An exclusive marine wildlife adventure in South Africa and a striking piece of great white shark artwork are among the prizes available in a new charity auction supporting shark conservation, with winning bids set to be doubled through the Big Give Christmas Challenge.
The Shark Trust has launched a fundraising auction offering two unusual opportunities for ocean enthusiasts, underwater photographers and supporters of marine conservation.
Running until 1 December 2026, the auction features a three-day marine experience for two people in South Africa, alongside an exclusive framed artwork depicting one of the ocean’s most recognisable predators.
The proceeds will support the charity’s Help Sharks this Christmas campaign, with winning bids eligible for match funding through the Big Give Christmas Challenge.
Three Days of Marine Wildlife Encounters in South Africa
The headline prize is an exclusive three-day experience for two people donated by Marine Dynamics, one of South Africa’s established marine wildlife tourism and conservation operators.
Set against the spectacular coastline of the Overberg region, the experience combines encounters with marine wildlife, conservation activities and opportunities to explore the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
The package includes accommodation and meals, together with a programme of ocean-based activities.
Participants will have the opportunity to experience a Marine Big 5 wildlife safari, dive with bronze whaler sharks and snorkel with Cape fur seals.
The itinerary also includes a powerboat excursion to Dyer Island, an area internationally associated with marine wildlife, and a visit to the Grootbos Florilegium botanical art collection.
Rather than offering a conventional holiday, the experience is designed to introduce participants to the relationship between responsible marine tourism, local communities and conservation.
For divers and underwater wildlife enthusiasts, the opportunity to encounter sharks in their natural environment while gaining an appreciation of the conservation work taking place in South Africa is likely to be a particular attraction.
Further information about the prize is available through the Shark Trust’s Marine Dynamics experience page.
Exclusive Great White Shark Artwork Also Available
The second auction prize is a framed A1 artwork of a great white shark by artist and designer Jimmy Higgs.
The piece, titled Carcharodon carcharias, comes from the Oceanic 31 exhibition, which has toured and been displayed at venues across the United Kingdom.
Produced as a Giclée print, the artwork features subtle silver-leaf detailing, combining fine art with a celebration of one of the ocean’s most iconic species.
The print offers an alternative opportunity for supporters who want to contribute to shark conservation while acquiring an unusual piece of marine-inspired artwork.
Winning Bids Will Be Doubled for Shark Conservation
Both prizes form part of the Shark Trust’s participation in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, which runs from 1 to 8 December 2026.
The challenge uses matched funding to increase the value of eligible donations to participating charities.
According to the Shark Trust, the winning auction bids will be combined with contributions made during the Christmas Challenge and matched, doubling the amount generated for its conservation work.
The funding will support the charity’s ongoing efforts to protect sharks, skates and rays through conservation research, education, public engagement and policy advocacy.
These efforts include campaigning for stronger fisheries management, improving protections for threatened species and helping communities understand the importance of healthy shark and ray populations.
Why Shark Conservation Needs Continued Support
Sharks and rays play important roles in marine ecosystems, but many species continue to face serious pressures.
Overfishing, habitat degradation and inadequate management measures have contributed to substantial population declines across numerous species.
More than one-third of assessed sharks, rays and chimaeras are threatened with extinction, highlighting the scale of the conservation challenge.
The Shark Trust works internationally to address these pressures, combining scientific evidence with practical conservation initiatives and advocacy for stronger protections.
Fundraising campaigns such as the Big Give help support this work while providing opportunities for the wider diving and ocean community to become involved.
How to Take Part in the Shark Trust Auction
The auction remains open until 1 December 2026, when bidding closes ahead of the Big Give Christmas Challenge.
Supporters can explore the available prizes and place bids through the online auction platform.
View the Shark Trust Big Give Auction and Place a Bid
Those who prefer to make a direct contribution will also be able to support the Shark Trust’s Christmas Challenge campaign between 1 and 8 December 2026, subject to the campaign’s matching conditions.
For ocean enthusiasts, the auction offers an opportunity to turn a memorable marine experience or distinctive piece of shark artwork into additional support for the conservation of these remarkable animals.
