General Info
Roaming the worlds oceans, the Great White Shark is undoubtedly the greatest predatory force of the seas. Cloaked in myth, misunderstanding and fear, this awesome animal remains a mystery to man.
This Project is exciting, adventurous, fascinating! Sharks are intelligent and vulnerable, deserving of sympathy and respect. Education helps people to lose the Jaws phenomenon and gain the realisation that sharks are a complex and precious species, living in the water – just doing their best to survive. You'll work with a world leading organisation that focuses on the Great White Shark. "Everything we do we aim to do in harmony with nature and the environment we are working in.”
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.
YOUR TRAINING AND WORK:
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 organisation offers the general public. However, whereas the general public go home after completing their course, you will be working with the Project 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 and basic seamanship, and possibly underwater filming, still photography and shark tourism. 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.
This training is designed to educate you to a level of competence of a field assistant. During the training, you will be evaluated on how you handle teamwork, take your own initiatives, take interest in the work and activities, show interest in learning. Thereafter, you'll participate in assisting with various duties and responsibilities, including helping to educate locals and children on the Great White. Your work with them will help to achieve their objectives of gathering sufficient accurate data on the white sharks to assist in management programmes for the ensured survival of the species, as well as striving to change negative public attitude towards sharks through awareness and education, because it is almost impossible to ensure the survival of a hated species!
LOCATION:
The program will run out of Gaansbaai, South Africa. The White Shark fieldwork will take place around Dyer Island and possibly other shark locations. Dyer Island (Shark Alley!) is possibly the best place in the world to see Great Whites. Gaansbaai is a seaside village, which depends on fishing and tourism for its survival. It is situated approximately two hours south east of Cape Town.
The shark team document much shark activity using aerial surveys of the island. On one of the main research sites, Dyer Island, many other wildlife species can be viewed from the boat. It is the breeding ground for Jackass Penguins, Cape Cormorants and Gannets, whilst Geyser Rock opposite, is a breeding mecca for Cape Fur Seals and currently home to approximately 20 000 seals. In season Whales and an occasional Dolphin can be spotted. This is a perfect habitat for the Great White.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
► 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!
ACCOMMODATION:
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!!
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:
• A 5- or 7-day Safari from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route, taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves
• Surfing Courses: In the buzz city of Durban.
• Paragliding Course: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.
Travellers' placements are very flexible and you can combine this project with any other Travellers project, either in the same country or in different countries.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595
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 more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to 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.
