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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to intern with leading marine biologists in South Africa? Our Travel Roots Shark Academy Internship program is the perfect opportunity to gain real-world scientific research skills while actively contributing to shark conservation. Based in the coastal town of Hermanus, you’ll join a passionate team dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems through hands-on fieldwork, ecological studies, and scientific outreach.
This intensive internship is designed for students, recent graduates, and early-career scientists seeking direct experience in shark research. Through structured mentorship and daily marine activities, you’ll deepen your knowledge of elasmobranch biology, environmental management, and conservation science.
This is more than just an internship—it’s a launchpad for a future in marine science, offering you invaluable field experience and networking opportunities in one of the world’s most biodiverse coastal environments.
Key Activities Include:
Conducting ecological surveys and habitat assessments
Assisting in shark tagging and acoustic tracking
Deploying and analyzing baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVs)
Assisting with behavioural monitoring of coastal shark species
Supporting environmental DNA (eDNA) sample collection and analysis
Maintaining datasets and contributing to published research
Participating in lectures, scientific discussions, and career development workshops
Helping with science communication and public outreach events
Every day brings new challenges and discoveries as you immerse yourself in the thrilling world of shark conservation and marine biology. Whether you’re analysing video footage, identifying shark species, or conducting field surveys—your time here will be meaningful, challenging, and unforgettable.
By joining our Shark Academy Internship program in South Africa, you will:
Gain intensive field experience in marine science and shark ecology
Work alongside expert researchers on cutting-edge shark conservation projects
Assist in real-world data collection, tagging, and BRUV survey analysis
Participate in lectures and workshops designed to boost your marine science career
Learn scientific diving techniques and safety protocols at sea
Explore the biodiversity of South Africa’s unique coastal ecosystems
Develop transferable skills in research, teamwork, and science communication
Experience life in the coastal town of Hermanus, a global hub for marine conservation
What to Expect: A Day in the Life in the Shark Academy
Each day at the Shark Academy blends ocean adventure with real-world science. You’ll work alongside expert marine biologists, gain hands-on field research experience, and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts—all in the breathtaking setting of South Africa’s Western Cape.
Here’s what a typical day might look like:
7:30 AM – Morning Briefing & Dive Prep
Start the day with a team meeting to review objectives and safety protocols. Depending on conditions, you’ll prepare gear and research materials for your ocean fieldwork.9:00 AM – Dive Excursion or Shore-Based Research
Head out for a dive to deploy BRUV systems, conduct shark tagging, or participate in behavioural monitoring. On alternate days, you might assist in data analysis, attend marine ecology workshops, or prepare samples in the lab.12:30 PM – Lunch & Downtime
Return to shore for a hearty lunch and some time to relax, reflect, or explore the nearby coastline.2:00 PM – Afternoon Activities
Continue with fieldwork, attend a lecture on shark biology or conservation policy, or assist with shark husbandry duties. You’ll also get time to log research notes and review the day’s data.5:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Free Time
Finish with a team debrief and optional evening walk along Onrus Beach. Evenings are typically free, perfect for journaling, sharing experiences with your housemates, or enjoying a peaceful sunset.Days Off
You’ll typically have one or two free days each week. Volunteers often use this time to go whale watching in Hermanus, explore local markets, or hike the surrounding nature reserves.Every day offers a new opportunity to explore marine ecosystems and directly contribute to shark conservation—an experience as meaningful as it is unforgettable.
Your Impact as an Intern
As a participant in the Shark Academy Intern Program, your contributions go far beyond observation—you’ll play a direct role in the ongoing protection of South Africa’s shark populations and marine ecosystems.
Your work will support vital research that informs national conservation strategies, helping local authorities and international partners implement data-backed protections for vulnerable shark species. From collecting behavioural data on Great Whites to conducting species diversity surveys, every activity contributes to a larger body of scientific understanding.
You'll also:
Help raise awareness about the importance of sharks in healthy marine ecosystems
Assist in identifying threats like overfishing and habitat loss
Support shark welfare through ethical handling and monitoring
Help ensure accurate data collection that fuels education, advocacy, and policy change
By the end of your time, you’ll have made a real difference in the fight to protect sharks—and gained the experience and confidence to continue that work wherever your path leads.
Your Home in South Africa
During your time with us, you'll reside at the Shark Conservancy House, located in Onrus, a charming seaside suburb of Hermanus. This coastal home offers a tranquil and comfortable base where you’ll connect with like-minded volunteers and recharge between your impactful days in the field.
The accommodation is conveniently situated within walking distance of Onrus Beach and local shops, with the picturesque mountains and sea never far from view. You'll be living in a relaxed and welcoming community known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and small-town charm.
