Marine Vet Course
South Africa
The Worldwide Vets 6-Day Marine Vet Course is designed to immerse you in the world of marine veterinary care, focusing on various marine species and conservation practices. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Cape Town, South Africa, the course combines expert-led sessions, practical fieldwork, and behind-the-scenes tours at renowned marine facilities. This program gives participants the opportunity to understand veterinary techniques and conservation strategies directly relevant to marine wildlife, with a focus on local species including sharks, penguins, fish, sea birds and seals.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Learn from a unique blend of hands-on activities and expert-led talks from local marine specialists.
Join marine veterinarians and conservationists at leading aquariums and rescue centers.
Understand marine work in both captive and wild environments.
Participate in lectures and discussions on the care, interventions and medicine of marine animals including sharks, fish, invertebrates, and sea birds.
Shark cage dive in the ocean to truly connect with this apex predator
Witness wild penguins in their natural habitat at Boulder Beach
Explore the conservation challenges facing wild seals
Explore beautiful Cape Town, from table mountain to the waterfront, with free time to visit local shops and restaurants.
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This course is often attended as an "add on" to our wildlife capture courses in Southern Africa, and you get a great discount when doing so. however you are welcome to join this course on it’s own. If you want to extend your wildlife skills further you can attend our “Wildlife Forensics Academy” course which runs an hour away from where this course begins, and we will arrange free transport for you between the two locaitons.
This intensive program includes learning experiences at the ocean’s edge, within conservation facilities, and in the wild, working alongside top professionals in the field. Activities cover a range of topics, including marine physiology, disease treatment, hands-on animal care, and discussions on the environmental factors impacting these animals. Participants will engage in shark cage dives, seal swims, monitoring animals, discuss strategies for managing beached marine wildlife, and learn the challenges of conservation in a changing world. Through interactive sessions and fieldwork, this course offers a well-rounded introduction to marine veterinary science and conservation in a supportive, educational environment.
KEY ACTIVITIES
This 6 day course is designed to give you an insight into the veterinary care, interventions, medicine and surgery, as well as the conservation of a range of animals. Day 1 and 2 focuses on sharks, day 3 on fish and invertebrates, day 4 on penguins and other sea birds, day 5 on seals and day 6 if your departure day.
Day 1
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport.
Settle into accommodations.
Evening educational talk with a local shark conservationist and shark spotter, followed by a group discussion.
Day 2
Great white shark cage diving. On the way out to the dive site we look for dolphins, rays, seabirds and seals.
Learn about tagging, tracking, handling beached animals, and conservation efforts on the boat.
Day 3
Visit Two Oceans Aquarium.
Spend the day with keepers, conservationists, and veterinarians learning about marine animal management, physiology, disease, and treatment.
Tour the vet clinic facilities and understand how the team works to ensure health of the animals
Afternoon free to explore the Victoria and Albert Waterfront area, with shops, restaurants, and beautiful views.
Day 4
Tour SANCOB, a penguin and seabird sanctuary.
Meet rescued penguins under rehabilitation
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience led by the head curator, followed by lectures with a veterinarian about the rescue, release, and medical care of sea birds.
Prepare food for penguins, then observe the feeding process.
Day 5
Harbor visit to discuss wild seal conservation and challenges, including diseases affecting them.
Canoeing or snorkeling in the ocean to witness seals in their natural habitat.
Afternoon visit to Boulder Beach to visit the naturally occuring wild penguin colony and deelop deeper understanding of conservation, care and rescue of these animals.
Day 6
Farewell breakfast and departure.
Please note, this course has a set schedule of lectures, discussions, practicals and wildlife viewing outings. You will be working alongside marine vets, conservationists and keepers, and developing an understanding of care, medicine and surgery however we are not expecting to carry out individual medical procedures during the course. If any procedures are occuring during our course we will be able to observe, assist if appropriate, and learn from the cases.
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ACCOMMODATION
Participants will stay in comfortable, same-sex shared rooms in Cape Town, close to the beach and within easy reach of popular bars, cafes, and restaurants. Accommodations are well-equipped to provide a relaxing, welcoming space after a day filled with learning and exploration. The location also allows easy access to some of Cape Town's famous beaches and lively nightlife, providing ample opportunities for participants to unwind and socialize.
Your breakfast is included every morning at the accommodation. Lunch and dinners are at your own expense, which allows us to head out to a range of local eateries, and allow you to pick what you prefer to eat. This is a great way to better get to know Cape Town, which is renowned worldwide for it’s great food, wine, hospitality and welcoming people.
Whilst staying here you will have a chance to really dive into the culture of South Africa with your course mates. We are staying in a location that allows lovely views of the famous Table Mountain, and plenty of chances to head to the beach to watch sunrise, sunset, or just dip your toes in the water during the day.
LOCATION
South Africa is a nature lovers dream, a country filled with wildlife, iconic species, world famous natural spaces, wide open skys and endless views. With great food, welcoming people, a rich culture and a magic that keeps visitors coming back over and over again, it never disappoints. Cape Town is known as the “Mother City” of South Africa, is a city of remarkable beauty, rich history, and dynamic culture, offering an exceptional experience for visitors from around the globe.
Cape Town is home to one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain, a flat-topped peak that towers over the city. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its unique collection of indigenous plants and colorful floral displays. The Cape Peninsula itself is filled with remarkable spots, like Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Here, dramatic cliffs and vast ocean views lead down to Boulder Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins that waddle along its pristine sands—a rare and magical sight. The waters are alive with sharks, fish, invertebrates, birds and all manner of animals which makes it one of the most fascinating locations to hold a marine wildlife course.
PROJECT COST
This 6 day course costs £892 per attendee
£50 OFF, if attending one of our 10 day or 2 week wildlife courses in Africa in the same year.
£75 OFF if it is your 3rd course
£100 off if your 4th course
In order to provide you with a fun, safe and rewarding stay, we have a project fee to cover your accommodation, food, and all transfers when staying with us. This cost also allows you to be covered by our public liability and professional indemnity insurance. We do not charge for your training or spending time with our vets. So you can focus on having an amazing time and we will take care of the rest.
Want to know what’s included? Great news, it is pretty much everything! Including your:
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Pre departure assistance with planning and flights from one of our destination specialists
Transfers to and from the airport or our other courses in Cape Town.
Breakfast every day
Shared accommodation
All listed activities, except shark diving which is paid by you, to the operator in South Africa
NOT INCLUDED
Flights to/from South Africa
Lunch and Dinner
Personal medical insurance
Visa (free to many nationalities)
Cost of Shark Diving (around £150 which you pay to the operator on the day)
START DATES
This project runs on set dates each year, with delegates arriving and departing from Cape Town International Airport or our other courses in Cape Town.
2025
7-12th July
15-20th July
12-17th August
2026
22nd -27th June
6-11th July
13-18th July
Volunteer feedback
The Worldwide Vets Marine Vet Course in Cape Town is an exceptional, hands-on experience in marine conservation and veterinary science. Participants gain unique insights into the care and management of diverse marine species, from sharks to penguins, guided by local experts in stunning coastal settings. The course combines thrilling activities like shark cage diving with practical training in marine animal physiology and treatment, making it both educational and unforgettable.
If you want to start your journey down the road of involvement in marine animal care, this is for you. The wide variety of species, the captive and wild animal elements, all makes it applicable and opens doors for those of us who love marine species.
WHAT NEXT?
We want you to join us in South Africa, to dive under the surface, discover more about marine animals and how the profession can help conserve, rescue, rehabilitate and conserve animals in need, please click the "apply now" button and we will be in touch with you shortly.
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