Mozambican Marine Conservation Project

  (4 reviews)

Work towards integral marine conservation in one of the most marine-rich locations on earth!

Nestled in the idyllic beach town of Barra, this ocean paradise boasts pristine shores and the warm, inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The bustling coral reefs teem with marine life and are rich in visitors, from whale sharks and manta rays to reef sharks and even seasonal humpback whales. With such extraordinary biodiversity, this location is a prime hub for marine conservation research, unparalleled snorkelling, and world-class scuba diving!

Coral reefs and marine species face increasing threats from pollution, climate change, overfishing, and poaching. Since 2014, the Mozambican Marine Conservation Project has been at the forefront of protecting the region's marine megafauna and preserving their fragile habitats. Volunteers have been instrumental in driving these conservation efforts forward, assisting with data collection, monitoring, and hands-on conservation work, helping to safeguard endangered species and their ecosystems.

Unlike other marine initiatives, you can choose to join the scuba diving (with an option to learn if you're not yet certified) or snorkelling research team to volunteer with whale sharks and manta rays in stunning Mozambique. You'll gain hands-on experience in marine research, from documenting whale sharks and manta rays to monitoring coral reefs, assisting with shark tagging, performing plankton tows, and even collecting data in a protected estuary, every moment you spend here makes a real impact. Alternatively, if you join between July and September, you can choose to participate in the seasonal humpback whale monitoring programme!

This is more than just a trip; it's a once-in-a-lifetime ocean adventure where you'll dive into the unknown, explore untouched marine ecosystems, and help protect our oceans for generations to come.

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From $2,469.00

  • Up to 15 Persons
  • All Meals Included
  • 13 - 83 Nights
  • Every Sunday of the Year
  • Minimum Age 18 (Or From 10 Years Old With An Adult)

Speak To A Travel Expert

Lauren Mackinnon

Activities

The diving and snorkelling experiences offer similar activities, differentiated primarily by depth. Snorkel-based surveys will take place in whale shark and manta ray feeding zones, where they stay closer to the surface. In contrast, research dives will venture deeper, following whale sharks and manta rays moving through the depths.

Diving with Whale Sharks
Whale Shark Monitoring Swimming in a global hotspot for the world’s largest fish, you’ll contribute to the research of whale sharks that visit the area. Over 850 individual whale sharks have been identified just off the coast of Barra & Tofo, and as a volunteer, you’ll help to photograph their ‘fingerprint’ markings, as well as any scarring, injuries or abrasions. You’ll also gather information such as the sex, behaviour, and characteristics of each whale shark, as well as the population and GPS location. All data from research dives and snorkel-based surveys is uploaded to a database and analysed later with the help of the project researchers.
Diving with Manta Rays
Manta Ray Monitoring Over 1000 manta rays have been identified in the Inhambane area over the past 10 years and are regularly spotted on research dives and in feeding areas on snorkel-based surveys. As a volunteer, you'll assess the health and behaviour of manta rays that visit the manta reef cleaning stations and feeding areas, alongside assessing the reef's health. You may also have the opportunity to service acoustic listening stations that allow the team to track the tagged reef manta rays in the area and their movement patterns. While manta rays are spotted year-round, they have a heavy presence in Barra & Tofo from January to June.
Camera Trap Coral Reef Surveys in Tofo Bay
Coral Reef Monitoring Through marine surveys, camera traps and dive logs, volunteers help to monitor the health of local coral reefs. As the reefs here support an abundance of marine life, including 31 endangered species of sharks, rays, dolphins and turtles, the team are building knowledge on Mozambique’s coral reef ecology in order to preserve the reef's current health status. By monitoring the marine life that visits the reef to feed, clean and rest, the team are able to piece together how all the species fit into this unique underwater ecosystem.
Underwater Camera Survey in Mozambique
Estuary Trips Take weekly trips to the estuary on the project's research vessel or kayak and snorkel through the sandy-bottom reef and mangrove forests, where a variety of fascinating marine life live! Here, you will undertake snorkel surveys and video transects, collecting data on starfish, sea urchins, eels, sea horses and more in order to gain insight into the health of these valuable ecosystems. The data collected also supports work with the local government to regulate and protect the area, and because of this research, 11 protected areas have been established in the estuary since 2017!
Plankton Tows
Plankton Tows During both diving and snorkel excursions, volunteers will collect plankton samples using a net. You will assist in deploying the net and gather the necessary data to calculate the plankton concentration. After collecting the samples, you'll help the team analyse them microscopically to identify the number and species of each type of plankton present. You'll be taught how to recognise different plankton families, count the plankton in a sample, and conclude the results to represent the open water sample.
Shark Tagging in Mozambique
Shark Tagging Join researchers on a day out in the boat, where they will look to safely capture, tag and release sharks, including bull, hammerhead and oceanic blacktip, using acoustic transmitters that will record their movements for up to 10 years! The team are currently tracking 22 sharks, building knowledge on their movements, habit use and feeding ecology to be able to develop policies that promote shark conservation in Mozambique. Please note that this activity is dependent on space availability on the boat, and we recommend joining for a minimum of 4 weeks to ensure you get to actively participate.
Marine Biology Lecture on the Mozambican Marine Conservation Project
Scientific Talks The project team has a wealth of specialist marine knowledge and regularly gives marine biology talks to help you better understand the project's aims and learn more about the different species you saw during the week. These talks are often tailored to your specific volunteer interests and the activities you will have undertaken.
Volunteers on the Mozambican Marine Conservation Project
Free Time Take advantage of the calm and peaceful atmosphere in Barra after an exciting week of diving and snorkelling. The pristine beach of Barra is perfect for relaxation and offers a great spot to watch some incredible sunsets. You can enjoy water sports, nights under the stars, and a beach barbecue, all arranged by the team. If you want to add more excitement, you can head into the town of Tofo and explore the restaurants, local markets, surf schools, and bars. Finally, you can always enjoy the infinity pool in your accommodation, which overlooks the estuary and offers a serene and relaxing atmosphere!
Humpback Whale Breaching
Humpback Whale Monitoring Programme During the winter months of July to September, hundreds of humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to Southern Africa to mate and give birth. If you are travelling in these months, you are likely to see them leaping from the water whilst out at sea, as well as from the comfort of your accommodation! If you would like to focus solely on these majestic creatures and contribute to their conservation efforts during your time here, you can join the specialist Humpback Whale Monitoring Programme (more information can be found in the project guide - please enquire for a copy)!

