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Shark Specialist Program

Students and enthusiasts are welcomed onto this internationally acclaimed shark specialty program. Join our dedicated team and develop skills in shark diving, research, conservation and education.

Shark Specialist Program

Participants learn snorkeling, diving and scientific techniques to collect data that is vital to the management of some of the world’s vulnerable shark species.

As a team member at the Shark Research Unit, you will be the driving force in our education and conservation programs, as well as ensuring the ongoing success of our dedicated shark and ecosystem level research programs. In addition to shark diving and snorkeling with up to five species of sharks, participants will be working in the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area, one of South Africa’s most pristine and important marine biodiversity hotspots.

The Shark Research Unit is a division of the renowned shark diving and adventure company Blue Wilderness. The Shark Research Unit was set up as a distinct division with a core mission of contributing to the health of the marine ecosystems in general and sharks in particular. The unit houses a small but dedicated team consisting of biologists, conservationists and educators.

Daily operations are centered around a dynamic set of short and long term special projects. Each aimed to produce tangible benefits for the Southern African marine ecosystems. Participants who join the research unit will become vital members of the team and drive these daily projects.

Pre-requisites 

The second two weeks of each month involves SCUBA based research dives. To participate in these dives, participants must be open-water SCUBA certified. We recommend that non-certified participants gain certification during the initial two weeks of the program. Book your certification course here

Flexi-booking special

Africa Media is offering a ‘Flexi-booking’ special during the challenges of Covid-19. When booking with Flexi-booking, you are able to secure your spot at a $250 discount and only choose which month you will attend when you are comfortable you can travel safely and securely.

Program Fees

$2450

$2700

Includes

28 day program

Shark Research Expeditions

School Outreach Visits

Conservation Projects

Accommodation

Meals

Internet

Local travel

Start Dates

1 March

1 April

1 May

1 June

1 July

1 August

1 September

1 October

1 November

Alumni Reviews

Independently verified reviews by Goabroad meaningful travel

Rating of Average of 9.45 on a total of 11 Ratings
Amanda Kowalski
March 21, 2018
Highly recommend the underwater photography course

Loved loved LOVED every second I spent with Africa Media! I was blessed with an incredible group of people, one that I consider family forever, and learned about the South African culture, from braais to the(...)

Sophie Roselt
October 4, 2017
Epic

This course is amazing!! The wildlife you're exposed to is crazy, from whales to manta rats and awesome macro critters like seahorses whilst being surrounded in paradise and friendly locals. The amount you learn(...)

Shawn Tan
June 21, 2017
Amazing experience!

I spent a month doing the underwater photography internship program, and it was one of the most amazing experiences in my life! The course was taught well, from the basics of handling and care for underwater(...)

Colton Cross
September 26, 2016
It was an awesome experience

It was an awesome experience I met people who will be family to me forever!!! I learned a lot underwater photography and about Braai!! The cultural of South Africa will be brought back to the states !! Love you all

Francesca Trotman
August 11, 2014
I’ve seen humpbacks, whale sharks, mantas, elephants, giraffe and zebra to name a few

Home safe and sound, wishing I was back in guinjata! I really met some amazing people out there and had an incredible experience. I suppose all good things must come to an end but I will be back! These two(...)

FAQ'S

Find everything you need to know about our underwater videography training internship program is here in the FAQ’s

SYLLABUS

Discover the underwater adventures and expert tuition that our underwater videography training program includes.

PORTFOLIOS

View the video portfolios, sequences and documentaries of our past underwater videography students

PLATFORMS

The shark speciality program runs from Scottburgh, RSA with diving on the renowned Aliwal Shoal.

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