Coastal Conservation Project

Dive into the thrilling world of marine conservation.

Home to a thriving population of bottlenose dolphin and important whale breeding grounds, the waters around South Africa’s Garden Route are nothing short of an underwater jungle. 

Guided by the experienced conservation researchers, this project gives you the chance to join an internationally recognised marine research project in the heart of this teeming seascape.

Whether you’re cruising the waves on a research boat or exploring the wild coastline on foot, you’ll get a unique chance to study whales, dolphins, sharks and other marine animals up close. You’ll also lend a hand educating locals and tourists about the importance of protecting our oceans.

Dolphins breaching in front of waves and mountans

Rhino Rating Tells you how physical the experience is. Click to find out more.

This project has a "Rhino Rating" of 3

Species

  • Dolphin
  • Whale
  • Marine Birds
  • and many more.

Conservation Impact

  • Marine research
  • Coastal habitat conservation
  • Conservation education

Country

🇿🇦 South Africa

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Highlights

Focus on marine animals

Most people associate Africa with elephants, rhino and lions. But protecting the continent’s fragile aquatic ecosystem is just as important for wildlife conservation. 

Perfect for thrill-seekers

The area’s waters and sandy beaches aren’t just appealing to marine wildlife. South Africa’s Garden Route is a mecca for adventurous traveller with activities such as bungee jumping and black water tubing on offer, as well as a lively social scene.

Meet the locals

Part of your time as a coastal conservation volunteer will be spent teaching local school children about the dangers our oceans face. This is a fun and educational experience, no matter which side of the classroom you’re sitting.

Do

This project gathers information on all marine wildlife in the West Indian Ocean and build a model for sustainable conservation. As a volunteer, your role will be very hands-on, working alongside professional researchers to continue this study. Depending on the animals being monitored at the time, you’ll get the chance to be involved with the following activities:

Wildlife research and monitoring 

Decades of research into bottlenose and humpback dolphin has really put this project on the map. As a volunteer, you’ll help to carry on this legacy and take the research in new directions.  

  • Learn how to do cetacean dorsal fin identification as part of dolphin and whale monitoring
  • Collect and analyse the egg cases of shark, skate and ray (known as elasmobranchs) 
  • Test the quality of river water to assess the health of local water systems
  • Catch and ring birds to monitor migratory routes
  • Monitor migrating humpback whales, southern right whales, and resident Bryde whales
  • Build up your research and data collection skills
  • Spend time on research boats and land-based projects and reserves

Practical conservation work 

The project has a strong emphasis on practical conservation work, and you’re likely to join many different activities. 

  • Assist with the rescue and rehabilitation of penguins and sea birds
  • Plant indigenous trees and removal of alien species to rehabilitate land and minimise our carbon footprint
  • Hike on the Robberg peninsula, studying rock pools and clearing rubbish as you go
  • Maintain small aquariums at the centre, including collection of fish food and cleaning of aquariums
  • Support local initiatives, from helping to maintain enclosures at wildlife sanctuaries to cleaning dog enclosures at a local animal welfare society

Community outreach

The project has a long-standing working relationship with local pre-schools. If your trip is during term time, you’ll join them for weekly fun education sessions.

  • Inspire the local kids about conservation and the mysteries of the sea
  • Support experienced educators to help the kids learn through play

Learn

As well as gaining all kinds of practical work experience (which you can read about under the ‘do’ tab), you’ll learn about the behaviour, biology and conservation of dolphins, whales, sharks and South Africa’s other marine species.

You will also learn about:

  • Cetacean physiology and anatomy
  • Biodiversity and evolution
  • Moon phases and the tides

Costs

Can I volunteer at more than one project and how much will it cost?

Most of our travellers like to combine multiple projects to create a tailor-made trip. The combined price of projects is cheaper than the individual projects added up online. 

We offer combinations of conservation projects, transport between them, accommodation and travel insurance as you require. We are a travel operator, not an agent, which means we take full responsibility for your trip which will be financially protected through ABTA and ATOL.

We will discuss your options and tailor your experiences so you can realise your dreams.

How do I book?

Your journey to Africa starts with our online application form. This is your chance to tell us about yourself and what you want from your African experience. Following our communication, we’ll send you a bespoke itinerary and quote. Then, you only need to pay a deposit amount of GBP 295 / USD 400 / CAD 500 / AUD 500 / EUR 350 to book your entire trip.

The cost below for this experience includes:

  • Accommodation

  • Internal Flights

  • Airport Meet & Greet

  • Transfers

  • 24/7 Support

  • Personal Guidance

  • Meals

Cost Calculator

Total Cost: GBP 0000