Itinerary

If you want to participate in the scuba diving option but do not have any dive qualifications, you will need to choose the Scuba Diving + A Dive Qualification option, where you'll spend your first 2-3 days gaining a RAID Open Water qualification. After this, you can take part in all the diving activities. If you are already Open Water qualified or above or participating in the snorkelling-based option, you do not need to complete any dive courses to take part, but there are opportunities to gain further qualifications if you wish.

The itinerary below is based on a 13-night stay; however, we recommend joining for a minimum of 3 weeks if you will be completing any dive courses to ensure you have plenty of opportunities to contribute to the research dives and experience all the activities on offer.

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins: You will arrive into Inhambane Airport, where you will be met by a project representative and transferred to the project site (approximately a 45-minute drive). You will then spend the day settling into your accommodation and getting to know the other volunteers and project staff before getting an early night ready for the week ahead!
Day 2 - 13 - Project Days: Project activities run from Monday to Friday, and each week, you will join at least 4 research dives or snorkel-based surveys, a snorkelling trip in the estuary and various community activities alongside data analysis sessions and marine biology talks. Your weekends are free for you to spend at your leisure, and there is a lot to see and do in the local area! For more information and for an example of a typical day on the project, please enquire to receive the project guide.
Day 14 - Final Day: Sadly, today is your final day. After saying goodbye to your fellow volunteers and the project staff, you’ll transfer back to Inhambane Airport for your return flight home or to continue your independent travel plans.

Durations & Prices

To secure a place on this project, a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your start date.

Flexible Payment Options: If you select a start date more than 3 months in advance, we offer convenient payment plans, allowing you to pay off your balance in instalments.

Note: If you want to join the scuba diving team and do not have an Open Water diving qualification, you must include a dive course in your booking. You will gain your RAID Open Water certification while on the project, and we recommend completing the free RAID e-learning before you arrive. If you choose the snorkel-based option, you do not need to complete any diving qualifications to take part. 

Duration Price
Select your project option from the section below to view available durations & prices.

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Payment breakdown
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Accommodation

Accommodation Bedroom
Accommodation Bathroom Accommodation Pool Accommodation Balcony

Accommodation

Enjoy beautiful estuary and sea views from the volunteer house, where you will be allocated a room on a twin-share, same-sex basis (unless volunteering as a couple where double rooms are available). Each room has bedding, fans and mosquito nets. Elsewhere in the volunteer house, you'll find shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities, a bar, relaxation areas - and an outside a pool located right on the beachfront!

