whitesharkafricauk
Registered
WHITE SHARK EDUCATION PROGRAMME
WHITE SHARK AFRICA is co-owned by Craig Ferreira and Christo Kruger. Craig is one of the worlds leading authorities on Great White Sharks.
Craig, along with his farther Theo, pioneered most of the early research work on White Sharks in South Africa. Through this important work, Theo, together with Scientist Leonard Campagno were instrumental and the driving force behind South Africa in 1991 becoming the first country to secure full protection status to the Great White Shark.
Christo has known and worked with Craig for many years; is a very experienced skipper and spearheads the operation in Mossel Bay.
Mike Ladley has worked very closely with both Craig and Christo over the last 10 years, originally with Craigs White Shark Research Institute and its sister company White Shark Projects. His main role was as Senior Field Officer/ Skipper and Dive master.
Mike has assisted on many TV documentaries with companies such as the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and has also worked on many expeditions eventually spearheading the Student Education Programmes.
Mike has a vast knowledge of sharks which stems way back to 1965, but his greatest passion and study is the Great White and has to date logged well over 6000 encounters with them!
White Shark Africa is without doubt the most experienced and knowledgeable White Shark operators and Educational Programme leaders in South Africa.
Sharks are not just our work they are our passion.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME:
During your Programme you will be entering the domain of the greatest predator in the oceans....The Great White Shark.
Each programme will be conducted over 25 days and will start on the 1st of each month. The programmes will be limited to a maximum of 8 persons with a minimum age of 18. ( see footnote *)
We also make provision for two internships for up to 6 month periods (contact us for further details).
The programmes are open to anyone with a real interest in sharks and to those who wish to be involved in something rewarding, educational, exciting and overall enjoyable.
Anyone studying Biology, Marine Biology, or Zoology etc will also find this type of programme particularly beneficial towards their goals.
There will be a tight schedule that we will try and adhere to as much as possible. It may however be subject to change on occasion due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances out of our control.
You will spend many days (see schedule) on "Shark Warrior" a luxurious 11mtr Leecat shark boat specially designed for the purpose of surface viewing and cage diving. On these days you will not only get to view the sharks, but will be taking data on specific aspects such as sex, size and most importantly behaviour. You will also get the chance to film and photograph them from above and below the water on a regular basis.
When on the shark boat you will be mostly sharing with tourists but on occasion it may be available exclusively, but is not guaranteed. The interaction with the tourists is very important and will give you an opportunity to speak about shark research and conservation.
Another very important part of the programme will be to conduct a tagging project on other lesser known species of sharks in and around the Mossel Bay area. These sharks include hammerhead, bronze whaler, tope and mako etc.
This will be a catch and release method using barbless hooks. Again data will be documented on the sex, size and species located and this data will be sent to The Oceanographic Research Institute. The tagging will be conducted on a smaller boat exclusively for students on the programme. All students will be taught how to catch, tag and release the sharks with the minimum amount of trauma. This is real hands on work and will give you the opportunity to work in extremely close contact with sharks. With the over fishing of sharks, this work is of great importance.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
No type of tagging or tissue sampling research may be conducted on White Sharks.
This is only allowed by the South African Governing Body Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) or affiliated Government bodies.
Also on the programme, students will get the chance to do several scuba dives. This will be a great chance to view some of the beautiful reefs and to also dive with other shark species in and around the area. You may even do a specialist shark dive certificate. The diving is only open to qualified divers. None divers will be catered for on the White shark boat subject to availability, or you could do your open water course while on the programme.
Please note: Diving is subject to weather conditions.
During the first week there will be two lectures given. One on white shark behavior and the other on shark attack. There will also be informal discussions
on other aspects such as biology and conservation, plus tagging and on basic seamanship for those that wish to get "hands on" experience!
This is not a volunteer programme as such, but you will be taken on as part of the team and as part of your learning experience, we will involve you in as many aspects of the day to day running of all operations as much as possible.
Throughout your programme you will be staying in self catering accommodation in the town within easy walking distance from most shops and the harbour.
In the evenings there will be opportunities to socialize with a traditional barbecue (braai) and an occasional trip into town.
On a couple of occasions you will have the chance to do excursions to some other locations of interest. This area being part of the Garden Route is ideal to do some sight-seeing.
Transport will be provided on excursion days.
WHAT TO BRING:
As we are located in the South Eastern Cape and on the Indian Ocean, the climate is quite warm and the seas usually average around 20c!
