Marine Science Open Day 2025

Are you a high school student curious about a career in marine biology? Join Cape RADD for a Marine Science Open Day, an immersive experience designed to give you a taste of what it’s like to be a marine scientist. We have tailored this experience for students in grades 9–12 who are either passionate about marine science or simply fascinated by the ocean.

This exciting day includes:
🌊 Snorkelling in the Kelp Forest – Explore the underwater world alongside a marine biologist guide, learning about the incredible biodiversity of False Bay.
📊 Hands-on Shark Data Analysis Workshop – Dive into real marine research by analysing the shark data collected, just like a scientist!

This unique experience blends adventure with scientific discovery, making it the perfect holiday activity for ocean enthusiasts and aspiring marine biologists. You will be able to interact with real marine scientists, ask questions and experience working on a real research project. Become a marine scientist for a day.

Spots are limited, so booking is essential. So if you would like to book a spot, email info@caperadd.com to confirm your place.

📅 Date: Wednesday 2nd April 2025 (in school holidays).

⌚ Time: 9h00 – 15h00.

💰 Cost: R900 per student – includes gear rental, a marine biologist guide, and educational lectures and workshops.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the ocean like a scientist!

Detailed agenda for the Marine Science Open Day 2025

9h00 – Meet at the Ocean HUB. Biodiversity of False Bay Lecture, focusing on Kelp Forest ecology.

10h00 – Citizen Science and Snorkelling Briefing. Going through the snorkel objectives and explaining the Fin Spotter citizen science project.

10h30 – Gear allocation and donning of wetsuits.

10h45 – Travel to sample site (in Cape RADD dive truck).

11h00 – Guided snorkel in the Kelp Forest, collection data on shysharks and catsharks for Fin Spotter. This also includes a safety briefing and a gear demonstration for those who have not snorkelled before.

12h00 – Return to Ocean HUB, doffing off wetsuits.

12h15 – Snorkel debrief. Go through the experience and identify the animals you saw.

12h30 – Lunch break (1 hour).

13h30 – Data input and analysis workshop. Input the data of the sharks that were seen on the snorkel. Using previous data sets, visualise and present findings to the group.

15h00 – End of day.

Please note these times may change*

Look at some images of last year’s Marine Science Open day:

Terms and conditions

Please note the following terms and conditions for your consideration:

1. The Marine Science Open Day is designed for students between 14 and 20 years old.
2. Students don’t need previous snorkelling experience, but we encourage basic swimming ability.
3. Students must bring their own packed lunch, as we do not provide lunch.
4. The snorkelling activity depends on weather conditions. If the weather is unsuitable for in-water activities (e.g., storm warnings from governmental agencies), we will replace it with an alternative land-based activity. We can only confirm conditions three days before the event and will notify students via email if there are any changes. If you don’t receive a message, you can assume conditions are favourable for snorkelling.
5. A parent or legal guardian must complete an online indemnity form for students under 18 before the activity.
6. We require a minimum of five students for this experience to run. If fewer than five students book, we may postpone the event to a later date to accommodate more participants.