The FINstitute South Africa Expedition

Join The FINstitute in Cape Town, South Africa for a 10-day diving expedition combining SCUBA for Science boat dives, shark behaviour and research, marine species ID training, community engagement, and iconic adventures like Table Mountain and Cape Point, all while contributing real data to shark conservation.

Trip Snapshot

Dates: Jun 20 - 29, 2026 (10 days / 9 nights)

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Focus: Shyshark research and exploration dive trip in Cape Town, South Africa.

Who Can Join: FINstitute members, students, non-students, and ocean enthusiasts! Must be a confident Open Water certified diver.

Group Size: Limited to 8 participants

Cost: $2500 USD

What’s Included

• Shared, dormitory-style accommodation for 9 nights

• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• SCUBA dives as part of the itinerary

• Workshops & guest speakers

• Cape Town exploration days as part of the itinerary

• Cape Point Nature Reserve visits

• Transport for all scheduled activities

• Dive Equipment

Extra charges (if selected):

• Plane ticket and visa

• Insurance (travel and diving)

• Airport transfer

• Any activities done outside of the programme

• Wine farm experience and Aquarium visit

• Additional meals outside of catering provided

• Non- FINstitute × Cape RADD organized activities

• Extra dives outside the planned activities i.e. Night dive

• Extra dive gear rental (Camera, Torch, Computer)

Before You Book

Please review the following important information before securing your place on this expedition:

Travel & Insurance

• Flights to Cape Town are not included.

• Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

• Medical/travel insurance covering water-based activities is recommended (proof may be required).

Health & Snorkelling Requirements

• A medical form must be submitted prior to departure.

• Certain medical conditions may require clearance from a doctor.

• Participants must follow all safety briefings and Cape Radd guidelines.

• Travel and dive insurance

• Visa (if required).

• Capable of walking (~2 km/day), swimming (-200 m) and water-treading (~5-10 minutes).

• Capable of mobilization on board a small boat.

• Able to tolerate sea sickness well.

• Willing to learn attitude, open -mindedness, and respect for the locals.

• Be willing to be photographed and videoed for social media and

  marketing purposes

• Open water scuba qualification or higher

• Must be 18+

Payment & Refunds

(Exact figures finalized after budget confirmation — these rules will remain consistent)

• A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.

• Remaining balance is due ~10 - 12 weeks before departure.

• Refunds (excluding deposit) may be available up to a set deadline.

• Late payments may result in forfeiting your spot.

• Bank/transfer fees are the responsibility of the participant.

Liability & Safety

• All participants must sign waivers covering diving, water activities, and fieldwork.

• The FINstitute is not liable for injuries, accidents, equipment loss, or delays outside our control.

• Safety briefings, diving protocols, and environmental guidelines will be conducted daily.

• All activities follow Capp Radd regulations, safe diving practices and FINstitute safety practices.

Community & Expectations

• This is a science-focused diving expedition, not a resort holiday—expect active days, early mornings, and hands-on work.

• Respect for the local environment, wildlife, and research facilities is essential.

• FINstitute’s community values include inclusivity, teamwork, curiosity, and respect.

• The FINstitute is not responsible for itinerary adjustments due to weather, tides, safety issues, or ferry schedule changes.