Track and research dolphins in the Shimoni Archipelago
Program Overview
Join a team of international volunteers and assist with valuable dolphin research in the stunning Kisite-Mpunguti marine protected area in the Indian Ocean.
The surveys are conducted from a boat and data is collected on dolphin populations, behavior and location. There are a range of different dolphins species such as bottlenose, humpback and spinner. In addition to this you may also snorkel colourful coral reefs to survey tropical reef fish and turtles. Relevant training is provided by GVI's full time research staff.
Scholarships
We are always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated people to join our team. This project offers qualifying and high-performing volunteers the chance to stay on the project for a longer duration on a GVI Scholarship free of charge and as part of the staff team in the field. If you would like to work towards a field career and make the very most of your time abroad, you might want to work towards a place on a GVI Scholarship. Successful scholars may find themselves offered full time employment with GVI, and many of our current staff have come through this route. Contact us for more information!
Please note, the awarding of scholarships is at the sole discretion of GVI and may be offered immediately after the completion of your program or at a later date.
Life on the Program
You will be living on Wasini Island, known for its coastal forest, mangroves, sandy bays, coral reefs and friendly locals. Conditions are basic and accommodation is shared with volunteer teams from several GVI programs.
The survey work takes place in and around the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area. When dolphins are sighted you will make note of general environmental conditions, conduct a dolphin behaviour survey and if possible photograph dolphins to help identify specific individuals. The afternoons generally consist of data entry into the computer and trips to the mangroves to carry out bird surveys or mangrove clean ups.
Project Details
Due to extremely limited knowledge of East African dolphins, local and international researchers have initiated the project, and GVI is focusing on examining the population ecology of local dolphin species from the Shimoni and Kisite-Mpunguti area.
The project work includes:
- Collecting population and distribution data on marine mammals
- Determining residence rates and habitat relationships
- Assessing current human impact on dolphins and whales
- Assisting partners in developing a 'code of conduct'
Once the basic data on population ecology is gathered, GVI and our local partners will assess the levels of human impact to identify potential issues and (if required) propose appropriate mitigation measures.
How this project makes a difference:
GVI’s education, environmental awareness and wildlife research work with the local community has helped build capacity, assisted in the development of sustainable tourism practices and finally it has helped protect the area’s whale and dolphin species.
Volunteer Testimonials
The staff were EXCELLENT. I was totally impressed by their enthusiasm, commitment and levels of knowledge. Every staff member was friendly, approachable and I felt that everyone was really excited to be there. It was also impeccably organised, safety was taken very seriously and the training provided was thorough and rigourous. But at the same time we were made to feel like we were also there to have fun, and lots of extras things were organised to make us have as much fun as possible.
The whole experience was just amazing. Living in such basic conditions, our contact with nature, the local community and other volunteers made this experience even more memorable and unforgettable. I would say it's the best thing I've done so far (and I've experienced many challenges) - thank you!!! I just loved every single minute of it! Great staff and atmosphere. The whole organisation is very well run and organized, which is very important. Your website is fantastic and gives lots of important info.
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Program Details
Build Your Program
What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- Immersion in traditional coastal Swahili culture
- Living on an African island adjacent to Kenya’s finest marine protected area
- Snorkeling some of Kenya’s finest coral reefs in search of turtles
- Experiencing the amazing mega-fauna of the island that includes whales, whale sharks and manta rays (seasonal)
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Airport Transfers
