Coastal Conservation Project

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.

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

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