Meals at Mozambican Marine Conservation Project
Meals at Mozambican Marine Conservation Project Meals at Mozambican Marine Conservation Project Meals at Mozambican Marine Conservation Project

Meals & Beverages

A private chef will prepare three meals a day for you in the volunteer house kitchen. Meals will consist of local cuisine with some Western-style dishes and dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan diets can also be catered for with prior notice. Tap water is available and safe to drink, and other drinks, such as soft and alcoholic beverages can be purchased for a minimal cost from the local shops and supermarkets. Additionally, there are some bars and restaurants in the local area if you are looking to treat yourself for an evening or weekend!

Project Details

When is the best time to volunteer?

Barra's 40 km coastline has over 18 reef sites, and it is renowned for its extensive marine megafauna, which is regularly spotted throughout the year. You can expect to see whale sharks, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, small-eyed stingrays, eagle rays, bottle-nosed dolphins, bow-mouth guitarfish, three species of turtles, and much, much more.

In winter (July – September), you can also see the incredible humpback whales making their annual migration from Antarctica to mate and give birth. If you join during this period, we offer a specialist humpback whale monitoring programme, which allows you to study these giants of the deep (please enquire for more details).

In terms of weather, Mozambique has a subtropical climate, and you can expect daytime temperatures of 30-32°C (86-90°F) throughout most of the year, and even in winter, the temperatures only fall slightly to approximately 27°C (81°F). The rainy season runs from December - March; however, the rain typically falls in short showers and you can still expect blue skies for much of the day.

Average Monthly Weather in Tofo, Mozambique

Getting There

You will need to arrive into Inhambane Airport in Mozambique on your project start date. Upon arrival, you will be met by a project representative who will transfer you to your accommodation (approximately 45 minutes from the airport).

A popular flight route to Inhambane is with LAM Airlines, who operate a daily indirect flight from Johannesburg in South Africa (via Maputo).

Visa Requirements

You will require a tourist visa to join this project and we recommend contacting your local Mozambican embassy or consulate to obtain this prior to arrival. If you are travelling from a country that does not have a Mozambican embassy or consulate, it is possible to get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival which can then be extended if required when in-country, and the team will assist you with this. Should you require an invitation letter to support your visa application, this can also be provided. Please also be aware that your passport must be valid for a period of at least 6 months from your date of entry.

Fitness & Skills

This project involves open ocean swimming, so you must be fit enough (and a strong enough swimmer) to cope with this. Those who struggle with swimming are not advised to join this project, and we advise that you must be able to swim around 200 metres comfortably in order to join. Additionally, to join the scuba diving team, you must be at least Open Water qualified; therefore, if you are joining without a dive qualification, you will complete the RAID Open Water course in your first 2-3 days (we strongly recommend completing the e-learning before arriving). The other important requirement is that you work well within a team and have a significant interest in marine life and overall conservation efforts!

Vaccinations

There are no specific medical requirements or vaccinations needed to join this project. The vaccinations required depend on the individual medical history of each volunteer, and we therefore recommend consulting your doctor/GP regarding your own vaccination needs. We also recommend that you take a look at the Fit for Travel website for more helpful information on how best to prepare for your experience, and also note that Mozambique is a high-risk location for malaria, so preventive medications are highly recommended.

Reviews

Laura van Doorne, 2017
         

The memory I will take away with me forever is scuba diving with humpback whales!

James Hall, 2017
         

My favourite moment was learning to dive and seeing my first manta ray. This is a fantastic project, in a beautiful location, with wonderful facilitators and as always a great bunch of international volunteers.

Jessica Willis, 2016
         

Favourite moments were the scuba diving and seeing a huge amount of all types of Ray one dive. I was disappointed that I didn't see any whale sharks or manta rays as on the website it states that you're more than likely going to see them. I feel like it needs to not be so focused on these as it leaves customers disappointed. There needs to be other details about the project not just around the whale sharks. I enjoyed the project and Calum, Gus and Daryn were good at keeping us busy. I had a great time learning to dive and I felt I got alot out of the trip.


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What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Three meals per day
  • Airport transfers
  • All project activities
  • Dive equipment (on diving option)
  • Project orientation and support
  • A conservation donation

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance (which is a requirement and must cover scuba diving if diving option selected)

Speak To A Travel Expert

Lauren Mackinnon Call us on +44 208 885 4987 Submit an Enquiry
From
$3,798.00€2,279.00£1,899.00$2,469.00
  • Up to 15 Persons
  • All Meals Included
  • 13 - 83 Nights
  • Every Sunday of the Year
  • Minimum Age 18 (Or From 10 Years Old With An Adult)
Download Project Guide Image Download Project Guide