Scuba Diving Marine conservation

Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

$2695.00

 

The Experience

Are you a student who is seeking a career within the field of Marine Conservation? Or are you perhaps an early career scientist? Or maybe just looking for an adventure in South Africa? Then your search is over as we have the perfect program for you! 

Wake up in a tropical paradise every morning and be swept away by the sweet sounds of nature. Jump in your costume and grab your beach towel, take a breath-taking drive through a tunnel of trees in a safari truck to the beach, roll back off a boat into the warm Indian Ocean and feel yourself weightless, breathing underwater. Find yourself surrounded by the most amazing creatures and colorful corals. During this incredible dive take photos of manta rays, ragged-tooth sharks, turtles, whales and nudibranchs to contribute to the main objective of the project; it’s international marine conservation research.

The project also offers Marine Lectures so volunteers can learn more about the ocean and marine conservation, these lectures are short and casual. Volunteers also get a certificate at the end of their stay to say they have completed the lecture series, this can be added to their CV. Once database and lectures are done volunteers are free to relax at the camp or go exploring in town. Volunteers can then head out for sundowners at a local viewpoint or have a braai (barbecue) at the fire area. Every night the staff organizes a fire, this is great to experience a traditional South African braai, relax and socialize. Come now and be part of this amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity!

 

This Is Why

  • Help at an amazing Marine Conservation project based in South Africa!
  • Get a chance to do Marine Research and learn how to Dive like a pro!
  • Work alongside an amazing team of staff and other volunteers from around the world!
  • Explore the ocean floor, visit the nature side of South Africa by biking, safaris, enjoy the attractions and entertainment on your leisure time, go wildlife viewing and immerse yourself in a new culture and way of life!

 
 
Project Details
  • Key Start Dates
    The project prefers applicant to arrive on the first and third Friday of each month (excluding December).
  • Package Price

    02 Weeks: $2,695.00 US$
    04 Weeks: $4,395.00 US$
  • Volunteer duration
    02 or 04 weeks (other durations available on request)
  • Average Work hours
    Give or take 6 hours daily Monday to Friday.
  • Number of Volunteers
    10
  • Volunteer accommodation
    Provided by the Project
  • Housing Type
    Volunteers stay at a dive Lodge which is situated just outside the Simangaliso Wetland Park. It’s a 5 km drive from the town and a 10 km drive to the beach. The volunteers stay in a shared loft or shared wooden cabins. There are shared ablutions, a shared kitchen, fire area, swimming pool and a restaurant / bar.
    Internet Access - Available at the volunteer accommodation.
  • Who Are They Looking For?
    Love of the outdoors and a passion for wildlife and marine animals is a priority. They are looking for persons who are motivated, enjoys experiencing new things and is open minded, someone who works well within a team and individually. Smoking may or may not be permitted, we ask that you seek permission from your coordinators first and the same goes for alcoholic beverages consumption. The project will not tolerate the use of drugs. Please remember that you are a guest, therefore, respecting the rules is essential.

Fast Facts: South Africa

Where? Sodwana Bay, South Africa

Country Size: 1,109 km2 
428 sq mile

Population density? 62/km2
160/sq mile

Country Famous for? Wildlife watching, Kruger Park, Garden Route, Addo National Park, Elephants, Dolphins, Great White Sharks, beaches, lagoons, friendly people, great food and wine, shopping, bungee jumping, adrenaline sports, Wildlife

When to visit: All year round 

    • What's Included
      • Placement
        Scuba Diving Maarine Conservation
      • Accommodation
        Volunteers stay at a dive Lodge which is situated just outside the Simangaliso Wetland Park. It’s a 5 km drive from the town and a 10 km drive to the beach. The volunteers stay in a shared loft or shared wooden cabins. There are shared ablutions, a shared kitchen, fire area, swimming pool and a restaurant / bar.
      • Meals
        Each week the project takes the volunteers to the grocery store (Spar) in the neighboring town of Mbazwana to buy groceries for the week within the budget. Thereafter they prepare their own food in the shared kitchen. Each night there is a fire prepared by the the staff at the fire area so volunteers can barbecue and socialize.
      • Transportation

        Transfers to and from Richards Bay Airport for arrival and departure provided. Transport to and from the Sodwana Bay beach as well as around Sodwana is provided.
      • Ongoing services and Miscellaneous

        After applying and your placement is confirmed we will then send you additonal information on what additional stuff are included in the fees. If there are any problems with your volunteer project we are always there to help you and mediate between yourself and the organization.
      • Tours

        Through our organization you have the possibility to book tours in South Africa after you have finished your volunteer project.
      • 24/7 Emergency contact
        If there are any problems during your stay in South Africa you can reach us 24/7 to assist you.

      What's not included: Flights, Insurances, Meals, any activities and sight-seeing that has a fee attached to it.

