Know The Difference
Have you read through the “About” section and now understand what the Shark Academy is all about? Does our volunteering page clarify why we are a great choice for your next life and career adventure? If so, it’s time to pick a package suited to you.
The volunteering program is best suited for those seeking a sneak peek into the life of a marine scientist. It is targeted at shark enthusiasts who are passionate about spending quality time with sharks and learning about shark conservation as well as marine biology. Our eight-week internship program is for anyone leaning towards a career in marine science and provides deeper insights and responsibilities with our team. This is a more technical program in partnership with our sister company, South African Shark Conservancy, which is perfect for your practical university placement.
Please download the program guide for more information on our program, research, your tasks and your experience.
We sometimes offer discounted rates, so send us an enquiry and we will let you know.
Our Packages
Volunteering
$600
Weekly Rate
If you are time constrained but are searching for an incredible hands-on experience working with sharks, this is for you. No scientific background needed. A minimum of two weeks is required.
- No science background needed
- Peek into marine science
- Contribute to conservation
- Spend quality time with sharks
- Have a great adventure
Internship
$500
Weekly Rate
If you are a gap year student, trying to leave a positive conservation footprint, or a marine biologist looking for an internship placement – this is your chance. A minimum of eight weeks is required.
Apply Now
Post-grad Students
FEES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Tailored Options Available
If you are a marine biologist looking for great research facilities, strong mentorship and excellent scientific infrastructure for your MSc or PhD, we should talk. A minimum of six months is required.
Apply Now
Why Are You Paying to Volunteer?
Like most other volunteering programs out there, our organization is 100% reliant on external contributions to finance our ongoing research and conservation efforts. Your fees will support our operational costs for boats, transportation, shark tags, lab equipment, housing and more. From the smallest light bulb to the biggest shark tank, we couldn’t run our activities without you, so this is as good a time as any to say thank you.
Experience Science Hands On
As a small team, we work hard to ensure you get the most out of your experience at Shark Academy. You will spend days at sea, assist with shark tagging and deploy baited remote underwater video (BRUV) systems. You will help with ecological surveys, run focal surveys on great white sharks, contribute to database management and data analysis, participate in lectures, workshops and so much more.
Have a look at the summary of different activities you could participate in during your time. These are embedded in a flexible weekly schedule which is very much weather dependent and changes often.
Training Fundamentals
- Ocean & Coast in SA
- Shark Evolution & Ecology
- Sharks & Fisheries
- Shark Population Dynamics
- Science Comms. Workshops
- Trophic Ecology & Sharks
Lab Activities
- Shark Handling
- Shark Husbandry
- Data Entry & Management
- Shark Dissection
- Shark Sampling
Field Activities
- Shark Diversity Surveys
- Underwater Shark Census
- Shark Tagging
- Sharks After Dark
- BRUV Deployment