ORCA Marine Foundation - Conservation Research

The experienced O.R.C.A. team will help settle you in over your stay and give you the opportunity to take on your own individual projects where your best interests lie. O.R.C.A. offers ocean research volunteers personal diversity in the programme, from assisting the dive research teams to helping with the community outreach programme, you will find your own way to contribute. Volunteers will be working under the supervision of UNISA/SAARSVELD students and a PhD in marine biology and also have the chance to integrate with the rest of the team at O.R.C.A. and OCEAN BLUE ADVENTURES.

In your stay in Plettenberg Bay, (one of the most breathtaking and serene outdoor classrooms in Southern Africa), you should be lucky enough to witness the power and grace of whales, the exuberance of dolphins and killer whales, see playful seals and the majestic of mountains and forests scenery. Above all, being an ocean research volunteer will allow you to actively and meaningfully participate in ensuring that things stay this way for future generations. Through the O.R.C.A. marine conservation project, you can join the drive to manage this marine and coastal zone in a sustainable manner and in the process experience the community, culture and environment in a way more intimate than most visitors.

Other Activities Free of Charge:

Ocean Blue Adventures Dolphin and Whale watching
Ocean Blue Adventures Sea Kayaking
Ocean Blue Township tours
O.R.C.A. Marine Foundations Aims:

The main aim of the foundation is the establishment of a “Marine Park” which is a multi-user approach to establishing an effective management plan for the bay to ensure sustainability of marine resources.
To alleviate coastal poverty through job creation and skills development, which will assist in maintaining the sustainability of the marine resources.

To raise public awareness and educate all communities of how the protection and sustainable utilization of our coastal and marine resources can benefit all and why maintaining coastal and marine bio-diversity is so important.

To implement an education programme for school children based on the curriculum.
All student activities on the O.R.C.A. marine conservation project will support the mission and objectives of the O.R.C.A. Foundation, including current research activities at the time of the course.

O.R.C.A. Marine Foundation is situated along South Africas famous Garden Route in the lively town of Plettenberg Bay. Plettenberg Bay, in one of the country’s most fashionable holiday resorts and a beach-lover’s paradise, where long stretches of soft sand give way to azure seas.

Plettenberg Bay is characterised by sweeping, unspoilt golden beaches, a dramatic rocky peninsula, intriguing lagoons and estuaries, towering indigenous forests and unpolluted rivers and sea.

With its exceptional climate, and beautiful view sites over the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay is perfect for tourists, travellers and locals alike.

Your accommodation for the duration of your stay will be in the ORCA volunteer house situated in Plettenberg Bay approximately 1 mile from the ORCA centre. The accommodation is self catering with shared bedroom and bathroom facilities.

Laundry facilities are available for volunteers, the house is within close proximity to nearby shopping centre which has various shops, cinemas, restaurants and bars.