However, most days are spent on the water and can occasionally get quite chilly due to offshore breezes so it is advisable to bring a few warm clothes.
Mossel Bay is fairly sheltered so there is not too much of a problem with strong winds as is the case with other areas.
Mostly you will require t/shirts, shorts, flip flops or sandals for the boat but make sure you don't mind getting them dirty or even throwing them away!
Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must all year round but especially in the summer months.
For divers: Bring mask, snorkel, fins, BC and regulator. And don't forget your dive certificate! If you choose not to bring your own equipment, you can hire locally.
No dive certificate is needed for cage diving.
Camera: stills and or camcorder a must.
Sea sickness: Take the necessary precautions!
Anti-malarias not needed.
Money: For the duration of your stay approximately R2000-3000 is more than adequate for any extras, eating out or other activities not included.
This is a great surf area so if you enjoy surfing, you can hire locally.
LOCATION: MOSSEL BAY
Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, beautiful Mossel Bay is a coastal village and harbour of the World Famous Garden Route.
This popular holiday town is surrounded by a sunbathed peninsula and the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a busy summer destination as well as an ideal winter retreat. It is blessed with a mild climate all-year round but it's most important feature is it's status as the historical capital of the Garden Route.
Mossel Bay is a very rich area with it's abundant sea life of diverse fish, seals, whales, penguins, other sea birds, dolphins, the occasional Orca and, of course, a plentiful supply of Great White Sharks.
Mossel Bay is a well-established town with movie houses, pharmacies, chain- stores, photo shops, hospitals, etc. It is a delightful place with beautiful north-facing beaches, good surfing, sailing, wind surfing, hiking trails, dive spots, three game parks, parachuting, quad bikes, nature reserves and beautiful swimming beaches.
Amongst it's other attractions it is also in close proximity to Oudtshoorn and the famous Cango Caves.
If anyone is into diving then Mossel Bay offers some excellent dives. There are easy dives along the harbour walls, deeper dives on the many reefs and even shark feeding dives near the dock.
In season, from June to November, the 65 km Whale Route along the greater Mossel Bay coastline is superbly situated to view whales. Four species are seen along this route, of which Southern Right Whales are the most commonly sighted when they come into the bay to calve. There are however also Humpback, Brydes, and Killer Whales (Orca) frequenting the route.
Mossel Bay is approximately 20 minutes from George airport so is within easy access for travelers wishing to shuttle from Cape Town or Johannesburg airports.
However, we suggest you arrive in Cape Town and a transfer service can be arranged at minimal cost.
We can arrange accommodation in Cape Town prior to your transfer to Mossel if required.
IN SUMMARY
This Programme is ideal for students or persons interested in Biology, Marine tourism, underwater photography and Marine conservation.
It is designed to provide the participants with a broad spectrum of experiences based around working with Great White Sharks.
For a participants CV or for University points, the programme is fantastic and we will be happy to supply a letter of recommendation at the end of the Programme.
We will also supply a certificate to state that you completed the Programme successfully.
SCHEDULE:
DAY 1) Arrive in Mossel Bay. Induction to the Programme
DAY 2) White Shark Boat, Surface viewing & cage dive. Evening lecture,
(behaviour)
DAY 3) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 4) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 5) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 6) EXCURSION ( optional )
DAY 7) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
Shark attack lecture.
DAY 8) Special Shark Dive.
DAY 9) White Shark Boat ( Filming & data collection )
DAY 10) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 11) EXCURSION ( optional )
DAY 12) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 13) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 14) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 15) Dive
DAY 16) EXCURSION ( optional )
DAY 17) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 18) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 19) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 20) Dive or tagging and release day.
DAY 21) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 22) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 23) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 24) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 25) Debrief and Programme finish.
All students must arrive in Mossel Bay by the programme start date.
It is important that everyone starts the programme at the same time.
The schedule will be adhered to as much as possible but may be subject to change.
While on the White Shark boat all cage diving is optional.
Students are encouraged to participate in assisting and learning to crew on the boats, but again this is an optional activity.
COSTS:
£1300 per person.
Inclusive of accommodation, diving and dive equipment on the shark boat and also excursion transport.
Excluding flights, meals, extra activities, dive courses.
* Anyone wishing to attend for only 14 days or 21 days out of the 25 may do so at a price of £800 and £1100 respectively. The start date must still be adhered to.
All correspondence and anyone wishing to book a place on a programme can obtain further information and a booking form through:
MIKE LADLEY WHITE SHARK AFRICA (UK) Programme leader
WHITE SHARK AFRICA is co-owned by Craig Ferreira and Christo Kruger. Craig is one of the worlds leading authorities on Great White Sharks.
