Marine Conservation and Community Project

  South Africa

Plettenberg Bay

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Whale and dolphin watching is the most exciting part of the program, but the volunteers will be involved in a wide variety of activities. The volunteers will be hiking, bird watching, whale/dolphin watching, beach clean ups, water sampling, fish counts, river health analysis, fishing, fish specimen collection, aquarium maintenance, bait collection, pre-school and primary school conservation education, seahorse population density, just to name a few.

You will gain experience collecting data, samples and photographs for the various research projects. The details will be explained with each project you are involved in on site and each project is dependant on the time of year that you participate in the program. You may not be involved is all the research as some projects are only conducted 3-4 times per year. Your training will give you a basic education on the projects that we are involved with and will educate you to the level of a field assistant.

Highlights: The surrounding area to Plettenberg Bay has a huge variety of attractions for you to visit and experience while you are there.
- Walk with Elephants
- Ride with the Elephants
- Horse Back Safaris
- Buffalo Hills game drive
- Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
- Bridge Walking
- Bungee Jumping
- Sky Diving
- Tree Top Canopy Tours
- Monkeyland
- Birds of Eden
- Tenikwa Wildlife Reserve
- Adventure land water park
- 3D Walking Maze
- Dive Courses
- Scenic Flights around the bay
- Surfing Lessons/per lesson
- Yacht Cruises/Sailing
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Lawnwood (snake park)
- Helicopter trips

Qualifications: To become a conservation volunteer at O.R.C.A. previous knowledge or experience is not required. The vision behind the volunteer placements is for those with a passion of conservation and to work in the outdoors. It also gives you the opportunity to have a life changing experience, all the while providing the reserve with invaluable conservation assistance.

The only exception to this is if you should wish to join the dive research teams, this will require a minimum of open water one. This course can be taken during your stay at an additional cost.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: R500.00

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer is some one who wants to learn about the environment, contribute to the program as best they can, be willing to work, have fun, and to make a difference.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of max 12

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

ORCA Foundation's Mission Statement: To create, in partnership with the community, a conservation model in Plettenberg Bay to sustain Marine and Coastal Resources through improved Management, Research and Education

Year Founded: 2000