Dive With Purpose: The South Africa Internships
At Savage Travel Co. we don’t do "hotel walls." We do salt air, bakkie rides and the wild blue of South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park. We’ve partnered with the experts at Deep Blue Conservation in Sodwana Bay to offer immersive internships for those who want to live like locals and dive like professionals.
The Marine Conservation Internship
Perfect for: Eco-warriors, students and ocean lovers.
Through our partnership with Deep Blue, you aren’t just a guest, you’re an active member of a research team helping to monitor the southernmost coral reefs in Africa.
The Mission: Contribute to global databases by monitoring Nudibranch populations, Sea Turtles and Apex Predators.
The Training: Weekly marine ecology lectures and hands-on data collection workshops.
The Vibe: Live at the Savage-approved private camp, share "braais" (BBQs) under the stars and master the legendary Sodwana surf launch.
Duration: 2 to 12 weeks.
Price: Starting from €2,350 for the first 14 nights.
Includes: Accommodation, groceries, airport transfers, daily research dives and gear.
The Professional Divemaster Internship
Perfect for: Career changers and those ready to lead.
Take your skills to the professional level in one of the most rewarding dive environments on Earth. This isn’t a "resort" course, this is real-world training that produces elite dive leaders.
The Program: Master dive theory, watermanship and group leadership. You’ll assist instructors with real students and learn to navigate the Indian Ocean’s unique conditions.
The Savage Edge: Our DMs are trained in scientific diving and conservation, giving you a resume that stands out globally.
Flexible Paths:
Zero to Hero (16 Weeks): From Open Water to Professional.
Fast Track (6-8 Weeks): For those already Rescue certified.
Price: Options ranging from €4,300 to €6,700 depending on your starting level and duration.
Includes: All PADI course fees, accommodation, unlimited training dives and expert mentorship.
The Savage Package: Immersion, Not Insulation
We believe in getting stuck in. Every Savage Travel Co. internship includes:
Authentic Housing: Stay at our rustic beach camp—the heartbeat of the Sodwana diving community.
The Full Experience: Daily transfers to the beach on the back of a "bakkie" (truck) and adrenaline-fueled boat launches through the waves.
Life Beyond the Reef: Weekly excursions to Lake Sibaya for hippo spotting, coastal forest hikes and sunset sundowners on the dunes.
Certification: At least one PADI certification is included in every volunteer block.
Which Path Are You Taking?
The Volunteer: "I want to save the reef." (2-4 weeks)
The Explorer: "I want to live in Africa and dive every day." (4-8 weeks)
The Professional: "I want a career that takes me around the world." (12+ weeks)
