Marine Training Volunteer-program

Ethical and Aware

Marine Training Volunteer-program

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Volunteer Programs for Whale and Dolphin Conservation

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Ocean Safari Tours with Expert-Tours

Program Overview

Expert-Tours, led by award-winning marine guides and conservationists Silke and Rainer Schimpf, offers unique volunteer programs focused on whale and dolphin conservation, as well as ocean safari tours. Unlike other programs, Expert-Tours provides volunteers with hands-on experience in marine conservation while also offering internationally recognized qualifications.

With decades of expertise in marine training, Rainer Schimpf has been at the forefront of marine tourism and conservation. His extensive knowledge and dedication to ocean protection have earned him multiple awards, including the prestigious Kudu Award from South African National Parks, as well as international recognition for his environmental films and underwater photography. Expert-Tours collaborates closely with leading organizations in conservation techniques, and sustainable tourism practices.

The volunteer programs at Expert-Tours are designed for individuals who are passionate about marine life and eager to contribute to conservation efforts. Participants engage in activities such as whale identification, marine research, environmental awareness projects, and guided eco-tourism experiences. A additional possible aspect of the program is the opportunity to gain qualifications, including the accredited Marine Nature Site Guide Level 2, which enables participants to work professionally in marine tourism. Additionally, volunteers can complete specialized courses in whale watching and marine environmental management.

Expert-Tours operates year-round, allowing volunteers to join at any time, with a minimum commitment of two weeks and a maximum of three months. The program costs from approximately 60 EUR per day, covering accommodation, training, and practical conservation activities. For those interested in gaining formal certifications, additional courses can be arranged at an extra cost.

By participating in Expert-Tours’ volunteer programs, individuals not only experience South Africa’s rich marine biodiversity firsthand but also actively contribute to ocean conservation. The program’s integration of scientific research, eco-tourism, and community engagement makes it an exceptional opportunity for those looking to build a career in marine biology, conservation, or sustainable tourism.


Key Features:

  • All-year program availability from 2026
  • In 2025 Periods from mid-November to end of December are still available (pls apply fast)
  • Minimum stay of 2 weeks, maximum of 3 months
  • Approximate cost: 60 EUR per day
  • Additional qualifications available at extra cost
  • Hands-on experience in marine conservation, tour guiding, and ocean safari expeditions and direct dealings with customers and administrative work flow.
  • Whale Dolphin migration monitoring and documentation

Environmental Impact:

    • Promotion of ocean conservation education
    • Reduction of marine pollution through waste management initiatives
    • Beach clean ups, collection of plastic waste in Oceans

Program Structure

Location:

  • Based in Langebaan, South Africa

Includes

  • Includes basic accommodation in 2 to 4-bedroom apartments
  • Transfers to from Office / launch site
  • Waterproof closing

Includes Core Training Components:

  1. Marine Conservation & Tourism Training
    • Understanding cetacean behaviour and conservation practices
    • Guided whale and dolphin watching tour execution
    • Seal monitoring and reporting
    • Elephant seal monitoring and recording
    • Marine environmental issues including ocean pollution and waste management
  2. Hands-on experience in marine conservation, tour guiding, and ocean safari expeditions and direct dealings with customers and administrative work flow


Extra cost:

  1. Comet Site Guide - Level 2 (Accredited)
    • Hospitality & tourism training
    • Conducting guided nature experiences
    • Creating guided experiences for customers
    • Cost including Material and Instructor 800,00 EURO
    • Basic Skipper Course (extra cost)
    • Vessel operation and marine navigation
    • Safe marine tourism practices
  1. Accredited Whale Watching Course (BBWW)
    • Marine nature site guide certification
    • Whale watching elective modules
    • Cost including Material and Instructor 150,00 EURO
  1. Practical Research & Monitoring
    • Whale identification and population tracking
    • Collaboration with governmental bodies such as DAFF

Cost Structure

  • 60 EUR per day (includes accommodation and basic food supply)
  • Optional qualifications available at an additional cost (see Comet Site Guide - Level 2 and Accredited Whale Watching Course)
  • Insurance & Equipment Fees: Additional charges may apply

Extra Cost

    • Flights and Insurances
    • Food and drinks are on your own account

Collaborations & Government Engagement

Expert-Tours actively partners with governmental and conservation organizations to ensure sustainable tourism practices:

and documentation

  • Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA): Whale migration monitoring

Community & Environmental Impact

  1. Community Impact:
    • Economic opportunities for local communities
    • Job creation and entrepreneurship in marine tourism
  2. Environmental Impact:
    • Promotion of ocean conservation education
    • Reduction of marine pollution through waste management initiatives
  3. Cultural Impact:
    • Raising awareness of South Africa’s marine biodiversity
    • Encouraging local community participation in conservation efforts

Why Choose Expert-Tours?

· If you’re passionate about marine life and looking for a volunteer program that not only allows you to contribute to ocean conservation but also helps you build a future in marine tourism, Expert-Tours is the perfect choice. Led by award-winning marine guides and conservationists Silke and Rainer Schimpf, our programs offer an unparalleled opportunity to engage in whale and dolphin conservation while gaining recognized qualifications that can boost your career.

· Give Back to the Ocean While Advancing Your Skills

· Unlike many volunteer programs, Expert-Tours is designed to provide both meaningful conservation work and valuable career development. Volunteers actively participate in cetacean research, marine wildlife monitoring, and eco-tourism experiences, making a real impact on ocean conservation efforts. Through direct collaboration with government agencies such as the Department of Environmental Affairs, you will assist in the documentation of whale and dolphin movements, contributing to vital marine biodiversity research.

· Gain Recognized Qualifications for a Career in Marine Tourism

· Expert-Tours stands out by offering accredited qualifications that can pave the way for a professional career in marine tourism. Participants have the option to complete the CATHSSETA-accredited Marine Nature Site Guide Level 2, a certification that qualifies you to work as a professional marine guide. Additional training options such as Scuba Diving, Skipper Courses, and Photography are also available for those who want to expand their skills even further (at extra cost).

· Flexible, Year-Round Opportunities

· Our program operates throughout the year, allowing you to join at any time, with a minimum stay of two weeks and a maximum of three months. With an affordable cost from approximately 60 EUR per day, the program includes accommodation, training, and hands-on conservation experience.

· Be Part of a Proven Success Story

· With decades of expertise in marine training, Expert-Tours has a track record of training successful marine guides. Many of our past participants have gone on to build careers in marine tourism, conservation, and eco-tourism industries.

· Join Expert-Tours today and become part of a unique program that combines adventure, conservation, and career-building opportunities.

Apply now and make a real difference for our oceans! At: divepro.pro_at_gmail.com