The Great Shark Project

When Is The Best Time To Volunteer?

As Gansbaai is a hotspot for shark activity, sightings are possible throughout the year. However, conditions vary by season, with changes in visibility and occasional “no-sea” days. During these times, a variety of exciting land-based activities are available, which are outlined in detail in the project guide.

Peak season: April-October
Visibility is at its best during the peak season, averaging between 2-5 metres, as opposed to 1.5-2.5 metres at other times of the year. The feeding pattern of Gansbaai’s sharks is also most active during this season, which can make for fantastic viewing! That said, this is also the winter season, which means that stormy weather may result in fewer days out at sea.

High season: November-December
The high season sees decent visibility, and the weather can be somewhat variable. Volunteers during this season may be lucky enough to go out to sea more often than those who choose to volunteer during the peak season; however, there may be fewer sharks per viewing, though this unpredictability is part of the adventure, and that first glimpse of a shark is made all the more exciting!

Intermediate season: January-March
The weather is at its best during this season, and time spent out at sea can be glorious: clear skies, steady seas, and a low chance of rain make for an enjoyable time on the water. Shark sightings during this time are somewhat variable, but as with all wild encounters, nothing is ever guaranteed.

While this project primarily focuses on sharks, some volunteers are interested in observing other species during their time in South Africa. May to November is a brilliant time to see southern right whales as they congregate in the area to mate and calve, making for an unforgettable experience should you be lucky enough to witness them.

Shark Sightings

The Gansbaai area remains a hotspot for bronze whaler sharks, sevengill cow sharks, and an array of smaller, fascinating shark species, as well as other incredible marine wildlife. However, in recent years, sightings of great white sharks have declined following the arrival of killer whales in the region. This shift has brought new challenges and heightened the importance of the ongoing conservation work undertaken by the project. 

Despite fewer great white shark encounters, volunteers continue to play a crucial role in shark conservation, working closely with marine biologists, contributing to research, and helping to safeguard the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem in Gansbaai.

Getting There

You will need to arrive at Cape Town Airport on the start date of your project, where you will be met and taken to a backpacker's guesthouse for the first night. The next morning, you will be transferred to the project location in Kleinbaai, which is approximately a two-hour drive from Cape Town. Transfers to and from Cape Town are included in the project cost; however, if you are not travelling back to Cape Town after the project, you will need to arrange and pay for your own transfer.

The return transfer is a group transfer, and volunteers are returned to Cape Town on the client bus, which usually leaves at 9am. On occasion, this transfer can be later in the day, so we recommend booking a flight that departs after 5pm on your final day. If you book a flight late in the evening, it is possible to leave your luggage at the hostel whilst exploring Cape Town for the afternoon.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of most countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and most of those within the EU, do not need to obtain a visa to enter South Africa and are granted entry for up to 90 days upon arrival. You will, however, need at least 2 blank pages in your passport for the immigration officials to use, and your passport must be valid for a period of at least 6 months from your date of entry.

If you are unsure of your individual visa requirements, we recommend speaking to your local South African embassy at least 2 months prior to travel.

Fitness & Skills

We recommend that you come with a moderate level of fitness, as volunteers are involved with all aspects of work during their time on the project, including bait preparation and cage deployment. No specific skills are required; all we ask is that you come with a strong work ethic and have a love and passion for sharks and the ocean. You will be taught the rest!

Vaccinations

There are no specific vaccinations required to join this project; therefore, we recommend consulting your GP/doctor or a travel clinic and following their advice on vaccinations for travel. You can also find helpful advice and information on the Travel Health Pro website.