Whale & Dolphin Research
Special Offer - 5% Discount on all stays of 6 weeks or longer This project offers volunteers a wonderful opportunity to join the team at an internationally recognised marine mammal research institute based in beautiful Plettenberg Bay. The centre was established in 1990 and aims to promote the research and conservation of Southern African marine mammals, with a special focus on whales and dolphins. Plettenberg Bay is world famous for its scenic beauty, pristine beaches and diverse mammal fauna. Bottlenose dolphins can be seen almost every day (group sizes average about 60-100). Humpback dolphins, although not seen as often, also reside in the bay. Other marine mammals seen often, if irregularly, in the bay include common dolphins, killer whales and Brydes whales. In ‘official’ whale season, between July and November, we can see southern right whales every day. During this time our boats also often see humpback whales, especially in May and June and between November and January. There is a large Cape fur seal colony in the bay where numbers of animals reach about 3000. You could be involved with a wide range of tasks, depending on what is required at the time that you volunteer. You will be accommodated in a comfortable rustic cottage set in stunning surroundings adjacent to the Knysna Elephant Park so you will often wake up to find elephants just a short distance away hanging their heads over the fence! What's included?- Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
- A welcome brief from a member of the AVIVA team.
- Accommodation at one of our AVIVA Houses in Cape Town before and after your project, with self-service breakfasts.
- Transfers between AVIVA House and the Coach Station.
- Return Coach transfers between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay.
- A welcome brief from a member of the on-site team.
- Accommodation on the farm for the duration of your project.
- All bedding and a free twice-weekly laundry service are provided at the farm.
- Evening meals.
- All project related transfers between the farm and Plettenberg Bay.
- An attractive certificate recognising your contribution to the Whale & Dolphin Research project.
If you are adding the optional Cape Town Week, the following will also be included: - An extra 6 nights’ accommodation at one of our AVIVA Houses in Cape Town with self-service breakfasts.
- A full-day Peninsula tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simon's Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day rich with history and some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.
- A half-day Cultural tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africa’s recent political history before and after Apartheid, includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africa’s second largest township after Soweto.
- A full-day tour to the beautiful mountains of the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Chocolate, Cheese & Wine tastings and lunch are included.
- Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.
- Our booking service for attractions, events and tours.
- If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R120 per night. This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in Cape Town before your planned arrival date. (FIFA 2010 World Cup only - R350 per night between June 7th & July 15th 2010)
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