White Shark Diving Company is more than just a diving company – we are deeply committed to conservation. We are one of just 8 cage diving operators based in Gansbaai – the ‘Great White Shark Capital of the World’.

White Shark Diving Company is a founding member of the Great White Protection Foundation and has been a leading voice in the call for operators to collaborate in protecting the dwindling number of sharks and other marine species off the coastline of South Africa.

A crucial part of our initiative is to educate local and international visitors about the conservation plight of the great white shark. We run daily trips to educate guests about great white sharks and our current conservation initiatives. Our cage diving trips give visitors the opportunity to see great white sharks in their natural environment, where their grace and beauty is most evident.

 

About Us

  • We are holders of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award
  • We have been operating for 20 years with a 100% safety record
  • We limit the number of passengers on White Shark to 22 people in order to provide more time for shark cage viewing and a personal, exclusive experience
  • White Shark Diving Company is fully committed to the preservation of great white sharks and our marine environment as a whole. This is reflected in our various conservation and social responsibility initiatives, including our volunteer programme.
  • If no sharks are spotted on your trip, we will provide you and your party with a voucher for another trip
  • Our adventures have been captured on various local and international television documentaries

 

Volunteer

Join our volunteer research initiative at WSDC and have an experience unlike any other in the great white shark capital of the world. 

The volunteer programme offers an incredible opportunity to be involved in groundbreaking marine research exploring white shark behaviour, elasmobranch diversity, ocean conservation, and projects involving an array of other South African marine wildlife.

During your stay you will play a vital role in data collection, learn how to manage such data, and gain valuable skills in marine research in the field with the employment of a number of different research techniques. There will also be ample chances to enter the cage, giving you the opportunity to come face to face with the magnificent great white shark in an unforgettable diving experience.

 

Location:

The programme is hosted in Gansbaai, roughly two hours out of Cape Town. Here, a short distance from the mainland is an incredibly dynamic ecosystem known as Shark Alley, considered one of the best places on the planet to study great white sharks.

 

Projects:

We take a holistic approach towards shark conservation, as it is vital to gain an overall understanding of ecological functioning.  As a member of our programme you will have the chance to be involved with a number of marine research projects including: 

  • White shark behaviour and demographics
  • Elasmobranch diversity and abundance
  • Fish diversity and abundance
  • Rocky shores surveys
  • Marine debris surveys  

The field work will involve collection of white shark monitoring data, white shark photo fin ID, fishing, shark fishing, tagging, genetic sampling, baited remote underwater video surveys (BRUVs), snorkelling, and a number of shore based survey techniques. Whilst staying with us you will learn ethical handling and angling of the animals, local species identification, and how to collect and manage biological data. Volunteers will be fully trained in all field techniques and expected to participate in all running projects.  

 

Included in the package:

  • One night’s accommodation on arrival in Cape Town
  • Transfers from and to Cape Town International Airport
  • Transfers to and from Gansbaai
  • Accommodation whilst on the programme
  • Breakfast basics and lunch on working days
  • Welcome pack (including information about the programme, warm top, caps, t-shirt, buff and DVD of bonus white shark footage)
  • Waterproof deck boots to use for the duration of your stay
  • Boat trips 
  • Opportunity to cage dive with white sharks (minimum of 4 per month if weather permits)
  • Practical training in all running projects
  • Lectures 
  • Outreach activities 
  • Training in boat-handling skills
  • Some excursions organised on bad weather days 

 

Not included in the package:

  • Flight ticket
  • Visas (we can assist with advice if necessary)
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Meals (other than basics provided for breakfast and light lunch on working days)
  • Any additional lodging in Cape Town prior to the programme or on departure, if required
  • Personal transfers if not part of the programme

 

Start Dates:

On the 1st and 15th of each month.  As we rely on good weather conditions, we recommend staying for a minimum of one month to obtain the full experience of working at WSDC and ensure you have adequate sea time.  We will do our best to accomodate you where we can.  

 

Requirements:

We have no specific requirements but will give priority to applicants who are working, studying or interested in the field of marine or environmental science.  We recommend that you have a moderate level of fitness as there will be some long physical days out in the field.  Otherwise, we simply ask that you come with a passion for sharks and the ocean, lots of enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn and work!