Lovers of the marine environment who want to learn more about the conservation and research of whales, dolphins and seals.

Conservation and Research of Dolphins and Whales

This very worthwhile and enjoyable project is based in Plettenberg Bay, a stunning beach resort near Knysna on the famous Garden Route. Here you'll assist with research on Dolphins and Whales and work in a beautiful and temperate environment, where you can go from mountain to beach in half-an-hour!

There is easy access to many of the country's most beautiful beaches and nature parks, while the ocean is home to bottlenose and humpback dolphins and Cape Fur Seals, common dolphins, killer whales, Bryde’s and mink whales, southern right whales every day, as well as humpbacks.

What you'll gain from doing this Project:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa.


• You'll learn an enormous amount about Dolphins and Whales from one of the world's foremost experts.


• New skills in research, conservation and working on the ocean.


• More confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture plus invaluable personal and professional development.


• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market


• The satisfaction of contributing to research which could affect the preservation and conservation of marine animals


• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

Project Overview

The Director of the Centre (who will supervise your work) hails from Zimbabwe and is one of the world’s foremost authorities on dolphins and whales. The Centre has undertaken over 30 research programmes by a network of scientists and post-graduate students, and over 145 publications have been produced. Your work in this Centre is varied and extremely worthwhile.

During your stay on the project, and depending on the length of time your project is for, you'll be given a a course in Marine Mammal Biology and Research. Amongst other things, the course will cover a lot of basic information about marine mammals and will be divided up into different modules.

Each module will include lectures, practical workshops, collection and analysis of data. The course will run for four weeks and if you're staying for longer than 4 weeks, you'll be able to use yourr new-found knowledge to get involved with ongoing projects, help with training and aid with collection of data for ongoing projects. A small 'exam' will be written at the end of the course and you'll receive a certificate.

Your Work in Brief

Some of your work could include the following: Research is done on all the different species and some of the data is gathered by going out on the research boat, or possibly even the tourist boat, to take photographs of the dolphins and whales. The photographs are to provide fin profiles for identification.

After a trip out on the research boat, you’ll go back to the lab to catalogue the photos for identification of the different individuals. This provides valuable information on the animals’ migration patterns and social groups and habits. The more multi-sightings of individuals they are able to record, the more they can learn, including sizes of babies, thus providing information on their stages of growth.

Taking skin samples from Humpback whales for analysis. This work is most prolific from May to November, but does takes place throughout the rest of the year as well, but on a lesser scale.

Accommodation

You will be staying in a beautiful wooden cabin about 7 km outside the town of Plettenberg Bay, set in the most stunning surroundings. The property shares boundaries with the Knysna Elephant Park and often you’ll wake up to elephants just a few metres away, hanging their heads over the fence.

Additional Activities you can do while on this Project:

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

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  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.


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  Surfing Courses:

  
  In the buzz city of Durban.


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  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.


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  5-Day Bush Survival Course:

  
  This is a fantastic experience and opportunity to see lots of wild animals in their native habitats in Game Reserves. You'll learn a lot and you'll really enjoy learning some bush skills in the great outdoors!

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in South Africa. That way you’ll get a good knowledge of two or more very different regions of the country.

What to do next

Talk to us - We're there to help you. 0845 3 447 585

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.

0845 344 7585

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE! Help children, animals and conservation around the world. Gain valuable work experience and new skills. All ages & nationalities welcome. EXPLORE a new culture from the inside on worthwhile, well-structured projects. FLEXIBLE: From two weeks to one year - you choose your dates and duration.