What are the opening hours?

Monday 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00 Thursday 08:00 - 17:00 Friday 08:00 - 17:00 Saturday 08:00 - 17:00 Sunday 08:00 - 17:00

Marine Dynamics Academy

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Marine Dynamics Academy

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Inspiring excellence in marine research, conservation, adventure and outreach. We offer volunteering, internships and guiding programmes.

04/11/2026

THE GREAT WHITE SHARK IS BACK ON OUR SIGHTINGS LIST!

Our first Great White Shark sighting of the year, and what a moment to share with our guests!

The Great White was the headline, but the Bronze Whalers certainly kept the action going. Add two beautiful Short-tail Stingrays and a Cape fur seal to the sightings list, and you have quite a story from yesterday's trip.

Wesley put it simply: "It was unbelievable! Great adventure, and we saw a Great white shark- never forget.”

Tobias called it an *“Amazing! Once in a lifetime experience.”*

We think those two guests said it better than any marketing words ever could.

A big thank you to our guests and crew for being part of this memorable day at sea.

28/10/2026

23/10/2026

You arrive as a volunteer, and you leave as family. The lodge is the safe space for so many people around the world who love to nerd out about conservation and marine life with like-minded people.

17/10/2026

Our impact goes beyond what you see at sea.

A trip out to sea might last a few hours, but its impact can reach much further.

At Marine Dynamics, our work extends beyond marine tourism. Through marine research, scientific publications and our contribution to shark conservation and protective legislation, we help build the knowledge needed to protect marine life.

Through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, we support conservation projects and environmental education. Our work also creates local employment, develops skills and supports livelihoods in our community.

A guest may leave with a new appreciation for sharks, a child may be inspired to pursue marine science, and research may help inform decisions that protect marine life for generations to come.

Because the impact of what we do today can shape the future of our oceans tomorrow.

17/10/2026

72km for Critically Endangered African Penguins. Thank you, Nicholas! 🐧

Saturday, 17 October, Nicholas Burger took on an incredible 72km ultra run from Grotto Beach in Hermanus to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Kleinbaai, raising awareness and funds for South Africa’s critically endangered African penguins.

Through Project Penguin, Nicholas has turned his passion for ultra running into a meaningful effort to support penguin conservation. His determination helps shine a light on the urgent challenges facing this iconic species and the work being done to protect it.

On behalf of all of us at the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT), thank you, Nicholas, for putting your heart, strength, and determination behind a cause that matters. We are truly grateful that you support our conservation work.

You can still make a difference!* Every donation helps support DICT’s conservation work, including seabird rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education through APSS.

Support Project Penguin and donate here:*
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/project-penguin

Please share this post and help spread the word. Together, we can give our critically endangered African penguins a fighting chance.

15/10/2026

A day in the life of a volunteer and intern during whale season in sunny South-Africa.

15/10/2026

The whale season schedule is keeping our marine interns and volunteers busy.

14/10/2026

Volunteer Chronicles: Week in Review

It’s been a busy time at Marine Dynamics Academy, with great marine wildlife sightings, snorkelling adventures, excursions and a few fun evenings together.

Read our latest blog here: https://marinedynamics.org/academy/2026/10/14/volunteer-chronicles-week-in-review-3/

13/10/2026

You know some GNARLY wildlife sightings are waiting for you on our boats. A.K.A. Your office. But what about home? Where will you lay your head at night?..
At the VOLUNTEER LODGE📍!

09/10/2026

All three Marine Dynamics vessels are Blue Flag certified for the 2026–2027 season!

This year marks 25 years of Blue Flag in South Africa and 100 years of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (), making this achievement even more meaningful.

From 6–8 October, the Overstrand brought together people from tourism, conservation, research and government to celebrate these milestones and discuss the future of our coastline.

As part of the programme, guests joined Marine Dynamics Shark & Whale Tours at sea before visiting the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary to learn about penguin rehabilitation and artificial nests. Discussions also explored seal disentanglement, shark conservation and how we can better protect both people and marine wildlife.

Marine Dynamics also shared its conservation work through virtual reality experiences, giving attendees a closer look at our shark cage diving, Marine Big 5 tours, penguin rehabilitation and releases.

The conversations reinforced something important: responsible tourism, research and education all have a role to play in protecting our marine environment. This includes exploring ways to keep bathers safe while reducing harm to sharks and other marine animals.

For us, Blue Flag certification is about more than meeting standards. It reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible marine tourism and helping people understand the ocean and the wildlife that depends on it.

Thank you to and everyone working towards a healthier coastline and a future where people and marine life can thrive together.

Read the full story on our blog:
https://sharkwatchsa.com/blue-flag-certification-for-the-2026-2027-season-slashfin/

WESSA Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa Blue Flag

Address

5 Geelbek Street
Gansbaai
7220

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	08:00 - 17:00
Sunday	08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27824595128

Website

http://www.marinedynamics.org/academy

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