Here’s what’s included:
Shared accommodation with fellow volunteers in the Shark Conservancy House
Located close to the beach, cafes, and local amenities in Onrus
Fully equipped communal kitchen and lounge spaces for cooking and socialising
Comfortable shared bedrooms with basic furnishings and linens provided
Wi-Fi access in communal areas
On-site laundry facilities
Weekly housekeeping for shared spaces
Safe, secure, and supportive living environment
Onrus is the ideal setting for those who want to combine meaningful marine conservation work with the peaceful rhythm of coastal life. Whether you’re watching the waves roll in, exploring nearby art galleries, or spotting whales during migration season, your time here will be filled with discovery and inspiration.
History
Founded in 2007, this impactful marine conservation NGO has spent over a decade advancing shark and ocean research through collaborative partnerships with governments, academic institutions, and conservation networks. Based in Hermanus, South Africa—one of the world's most biodiverse marine regions—their team has become internationally recognised for pioneering shark tagging studies and ecosystem-based conservation initiatives.
Mission & Vision
Their mission is to ensure the sustainability of sharks and marine environments through collaboration, education, and hands-on research. Working closely with government, academia, industry, and fellow NGOs, they co-develop responsible ocean management strategies to protect shark species and their habitats.
Through this program, you'll join a community dedicated to safeguarding the future of our oceans—by supporting both species conservation and ecological balance.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fees
Duration Total Fee (€)
8 Weeks (Min Stay) €4464
10 Weeks €5580
12 Weeks €6696
16 Weeks €8928
20 Weeks €11,160
24 Weeks €13,392
For durations longer than 24 weeks, please contact us directly for further discounted prices.
What’s Included:
Accommodation in a shared volunteer house near the coast
All field training, mentoring, and guidance from experienced marine scientists
Daily hands-on marine research and diving experience
Scientific lectures and shark conservation workshops
Marine biodiversity surveys and BRUV deployment activities
Use of all research and diving equipment (excluding personal wetsuits and dive gear)
Welcome pack full of useful information
Airport pickup and local transfers
Full support before, during, and after your program
100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
So much more
Your Investment in Shark Conservation and Your Career
Your investment in this shark conservation journey directly supports ongoing marine research and the protection of vital ocean ecosystems—while also giving you a deeply enriching learning experience. Whether you're diving alongside Great Whites or collecting crucial data, you're gaining hands-on skills and making a tangible impact.
Your personal investment also helps you grow professionally and personally—building confidence, global awareness, teamwork, and technical field skills applicable to conservation, science, and beyond.
Where You'll Be: In Hermanus, South Africa
Nestled along the southern coast of South Africa, Hermanus is renowned as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. But beyond the migrating giants of the sea, this charming town offers a vibrant marine ecosystem, dramatic cliffs, and endless natural beauty—making it the perfect base for marine conservation adventures.
Onrus, a peaceful coastal suburb of Hermanus, is where you’ll stay during your program. Surrounded by ocean, mountains, and wildlife, it’s a tranquil yet inspiring place to live and work. You’ll be just a short walk from local beaches, cafés, shops, and nature trails—blending conservation work with small-town coastal charm.
About South Africa
South Africa is a land of breathtaking diversity. From rugged coastlines and dramatic mountain ranges to lush forests and wildlife-filled savannahs, it’s a country that captivates the soul. Known for its rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and world-class biodiversity, South Africa offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, adventurers, and conservationists alike.
The Western Cape province, where Hermanus is located, is particularly famous for its marine life, hiking trails, and vibrant towns. Whether you’re spotting great white sharks, exploring kelp forests, or watching the sunset over the bay, every moment in this region is full of wonder.
Your time off in Hermanus and Onrus will be just as exciting and enriching as your time in the field. With the beach on your doorstep, incredible natural landscapes surrounding you, and a welcoming community to explore, your free time offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and connection.
Some of the most popular free time activities include:
Whale Watching – Hermanus is one of the top whale-watching spots in the world during the season (June–November).
Local Beaches – Spend your afternoons relaxing on Onrus Beach or swimming in its tidal pools.
Hiking – Explore the scenic Fernkloof Nature Reserve with its panoramic views, native flora, and diverse birdlife.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding – Rent equipment locally and take to the waters of Walker Bay.
Town Exploration – Visit local markets, art galleries, cafés, and boutique shops in Hermanus.
Wine Tasting – Take a trip to nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, home to some of South Africa’s best wineries.
Day Trips – Plan excursions to Cape Town, Gansbaai for shark cage diving, or explore the famous Garden Route.
Whether you're craving nature, culture, or coastal bliss, this region of South Africa delivers unforgettable moments beyond the conservation work.
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