ORCA Foundation

The O.R.C.A. (Ocean Research Conservation Africa) Marine Foundation offers a volunteer programme that will get you working in research and conserving the beautiful bay and rivers of Plettenberg Bay.

The project covers both land and sea based activities ranging from whale and dolphin watching for data collection; river excursions for water analysis; hiking/beach walks for beach cleanups; tag and release fishing/diving fish counts for fish stock monitoring; photo identification research for animal movement studies; planting of indigenous trees/removal of alien species to minimize our carbon footprint; community work with preschool children which includes conservation education programmes.

But it’s not all work! You will also be able to enjoy some of the best activities the Garden Route has to offer such as the primate sanctuary, bird sanctuary, elephant sanctuary, game reserves, horseback riding, skydiving, tree top canopy tours, bungee jumping, and sea kayaking just to name a few.
Comfortable accommodation and delicious meals are provided at the Orca House, where you can come home after a long day and relax while watching the sun set from the balcony or chill out around a fire and get to know your fellow volunteers.

There will be two programs available for the volunteers:


• Short term volunteers (up to 8 weeks) –

The volunteers will be on the mixed program where they will be experiencing all the best of the two different programs. This is aimed at volunteers who wish to just gain experience or decide which career path to go down or for a purposeful career break. Volunteers will be involved with research on both the whale/dolphin watching and marine conservation sides of the program. They will also be involved in our education and community upliftment programs to give the volunteers a well rounded experience.

• Long term volunteers (9 weeks or more- minimum 2 months maximum 10 months) –

The volunteers will be here to complete a project whether marine or cetacean based. These volunteers will be working closely with the internationally recognised Marine Biologist, Dr Vic Cockcroft, and will complete a designated project by the end of their stay. Each volunteer will have a specifically designed project and associated fee structure to suit their desires and input required. These volunteers would be expected to share their knowledge and experiences with the short term volunteers.

Price:

Short Program (1-8 wks): R5000 pp/week

Long Program (9-36 wks): R4000 pp/week (includes accommodation and 3 meals a day)

18 years minimum age