Marine Conservation
Volunteer Vacation
A Marine Conservation Experience and a Vacation Rolled into One.
Dive on one of the most amazing reef complexes in the world while contributing to marine research. Instead of going on a trip to work full time, enjoy this combination program of volunteering and a vacation!
Duration
2 - 12 weeks
Age
18 - 36 years old
Season
January - November
Location
Sodwana Bay, South Africa
What to expect from the marine conservation volunteer vacation
You will arrive on the first Friday of the month. The Saturday after arrival, you will receive a camp orientation. The rest of this weekend can be used to settle in and get to know other volunteers and interns.
Week one will be used to complete the PADI Open Water course which takes 4 days to complete. If you have chosen to complete another PADI course, this will be done during the second week to allow you to become accustomed to diving in Sodwana during the first week.
Once you are a qualified diver, you dive each day, 5 days a week. We typically dive either once or twice a day depending on the schedule for the day and the ocean conditions. Volunteers collect photographic data on turtles, manta rays, and nudibranchs. This data is entered into international marine conservation databases after dives. During some days, you may take part in various community development projects or help clean up our beaches before the litter is washed back into the ocean and onto our reefs.
Deep Blue offers Marine Lectures to increase knowledge about the ocean, these are short and casual. After your stay, you will receive a certificate for the lectures that can be added to your CV.
Free time and days off can be used to relax and explore. There are a lot of activities to keep you busy during your stay!
WHAT'S INCLUDED in the marine conservation volunteer program
Airport Transfers
Transfer from the Richards Bay airport to the camp as well as the return transfer.
Dives and Gear
1-2 dives a day, five days a week.
Hard gear rental (BCD, regulator, weight belt and cylinder).
Accommodation
Accommodation at our rustic camp, includes en suit bathrooms, a pool, wifi and restaurant.
Transport
Transport to and from the beach as well as around the town for excursions and nights out.
Food
Groceries are included, after which meals can be prepared together in the communal kitchen.
Beach Gate Fees
Gate fees into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park for dives, as it is a marine protected area.
PADI Dive Course
PADI Open Water or
Advanced Open Water course.
Weekly Excursions
Weekly excursions to view points, Lake Sibaya etc. as well as braais (barbeques).
Marine conservation volunteer Accommodation
Our camp is conveniently situated on the main road of the town so you can easily adventure on your own to different shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars.
If you feel like staying in, the camp is fully equipped!
Marine conservation Volunteer COSTS
No Course, Only Dives
Are you already a diver and want to get straight back in the water? You will do a refresher to check up on your skills and then head right into the ocean!
From:
€ 2300 (First 14 nights)
€ 890 (Per additional 7 nights)
HOW TO BOOK your marine conservation volunteer vacation
Email us at info@deepblueconservation.org to book your spot!