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To apply for an

Enkosini Eco Experience

volunteer project:

The Whale & Dolphin Conservation Project is located in Plettenberg Bay on the world famous "Garden Route" of South Africa. It is home to some of the world's most fascinating marine species, including southern right whales, humpback whales, bryde’s whales, bottlenose dolphins, humpback dolphins, common dolphins, orca whales, and great white sharks. The project is focused on creating a practical conservation model for the sustainable utilization of marine, coastal and estuarine habitats and returning these habitats to a pristine condition by combining education, conservation, community development, science, tourism and a viable business model.

Together with one of South Africa's leading whale and dolphin watching operators, you will enjoy regular trips to sea (in boats and kayaks) to view these magnificent animals up close and personal. The town of Plettenberg Bay, which is dependant on eco-tourism, has benefited significantly from the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Project through development of the impoverished part of the community, information gathered from the researchers on the condition of the Bay, and the attraction of eco-tourists to one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Recently honored with the International SKAL Award for Eco-Tourism and the WWF Green Trust Award, the  Whale & Dolphin Conservation Project differs significantly from the other marine programs in the area, offering "around the clock" attention and a much higher quality program.  Our volunteers go out on the boats nearly every day (other programs are more limited) and the trips take into account all aspects of marine life. The project also includes a balanced combination of other conservation projects and social programs.

Volunteer Work

During your stay in Plettenberg Bay, you will be lucky enough to witness the power and grace of whales, the exuberance of dolphins and seals, and the majestic beauty of mountain, forest and coastal scenery. Above all, you will have an opportunity to actively and meaningfully participate in conserving our marine life. You will learn about managing a marine and coastal zone in a sustainable manner and in the process experience the community, culture and environment in a more intimate way than most visitors.

All volunteer activities support the conservation and social objectives of the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Project, including any research activities at the time of the program. Volunteers may have the opportunity to participate in the following holistic bay management activities:

•Sampling, tagging, monitoring and analysis of fish species

•Participating in commercial marine eco-tourism activities, including whale and dolphin watching tours, sea kayaking, township tours, and river ferry cruises  

•Beach clean-up/analysis and river sampling

•Reforestation carbon off-set projects

•Rescuing and rehabilitating marine species (when occasion arises)

•Organising co-ordinated provincial marine and coastal awareness campaigns (e.g. National Environment Week, National Marine Week, Youth Day)

•Collecting touch pool and aquarium species for Education Centre

•Patrolling by boat to collect data, monitor the bay and take photos of whales, dolphins and other marine species

•Organising community development programs for previously disadvantaged communities (e.g. the Masizame Street Children’s project, Qolweni)

•Participating in a broad range of educational initiatives involving the local community, specifically educating school children on conservation principals

Other Activities

Volunteers staying for 4 weeks or longer have the opportunity to partake in the Marine Guiding Course to qualify as a marine guide (recognized by the SA boat based watching association) as well as  the Competent Crew Course where volunteers learn basic boat skills, radio work, safety at sea etc. 

Depending on the time of the year and weather conditions, your time will also include a diverse range of additional activities including:

•Sea kayaking

•River cruises on the Keurbooms river

•Excursions to the Elephant Park reserve

•Overnight stays on commercial hake fishing boats

•Mountain biking

Extra cost activities in the area include: sky diving, bunjy jumping, reserve hiking, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, horse back riding, surfing, kite surfing, shark cage diving and sailing.

Field Conditions

The volunteer house is located next to the beach and close to shops, movies, restaurants, etc.  The facilities of the volunteer house are very ‘user friendly’ and of a high quality with prepared meals, comfy beds, well stocked kitchen, internet, satellite television etc.  The atmosphere is one of ‘mixing it with the locals’ and volunteers are welcomed into local programs and enjoy all kinds of interesting activities after hours and on weekends.

The walk from the volunteer house to the Centre in Plettenberg Bay takes approximately 30 minutes along the beach or 20 minutes through town.  Plettenberg Bay has all the usual amenities, including medical doctors, supermarkets, restaurants, cinemas and Internet cafés. Volunteers will be provided with a mountain bike at no additional cost for the duration of their stay.  

Training / Qualifications

Training will be given in various aspects of marine conservation.

We limit the maximum number of volunteers to 12 people. This way the experience is more intimate and personal.

Costs

Volunteer Contribution:

1 week: GB£545 / US$895

2 weeks: GB£795 / US$1395

3 weeks: GB£1045 / US$1795

4 weeks: GB£1295 / US$2195