      Package Price: 
      02 Weeks: $2695.00 US$
      04 Weeks: $4395.00 US$

    • RESPONSIBILITIES/TASK AND DUTIES

      Volunteers arrive on the first Friday of the month. The Saturday after arrival, volunteers will receive a camp orientation. The rest of this weekend can be used to settle in and get to know other volunteers and interns, your schedule would more or less look like:

      • Week one will be used to complete the CMAS One Star or PADI Open Water course or the volunteer’s chosen course. The duration of the course will depend on the course chosen and the volunteer’s ability to complete skills. The CMAS One Star and PADI Open Water courses typically take between four and five days to complete. If volunteers do not have the required number of dives, this can be obtained during the first week and the course will begin thereafter.
      • Once volunteers are qualified divers, they dive each day during the week, Monday to Friday. One dive a day is included in the price, extra dive packages can be bought so volunteers can dive twice a day. During dives volunteers collect photographic data of manta rays, ragged-tooth sharks, turtles, whales and nudibranchs. This data is entered into international marine conservation databases after dives. The project offers Marine Lectures to increase knowledge about the ocean, these are short and casual. After their stay volunteers receive a certificate for the lecture that can be added to their CV.
      • The rest of the day can be spent relaxing and exploring. There are a lot of activities to keep volunteers busy, read the things to do list below. During weekends there are more trips, we do overnight trips to Kosi Bay or trips to Lake Sibaya for sundowners and a braai.
  • Requirements, Guidelines & Policies
    • Required to commit to a minimum of 2 weeks.
    • Volunteers need to be able to swim;
    • Volunteers are not allowed to drive with any staff other than project coordinators unless given permission by project coordinators;
    • Volunteers are not allowed to be in any rooms of the dive staff, particularly over-night;
    • Age: 18+
    • Volunteers are able to drink alcohol while on the project but need to be able to dive the next day, volunteers will not be allowed to dive if they are hungover or intoxicated.
    • The use of any drugs is prohibited
    • You must be up to date in your routine Vaccinations.
    • Must be able to work as part of a team or individually.
    • Volunteers may not touch any of the marine life during dives.
    • Must be polite and courteous to the public at all times.
    • Rules will be gone over with volunteers during a camp orientation on the Saturday after their arrival so volunteers need to be present for this.
  • Fast Facts
    • Project location
      Sodwanan Bay, South Africa
    • Area Famous For
      Deep sea diving and beautiful coral reefs, Friendly people, Cultures and Traditions, wildlife, endless outdoor activities, amazing food!
    • When to visit
      All year round 
  • Itinerary & Details
    Day 1 - Arrive in Richards Bay, South Africa;
    You will arrive at Richards Bay Airport where you will be met by the Project’s transport team at the arrival hall. You’ll then be transferred to the accommodation in Sodwana Bay! 
    For 2 Weeks or more – Help the project with their Marine Conservation Research!
    For the coming weeks you will have a great time working directly with marine biologists with helping them gather data and taking pictures of the a wide range of marine animals to enter on the projects database. 
    Your last day     - You will be transferred back to the airport to take a flight back home. Of course, it is possible to extend your stay and travel around; we can help you with trips and/or accommodations you would like to arrange. 
  • Accommodation

    Volunteers stay at a dive lodge which is situated just outside the Simangaliso Wetland Park. It’s a 5 km drive from the town and a 10 km drive to the beach. The volunteers stay in a shared loft or shared wooden cabins. There are shared ablutions, a shared kitchen, fire area, swimming pool and a restaurant / bar.

    Things to bring from home

    • Clothes - We advise you to bring outdoor clothes that you can maybe leave behind if they get too worn out. The summers are hot, both day and night, so you should pack some light clothes and shoes. Even though winter temperatures do not get too cold, the wind, constant rains and coastal humidity is unpredictable, so make sure to bring nice warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers as well. Hard gear hire is included in the price (BCD, regulator, cylinder and weight belt), it is advised that volunteers bring their own wetsuit, mask and fins but they are able to rent them while they are here.
    • Other suggested items- sunglasses, hat or cap, sunscreen lotion, swimsuit, Insect Repellent, Anti-bacterial face/Hand wipes, waterproof jacket, spare glasses for those who wear them, camera, personal items, Make up and at least 2 pairs of shoes such as; casual and flip flops.

    Meals

    Each week the project takes the volunteers to the grocery store (Spar) in the neighboring town of Mbazwana to buy groceries for the week within the budget. Thereafter they prepare their own food in the shared kitchen. Each night there is a fire prepared by the the staff at the fire area so volunteers can barbecue and socialize.

    Location

    Sodwana Bay which means ‘little one on its own’ in Zulu, is a small rural town on the east coast of South Africa. It is found just outside the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park which is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This coastline has the Southern most coral reefs in South Africa with 50 km of unspoiled reef. There are over 1100 species of fish that are found in Sodwana Bay waters, including the famous coelacanth that was once thought to be extinct.  This small town has so many incredible activities to keep volunteers and interns busy during their stay.  This is definitely an incredible little diving town to visit and explore! 

Testimonials Coming Soon!

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