Craig, along with his farther Theo, pioneered most of the early research work on White Sharks in South Africa. Through this important work, Theo, together with Scientist Leonard Campagno were instrumental and the driving force behind South Africa in 1991 becoming the first country to secure full protection status to the Great White Shark.
Christo has known and worked with Craig for many years; is a very experienced skipper and spearheads the operation in Mossel Bay.
Mike Ladley has worked very closely with both Craig and Christo over the last 10 years, originally with Craigs White Shark Research Institute and its sister company White Shark Projects. His main role was as Senior Field Officer/ Skipper and Dive master.
Mike has assisted on many TV documentaries with companies such as the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and has also worked on many expeditions eventually spearheading the Student Education Programmes.
Mike has a vast knowledge of sharks which stems way back to 1965, but his greatest passion and study is the Great White and has to date logged well over 6000 encounters with them!
White Shark Africa is without doubt the most experienced and knowledgeable White Shark operators and Educational Programme leaders in South Africa.
Sharks are not just our work they are our passion.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME:
During your Programme you will be entering the domain of the greatest predator in the oceans....The Great White Shark.
Each programme will be conducted over 25 days and will start on the 1st of each month. The programmes will be limited to a maximum of 8 persons with a minimum age of 18. ( see footnote *)
We also make provision for two internships for up to 6 month periods (contact us for further details).
The programmes are open to anyone with a real interest in sharks and to those who wish to be involved in something rewarding, educational, exciting and overall enjoyable.
Anyone studying Biology, Marine Biology, or Zoology etc will also find this type of programme particularly beneficial towards their goals.
There will be a tight schedule that we will try and adhere to as much as possible. It may however be subject to change on occasion due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances out of our control.
You will spend many days (see schedule) on "Shark Warrior" a luxurious 11mtr Leecat shark boat specially designed for the purpose of surface viewing and cage diving. On these days you will not only get to view the sharks, but will be taking data on specific aspects such as sex, size and most importantly behaviour. You will also get the chance to film and photograph them from above and below the water on a regular basis.
When on the shark boat you will be mostly sharing with tourists but on occasion it may be available exclusively, but is not guaranteed. The interaction with the tourists is very important and will give you an opportunity to speak about shark research and conservation.
Another very important part of the programme will be to conduct a tagging project on other lesser known species of sharks in and around the Mossel Bay area. These sharks include hammerhead, bronze whaler, tope and mako etc.
This will be a catch and release method using barbless hooks. Again data will be documented on the sex, size and species located and this data will be sent to The Oceanographic Research Institute. The tagging will be conducted on a smaller boat exclusively for students on the programme. All students will be taught how to catch, tag and release the sharks with the minimum amount of trauma. This is real hands on work and will give you the opportunity to work in extremely close contact with sharks. With the over fishing of sharks, this work is of great importance.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
No type of tagging or tissue sampling research may be conducted on White Sharks.
This is only allowed by the South African Governing Body Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) or affiliated Government bodies.
Also on the programme, students will get the chance to do several scuba dives. This will be a great chance to view some of the beautiful reefs and to also dive with other shark species in and around the area. You may even do a specialist shark dive certificate. The diving is only open to qualified divers. None divers will be catered for on the White shark boat subject to availability, or you could do your open water course while on the programme.
Please note: Diving is subject to weather conditions.
During the first week there will be two lectures given. One on white shark behavior and the other on shark attack. There will also be informal discussions
on other aspects such as biology and conservation, plus tagging and on basic seamanship for those that wish to get "hands on" experience!
This is not a volunteer programme as such, but you will be taken on as part of the team and as part of your learning experience, we will involve you in as many aspects of the day to day running of all operations as much as possible.
Throughout your programme you will be staying in self catering accommodation in the town within easy walking distance from most shops and the harbour.
In the evenings there will be opportunities to socialize with a traditional barbecue (braai) and an occasional trip into town.
On a couple of occasions you will have the chance to do excursions to some other locations of interest. This area being part of the Garden Route is ideal to do some sight-seeing.
Transport will be provided on excursion days.
WHAT TO BRING:
As we are located in the South Eastern Cape and on the Indian Ocean, the climate is quite warm and the seas usually average around 20c!
However, most days are spent on the water and can occasionally get quite chilly due to offshore breezes so it is advisable to bring a few warm clothes.
