Marine Conservation with Whales, Sharks and Penguin
Program Overview
This multi-faceted marine conservation project allows those with a love of the ocean and its inhabitants to experience the following while working inland and on the sea with a skilled team of experts, including marine biologists:
- Whale, dolphin, shark, and penguin research and monitoring
- Community Education
- Environmental issues
- Ecology and ecotourism
You will take on various tasks, depending on the current activities and season—if it’s whale migration season. Assist with research on the feeding, behavioral, and migrating habits and other aspects of sharks. Research activities include recording sightings, tagging, dorsal fin identification, and taking photos for an ongoing database in conjunction with various national and international academic research institutions. For those wanting to work with penguins and seabird rehabilitation, feeding takes place twice a day.
You can volunteer for two weeks or longer, arriving in Cape Town on Sunday for an early morning Monday collection. We encourage volunteers to spend a few days in Cape Town, too, for sightseeing.
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Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.
Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- Multiple Year
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Winter
- Animal Welfare
- Conservation
- Environment
- Marine Conservation
Updated Oct 16, 2025
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- South Africa
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Other
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Other
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- Multiple Year
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Winter
Starts At
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Volunteer International Adventures .
When is the whale migration season?
The whale watching season is from the 1st of June to the 31st of December.
Do volunteers go out on the boat every day?
Yes. Going out on the boat happens daily, unless the weather is not good.
Can volunteers prefer to help only with the penguins and seabirds?
Yes, volunteers can choose to help only with the penguins if they choose to.
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