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Cape Fur Seal and Marine Research Volunteering in South Africa for Families

1 week from

£995
7 yrs+
minimum age

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Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews

  • Join a fur seal and marine conservation family expedition in Cape Town
  • Located in the same area where they filmed the Netflix film, My Octopus Teacher!
  • Get your kids engaged in marine conservation and snorkelling for science
  • Visit African Penguins on Boulders Beach as part of the family itinerary

Elena Sea ForestJoin our Fur Seal and Marine Research Family Volunteering Programme

Join our team of marine biologists for a week-long programme ideally suited for families and live in the beautiful and biodiverse South Peninsula of Cape Town, South Africa. Spend your days assisting research projects and learning about our marine life including fish, seals, sharks, sunfish and more!

The programme is situated in Simon’s Town, False Bay; nestled in an area of spectacular beauty that features stunning beaches, incredible marine life, and a mountainous backdrop – just 40 km from Cape Town’s city centre. The coast of South Africa is a well-known hot spot for marine diversity, boasting numerous shark, cetacean, seal and fish species, as well as kelp forests, natural reef systems and artificial habitats in the form of shipwrecks.

Table Mountain South Africa photo by Janan Lagerwall UnsplashIts not all Work!

In addition to participating in scientific diving/snorkelling and collecting data for conservational research projects, you will have the chance to explore and experience the beautiful city of Cape Town and its surroundings, being located only 40 km from the city centre, you can climb Table Mountain, check out the incredible beaches and nature hikes on the Western coast of the city, or just relax at the waterfront marina.

Why Choose this Family Package?

  • Experience working with field biologists and specialists.Education and training False Bay
  • Practical insight into data collection techniques.
  • Learn about a variety of fish, invertebrates and coral species.
  • Get your children involved in understanding threats and challenges to the local marine environment.
  • Encounter a variety of marine animals like octopus, fish, sharks, rays and marine invertebrates.
  • Community outreach participation through Beach clean-ups, and citizen science projects.
  • The programme is located in the same area where they filmed the Netflix film – My Octopus Teacher!

Family Programme Daily Activities

pyjama shark swimsDay 1:  Arrival and orientation

Day 2:  Get involved in a citizen science project, Finspotter. Snorkel in the Great African sea forest, searching for elusive endemic shysharks and catsharks. This data helps understand the movements and population size of these sharks. Use the afternoon to take a trip to the most southwestern point of Africa, Cape Point.

Day 3:  A boat expedition including two dives/snorkels. The first will be with cape fur seals, the second will be in the kelp forest. During the trip, we will keep an eye out for whales and sunfish who may be swimming nearby! Observations are logged and uploaded to SEAFARI and iNaturalist. End the day with a short hike up the mountain to get beautiful views of the town.

Penguin, False BayDay 4: Help clean the beach while collecting data on the marine debris found. Also, help find shark egg cases to be added to a monitoring project of shark egg hatching success. End the day by spending time with the African penguins on Boulders Beach.

Day 5: Spend a day aboard a research boat on the water. Set up and drop a baited remote underwater video (BRUV), collect water samples to contribute to a microplastic study, and look out for dolphins, whales and sunfish. Whale observations are added to SEAFARI and sunfish sightings are sent to the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. End the day by visiting a famous winery to enjoy a great meal or wine-tasting experience.

Day 6:  Utilise your off day by exploring Cape Town or its surroundings. Hike up the world- famous Table Mountain, and learn about the amazing fauna and flora above the Waterfront. Or take a ferry to Robben Island, the prison island where Nelson Mandela was held. There is so much to do! Other activities include a city sightseeing tour bus, hiking, beaches, restaurants, vineyards, museums and more!

volunteers doing research, false bayDay 7: Departure day, time to say: SEA you soon.

*Note:  This schedule is subject to change, depending on ocean and atmospheric weather. Other activities around Cape Town and Simons Town can be arranged

Families with children aged 7 years and upwards are most welcome to join.  Many families opt to do this as part of their own holiday in South Africa, and we are flexible with dates.  No experience is necessary except family members must be able to swim. Basic water skills and snorkel techniques will be taught over the course of your stay by our marine biologists.

Click here to download the family package PDF:

South Africa – Fur Seal, Shark and Marine Research Family Volunteer Programme

Any further questions, please contact us at info@workingabroad.com

Cape Fur Seal and Marine Research Volunteering in South Africa for Families