Explore the southwest coast of Mozambique on an eco-participatory trip to study and protect the mega marine fauna. Open to divers and non-divers alike. All cetacean missions here
Marine biology study in Tofo, Mozambique
The organization you'll be working for runs a marine research and conservation program in the village of Tofo, Mozambique. The program was created by a marine biologist to gather as much data as possible on the biodiversity of Africa's east coast. Mozambique boasts a particularly rich marine ecosystem. However, its mega marine fauna is in danger. The partner organization's scientists have been studying the endangered species of Mozambique's coastal reefs for several years, and are also working to raise environmental awareness.
The scientists' research focuses on
Coral reef ecology
A healthy coral reef is home to a greater variety of coral and fish species than a damaged reef. The program's scientists use cameras to assess the variety of fish that inhabit the reef. In a few years' time, this project will gather enough data to set up reliable monitoring of coral reef health. Tofo's reefs form a rich ecosystem that supports species such as whale sharks, sea turtles, reef sharks and various species of rays. The researchers' aim is also to collect data on this marine fauna in order to improve conservation practices. Thanks to the information gathered in recent years, they are beginning to understand how this marine fauna fits into Mozambique's ecosystems.
Shark study and conservation
Very little data is available on Mozambique's sharks. Scientists at the research center are studying the ecological niche of the various shark species in the region. To date, 22 sharks are being monitored along the Inhambane coast and in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park area.
The whales
The waters off southern Mozambique are a breeding ground for many humpback whales. From June to October, thousands of humpback whales come ashore to mate, give birth and nurse their calves. They bask in the warm waters of Mozambique before returning to Antarctica. Scientists are studying the whales' behavior, distribution and communication, with the aim of promoting their conservation.
Volunteer action in Mozambique
A few years after the start of the project, the researchers from the partner association decided to open up their programs to volunteers, in order to share their passion and increase the amount of marine data collected. The team has a field research station in the fishing village of Tofo, in the province of Inhambane, in southern Mozambique. The station is equipped with a scientific laboratory, an office and a library. Volunteers have the opportunity to work on different projects, depending on the season and the subjects the scientists are working on.
From June to September, whale study volunteer
During the whale season, you will accompany researchers to study cetaceans. You'll go out to sea to observe humpback whales, and be introduced to various research techniques: photo-identification and acoustic recordings of their songs. After each outing, you'll process the data collected to understand its meaning. You'll also attend lectures on biology, anatomy, physiology, pathologies, acoustics... You'll also come across other species such as whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins...
Whale watching also takes place from land.
Marine megafauna volunteer: all year round
The mega marine wildlife ecovolunteer missions involve diving. If you don't know how to dive, you can pass the first levels on site.
You will take part in various research programs on mega marine fauna, depending on the work of the biologists on site. You could be working on manta rays, whale sharks, sharks or turtles.
For each species you will
- Photo identification
- Observing behavior
- Assessing the health of a population
- Drone observation of populations, particularly whale sharks, to study their interaction with tourists.
Close to the sharks
Assist in collecting tissue samples and biometric data from captured fish.
Prepare equipment for tagging procedure.
Close to whale sharks
- Practice photo identification
- Collect a wealth of information on GPS location, environmental conditions, segregation, gender, behavior and special features such as scars.
- Contribute to the analysis of scientific data in close collaboration with project scientists.
- Observe interactions between whale sharks and tourists by drone.
To study coral reefs you can
- Practice photo identification of sea turtles, sharks and rays.
- Monitor reef cleaning stations
- Assessing individual health status
- Observing behavior
- Identification of key habitats
Camera trap management
The installation of underwater cameras increases observation possibilities. Thanks to the images captured, scientists can understand how fish really use a reef when they are not disturbed by divers. You will contribute to
- Camera trap recovery
- Equipment maintenance
- Image analysis to detect the presence of endangered species...
Ecovolunteering with whales
2 weeks: €2,2177
3 weeks: €2,800
4 weeks: €3,384
Included in price
- Transfer from Inhambane airport
- Shared accommodation
- 3 meals a day
- Whale-watching boat trips
- Search on land
- Analysis of scientific data
- Discussions on marine biology
- Daily work on the beach
- Community awareness
Not included in price
- Travel insurance
- Air ticket
- Personal effects
- Visa
Diving ecovolunteer for the marine ecosystem
For non-divers
- 2 weeks: €2683 with 1 PADI diving course (Open Water OR Advanced) - €2799 with PADI Adventure Deep certification
- 3 weeks: €3,499 with 1 PADI diving course (Open Water OR Advanced) - €3,616 with PADI Adventure Deep certification
- 4 weeks : €4,199 with 1 PADI diving course (Open Water OR Advanced) - €4,315 with PADI Adventure Deep certification
For divers
- 2 weeks: €2,564 with PADI Adventure Deep certification and equipment rental
- 3 weeks: €3381 with PADI Adventure Deep certification and equipment rental
- 4 weeks: €4080 including PADI Adventure Deep certification and equipment rental
- Minimum 12 weeks and PADI Advanced certification: 9330 € PADI Divemaster course with Rescue Diver, EFR and Divemaster courses
Included in price
- Transfer from Inhambane airport
- Shared accommodation
- 3 meals a day
- Boat trip
- Analysis of scientific data
- Discussions on marine biology
- Daily work on the beach
- Community awareness
- 4 dives per week, including equipment rental
- If you have booked as a non-diver: PADI Open Water diving course (or subsequent qualifications).
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Air ticket
- Personal effects
- Visa
Prices may vary according to exchange rates
- From age 18
- Minimum 2 weeks
- Diver or non diver
Housing
You'll be staying at White Sands Lodge. The project coordinators live in the same lodge and are always happy to help you, as are the lodge staff. You'll be staying in shared rooms (2 people per room), with shared bathrooms. Each house has its own communal area. Laundry baskets are provided in the bathrooms and laundry is done twice a week.
Food
Three meals a day are provided, prepared by the chef. On Sundays, volunteers prepare their own food.
Arrival
Arrival at Inhambane airport, where you can be picked up by a member of our team.
The research center has a garden with swimming pool, two boats and... surfboards, kiteboards and surfskis that you can use in your spare time.
The volunteer house offers the best view of Tofo Bay! Just a stone's throw from the beach, you can relax and enjoy the sunset!
About the partner organization
Underwater Africa is an English organization created by Calun, a marine biology scientist. After several years researching marine fauna on the coast of Mozambique, the team decided to share their passion by allowing eco-volunteers to join them. It's an initiative that allows travelers to get involved in an action of solidarity, and enables Underwater Africa to collect a wealth of data on marine flora and fauna.
