you an insight into marine conservation and, if you join from June to December, you will get the opportunity to see whales. You can even help at a penguin rescue center! Each day, volunteers will go out on boat trips with a team of expert researchers and help to identify and track sharks. Plenty of training and development opportunities are provided, so an ideal volunteer will get stuck in and learn what life as a shark researcher is all about. Volunteers live together in a lodge, which is a 10-minute to 15-minute walk from the boat launch station. With plenty of braais (South African BBQ), a swimming pool, and a large garden area, there are lots of things to do on volunteers’ time off.

Surfpop takes you on an unforgettable surf travel experience that includes volunteering your time and skills to coach and mentor children from disadvantaged communities around Cape Town. You will assist Surfpop children in the water through interactive surf sessions as well as help them with their homework, English and Maths. You will design life skills activities and fun games to expand their horizon. If you have unique skills or ideas that you would like to share with Surfpop before, during, or after your stay, please let us know. We are always open to new and cool ideas! Some examples of skills and ideas that previous volunteers contributed include the following: - Organization of photography and painting workshops - Production of Surfpop video clips - Assistance with social media, PR, and advertising - Initiation of fundraiser among family and friends for Surfpop Foundation