Apply to Sharklife
Ready to join a programme? Enrol directly. If you still have questions, send us an enquiry.
Photo: Tomas Kotuc
Before You Apply
Programme pages contain the detailed information specific to each Sharklife placement. The information below covers the practical arrangements that are shared across most programmes, including travel, accommodation, meals, insurance and arrival logistics.
If you are applying for an Independent Field-Based Assignment or Thesis Placement, please use the dedicated enquiry form on that programme page so we can collect the academic information needed to assess the placement.
Travel & Arrival
Sharklife is based in Sodwana Bay, northern KwaZulu-Natal. Most international participants travel through Johannesburg and connect to Richards Bay Airport (RCB).
- Arrival airport: Richards Bay Airport (RCB)
- Arrival: plan to arrive by 13:00 on your programme start day
- Departure: book flights departing after 11:00 on your final day
- International routing: Johannesburg (JNB) is the usual international gateway, followed by a domestic connection to Richards Bay
- Connections: allow at least 2–3 hours between an international arrival and your domestic flight
Scheduled airport transfers are included where stated on the relevant programme page. Before travelling, participants receive arrival instructions and contact details for the Sharklife representative meeting them.
Accommodation & Meals
Participants stay at the Sharklife Field Station in Sodwana Bay. Accommodation is in private rooms within shared houses, with communal kitchens and living areas.
- Private room with bedding provided
- Shared bathrooms
- Fully equipped communal kitchen
- Wi-Fi and laundry facilities
- Regular supermarket trips
Meals are generally not included. You can prepare your own food at the station, and there are local restaurants and shops nearby.
Insurance & Medical
All participants should have appropriate travel and medical insurance for the duration of their stay. If your programme includes scuba diving, your cover must also be suitable for recreational diving.
You must disclose any relevant medical information requested during enrolment. Diving participants may also need to complete the appropriate diver medical documentation before taking part in scuba activities.
What to Bring
- Personal dive certification card, if applicable
- Personal dive gear if you prefer to use your own
- Comfortable field and beach clothing
- Sun protection and reusable water bottle
- Personal toiletries and prescribed medication
Sodwana Bay
Sodwana Bay is a small rural coastal town. Local services include grocery stores, restaurants, dive shops, ATMs, a pharmacy, medical services and basic retail outlets. Larger shopping and medical facilities are available in surrounding regional centres.
Ready to Enrol?
If you know which programme you want to join and roughly when you would like to attend, you can complete the enrolment form now.
Have Questions?
If you are unsure about programme choice, dates, length of stay or practical arrangements, send us an enquiry below and we’ll help you work out the best option.