Mossel Bay is fairly sheltered so there is not too much of a problem with strong winds as is the case with other areas.
Mostly you will require t/shirts, shorts, flip flops or sandals for the boat but make sure you don't mind getting them dirty or even throwing them away!
Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must all year round but especially in the summer months.
For divers: Bring mask, snorkel, fins, BC and regulator. And don't forget your dive certificate! If you choose not to bring your own equipment, you can hire locally.
No dive certificate is needed for cage diving.
Camera: stills and or camcorder a must.
Sea sickness: Take the necessary precautions!
Anti-malarias not needed.
Money: For the duration of your stay approximately R2000-3000 is more than adequate for any extras, eating out or other activities not included.
This is a great surf area so if you enjoy surfing, you can hire locally.
LOCATION: MOSSEL BAY
Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, beautiful Mossel Bay is a coastal village and harbour of the World Famous Garden Route.
This popular holiday town is surrounded by a sunbathed peninsula and the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a busy summer destination as well as an ideal winter retreat. It is blessed with a mild climate all-year round but it's most important feature is it's status as the historical capital of the Garden Route.
Mossel Bay is a very rich area with it's abundant sea life of diverse fish, seals, whales, penguins, other sea birds, dolphins, the occasional Orca and, of course, a plentiful supply of Great White Sharks.
Mossel Bay is a well-established town with movie houses, pharmacies, chain- stores, photo shops, hospitals, etc. It is a delightful place with beautiful north-facing beaches, good surfing, sailing, wind surfing, hiking trails, dive spots, three game parks, parachuting, quad bikes, nature reserves and beautiful swimming beaches.
Amongst it's other attractions it is also in close proximity to Oudtshoorn and the famous Cango Caves.
If anyone is into diving then Mossel Bay offers some excellent dives. There are easy dives along the harbour walls, deeper dives on the many reefs and even shark feeding dives near the dock.
In season, from June to November, the 65 km Whale Route along the greater Mossel Bay coastline is superbly situated to view whales. Four species are seen along this route, of which Southern Right Whales are the most commonly sighted when they come into the bay to calve. There are however also Humpback, Brydes, and Killer Whales (Orca) frequenting the route.
Mossel Bay is approximately 20 minutes from George airport so is within easy access for travelers wishing to shuttle from Cape Town or Johannesburg airports.
However, we suggest you arrive in Cape Town and a transfer service can be arranged at minimal cost.
We can arrange accommodation in Cape Town prior to your transfer to Mossel if required.
IN SUMMARY
This Programme is ideal for students or persons interested in Biology, Marine tourism, underwater photography and Marine conservation.
It is designed to provide the participants with a broad spectrum of experiences based around working with Great White Sharks.
For a participants CV or for University points, the programme is fantastic and we will be happy to supply a letter of recommendation at the end of the Programme.
We will also supply a certificate to state that you completed the Programme successfully.
SCHEDULE:
DAY 1) Arrive in Mossel Bay. Induction to the Programme
DAY 2) White Shark Boat, Surface viewing & cage dive. Evening lecture,
(behaviour)
DAY 3) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 4) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 5) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 6) EXCURSION ( optional )
DAY 7) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
Shark attack lecture.
DAY 8) Special Shark Dive.
DAY 9) White Shark Boat ( Filming & data collection )
DAY 10) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 11) EXCURSION ( optional )
DAY 12) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 13) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 14) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 15) Dive
DAY 16) EXCURSION ( optional )
DAY 17) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 18) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 19) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 20) Dive or tagging and release day.
DAY 21) Shark tagging and release on small boat data collection ( full day )
DAY 22) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 23) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 24) White Shark Boat Surface viewing & cage dive ( data collection )
DAY 25) Debrief and Programme finish.
All students must arrive in Mossel Bay by the programme start date.
It is important that everyone starts the programme at the same time.
The schedule will be adhered to as much as possible but may be subject to change.
While on the White Shark boat all cage diving is optional.
Students are encouraged to participate in assisting and learning to crew on the boats, but again this is an optional activity.
COSTS:
£1300 per person.
Inclusive of accommodation, diving and dive equipment on the shark boat and also excursion transport.
Excluding flights, meals, extra activities, dive courses.
* Anyone wishing to attend for only 14 days or 21 days out of the 25 may do so at a price of £800 and £1100 respectively. The start date must still be adhered to.
All correspondence and anyone wishing to book a place on a programme can obtain further information and a booking form through:
MIKE LADLEY WHITE SHARK AFRICA (UK) Programme leader
