Individuals – Additional Info
Travel
Local flights from main centres within South Africa will be organised to Cape Town International airport. For international volunteers, international flights will arrive into Johannesburg or Cape Town. If arriving into Johannesburg, a connecting domestic flight to Cape Town will be required.
Please note that all volunteers will need to be in Cape Town the Sunday before their early morning pickup on a Monday. Land transfers from Cape Town are approximately 2.5 hours to the town of Gansbaai.
On the day of departure, please do not book return flights before 19h00. If necessary, you may need to spend a night in Cape Town before flying the following day. More detailed information on flight bookings and transfers will be discussed with you when booking.
Climate
Average day temperatures in summer (Dec – March) range from a minimum of 15°C to a maximum of 28°C. In winter (May – Aug), average day temperatures are 17°C to 23°C, but during a cold front it can get as low as 10°C. Cape winters tend to see more rain, but there are still plenty of sunny days with clear blue skies. There are times, particularly in winter, when there may be no sea-days due to the weather. In these circumstances, alternate activities and excursions can be explored (although some will be for your own account)
DIETARY NEEDS
Special diets are catered for whenever possible, so please contact us for special requests. Local grocery stores are easily accessible for volunteers to purchase supplemental food and ingredients for self-catering dinners
PACKING LIST
This will be provided at the time of booking to assist with the dilemma of what to bring. Clothes are climate dependent but the general rule is to layer, (especially in winter), and to make sure to pack a swimming costume and non-slip shoes.
ITINERARY
A typical programme for all our volunteers will include a range of research and conservation projects that provide a comprehensive marine experience. You will assist on ecotourism boats, getting actively involved while having the opportunity to observe a diversity of marine species. You will work closely with marine scientists, collecting data, contributing to marine research and enhancing your own knowledge. You will also engage in community outreach programmes, where you will build awareness and enhance knowledge around the marine environment. All of this while having fun and even having the opportunity to shark cage dive!
INTERNATIONAL BORDER REQUIREMENTS
All international travellers require a passport that is valid for at least six months from date of entry. Anyone under the age of 18 requires additional documentation that Y4C will assist with. Depending on your country of origin, please investigate visa requirements
HEALTH & MEDICAL
All participants should obtain their own medical advice prior to arrival and are required to have medical insurance in the case of an emergency. Gansbaai is not a malaria area
ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Wifi is provided for free at the volunteer lodge.
SCUBA DIVING
For all volunteers, with a minimum two week stay, you have the opportunity to participate in a NAUI accredited SCUBA diving course. This is your chance to enjoy kelp dives, blue and mako shark diving and research dives! This is an optional extra, and cost includes registration, the e-learning package (done prior to arrival), all equipment and dives. Medical approval is required prior to arrival. Contact us for more information.