The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with the Great White Shark! Learn about and enjoy one of the most exquisite and mysterious gifts of Mother Nature. This Project is exciting, adventurous, facinating! An opportunity to view the Great White Shark in its natural environment, either from a boat or an underwater cage. You'll also see other wildlife species, including Cape Gannets, Bryde Whales, Cape Fur Seals, Dolphins and Jackass Penguins. You'll learn a lot about the Great White and then you'll put that knowledge to use by assisting in conservation and research into this awesome animal.

When you arrive, you'll be given a lot of training before starting your actual work. This training will consist of most of the elements of a two-week course which the project offers the general public. However, whereas the general public go home after completing their course, you will be working with project staff to assist in their research and fight against the encroaching possible extinction of the Great White.

You'll receive training in White Shark biology, research, behaviour, conservation, changing attitudes, shark attacks, basic seamanship, underwater filming, still photography and shark tourism. Part of the training will be in the form of slides and videos. They will take place in the evenings after you return from sea, or on off-sea days.

Weather permitting you will go to sea frequently. At sea, you'll get involved as much as possible with all aspects of sea work. This will be focused on working with the sharks from above and below the water. Much emphasis will be placed on observing behaviour and the interactions of sharks around the boat. You will be taught how to get in and out of the cage and how to remain secure and safe in the cage. Participants in the cages will record observations of the White Sharks. This will include sex, size, markings and behaviour.

You'll also be taught the basics of how to set the camera up, how to use it under water and how to obtain the best images.

The first boat trip usually goes out at 8:30am. The tourists arrive from Cape Town around 7:30am for a breakfast at the Lodge. Volunteers get up around 6:00am to help with preparing the equipment (wet suits, masks, etc.) for the day. You'll have breakfast and be ready to welcome the guests at 7:30am. You'll walk the guests a short 5 minute walk to the launch site. Once on the boat, you'll help the crew in any way you can. This includes getting the boat anchored, helping the guests get kitted out for their cage dive, help with the chumming, and anything else that crops up.

Once the boat trip is over, you'll wash the boat down and pack all the kit up to take back to the lodge. The equipment needs to be washed and hung to dry for the next day. If it is busy there might be a second boat trip so all the above is repeated. If not, you have the rest of the day off. This daily routine takes place 7 days a week. If it’s a quiet day, you may have the opportunity to go on the Whale Watching boat (if there is space) for no charge.

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Marine Life in South Africa.
• You'll learn a lot from experts in your field about how they work in a cultural environment that's different to what you're used to.
• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
• An entry on your CV or résumé that will demonstrate your initiative and ability to work in unfamiliar surroundings, characteristics that may put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

You'll stay in a delightful red brick house. It is very comfortable and overlooks the Indian Ocean – this is no exaggeration, this is lovely accommodation. The house has twin sharing rooms, five bathrooms, a nice kitchen, a dining area and an outside patio for those hot evenings. Upstairs offers more excellent views over the mountains and ocean all around. With a very nice seating area, television, video and board games for entertainment, you will be very relaxed in your new home. There is a small supermarket nearby and it is situated five minutes from the harbour. I think the biggest problem you'll have is coming home!!

Add to your travel experience in Africa by doing some additional exciting activities, such as:

• 5- or 7-day Safari from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route
• Surfing Courses in Cape Town
• Photography & Photoshop Courses
• 1-Week Wildlife Rehabilitation
• 1-Week Zulu Culture Tour
• Surfing Courses in KwaZulu-Natal
• 1-Week Whales Sharks Dolphins
• 10-Day Paragliding Course

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like to apply for this project. Visit our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.