On the tip of Africa, nestled between the warm Indian Ocean and the cold Atlantic Ocean sits South Africa, a haven for marine life and a mecca for Scuba divers from all around the world.
South Africa is also deeply threatened by over fishing, marine pollution, the exploitation of reef environments, the over fishing of pelagic grounds and the destruction of the underwater environment. Regardless, South Africa still boasts thousands of kilometers of pristine beaches and untouched reefs. The annual migrations of Humpback and Southern Right whales can be seen in mid June/July when, millions of tons of Sardine join the warm waters off Kwazulu Natal and the area becomes a haven for gannets, shark, dolphin and game fish. Whale sharks and turtles inhabit the warm East coast and the wreck diving is beyond comparable along the cold West Coast, where the seal population is kept in check by the apex predators, namely the White Shark.
Good Hope Volunteers joins the countless incredible organizations that strive toward the protection of Africa’s marine environment. With 4 local projects devoted to the conservation of the South African wetlands and oceans, volunteers come from all over the world to enjoy and protect our precious heritage. Good Hope Volunteers can get up close and personal with White sharks in our “Shark Project” and enjoy time in the water with our “Scuba diving with Sharks” project. We also are proud to launch our newest conservation initiative in Plettenberg Bay called “Ocean Conservation” where volunteers help local conservation efforts through education, clean-ups and research.
Good Hope Volunteers offices are based in Cape Town, and run by Vanessa Randon, a PADI MDST who has dived and worked all over the world. She also holds an honor’s degree in Physical Oceanography and through the invaluable assistance of international candidates, strives to expand the influence volunteers can have on the protection of the marine environment.
For more information please visit www.goodhopevolunteers.com
