Frequently Asked Questions

If you love sharks and the ocean, you are eligible. The only restriction is that you must be 18 years or older to apply and you need to have good English skills so you can understand all of our briefings and scientific presentations.

We have set up an easy step-by-step application process online. Check out the program, make contact through our Step 1 process, send us your application in Step 2, pay a deposit to secure your stay and make sure you tick the boxes of your checklist. Then prepare to embark on this great journey.

Our rates are as follows:

• Interns: USD600/week
• Volunteers: USD700/week

• Shark Academy orientation and training;
• Wifi at the accommodation and Shark Lab;
• Accommodation;
• Bi-weekly accommodation cleaning;
• Shark Academy welcome pack;
• Weekly transport to the shops;
• Return transport from Cape Town Airport;
• Assistance arranging your own tours;
• Daily breakfasts;
• Mentorship and academic skills development;
• Work-related activities and research travel;
• A Shark Academy fun and educational excursion.

• Flights;
• Visas (if required);
• Medical/travel insurance;
• Laundry;
• Lunches and dinners;
• Non-work related travel which we can arrange for you;
• Social activities;
• Spending money.

That depends. Please check with your South African embassy before traveling.

No.

You will stay at the Shark Conservancy House in Onrus – a seaside suburb of Hermanus. Please note that accommodation is shared.

You will get a full list of things to bring and to take care of as soon as you are accepted into Shark Academy.

Work-related transport is provided. For social activities and travel, we recommend you rent a car. Alternatively, you can use the local and reliable taxi services.

SASC and Shark Academy have a zero-tolerance policy. If interns or volunteers are thought to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will be expelled from the program immediately without a refund. We also have some simple house rules to make sure everyone has a great stay at the Shark Conservancy House.

We will arrange the transport. Participants must arrive on the Sunday before the start of the volunteering/internship period. Transfers are scheduled for 4 pm, so ensure you arrive at least 2 hours prior to transfer time to allow for customs clearance. If you can’t make the scheduled transfer time, contact the Shark Academy Administrator, Natalia Drobniewska, to make alternative transfer arrangements. Please note that transfers outside of the scheduled time will be at your own cost. These vary depending on the time of day and the number of passengers. However, it should not exceed R800 one way.

Incredible experiences, valuable research skills, confidence, a profound understanding of ecological research techniques and South African ecosystems, friendships, life-long memories and much more.

You can send us a message any time. Our Bookings Team (bookings@sharkconservancy.org) are responsible for the Administration and Coordination of the Shark Academy program. They are happy to answer all of your questions.